Final Theory

Here is my Theory Project for our final in Learning Theory, EDUC 633.

It is a PDF of a book I wrote based on the theories of B.F. Skinner.

ENJOY!

Reflection:

I approached this assignment a few different ways...First, I began to think about things which I knew how to do,

mainly, run a marathon. So, I was going to go with that topic. Then I had to think about B.F. Skinner and how he

would have taught the topic. The only reinforcements I could think of would come from within, since running a marathon

is so self-motivated. Yes, you could have a coach who could positively and negatively reinforce, but that's not always

going to happen.

So, from there I thought about teaching a child good vs. poor choices. I began to explore unique tools online that we had not

used yet (and that were new to me) and that's when I found TikaTak to write children's books (and potentially publish them).

I thought this would be great since I wanted to teach a child anyone. The book is the lesson. Once I got rolling on the book

it all flew out. The program was good. There are some changes I would make (givemore options for more creativity), but it did

what it said it would do!

Oh, the theory

So, I've been plugging away on many projects and discussions about learning theorists. Slowly they are all coming together and I'm seeing the connection between them. Lately I've been intrigued by Bandura and his combination of Behaviorism (Skinner) and Cognitive styles. It's interesting to see some theories bridge the gap between others.

I must say, to be completely honest here, that Skinner is still a bit dry and boring for me. I understand Behaviorism and it's importance and his significance in the community, but it's still a bit boring. But, boring doesn't always mean that it's irrelevant or you don't need excitement all the time!!!

Theorists...

So, I've been plugging away at reading Skinner as of the past few days. It's not going well. He's tough. Psychology was NOT my thing in my undergraduate studies. Mary is also reading Skinner, so we talked about possible (and hopeful) collaboration...and she GETS psychology.

SO, I will use my peers and whatever else I can find to plug away a "get" him.

Webspiration

http://www.mywebspiration.com/view/235842a147bb

So, that is my WEBSPIRATION on Chapter 4 in Papert's The Children's Machine. I have to say, I really liked this book compared to many I have read thus far for this graduate program. He read a bit easier for me and just threw out some really thought-provoking ideas!!!

As for Mapping ideas and concepts: I'm not a huge fan. It's not really the way my mind works. I have to say that I had problems synthesizing the ideas and making it flow on the Map itself. I would much rather just take notes on a topic or discuss with peers in a group. I understand the value of Mapping ideas and it makes a lot of sense. Perhaps I need to try to use Mapping in other capacities and maybe it will feel more natural to me.

CoP

Come Sail AWAAAAAY...

Reflection on the CoP assignment:

I went into this project looking forward to 'people watching,' but I quickly learned that there was much more to it!

Coming up with the idea of observing Charles River Community Boating was no difficult. It popped right into my head because I always see the sailboats and have never really known that it is "all about." It was exciting to investigate and observe!

I planned poorly and only was able to catch the end of sailing lessons because I would only go close to sunset when the boats were coming in. I was able to listen in and hear every one helping each other and teaching each other. Learning was all around me! It was more than a person showing someone how to tie a sail; it was a peer showing a peer and guiding them through an experience!

My only qualm is that the people weren't too 'into' me interviewing them or getting pictures of them, so I had to be careful to remain unseen and not interrupt their normal practice. I wish I could have spoken to someone who would have given me more than yes or no answers and who was as excited about this as I was.

Then I had to figure out how to present my findings. Since I am still very new to MACs, I figured I'd give iMovie a shot and blend my photos with some voice-overs and with music. Throw in some funny clips and there we have it, my final video. I'm quite pleased, for my expertise in this area is not very high!!

Not Sure....

I'm not sure if I'm supposed to be keeping up with this personal blog or not, so I might as well start again!!

Things in this grad program HAVE BEEN CRAZY! I knew it would be a whirlwind and a lot of work, but I think I still under-estimated it! The amount of emails I get from forums, GoogleGroups, Facebook Chains, and so forth is UNREAL. I think I get anywhere from 100-150/day. It's so difficult to keep up with them all!

The only critique I have thus far is that running a graduate course solely through GoogleGroups isn't ideal. I love Google Groups as a tool, but it should be in addition to a web tool such as Moodle, Blackboard, or Sakai! I think I will experiment with my settings on GoogleGroups and hopefully limit the number of emails I get in a day!!!

But, in general, thus far I am so pleased with what I have been learning and I know this will not be a waste of time and money. It's great!!

Almost Done....

Well, we're almost there...completion of VirtCamp (or soon-to-be-called 'Cadre Camp). It has been a wild ride, for sure. I truly can't believe that I am a GRADUATE STUDENT! Who knew the day would come. I feel absolutely comfortable with this program and my Cadre! I am very excited to continue this voyage!!!

We finished out Lego Robot (as seen in the prior entry's video). It's really exciting and I'm so proud of my Learning Circle! We all pitched-in to do our part and all pulled it off!

I was in charge of the programming to make the robot run on it's own. I did it ALL by myself and am SO happy. I had some help from a few fellow cohorters and that really moved me along. The camaraderie and community in the program is fantastic!

Tomorrow we test out the entire robot sequence and then wrap-up our VirtCamp2009. 1 Year from now, we'll be back here and graduating as Master of Arts in Learning Technology students! Wow. Can't wait for the rest of the journey.

I feel anticipation.

robot success!

WE DID IT!!!

Lego My Ego?

Today was much lighter than yesterday, in a way. We got more into intellectual aspects of the program and were inundated with information about resources, classes, online meeting times, and more. It was a nice change from yesterday and got me very excited about 'classes.'

And then came the Legos...again.

Shockingly enough, I ended up doing the initial programming of our robot(similar to the picture above). I know NOTHING about programming, but as of now, I am pleased with what I have done. Tomorrow will ruin that feeling, as I'm sure nothing I wrote will actually make the robot do what I want it to. So, here's to an A for attempt!!!!

and now...much awaited dinner:)

Community

It has become apparent that COMMUNITY is a topic that has and will play a large part in our education and time in this program, as well as will become a larger part of our everyday lives.

I have always considered community and considered myself a part of MANY communities: the education community, the Boston community, the South End community, my families, my circle of friends, and more. Community is so vital in shaping who we are and what we do. Community reinforces our decisions and actions, as well as challenges us and disagrees with us. I haven't so much changed my opinion of view of community in these last days, but rather I have joined another community and seen yet another example of what a community can do for one another.

I am 100% sure that I will rely on this new community (the University, faculty, and Cadre 12) throughout this journey, as well as look forward to helping my communities at the same time!

I feel connected.

MalibuFun Kevin?

So, what IS my single thought for today, the first day of VIRTCamp...or MalibuCamp....or IntroToGradSchool Camp...or whatever...

First of all, Malibu is so much grander than I had prepared myself for in my little east-coast head.

Second, and my REAL thought: This program is going to change a lot about me and how I do things...especially in my classroom and with my own personal time management. It's going to take so much self-discipline and control. But, it seems to be an incredible program, is only 1 year, and couldn't be more relevant to me and my classroom/content area.

Thought: I'm satisfied!