Instructional Design Models

The Discovery Learning model is based in cognitive psychology, and is considered part of the Constructivist school of instructional models. It is based on the premise that students learn best through interaction. This interaction includes exploring their environment. Using manipulatables, and participating in experiments are examples of approaches supported by the Discovery Learning model. Encouraging questioning, discussion and debate are other techniques.

A new pedagogy

Will Richardson, in his blog, http://weblogg-ed.com/, (accessed 9/23/09) reflects on the effects of bureaucratic rules concerning the access and use of school computer resources. The concern he expresses, and I share, is that these rules, and an attempt to keep students safe, don’t address the core skills needed for our students to remain safe within the cyber world. First of all, anyone who has been an adolescent,

Blogs in Education

1) How can you see blogs being used in a F2F class as well as an online course?
In lifelong learning, we frequently run out of time during face to face classes to finish discussions. Blogs could be a very helpful way to continue discussions. In addition, hearing can be a significant barrier to some of our participants, including blogging as part of discussion could help to include those that have trouble participating in live discussion due to hearing issues.

2) What are the benefits of using a blog over another medium?

Teaching Philosophy

My current professional role is to support learning in a non-traditional way. The program I administer is a membership based lifelong learning program in which members facilitate group peer learning. The underlying teaching philosophy, in which I strongly believe, is that adults bring a great deal of experience and wisdom to the table. Based on Adult Learning Theory founded by Malcolm Knowles, adults learn better and retain more information when they are actively engaged in the learning process. Contributions from all involved, and active engagement, is the most effective model for expanding knowledge.

I have re-designed this blog to use larger, better contrasting colors, and simple text and directions to meet the needs of older adults. I have also included links to the left with more information on how to design websites for older users.

I really enjoyed class today - it went much more quickly than I expected, and I wasn't even tempted to check my email during class once we got going!!