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?