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D-Ed Reckoning: Downes responds
D-Ed Reckoning: Downes responds
Stephen Downes responds to a long review of his presentation criticizing Kirschner et al. This addresses some of the inaccuracies in the review and delves deeper into what a networked theory of learning really means.
<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Kirshner</span> argues, very clearly, that non-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">instructivist</span> methods result in no better learning than direct instruction, and sometimes in *less* learning, because of the 'cognitive overhead' required in self-directed methodologies.<br><br><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Kirshner's</span> argument on this point is not based on experimental data, but rather, on his theory of cognition. Specifically, he argues that short-term memory has a limited capacity, and that if some of this capacity is not available for new facts (because it is taken up 'selecting scientific principles') then the transfer of information to the student is reduced.<br><br>I respond to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">this</span> argument by showing how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_34">Kirshner's</span> theory is false. We do not 'retrieve theories' into short term memory and then 'select' from them. That is not how thinking works; that is not ow scientific thinking works. And therefore, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_35">Kirshner's</span> argument, on these grounds, against student-directed learning, fails.
The best mechanism for demonstrating knowledge is not likely the production of a certain set of facts on demand. Expertise in a discipline on the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_54">part</span> of a student is something that is typically *recognized*, not measured, by people who are already experts in the field.
·d-edreckoning.blogspot.com·
D-Ed Reckoning: Downes responds
Blindness | Critique Wall.com
Blindness | Critique Wall.com
Great examples of side by side images demonstrating what someone with red-green colorblindness sees, by someone who is colorblind. Always good to keep in mind for designing--this is why accessibility guidelines against using color as the only indicator exist.
·critiquewall.com·
Blindness | Critique Wall.com
Eide Neurolearning Blog: Walking and Chewing Gum at the Same Time: Multi-Tasking and Complex Thinking
Eide Neurolearning Blog: Walking and Chewing Gum at the Same Time: Multi-Tasking and Complex Thinking
Research showing that, at least in some cases, doing two tasks at the same time is actually more efficient than doing each separately.
Maybe basic skill sets for schooling should not be thought of as the 3 R's (reading, writing, and 'rithmetic), but rather beyond the memorization of facts and procedures, the efficient working of working memory and long term memory, the strategic use of brain resources for dynamic problem solving and multi-tasking, and the organization of ideas and perceptions for all types of output: verbal as well as non-verbal.
·eideneurolearningblog.blogspot.com·
Eide Neurolearning Blog: Walking and Chewing Gum at the Same Time: Multi-Tasking and Complex Thinking
Kapp Notes: CAC: Nathan Eckel
Kapp Notes: CAC: Nathan Eckel
Nathan had five different concepts to keep in mind while working with the SME or any ID project. <br><br><em>Fluidity trumps rigidity </em>(go with the flow, don't follow process without variation)<br><br><em>Pragmatism trumps idealism</em> (sometimes you need to tone done expectations to be able to grasp what the client really wants.)<br><br><em>Progress trumps perfection</em> (sometimes need to get project done rather than get everything "right")<br><br><em>Practicality trumps theory</em> (set high standards but be willing short cut if necessary)<br><br><em>Mentoring trumps correcting</em> (make sure you focus on the mentoring aspects and the growth aspects rather than "red inking" all the SME is doing)
·karlkapp.blogspot.com·
Kapp Notes: CAC: Nathan Eckel
eLearn: Case Studies - The Reluctant Online Professor
eLearn: Case Studies - The Reluctant Online Professor
As it turned out, this was one of the best courses, online or onsite, I have ever taught. Not only did I witness enormous engagement among almost all of the students, but the level of learning was much higher than in previous years.
The feedback from the students on the course was very positive, better than I had received for the onsite course in previous years. One of my favorite written student comments was, "… I don't know how this course could be taught as effectively in the classroom."
·elearnmag.org·
eLearn: Case Studies - The Reluctant Online Professor