9/14/08
Social Newtorking-Analogy
A learner is like a a computer. There is a base model to start with. It has your tools that are necessary: a power cord, a keyboard, a mouse, a monitor. It also has certain programs that all computers start out with: an internet program, a Word program, a few games. Soon however, there are updates that must be installed on that computer to keep it running as best as possible. Alterations may be made, depending on the needs of the person using the computer. Perhaps more memory is added in order to make room for graphics for design. Perhaps gradebook programs are added on for the teacher to keep track of her grades. Maybe a new game is added for the gamer- a newer and better one than what he had. The latest and greatest invention in computers is essential. If you bought a computer this year, chances are that it is, or soon will be, in need of updating. It is already outdated. Today's learners are evolving so fast that they are constantly being "updated" by the world around them: people, experiences, school, their own thoughts, feelings and actions. "Constructivism assumes that learners are not empty vessels to be filled with knowledge," but all students come with something to start with, something to build on, something to contribute, like the base model computer. As educators, we intertwine the knowledge we are trying to pass on to our students with what they already posess in order to create meaning.
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4 comments:
Your analogy is great! Learners do need to udpate their knowledge system base on what they have as a basement and how much access they have to "memory" and knowledge "net". They should never be satisfied with what they know now. what and how they need to know tomorrwo is what really matters.
Knowledge updates quickly, correspondingly, we learners, with the purpose of learning knowledge, ought to update our knowledge system to prevent being kicked out. I like your analogy of computer, it is very appropriate to symbolize the characteristic of fast updating in our learning process.
Julie,
Your idea of a learner as a "base model" computer is intriguing. It's certainly true that the base model has a lot of components to start with just as the learner already possesses a lot of knowledge and life experience.
Perhaps the most important addition to the base model is the addition of an internet connection because that gives the learner access to unlimited resources. One of the roles of the teacher is to guide the student in finding appropriate sources of information, don't you think?
Dr. Burgos
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