Chapter 1 Response

After reading the chapter, use the guiding questions below to craft a reflection on the reading. Provide your reflection on your personal learning log.

1. What is your first impression of this textbook based on reading the preface and first chapter?
   
   I had a very good first impression with this book. I agree that if teachers are not adapting to new technology then students will also not learn the new technology. I think that this book focuses on the students learning and how teachers will adapt through time to ensure that their students will continue to learn new technologies through experience and exposure with the teachers choice to use technology.
   
   
2. Jonassen identifies 5 characteristics of meaningful learning. How do these 5 characteristics compare with your own understanding of what meaningful learning is?
   
   I would have to agree with Jonassen’s five characteristics of meaningful learning. I believe that meaningful learning includes students collaborating with peers and teachers to learn and teach each other, that students should know why they are learning what they are being taught so they can have a broad view of the topic, that each of the students are working towards group and individual goals at all times, reflection on what has been learned, and adaptation to new ideas and skills.
   
   
3. As a student you have observed the teaching process for more than 15 years. Some authors refer to this as an apprenticeship of observation. Reflecting back as a K-12 and college student, how have you seen technology used as teaching and learning tool?
   
   I remember the first time I used a PowerPoint. I was in high school and that was the first time that I was able to get my hands on technology in the classroom. Our teacher gave us a tutorial and assisted with finding special features as we worked on it. I was very excited to be using something I had seen all of my teachers use to instruct us. From that point on, in that class, we used PowerPoint’s for presentations and learned more PowerPoint features as we became more experienced.
   
   
4. In your own words, what is the difference between ‘learning from technology’ and ‘learning with technology’?
   
   Learning from technology is when schooling happens with a smart board, computer, or other technology acts as the “teacher” and the students learn from that. Learning with technology is when students can use technology as an aid to help facilitate learning. With this students can be engaged.