Network Learning Project

Week 2 of CEP 810, we have been challenged to learn something that we have always to do. What’s the catch? We can only use YouTube and Internet Help Forums to help us learn our new task/skill. The purpose behind this project is to help push our understanding of the true value of network, online, and digital learning options in hopes of modeling similar practices with students in our classroom.

My boyfriend and I just bought our very first home. We moved in last week and we couldn’t be more excited! Truth be told, we have a long road ahead of us. Clearly, we underestimated the amount of work and money it would take to create the perfect HGTV home like the ones we’ve been watching on TV.  After buying new appliances, redoing the hardwood floors, and painting every wall, we are running out of money. Which brings me to my project idea – rather than spending hours at Art Van and Gardner White fighting over what to buy or worse spending too much money on over priced furniture for our bedroom; I have decided I really want to learn how to make nightstands for our bedroom. Initially, I thought that this would be no trouble at all. Until, I realized I have never actually used any power tools or built anything on my own. Side note: IKEA furniture does not count.

Now that my curiosity is in high demand, let the researching begin! Some the sites that I discovered in my journey to learning my new skill have been extremely helpful, while others seem to fall a little short. I have already learned that some sights include supply lists, cost estimates, furniture dimensions etc. Some have step-by-step directions with pictures on how to use the necessary tools, while other’s focus on the building aspect of the project. For me, because I have zero knowledge about the tools necessary to build the nightstands, I will need to research further on how to properly and safely use each one. I definitely have some learning to do however, I am very excited to learn something new! Below are a few examples of the options I may decide to use for the nightstands…check back soon to see which one I choose!

Other resources:

Click here – Sliding Barn Door Nightstand DIY

Click here – Powers tools 101: What to Buy and How to Use Them

 

 

 

Learning, Understanding and Conceptual Change

During week 1 of CEP 810 (Teaching Understanding with Technology), I was given the task to write an essay investigating the meanings of learning, understanding, and conceptual change after reading Bransford, Brown, and Cocking’s (2000) How People Learn. The complete essay can be found here. In summary, I go on to explain the progression of learning over time, with the notion that prior knowledge and experiences impact the learning process. In addition, it is important to be cognizant of the varying processes of learning when comparing experts to novices. By further understanding the meaning of learning and various learning groups, new teaching practices using technology integration can be incorporated in a successful and meaningful way. Thank you for reading and feel free to share your thoughts or comments!