The medium isn't the message?

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So as the ideas around instructional technology started to shape and make sense to me, I was introduced to the notion of “mindtools” in the second week of the course through the article "Computers as Mindtools for Engaging Learners in Critical Thinking." This article was very helpful for me to see real application of some of the learning theories we discussed in class, such as constructivism, direct instruction and cognitivism. I was able to make quick connections to some of my own experiences in the classroom and how my students have worked with technology. I discussed my journalism class in my posting about this article, but since then I have also started to think how technology as mindtools and the use of cognitive flexibility can apply to other courses.

I recently started revisiting a book I acquired a few years ago called The Digital Writing Workshop by Troy Hicks. Hicks provides a wealth of information on how technology can be effectively implemented in the writing class. While I currently use technology in my writing class, there have been some ideas suggested by Hicks which I plan on trying. Now that I have a greater sense of using instructional design in integrating information technology, I can start that process with a little bit more confidence. To have a framework that can guide me through the stages and help me to consider whether my students will be engaging in constructivist learning and using technology as mindtools will be extremely helpful. I use the term “technology” versus “computers” as mindtools, because so much has changed since the article on mindtools was written (1998). Students can access a lot of the technology through various media, whether it be computers or smart phone, tablets or even gaming devices. Granted, I still think the old fashion computer is what most people come back to for very involved work, but that is changing as well. Like the article from week one explored and says in its title, the medium is not the message. I do have some issues with that statement, being a media studies teacher and all! But in the case of how students access online learning and Web 2.0 tools, I think that statement makes a lot of sense.

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