Module 5 Blog Post

In our football program, as coaches we spend six times as much time planning and meeting as we do practicing our players on the practice field. We are providing some good examples as constructivists as we are constantly focusing on the process and not the results. We were able to demo some new video editing software specifically for football. It is very similar to Microsoft Moviemaker but with a lot of add-ons for football. Most of our coaching staff has been coaching for 25+ years besides me and we all have always used grid sheets to scout and chart our opponents. When we were able to demo this new software most of our coaches would have no part of it because of the “I’ve always done it this way” idea. Their attitudes were very negative towards the new concepts.
In applying Keller’s ARCS model, I would be able to change the more experienced coaches and even convince them to use the new software. I would have to first enhance the relevance of integrating technology by having the coaching staff determine how the software would relate to team goals (what they want to accomplish). I would have to build on the coach’s previous knowledge/experiences allowing time for transition. Secondly, confidence would need to be built by creating a positive environment in which each coach can set their own goals permitting them to be in control of their experiences. Lastly, I would allow time for the coaches to use the newly acquired software while providing support, encouragement and praise. If the coach views the experience as positive and possible then the integration of the new software may be more successful.

Module #4 Blog Post

One of the Central Concepts of connectivism is that people learn through the networks they construct to obtain knowledge. These networks that I have formed have changed the way I learn to not only allow me to obtain information but to participate in problem solving experiences. These experiences are where the acquisition of knowledge comes from. In a sense learning networks not only provide information such as a search engine but they allow one to gain experience.
Wikis best facilitate learning for me by giving me the ability to be an active participant in a learning community. In this wiki I can share post with my learning community and others. Here they can comment, expand, or take away from information that I have provided. This information can be pieces of a puzzle where everyone within the learning community is contributing to work towards a finished product that may solve a problem.
New knowledge comes from the experience of working through problems by having questions. That is another great reason for the on-line learning community. You can collaborate with people from many different geographic locations and many different walks of life. This diversity allows you to get questions answered and also answer some questions that others may have. At the end of this process, you have now been there and done that which is experience. This experience you just underwent has given you new knowledge.