Fundamentally, computer networks are simple systems. To build a network, one provides a pathway to move data from one node to another (through electrical signals transmitted over wires or radio signals that travel through the air), gives every node a unique address (so the network “knows” where to deliver packets), and then keeps track of Read More
Author: Gary Ackerman
Connectionism Makes Sense
For most of human history, communication was an aural or gestural activity. We spoke and we made gestures, other heard and saw our movements. In both cases, the communication was ephemeral. Unheard words and unseen gestures are lost. There is evidence of humans creating painting and other artifacts which presumably were intended for meaningful communication, Read More
#edtech for #edleaders: Measuring Technology Acceptance
Several years ago, I was asked to gather some “data” regarding “how our school technology is doing.” I was familiar with technology acceptance model, and intended to ground my answers to the inquiry in data collected with a valid and reliable instrument. Turing to the literature, I found there were instruments for measuring Unified Acceptance of Read More
Pedagogic Hegemony
Hegemony is an interesting word. It describes the dominance of one idea (or culture or social group) over another. Users typically adopt a critical tone when using the word; hegemony is established and maintained by imposition. Pedagogy is also an interesting word. It captures the actions taken by a teacher in a classroom, as well Read More
Factors Affecting Diffusion of Innovation
Diffusion of Innovation (Rogers, 2003) is a well-known theory that predicts and explains who new ideas and practices spread through communities. The stages of adoption are perhaps the most widely used aspect of this theory, but other aspects are useful as well. Rogers identified several measurable factors that are associated with the diffusion of innovations Read More
#edtech for #edleaders: The Evolving World Wide Web
At its most basic level, the World Wide Web is a collection of servers; these computers are always powered on and connected to the network. Files on a web server are contained in a directory that is configured to allow outside users to read the contents, and the file is read when a visitor uses Read More
#edtech for #edleaders: Why We Adopt #edtech
In reviewing some data I gathered and prepared for presentation in the last year, I found four factors that were positively associated with the decision to adopt and the decisions to continue to use educational technology once it had been adopted: Improvement: Which was summarized as “the degree to which the planning method solved the Read More
Training versus Education
Many come to education because they have been successful trainers in their field of work. Individuals who assume this role in business and industry are often motivated to share their expertise and experience, and access to these leaders who are instructors is one advantage that community college students enjoy. It is important for instructors to Read More
Affordances of Educational Technology
Computers, networks, and mobile devices are deeply embedded in classrooms. Even if we avoid their use in formal lessons, students are going to arrive with the devices in their bags and pockets, and they will use them for research, calculation, writing, and other information tasks. It seems reasonable to expect all instructors to teach, model, Read More
Typology of Adult Learning
Much of the research on cognition and learning focuses attention on understanding k-12 populations (those who are aged approximately five years through 18 years). The authors of How People Learn 2 do recognize the increasing expectation that older individuals learn as part of their work. Further, they recognize the increasing interest among older populations in Read More