Throughout my life in school, I noticed an increase in technologies within the

classroom. Although I enjoy having a hard copy of a book, I have begun to

realize the importance of technology and what it can do to increase meaningful
learning. In my opinion, taking tests does demonstrate what the person learned
from a reading or lecture. I am a terrible test taker but that does not mean I did
not learn anything from a specific lecture. In this reading it explains how taking
tests does not reveal a persons knowledge of a reading or lecture, which is
something that I completely agree with. This reading explained to me how
learning with technology results in meaningful learning, as long as a person
engages in constructive, active, intentional, cooperative, and authentic activities.
After reading this chapter, I now understand how significant it is to be
cooperative while learning. I have always worked alone while studying for tests,
but sometimes I have to work on a group presentation. It allows me to
demonstrate my knowledge with other students, as well as learn from different
point of views. As stated in the reading, independent work does not allow a
person to have a natural way of thinking. A person will be able to learn more if he
or she is social and has conversation about the task or problem. Students working
with technology will be able to see a variety of solutions to a specific problem
through conversation. It also allows a person to connect with other students
around the world. As a result, cooperative learning creates a more meaningful
learning, rather than independent work.
As a life long learner, the skills described in this chapter that are most
important to me are being active and authentic. Being active through learning is

very significant because a person can engage in a task and share their ideas with
other learners. Many people remember a certain lecture or formula if they have a
hands on activity. This allows a person to not only read about a formula, but also
practice it physically. Someone may have learned a problem in lecture in every
class, but unless they do not practice it physically and actively, then they will not
remember the problem. I am a visual learner so doing a task actively causes me
to remember lectures or problems.
Secondly, authenticity is important because it demonstrates real life situations
that a learner can use to practice certain skills or knowledge. The most important
to comprehend and apply is authenticity. I am a Mathematics major so
authenticity is very important for me since I want to be able to apply the proofs
and formulas I learn in class to the real world. If a student is able to use what he
or she learned from class in the real world, then he or she will understand the task
or skill more than just copying down a formula. A person will be able to practice
those ideas in their life, creating a repetitive task, which results in a meaningful
learning.

Write up your big idea or takeaway from the chapter. In your write-up, answer 2
out of 4 questions below. Your write up should be about one typed page.
o

What were the main arguments of the reading? Do you agree or

disagree? Why?

How did this reading change your idea or opinion about learning with
technology?

Which of the skills described in this chapter are most important to you as
an educator/ life-long learner? Which are most important to comprehend
and be able to apply them in your discipline?

In your opinion, which were the limitations of the reading?