1. What is your first impression of this textbook based on reading the preface and first chapter?
o My first impression of this textbook is that there is a lot of information in just a few pages!
2. Jonassen identifies 5 characteristics of meaningful learning. How do these 5 characteristics compare with your own understanding of what meaningful learning is?
o The 5 that the author mentions is Active, constructive, intentional, authentic, and cooperative learning. My understanding of meaningful learning (after going through 2 semesters of Proteach) lines up pretty well with the author’s.
3. As a student you have observed the teaching process for more than 15 years. Some authors refer to this as an apprenticeship of observation. Reflecting back as a K-12 and college student, how have you seen technology used as teaching and learning tool?
o I was home schooled from K-12, and when I think of how we used technology (mainly the computer), I can remember learning how to type through a program on the computer, doing part of my Spanish course on-line, and using word processor to type up papers. In college, I have mostly used my compute for writing papers, etc…, communicating with professors, and doing research.
4. In your own words, what is the difference between ‘learning from technology’ and ‘learning with technology’?
o Learning from technology is basically letting the technology (such as a computer) teach the student. What we really want to happen is for learning to be partnered with technology, meaning technology is used as a tool, by the student to aid in the learning process.

5. Who is David Jonassen? Find out more about his background and professional interests.
o David Jonassen is the author of our textbook. He is currently a professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia, teaching many different classes involving educational technology. He has many awards, one of his more recent ones being: Eleventh Annual Educational Technology: Research & Development Research Reviewer Award, October, 2006. His professional interests are focused on: Cognitive tools (Mindtools) for learning, Cognitive modeling/Cognitive task analysis, Systems dynamics/systems modeling, & Problem solving. (http://web.missouri.edu/jonassend/index.html)
6. Occasionally, you may come across unfamiliar terms in the reading. Rather than ignore them (a strategy struggling readers use), be sure to understand what these new words mean. This is great practice for the GRE. Also, when we discuss the readings in class, I will randomly call on students to define unfamiliar terms using their own words. For example, do you know what an ‘epiphenomenon’ is? Can you define the word ‘nascent’? Both of these terms are used in Ch. 1.
o Epiphenomenon (pg. 2, 10 lines down) – something that occurs as an accident, but is a direct result of an event
o Nascent – something that is new.
7. Choose one question from the ‘Things to Think About’ section on pp. 10-12. Respond to this question. Be sure to identify the question to which you are responding.
o #1. Teachers need to address students’ misconceptions/preconceptions and make sure they have a good firm foundation of knowledge, and then continue to build on that foundation. This will ensure that the student has the proper tools and help to learn what the teacher knows already.