Workbook 1

CIT 720 Computers as Cognitive Tools Workbook W.S. NEL

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Preface Question 1 Quote the topic sentence from paragraph 1 on p. xiii. Ways in which technology is being used to help students think more effectively. Question 2

What, according to Jonassen, is the only purpose of computers in the classroom? It is to help students learn more effectively. Question 3 Jonassen distinguishes between memorisation and “more meaningful forms of learning and mentions four components of meaningful learning. What are these components? a. Meaningful purpose b. Conceptual engagement c. Conceptual development/change d. Methods and strategies that support the abovementioned components

Question 4 What does Jonassen regard as the “most meaningful task”? Problem solving is regarded as the most meaningful task.

Question 5 Mention 9 different mindtools listed by the author of your prescribed text. a. Databases b. Concept maps c. Spreadsheets d. Expert systems e. Systems modeling tools f. Teachable agents and direct manipulation environments g. Visualisation tools h. Hypermedia i. Computer conference

Chapter 1 Question1 What, in your opinion, is the most important sentence on this page? The increased emphasis is to focus the attention of educators on sense making and other conceptions of meaningful learning. Question 2 Supply the definition of conceptual change on this page. Conceptual change is the process of adapting and restructuring theories. Question 3 Mention 4 variables that the amount and kinds of cognitive change depend on. a. Prior knowledge of the learner b. Individuality c. Usefulness of the content being studied d. Context in which the content is being studied

Question 4 Complete: if the learner cannot build a … of what he is studying, he does not …

what he is studying.

if the learner cannot build a model of what he is studying, he does not understand what he is studying. Question 5 Jonassen believes that … tools can be used as … to help learners construct ….

of what they are studying.

Jonassen believes that technology tools can be used as mindtools to help learners construct models of what they are studying. Question 6 How can the teacher/facilitator facilitate the process of conceptual change in learners?

Building models of subject content using technology-based modelling tools facilitates the process of conceptual change in learners. Question 7 What is the author’s point of view on conceptual change and memorisation? Conceptual chamge is less likely to occur when students are memorising information or attempting to attempting to understand ideas. Question 8 What is cognitive conflict? When learners want to understand something and they experience a discrepancy between what they know and what they expect, a radical form of conceptualization may occur. When learners’ current conceptions are unable to interpret their experiences or cannot be used to solve problems, cognitive conflict occurs.