Reflection on Meaningful Learning with Technology

Let's all think back to the first time you used technology to learn.
When was it? What were you learning?
1. Did the technology help? Why or why not?
2. Was this an experience of meaningful technology?
3. If not, what was an example of meaningful learning with technology, whether it
was recent or long ago?
We often get ahead of ourselves and implement technology for technologys sake
hopefully this exercise will help us to consider each time we plan with technology why
we are doing so. (And yes, engagement can be a valid meaningful experience,
sometimes!)
Im trying to think back to the first time I used technology to learn. Im old, by graduate
school standards, so I have to think back VERY far. In high school (the early 90s), I
used a scientific calculator in physical science, physics and most, if not all, of my math
courses. I also learned to use technology: electric typewriter to learn to type and I took a
computer class. I used an electric typewriter and then a computer to write a few papers in
high school. During my freshman year of college, my boyfriend (who is now my
husband) and I took a psychology class together. We used a word processing program on
the computer to make outlines of the chapters we were required to read. This was a study
technique, not a requirement, so I guess that is the first time I used technology to learn.
The use of the calculator was more as a tool, rather than using tables of values and by
hand calculations.
The use of the calculator helped reduce cognitive load. Im not sure if the outline making
helped me to learnthat is more of a study strategy that is helpful to my husband.
I think my first meaningful experience of learning with technology was last year, when I
began this program. I think the discussion boards do a lot to help me think deeply about
what I have readway more than making outlines did! I still think the discussion boards
are a good tool, but my experience may be a cautionary talesince we use the boards for
every course, every week, I am experiencing discussion fatigue and view them as more of
a chore than I did earlier in the program. Like our book said, the discussions help me
participate more fully and think more deeply (Howland et al, 2012). During a class, I
might not feel like interjecting my thoughts unless there was a clear opening, for fear of
cutting someone off. Also, I do like time to think about what others post and sometimes
reread it so I can really understand what they are saying. Also, the convenience of
participating at a time of my choosing is nice.

Howland, J. L., Jonassen, D. H., & Marra, R. M. (2012). Meaningful

learning with technology (4th ed.). Boston: Pearson.