Data Mining

The idea that anyone can learn everything about you from a simple google search is daunting!

This week in Instructional Technology and Learning we dove into data mining and the scary realities of the internet. Data Mining is the process of discovering patterns in large data sets involving methods at the intersection of machine learning, statistics, and database systems. What!? In layman terms data mining is “mining” or searching the internet for individuals “data” or content. To fully understand what this means I dug through the trenches of the internet and conducted a “data mine” on myself.

I have googled myself before for fun but never truly delved deep. It was interesting to see how easy it is to find someones address, phone number and email. This was the most scary aspect of the research. I don’t mind if someone finds my wedding photos from the photographers site or knows that I teach 6th grade at Freire Charter Middle School, but do I want strangers to have access to where I live? I know this is public information through county sites and tax info, but I never knew how easy it was to find with a quick google search. Other then my address everything els discovered was information I assumed I would find. There was nothing to ruin my reputation or give someone access to my social security number. Most information found was information I willingly made public. However, this mini project did make me questions the safety of my students while on the internet. How often to children make information public that shouldn’t be? Are students of all ages making sure their internet persona is respectable and safe? How can we as educators make sure students consider this? Maybe doing a similar data mining project is key.

Theories of Learning and Preforming

Chapter eight of Spector’s book, Foundations of Educational Technology, discusses different theories associated with how students learn and therefore preform. There were two major take aways for me. The first was the theory of humanism. I found this description and information new and insightful. According to Spector, humanism is a perspective that focuses on the value of the individual and personal freedoms. He continues to explain that this particular theory of learning believes that when an individuals needs are taken into consideration within the context of learning issues revolving motivation and urgency rise to the surface. I specifically took to this section of the text because I believe a lesson is only as good as the motivation in creates. Considering the humanistic perspective while lesson planning is key in creating engaging activities. The second biggest take away for me was cognitive load theory. Cognitive load refers to the used amount of working memory resources. I found this theory very interesting and found myself reflecting on how can I educate students keeping this cognitive load theory in my mind. Knowing how students process information is crucial, and I believe combining these two areas (cognitive load and humanism) together when lesson planning will result in engaging and meaningful lessons.