7/28/2019 CEP 816 Group Assignment Lima Project

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Nevine Elgazzar and Lauren Schuster

Lima Task Part II

CEP 816

Our top five insights after this project were deep learning, cognitive flexibility, social

networks and learning, organized complexity and universal structure.

Deep learning takes place when students go through the learning process, but they are

also required to reflect on how they got there and the progress they have made on a particular

topic. Deep learning is more student focused rather than teacher focused. In order to achieve

deep learning, students need to look for patterns and principles, as well as relate ideas to previous

knowledge and experience. We chose this one because this assignment was really a test for us as

students into the deep learning experience. There were not too many guidelines, so we were

forced to figure out the learning on our own. We examined our progress by completing thevarying steps of this assignment. While researching we were often reverting back to previous

trends and making connections to the patterns we saw. With some practice, it would be possible

to include this type of teaching in our schools, especially at the higher levels.

Another insight we took from this assignment was the idea of organized complexity.

This was mentioned multiple times in the Lima video because according to him we are living in

this type of society. Organized complexity is the idea that although it might look chaotic,

everything has a purpose. Lauren found a quote during her research that was a great example.

Ants have their ant farms, and upon first glance, it doesnt make sense, and looks rather

disorganized. However, upon closer look you can see that every tunnel has a purpose and thereis a reason for everything they do. We feel that this is a lot like our classrooms and this web

search. Although teachers often make decisions that dont make much sense to their students,

upon further examination, they do have a purpose. We create elaborate assignments and projects

that come together in an organized fashion when all is said and done. The internet is a perfect

example of organized complexity. It is very intricate and there are thousands of websites, but

they all serve a purpose.

The next topic we decided to focus on is cognitive flexibility. This is the idea that

learning takes place in complex and ill-structured domains. Teachers need to present

information in different standpoints with varying examples so students can better grasp the

material presented. Instruction has to be specific and learning is content dependent. In order to

achieve cognitive flexibility teachers need to be able to give multiple representations of the

learning content, as well as avoid oversimplifying the material, and develop case based learning

and focus on construction of knowledge. This is a valuable aspect to the classroom because not

every student will understand the material presented necessarily on the first try. They might get

7/28/2019 CEP 816 Group Assignment Lima Project

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confused about the technology being presented. Teachers have to be flexible enough so that they

can be quick on their feet to adapt to the student needs, yet creative enough so as to not dumb

down material.

The next aspect we wanted to highlight is the universal structure. This is the idea that the

elements of the universe are recurring fractals, which are separated, but can interact with each

other at given points. This is really what this web investigation was about. We had to go

through various searches, but often times they would relate back to each other. This also occurs

in teaching, when presenting new information to students. Often times, different classes and the

information within intersect. Students need to have a firm grasp on the knowledge from one

class to connect it to another, but often times it seems students dont see the connection, so as

teachers we need to guide them to this connection.

Our final selection was social networking and how it relates to learning. There are three

main elements that need to be present in order for social networking to take place in theclassroom. They are: technology platform, vibrant community, and good content. As the

technology continues to advance, so does the idea of being a part of a social network in our

society. We need to teach our students how to become a part of these networks so that they will

have ever opportunity available to them as they leave our classroom and continue on with their

lives. Also, the internet is one giant network so it is important for students to understand the

workings of the internet so they can utilize this tool.