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Ok, just another definition on another segment, Constructivism, we are to focus on this week for our class reading. Seeing the definitions really helps me understand so much more. Hope it helps others as well.

Welll, I was looking at the 2nd definition, but Yah, after I posted this and did some more of the reading, I realized it wasn't quite the right definition either. Sorry! :) I like your link much better! Although, it doesn't seem so clear cut to me. If I understand it correctly a person/s can construct something that is controlled and by society or culture but not necessarily by nature? Like making a robot puppy instead of having a real one? THe robot is more controlled. right? So is there a difference between Constructivism and Constructionism? Or are those just two words meaning the same thing? Sorry for the questions, just kind of typing and saying outloud to make sure I got it. :)

No need to apologize. In technological terms, it means that technologies develop in response to social conditions (vs. determinism which suggests that technologies determine social conditions). That is a reductive definition of both terms but gives you an idea of how the binary operates. But as we read in the Williams piece, it is actually a complex interplay of both. Constructionism vs. Constructivism depends on the field. I admit to being a bit sloppy and probably using them interchangeably, about which I will try to be more mindful. In theories of education, there is a difference where Constructivism refers to what I'm describing above whereas Constructionism is the theory of learning through applied methods (making, or constructing, things). And then to complicate everything even further, we have social constructionism. This is a pretty good explanation of technological determinism vs. social constructivism http://www.slideshare.net/JonathanSmith122/social-constructivism-technological-determinism-technological-momentum

I thought this dictionary definition might help us with understanding what Determinism is. I thought the key would be the form of determine, but I was wrong. When I am determined to fix my broken sink, is not the same as determinism which is a theory or doctrine.

I will definitely need more than one of these before I finish grad school. LOL!

This is good to know. I am always careful to be politically correct when I blog for fear of saying the wrong thing and offending others. Although I'm sure I'll still be that way it's nice to know that my opinion on a topic is protected.

I think it is great that bloggers have the same freedom of speech protection as journalists, but journalists sometimes get a lot of heat for what they write, especially if it is not in favor of the person they are talking about. Now every time I am about to post something publicly, especially on Twitter, I remember what Professor Knight said on the first day of class, that the person you are talking about may see it and respond to you. #emac6300

I think this is great news as well. As a blogger myself, I do try to be considerate of other people's beliefs, feelings, etc. But, people should also have the freedom to talk about what they like. I have been thinking about Professor Knight's comment about Twitter posts as well, lol. That definitely wouldn't be a good situation to be in. I like the concept of the "trigger warning" too. It's a good way for people to be able to choose whether or not they want to go forward with reading the material.