Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology Reflection

Reflection: Week 8 ~
Instructor: Kathryn Arnold
EDUC-6711I-1 Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology



My personal theory on how students learn is still very eclectic. It is based on a combination of many theories. I utilize a lot of teaching strategies from Jean Piaget and Howard Gardner. I believe each child has a unique learning style and I address the different styles by using the multiple intelligences approach. I am also aware that the quality of learning is based on a variety of elements: environmental factors, psychological factors and personal filters (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008).

I use a Smartboard in my class and, next year, I will be adding Clickers. Clickers will give my students a fun way of assessing their knowledge. By using this technology my students will have instant feedback. Another benefit is the assessment will immediately identify students that grasp the concept and other students that need the concept re-addressed to them.
Another technology tool I want to incorporate into my classroom is Concept Maps. Students will be able to take an abstract topic and visually organize it. They can also use prior knowledge to connect different concepts.

This course has helped spark new ideas on how to engage my students. The first long-term goal I have is to create a Blog or Wiki site. My students will use this site to creatively inform other classes about the wonderful state we live in. I would like to cooperate with another school in a different state and have their students write about their state. I would like the students to communicate to each other about questions they may have regarding each other’s states. As a final project I think it would be exciting for the students to have a video conference via SKYPE.
I will clearly write out my goals and objectives for this project and present it to my principal. Once I am given approval I will contact other schools to see if anyone is interested in collaborating with my class. My students will create digital flyers that I can post on different educational blog sites regarding our project. Once I have connected with another teacher and state I will send a newsletter home to parents and let them know about the project.

My second goal isn’t as lofty as my first goal. I would like to teach my students how to create iMovies as a reflection portfolio of their learning in third grade. This would be a yearlong project that my students would present to their parents during the 3rd quarter student-led parent teacher conference. Along with iMovie my students would use Photo Booth to record their experiences. I believe this will motivate my students to have higher expectations. It will give them an opportunity to reflect on the growth they have made and share this with their parents.

At the beginning of the year I will provide my students with a rubric that will outline my expectations for this project. Each month the students will gather artifacts to include in their portfolio. They will either use the class camera or Photo Booth to capture their artifacts. The student will be given time during the computer lab or in class to work on this project.

I consider myself a life-long learner. I will continue to gain knowledge on the technological world around us throughout my Master’s program. Through my training I will gain new insights on integrating new and innovative technologies into my classroom. I believe it is possible to effectively teach the fundamental skills while creatively incorporating technology. By moving forward and changing the educational environment I believe all students will be excited about their learning as well as better prepared for their future.

References
Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical Foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Social Learning Theories in Practice

Application Week 5 ~ Social Learning Theories in Practice
Instructor: Kathryn Arnold
EDUC-6711I-1 Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology


“Open your book to page 357 and read to page 450. When you are done answer the questions at the end of the chapter. Remember no talking and you may not help each other." Isn’t that a wonderful way to motivate students these days? I’m sure most of you are shaking your head and do not agree with that type of educating. Unfortunately, there are still educators that believe that this is the best way to teach children.

This week we learned about a wonderful theory that will engage and motivate students to be successful. Social learning theory is when students are engaged in creating an artifact while having discussions on what they are doing with others (Laureate 2008). This makes the curriculum engaging, motivating and collaborative. What a fantastic way to get kids excited about school!

Vygotsky and his Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) states that there are 3 levels students are at during their development. What the child already knows, what the child is about to learn, and what the child is unable to learn (Laureate, 2008). During the stage: What the child is about to learn: it is crucial that the child has help from a teacher, peers or a computer to make successful connections to the information. Incorporating a cooperative learning strategy into the learning environment would help enhance the process.

When developing cooperative groups make sure they are of a manageable size and use a variety of criteria to the groups (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007). I typically change out my groups depending on the final outcome desired. There are times that I allow my students to pick who they want to work with. This gives my students a voice in their learning environment. At the beginning of the year we discuss the different roles each member of the group will be responsible for. The roles can vary but normally I have a timekeeper, facilitator, record keeper, reporter, and mediator. By having roles for the kids it seems to help elevate the groups.
There are a variety of different web resources that allow students to engage in cooperative learning with students around the world. I would really like to incorporate ePals (www.epals.com) into my class next year. I have a diverse group of students and it would be exciting to participate in a cross-culture exchange (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007).

I learned about webquests last year and I really enjoy them. My students explored a few webquest and I plan on creating more to spice up our “ho-hum” curriculum. The quests are challenging and motivating for all my students. I enjoy listening to the different conversations my students have during and after the quests.

Students are no longer engaged by reading outdated textbooks. Drills and practice do not motivate students. Students don’t have to regurgitate answers for a test. 21st century learners need to be engaged with innovative lesson and cooperating with their peers on a project. The learning environment has changed. At times it may be loud, messy and disorganized. Stop and take a closer look at the 21st century learning experience and you will see students excited, engaged, cooperating, and connected.

Reference
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program eight. Social Learning Theories [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Voice Thread URl

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