Monday, February 20, 2012

Reflecting on Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology

I have learned a lot in this class about the different learning theories and instructional strategies.  I still believe that the answer to student success and learning in the classroom is the result of a variety of learning theories and instructional strategies.  This class has helped me become more aware of learning theories so that I can plan with them in mind.  It is important for me to think about connections that can be made while I am teaching.  It has also helped me to realize how technology can be integrated with each learning theory so that it can be used most effectively.

Prior to starting my Master’s degree in Integrating Technology into the Classroom, I think I was satisfied with just using technology as an instructional tool.  Through this class I have learned that it is just as important to use technology as a learning tool.  An instructional tool is just the teacher using technology to present information to his/her students.  A learning tool is when students are actually using the technology so they are more engaged in the process (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).  Students need to be able to use and create with technology.  There are a variety of technology tools that are available so that students can learn through doing instead of trying to learn through listening to a lecture.  I would like to use Kidspiration more with my students because it offers so many different ways to use it.  There are math manipulatives, webs, and pictures to show what the students have learned.  Another technology tool that I would like to use more with my students is virtual field trips.  We used a field trip when we were learning about immigration.  I think that virtual field trips are an effective resource to help support concepts especially in social studies.  It is often difficult for students to make connections to things that have happened in other areas or in another time.  Virtual field trips can help students to make connections they may not otherwise be able to make.

I have two long-term goals that I would like to set for myself.  I would like to experiment with the use of blogs in my classroom.  I have tried to use them for a variety of purposes, but have not found a fluid way of using them in my classroom thus far.  I will continue to experiment with them this year in hopes that I will figure out a more appropriate way to integrate them into instruction next year.  Another goal that I am setting for myself is for my students to be able to experience more virtual field trips.  I will continue to use the resources provided to me to find virtual field trips to go along with the standards that I teach.  I know this will help my students get the most out of their educational experience in a variety of subjects.   


References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program thirteen: Technology: Instructional tool vs. learning tool [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Cooperative Learning and Social Learning

     Cooperative learning is an example of social learning.  Social learning theories are defined by Dr. Orey as “students actively engage[d] in constructing artifacts and conversing with others” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).  Cooperative learning is when a group of students work together for a specific purpose where the group is responsible for each other’s learning (Palmer, Peters & Streetman, 2003). 
     I was interested to read recommendations and generalizations made in Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works.  The authors recommend not always grouping students in the same way and combining cooperative learning “with other classroom structures” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007, p. 140).  I agree that it is important to put students into different groups.  They need to learn how to work with different people.  It is also necessary according to the activity to group them in different ways also.  It is important to not just focus on cooperative learning, but more to incorporate it into your classroom.
     I also liked that the authors stated that cooperative learning “should be used consistently and systematically but should not be overused” (Pitler et al, 2007, p. 139).  This year my county has been pushing for “student talk” and cooperative learning.  It is interesting to me because no one at any level thus far has been able to explain to us what cooperative learning is or how they would like to see it incorporated in our classrooms.  They just know they are looking for “student talk” and signs that we use cooperative learning.  The sad part is that they are looking for signs such as the desks being set up in groups, students at each group having jobs and things such as that.  It is as if they are more concerned about the classroom management part of cooperative learning more so than actually having the students learn cooperatively.  After reading the resources for this week I have a better understanding of what cooperative learning really is and how much I already use it in my classroom.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program eight: Social learning theories [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1

Palmer, G., Peters, R., & Streetman, R. (2003). Cooperative learning. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved January 30, 2012, from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.




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