My GAME plan went fairly well, though I didn’t have a chance to complete everything that I wanted to with it, as I ran out of time. Though I feel that I made some good progress on my GAME plan. I had never made a GAME plan before and I found it to be very interesting to work on one, and I can see how it can make someone a better educator by implementing one.
One of the first things that feel that I have gained from my GAME plan was confidence. If a teacher and student do not have confidence, then the knowledge that they learned will be wasted (Laureated Education Inc., 2009). Like I have stated, I am fairly confident with technology, but I have lacked in other areas, such as trying something new in the classroom, even if the other teachers are not doing it. I have learned that by modeling confidence, others around me are exhibiting confidence as well. It is exciting to see those who lacked confidence, start to gain it and take off with their learning.
The first standard that I chose for my GAME plan was 4.A, advocate, model, and teach safe, legal and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources. I feel pretty good that I was able to accomplish this goal. I did a lot of research on the topic and found ways that I could get the information across to the students. I also put together a sheet for the students to use while they are working to refer back to on proper citation. I think that for my final step in the goal, I put the list that I gave to the students on the wiki that I have been using. That way they will always be able to refer back to that information, even if they loose their paper.
The second standard that I chose for my GAME plan was 1.C Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes. This was the goal that I had the most fun with, but the one that I was not able to complete all of the way. I was able to design some lesson plans for this goal, but I wasn’t able to implement them in time, as I ran out of time. These lessons will be used at a later time and I feel confident that the students will enjoy using a wiki to collaborate on. I did a lot of research for the what tools to use for online collaboration and the two that I liked the best was a wiki, along with Google docs. I still like the idea of a classroom blog, but I think that will be for more informational purposes and to have the parents involved. I really like the wiki, as it is easy to use, and I can have pages for the students to go collaborate on. I also like Google docs for that same purpose, though the only holdup about Google docs, is having the students have their own accounts to be able to use it.
I think that my GAME plan went pretty well. I do know that I would make changes if I had to do it again. I would make sure that I would have time to be able to complete the tasks that I wanted to complete for my game plan, along with doing one goal at a time. There were times, when it was a little overwhelming to be working on two goals at the same time. I prefer working on one goal at a time, then moving on once I have completed that goal.
During this whole course and GAME plan, I have learned that technology is very important to use in the classroom. I have always believed that the students should be more exposed to technology as it can open up a whole new learning world to them. Technology has a way of engaging the students and keeping them engaged with the learning. It is my goal to keep the students engaged, and where they will want to learn on their own in their spare time.
The one thing that I found really interesting in this course, was where I learned about digital storytelling. I have heard of it, but never looked into it. I really wish that I would have, as it is a fun way to be creative in the classroom, while showcasing what the students have learned. I’m looking forward to using digital storytelling in the classroom and to see what the students will come up with.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed taking this class, as I was able to learn a few new ways on how to integrate technology into the classroom. I was also able to learn about how to make a GAME plan and how to go about accomplishing the plan.
References:
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (2014). ISTE Standards for teachers resources. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/standards-for-teacher
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Integrating technology across the content areas: Enriching content area learning experiences with technology, part 1.
[Video webcast]. 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, December 10, 2014
Monday, November 17, 2014
Monitoring Your GAME Plan
There are so many resources that are now available through the use of technology. I have been searching the internet for ways to help me reach the goals of my GAME plan.
The first goal that I decided to work on is standard 4.A, advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property and the appropriate documentation of sources (ISTE, 2014). I discovered a lot of resources on how to keep students safe on the internet. This site was filled with information on how to keep the students safe. The website can be found at:http://www.edudemic.com/guides/the-teachers-guide-to-keeping-students-safe-online/
I have also found a video that I can show to the students about the safe, legal and ethical use of digital technology. I think that this video would be good for them to view, as it is important for them to learn about the ethical use of technology. A lot of students that I have worked with like a variety ways that information is being presented to them. I really think that this video will be a good learning resource for the students. It can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ps5LdzZxi_0
I feel that I have been able to find information that I need to be able to accomplish this goal. I still plan on doing more research on my goal along with talking to others who have taught this subject to the students. It is important to me that I am able to communicate to the students how important it is to be safe on the Internet, while citing the sources. So far I do not feel that I need to modify my action plan, as I feel that it going on well. I am concerned about how I am going to find the time to teach students about the subject. There is so much that the students have to learn in a day, that at times it is hard to find time to include other things to teach within a school day. I’m also concerned on how I should introduce the subject to the students, as I want to be able to to do it in a way that it will be interesting to the student. When there have been assemblies or speakers in the past about the subject, the students have just tuned them out, as they are bored with just a standard lecture. My next step for this goal is to find ways to present the information to the students, in a way that is engaging to them and they will be able to understand what is being presented to them.
The second standard that I chose was 1.C, promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning and creative processes (ISTE, 2014). This is the goal that I feel is going much easier and smoother. The reason that I think that is because I was already familiar with some of the collaborative tools from other classes and from just playing around with them. I found that I really like the idea of a wiki in the classroom. I have used wiki’s before to work with others for classes that I have taken. I found them easy to use and I personally think that students will find them easy to use.
I found a website for teachers who are interesting in using a wiki in the classroom. It has some information that I believe they will find useful, as I did. I learned some more things about wiki’s that I believe makes them a good choice to use as a collaboration tool. The link is:
http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2012/07/teachers-guide-on-use-of-wikis-in.html.
I have set up a couple of wiki’s that I had to do in other classes. The links to those wiki’s are:
http://technologyintheroom.wikispaces.com
http://technologyinsociety.wikispaces.com
I have also set up a quick wiki, that could be used in a literature circle. The link is:
http://lit-circle.wikispaces.com/
I really feel that I am really close to completing this goal and do not feel the need to modify it. I’m actually excited to use wiki’s in the classroom, and I can’t wait to get started using them. A couple of things that I think could be a problem is convincing the principal that it is a good thing to let the students use a wiki. There are bans on a lot of the collaboration software, as the schools and district feel that it could lead to problems and could be potentially unsafe. I will need to come up with a plan to present to the principal to show up how useful a wiki can be in the classroom. I will begin researching more ways that wiki is useful in the classroom and begin working on something to that I will be able to present. Another problem that could arise, is when will time be found for the students to work on the wiki in class and outside of the classroom. Like I stated before it is hard to find time for new things when you have to present so much information in a day to the students. It is also a problem that some of the students do now have their own computer and have to share with their older siblings, who usually get preference since they have papers to write. I need to be able to find way to ensure that the students will get time in the classroom to work on their wiki’s.
In conclusion, I feel that my GAME plan is coming along nicely and smoothly. I thought that I would have complications with finding the information that I need, but so far it has been a breeze. I’m looking forward to completing my GAME plan and then begin another one.
References:
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (2014). ISTE Standards for Teacher Resources. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/standards-for-teachers
Monday, November 10, 2014
Carrying Out Your GAME Plan
In order to enrich my experience in life as an educator, I decided last time that I was going to focus on two standards that the International Society for Technology in Education set forth for teachers. The first goal that I decided to work on is standard 4.A, advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property and the appropriate documentation of sources (ISTE, 2014).
I have determined that I will need some additional resources to be able to complete this goal I have found a great website called https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/, that helps with the proper citation formats. This site has information on how to cite with APA and MLA, which is important as both are used in classrooms. MLA, I have noticed is mostly used in upper elementary, middle school and high schools, while APA is mostly done in the colleges and universities. This website will be great to refer students back to when they have a questions on how to properly cite the sources that they have found.
Another resource that I plan on using is Prezi. I found a presentation on the site that is about the safe, legal and ethical use of digital information and technology. The link to site is https://prezi.com/tl5zk8mhybyr/the-safe-legal-and-ethical-use-of-digital-information-and-technology/. Looking at this presentation, I know that I will be able to use it in the classroom, to present the information to the students. It will be a different way to present the information to the students, that should also help them to be able to be more engaged in what they are learning.
The first step that I have taken to accomplish this goal, is to review the acceptable use policy for the Internet. By reviewing the policy, I am making sure that what I will be teaching coincides with what the district says is safe and not safe to do on the internet. Each student is required to sign a copy of the policy and to keep a copy of it. The students and I have reviewed the policy together to discuss what they understand about it or don’t understand about it. By reviewing the policy together, I will be able to begin the Prezi presentation to the students, which will help further their knowledge about internet safety.
The second standard that I chose was 1.C, promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning and creative processes (ISTE, 2014). This is the goal that I am most excited about working on, as I am a firm believer in creativity and I have been discovering how much fun it can be to use collaborative tools in the classroom.
The first resource that I have decided that I will be needing to accomplish this goal is to use a wiki. A wiki is a piece of software that will allow the users to create, edit, and link webpages quickly (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009). There are tons of sites out there that host wiki’s and I think that it would be beneficial to set up a classroom wiki. The wiki would be used for the students to work together on projects with each other. I think that the wiki will be a great resource to add to the classroom, and I’m looking forward to using it.
The second resource that I would like to use is a Voice thread I made one in the past for a class that I was taking, I had a lot of fun working on it. It can be another great collaborative tool for the students to use. They can make a presentation, then do a recording about that presentation. It will be a fun way for the students to work together and present a project to the class, plus it will also let the students to be creative as well.
I have taken the first step to accomplish this goal by having the students take an interest survey. The survey will let me know what the students interests are, which will help me incorporate those interests in the classroom. By having the students’ interests in the classroom, I am hoping to have them more engaged and willing to work together on projects. It is important to me that the students are able to work collaboratively on a project, while they are using their talents to make the project creative. I really feel that this survey will help me understand the students better, and help me help them to be more creative with their work.
In conclusion, I feel that that GAME plan is coming along nicely. I still have a long ways to go before I can say that I have accomplished the goal that I have set forth. I am okay with it taking time to accomplish the goals, as I want to ensure that I have all the tools necessary to help me along with this journey. This is going to be an interesting journey and at times I anticipate that it can be overwhelming.
References:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology Integration for Meaningful Classroom Use. Mason, Ohio: Cengage Learning
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (2014). ISTE Standards for Teacher Resources. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/standards-for-teachers
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Developing a Game Plan
Being confident in what you are teaching is very important. If you do not have confidence, then knowledge will be wasted (Laureate Education Inc., 2010a). There are many students and educators that lack confidence in the classroom, and therefore they are not willing to try new things, like using technology in the classroom. I am fairly confident using technology in the classroom, especially since I use it all of the time in my personal life. I know that there is always room for improvement, and I know that there are areas, where I lack confidence.
This week I will be developing a GAME plan to help me strengthen two indicators that are within the National Society for Technology in Eduction. where the national standards are for teachers. GAME is a series of steps, that educators and students can use to become more self directed with their learning, while using technology in the classroom. The steps to GAME are setting goals, taking actions, monitoring your goal and evaluating how you accomplished that goal (Laureate Eduction Inc., 2010b).
As an educator, I know how important it is to facilitate an authentic technology rich learning environment, that will help the students to become self directed learners, who are able to be creative in the classroom, along with learning critical thinking skills. I will be able to provide the students with that kind of learning experience, by applying behaviors and modeling those behaviors that the International Society for Technology in Education Standards for Teachers have set forth. I have chosen tow of those standards, that I believe will help me be able to strengthen my confidence in the classroom while using technology.
The first standard that I will address is 4.A, advocate, model, and teach safe, legal and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources.
Goal: It is my goal to ensure that the students are safe on the internet, while learning how to properly site the information that they are using. I want to learn more about to teach the students to be safe on the internet, and to be able to teach them how to properly site information.
Action: In order to achieve this goal, I need to research ways to teach students how to be safe on the Internet. A good place to start is Edutopia, as I have found an article that has some great information in it on how to teach the students to be safe. The next action step that I will need to take is to decide if I want to teach the students MLA or APA style of citation.
Monitor: As I gain more knowledge about how to teach the students to be safe on the internet, I anticipate that I will be able to reach the students and give them the skills that they need to navigate the internet safely. Once I have gained that confidence, I will be able to help the students learn how important it is to cite the source of their information. I will be able to monitor my progress by how the students are reacting to the lessons on safety and citation. The students reaction will help me determine if I need to change my plan.
Evaluate: I plan on evaluating my progress by modeling and applying what I have learned within the classroom. I hope to have a better understanding on how to teach the students to be safe on the Internet and how to cite their sources correctly. I will also evaluate my progress on whether or not the students met their goals. If the goals were not met, then I will be able to determine what I need to do differently to ensure that they meet the goals.
The second standard that I will address is 1.C Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes.
Goal: It is my goal to ensure that the students are able to use collaborative tools within technology. I want to learn more about the different kinds of collaborative tools that are available, so I will be able to help the students figure out what tool would work best for them on their projects.
Action: In order to achieve this goal, I will be doing research on wikis, blogs, and Google docs to determine what collaborative tool would work best in the classroom, for the students to use.
Monitor: As I do the research on the different kinds of collaborative tools, I will begin to gain more confidence on what tool would be the best fit for the classroom. I anticipate that during my research, I will have more questions and wonderings about what I have found. I have done some research and I am leaning more towards using a Wiki in the classroom as a collaborative tool.
Evaluate: I will be able to evaluate my progress by applying wikis in the classroom for the students to use, when they are collaborating on a project together. I will gauge my understanding on wikis by teaching the students about them. As the students and I get more confident using a wiki, I can set up an opportunity for the students to work with others from another school on a project.
In conclusion, I feel that it is very important for teachers to come up with a GAME plan on what they want to the students to learn. The students can even come up with their own GAME plan to help them succeed with their own learning.
References:
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (2014). ISTE Standards for teachers resources. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/standards-for-teachers
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010a). Integrating technology across the content areas: Enriching content area learning experiences with technology, part 1.
[Video webcast]. 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
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010b/'). Integrating technology across the content areas: Promoting self-directed learning with technology.
[Video webcast]. 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
This week I will be developing a GAME plan to help me strengthen two indicators that are within the National Society for Technology in Eduction. where the national standards are for teachers. GAME is a series of steps, that educators and students can use to become more self directed with their learning, while using technology in the classroom. The steps to GAME are setting goals, taking actions, monitoring your goal and evaluating how you accomplished that goal (Laureate Eduction Inc., 2010b).
As an educator, I know how important it is to facilitate an authentic technology rich learning environment, that will help the students to become self directed learners, who are able to be creative in the classroom, along with learning critical thinking skills. I will be able to provide the students with that kind of learning experience, by applying behaviors and modeling those behaviors that the International Society for Technology in Education Standards for Teachers have set forth. I have chosen tow of those standards, that I believe will help me be able to strengthen my confidence in the classroom while using technology.
The first standard that I will address is 4.A, advocate, model, and teach safe, legal and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources.
Goal: It is my goal to ensure that the students are safe on the internet, while learning how to properly site the information that they are using. I want to learn more about to teach the students to be safe on the internet, and to be able to teach them how to properly site information.
Action: In order to achieve this goal, I need to research ways to teach students how to be safe on the Internet. A good place to start is Edutopia, as I have found an article that has some great information in it on how to teach the students to be safe. The next action step that I will need to take is to decide if I want to teach the students MLA or APA style of citation.
Monitor: As I gain more knowledge about how to teach the students to be safe on the internet, I anticipate that I will be able to reach the students and give them the skills that they need to navigate the internet safely. Once I have gained that confidence, I will be able to help the students learn how important it is to cite the source of their information. I will be able to monitor my progress by how the students are reacting to the lessons on safety and citation. The students reaction will help me determine if I need to change my plan.
Evaluate: I plan on evaluating my progress by modeling and applying what I have learned within the classroom. I hope to have a better understanding on how to teach the students to be safe on the Internet and how to cite their sources correctly. I will also evaluate my progress on whether or not the students met their goals. If the goals were not met, then I will be able to determine what I need to do differently to ensure that they meet the goals.
The second standard that I will address is 1.C Promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students’ conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes.
Goal: It is my goal to ensure that the students are able to use collaborative tools within technology. I want to learn more about the different kinds of collaborative tools that are available, so I will be able to help the students figure out what tool would work best for them on their projects.
Action: In order to achieve this goal, I will be doing research on wikis, blogs, and Google docs to determine what collaborative tool would work best in the classroom, for the students to use.
Monitor: As I do the research on the different kinds of collaborative tools, I will begin to gain more confidence on what tool would be the best fit for the classroom. I anticipate that during my research, I will have more questions and wonderings about what I have found. I have done some research and I am leaning more towards using a Wiki in the classroom as a collaborative tool.
Evaluate: I will be able to evaluate my progress by applying wikis in the classroom for the students to use, when they are collaborating on a project together. I will gauge my understanding on wikis by teaching the students about them. As the students and I get more confident using a wiki, I can set up an opportunity for the students to work with others from another school on a project.
In conclusion, I feel that it is very important for teachers to come up with a GAME plan on what they want to the students to learn. The students can even come up with their own GAME plan to help them succeed with their own learning.
References:
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (2014). ISTE Standards for teachers resources. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/standards-for-teachers
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010a). Integrating technology across the content areas: Enriching content area learning experiences with technology, part 1.
[Video webcast]. 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
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2010b/'). Integrating technology across the content areas: Promoting self-directed learning with technology.
[Video webcast]. 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
Monday, April 14, 2014
Reflection Time
Reflecting upon ones work and journey can be very rewarding, as you learn new things about yourself and you are able to figure out what works or doesn't work in your life or classroom. Seven weeks ago I had to figure out what my personal theory of learning was, which was very interesting to do, as I have never thought about having a personal theory on learning. I obviously had ideas on how students learned best or what was the best way that I learned. There are different kinds of theories out there on how students learn. A learning theory has the ability to examine what goes on in the students mind when they are learning content (Laureate Education Inc., 2011a).
My own personal theory on how students learn was based on the social learning theory and behaviorism. I still believe in those two learning theories, though I have now incorporated more into my ideas on how students learn best. I now feel that is important to have the cognitive learning theory in the classroom as well. The cognitive learning theory is based on how mostly on how information is processed when a student is learning (Laureate Education Inc., 2011b). It is important to know how student process the information that is being presented to them, as it will help me be able to find ways to ensure that they are understanding the material that is being presented to them.
I also believe that it is important to have constructionism in the classroom. Constructionism is where the students learn best when they are able to build some kind of artifact that they are able to share with those around them (Laureate Education Inc., 2011c). Through this theory the students are more engaged with their learning as they are building something and using their creativity to build with.
With more technology surrounding us, I know that I would like to use it more in the classroom, as it has the chance to be very beneficial to the students. By using technology in the classroom, I will be helping the students achieve the 21st century skills that are needed for them to be able to succeed in all aspects of their life. One adjustment that I would like to make is to have the students use technology more. I will need to adjust lessons so I will be able to include technology in the classroom. By using technology more in the classroom, I will be helping the students to be more focused for a longer period of time, they will be excited to learn and the technology can help students learn at their own pace (Huneycutt, 2013).
Two technological tools that I would like to use with the students are virtual field trips and voicethread. Virtual field trips give the students an opportunity to compare information with other sources, opportunities to witness history, and opportunities to engage the students in critical thinking (Laureate Education Inc., 2011d). Virtual field trips have the opportunity to help enhance the students learning by taking them to places that they couldn't go to otherwise. It will make it more interesting to learn about history, as the students will actually be there in their field trip. It will also help the students become more engaged in their learning as they will be excited to see the places that are featured in the field trip, than learn about them in a text book.
Voice thread is another tool that can help enhance a students learning. Voice thread has the ability to be able to promote a greater digital literacy and more enthusiasm for multimedia creation among the students (EDU Cause, 2009). When the students are enthused about something, they pay more attention to what they are learning and what they are doing, therefore they will be able to retain the information being presented to them. The students themselves can make voice threads and then present them to the class. Voice threads can give the students a chance to record a story to share with the class or with others around the globe. I feel that voice thread will be engaging to the students as they will be actively making something that can be shared with the class. I can even use voice thread to make a presentation for the class to see, like I did on water a couple of weeks ago for this class.
It is very important for educators to make goals for the classroom. The first goal that I would like to have in the classroom, is to have updated computers for every student to use in the classroom. The computers that are in most of the rooms are from the early 2000's and have a lot of problems like freezing all the time or breaking. I think it would benefit the students to have more up to date computers in the classroom, so they will be able to have more ways to integrate technology into their presentation and their own learning. One way that I could achieve this is to help write a grant that would help purchase the computers. Another way is that I could talk to the PTO about having a fund raiser to help purchase the newer computers.
Another goal that I would like to achieve is to have in my instructional practice is to have a classroom blog for the students. I feel this would be extremely beneficial to the students and to the parents. I could list the assignments, what is going on in the class, recordings from class so students can access it if they are sick or need more help understanding the material. I also think that the blog would be a great place for the students to come together to talk about assignments or ask questions about the assignments. The blog would also be great for the parents, as they would always know what we are doing in the classroom, what assignments are due and talk to other parents. The blog would be easy to create and implement, though it would be hard to convince the district on the benefits of having a blog. The district has banned blogs from the classrooms, just like other social media. I would need to put together a presentation and present it to the school board, along with the superintendent. The presentation would explain why blogs are good in the classroom, along with how they can get parents and children more involved in their education.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed this class and have felt that I have learned a lot. I learned about some new technology that I was not aware of. Which can be surprising at times, as I like to think I know a lot about technology as I use it everyday in my own personal way. I enjoyed learning about the different learning theories and how each one can help the students become more engaged with their learning.
References:
EDU Cause. (2009). Seven Things You Should Know About Voicethread. Retrieved from:
http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7050.pdf
Huneycutt, T. (2013). Technology in the Classroom: The Benefits of Blended Learning. Retrieved from: http://nms.org/Blog/TabId/58/PostId/188/technology-in-the-classroom-the-benefits-of-blended-learning.aspx
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011a). Program three: Instructional theory vs. learning theory [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
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011b). Program five: Cognitive learning theory [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
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011c). Program seven: Constructionist and constructivist 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
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011d). Program six: Spotlight on technology: Virtual field trips [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
My own personal theory on how students learn was based on the social learning theory and behaviorism. I still believe in those two learning theories, though I have now incorporated more into my ideas on how students learn best. I now feel that is important to have the cognitive learning theory in the classroom as well. The cognitive learning theory is based on how mostly on how information is processed when a student is learning (Laureate Education Inc., 2011b). It is important to know how student process the information that is being presented to them, as it will help me be able to find ways to ensure that they are understanding the material that is being presented to them.
I also believe that it is important to have constructionism in the classroom. Constructionism is where the students learn best when they are able to build some kind of artifact that they are able to share with those around them (Laureate Education Inc., 2011c). Through this theory the students are more engaged with their learning as they are building something and using their creativity to build with.
With more technology surrounding us, I know that I would like to use it more in the classroom, as it has the chance to be very beneficial to the students. By using technology in the classroom, I will be helping the students achieve the 21st century skills that are needed for them to be able to succeed in all aspects of their life. One adjustment that I would like to make is to have the students use technology more. I will need to adjust lessons so I will be able to include technology in the classroom. By using technology more in the classroom, I will be helping the students to be more focused for a longer period of time, they will be excited to learn and the technology can help students learn at their own pace (Huneycutt, 2013).
Two technological tools that I would like to use with the students are virtual field trips and voicethread. Virtual field trips give the students an opportunity to compare information with other sources, opportunities to witness history, and opportunities to engage the students in critical thinking (Laureate Education Inc., 2011d). Virtual field trips have the opportunity to help enhance the students learning by taking them to places that they couldn't go to otherwise. It will make it more interesting to learn about history, as the students will actually be there in their field trip. It will also help the students become more engaged in their learning as they will be excited to see the places that are featured in the field trip, than learn about them in a text book.
Voice thread is another tool that can help enhance a students learning. Voice thread has the ability to be able to promote a greater digital literacy and more enthusiasm for multimedia creation among the students (EDU Cause, 2009). When the students are enthused about something, they pay more attention to what they are learning and what they are doing, therefore they will be able to retain the information being presented to them. The students themselves can make voice threads and then present them to the class. Voice threads can give the students a chance to record a story to share with the class or with others around the globe. I feel that voice thread will be engaging to the students as they will be actively making something that can be shared with the class. I can even use voice thread to make a presentation for the class to see, like I did on water a couple of weeks ago for this class.
It is very important for educators to make goals for the classroom. The first goal that I would like to have in the classroom, is to have updated computers for every student to use in the classroom. The computers that are in most of the rooms are from the early 2000's and have a lot of problems like freezing all the time or breaking. I think it would benefit the students to have more up to date computers in the classroom, so they will be able to have more ways to integrate technology into their presentation and their own learning. One way that I could achieve this is to help write a grant that would help purchase the computers. Another way is that I could talk to the PTO about having a fund raiser to help purchase the newer computers.
Another goal that I would like to achieve is to have in my instructional practice is to have a classroom blog for the students. I feel this would be extremely beneficial to the students and to the parents. I could list the assignments, what is going on in the class, recordings from class so students can access it if they are sick or need more help understanding the material. I also think that the blog would be a great place for the students to come together to talk about assignments or ask questions about the assignments. The blog would also be great for the parents, as they would always know what we are doing in the classroom, what assignments are due and talk to other parents. The blog would be easy to create and implement, though it would be hard to convince the district on the benefits of having a blog. The district has banned blogs from the classrooms, just like other social media. I would need to put together a presentation and present it to the school board, along with the superintendent. The presentation would explain why blogs are good in the classroom, along with how they can get parents and children more involved in their education.
In conclusion, I really enjoyed this class and have felt that I have learned a lot. I learned about some new technology that I was not aware of. Which can be surprising at times, as I like to think I know a lot about technology as I use it everyday in my own personal way. I enjoyed learning about the different learning theories and how each one can help the students become more engaged with their learning.
References:
EDU Cause. (2009). Seven Things You Should Know About Voicethread. Retrieved from:
http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7050.pdf
Huneycutt, T. (2013). Technology in the Classroom: The Benefits of Blended Learning. Retrieved from: http://nms.org/Blog/TabId/58/PostId/188/technology-in-the-classroom-the-benefits-of-blended-learning.aspx
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011a). Program three: Instructional theory vs. learning theory [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
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011b). Program five: Cognitive learning theory [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
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011c). Program seven: Constructionist and constructivist 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
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011d). Program six: Spotlight on technology: Virtual field trips [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
Monday, March 31, 2014
Voice Thread
This is my short voice thread on water.
Here is the link to my voice thread, or you can view it below.
http://voicethread.com/share/5602199/
Social Learning in Practice
Social learning is a theory that has the ability to promote the students to work together in order to complete their projects. The students can be in small groups of two, or they can be in bigger groups of five to work together. As the students are working together, there is a chance of them becoming more engaged in their learning, which will then help them create a more meaningful learning experience on the the project. When students are working together, they are able to teach others, which will then help learning develop a more deeper understanding of the content (Laureate Education Inc., 2011). As the students develop a deeper understanding of the content, they will then begin to show signs of mastering that skill, which will help the students gain self confidence.
The social learning theory stresses the need for the students to be able to collaborate with each other along with the teacher using cooperative grouping. One of the most widely used ways of implementing the social learning theory in the classroom is through cooperative learning. Cooperative learning is where the students will work together to achieve a group goal that cannot be obtained by working alone, and it will help to actively involve the students in the learning process (Orey, 2001). When the students are working together in the group they will be able to complete a task or project, and then present it to their class. Cooperative learning has the ability to provide opportunities for the students to discover things about themselves, the work and others around them. This kind of learning will also help the students to be able to develop a social support system, which is important to a students growth (Orey, 2001).
Cooperative learning has a lot of benefits, especially when it is implemented properly. It has the ability to improve a students attitude about school, decrease social segregation, increase a students motivation, and it provides an environment for the students to reflect upon their new knowledge, along with helping the students to develop a common understanding about the topics that have been discussed (Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, 2012).
Two cooperative learning strategies that I like to use in the classroom is pair share and jigsaw. I have used pair share the most in the classroom, as I have found it to be successful to have the students work with a partner and discuss things. Pair share also helps the students to practice their speaking, listening and feedback skills. Jigsaw is fun to implement in the classroom. It is where each student in the group researches part of the problem or content, then they will come back together and teach their part to the rest of the class (Orey, 2001). I have had a lot of success with the jigsaw, and most of the students seem to be excited to teach others in their group what they have learned.
Technology can easily be incorporated into the social learning theory. Teachers can use the web to help them as it has become more than just an electronic reference book, it is now a thriving medium for collaboration in education, business and in our own personal lives (Piter et al., 2011). A teacher can use blogs, wikis, simulation games, and communication software to collaborate. They can also use shared calendars to share with the class when projects, assignments, tests, and presentation are due. A popular shared calendar is Google Calendar, and it is very easy and simple to use. In fact Google docs can be used as collaboration software for the students to work on their work and edit it from anywhere.
These tools help support the social learning theory because they allow the students to be able to communicate with each other and others around the world, while they are learning.
In conclusion, the social learning theory can be beneficial to the students and the classroom. There are a lot projects that the students can work on together to finish, and they will be able to enhance their learning by working together. There is a lot of collaboration tools that are available to the students to use, as technology has come a long way in the past few years. The technology provides the students with tools that they will need to be able to research, collaborate, record, publish and even reflect upon in a social kind of setting.
Here are some links about the social learning theory and collaboration:
http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/social-learning.html
http://www.psychologytoday.com/basics/social-learning-theory
http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/cooperative/index.html
http://www.pgcps.pg.k12.md.us/~elc/learning1.html
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
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://epltt.coe.uga.edu/index.php?title=Main_Page
Pitler, H. Hubbell, E. & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
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