Judy Lever-Duffy and Jean McDonald discuss that “learning is a complex activity that can be explained differently depending on one’s perspective on how and why people do what they do” (2008 pg. 12). I based my original theory of learning on the fact that all students learn differently and in a unique way. Since taking this course I have found new ways to differentiate my lessons so that I am reaching the many learning styles of my students. The only modifications I have made to my original learning theory are to incorporate new technologies into my lessons.
The first adjustment I have made to my practice of integrating technology is to implement a virtual field trip with my students during my poetry unit. This unit will take place when the students return from break. My goal of incorporating the virtual field trip during this unit is to enhance the students use of technology and increase their understanding of the types of poetry while we are working our way through the unit.
This first adjustment will allow me to see how my students handle this new use of technology in my classroom. My first goal with integrating technology for the remainder of the school year is to add lessons or assignments in each of my remaining use where students are using technology to explore, remediate, or enrich their knowledge on the content being studied. This will be done through voice threads for editing papers, virtual field trips, and the use of a class blog. By integrating these technologies in each of my remaining units my hope is that students will not only be mastering the language arts content, but that they will also be working on their 21st century skills. The second goal I have for technology integration is to use technology as both a learning tool and an instructional tool. I hope to have a Smart Board installed in my classroom over winter break and I want to use this to my students’ advantage in my classroom.
The use of technology can greatly enhance my lessons and improve the understanding of the content for my students. I am glad that I have been able to discover new resources for technology and find ways to implement them throughout my lessons.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical Foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
A Voicethread on New Technology
Follow this link: Voice Thread
This is a voice thread on new technology in my building. We are trying out a new way to grade papers and allow students to become involve. I pose several questions throughout about security, time management, and the use of a new piece of technology.
-Meghan
This is a voice thread on new technology in my building. We are trying out a new way to grade papers and allow students to become involve. I pose several questions throughout about security, time management, and the use of a new piece of technology.
-Meghan
Monday, November 30, 2009
Social Learning
Social learning is built through human interaction. (Kim 2001) With social learning there are many ideas and ways to implement lessons so that students are actively engaged and are able to build their cooperatively learning skills through communication. (Orey 2009)
In order for students to learn through the social learning theories students must be presented with tasks where they are able to work individually and together to create or complete the task. Dr. Orey mentioned the zone of proximal development where students will not be able to achieve success outside the frame where they are able to learn on their own. (Laureate 2009) When students work cooperatively they are able to support each other if a student is struggling with a certain concept.
Throughout the years I have been able to implement stations and Web Quests in my classroom where students have specific jobs for completing their tasks. With these jobs there is a clear boundary of who is responsible for each part of the workload and the students are able to complete tasks while developing their 21st century learning skills. Also I am able to integrate technology in the units with Web Quests students work to complete. Another strategy that was mentioned in our learning resources what that of Jigsaw learning. In my classroom students are grouped and given topics/parts of units to learn and teach to their peers. This is a great way for students to become masters of different areas of content and present it to their peers in a manner which they will understand.
Social learning can be successful in any classroom if it is managed and implemented in an orderly fashion. The teacher must be involved in monitoring group/partner work and stay abreast of the progress of each group. I don’t feel that social learning should be implemented everyday in a middle school classroom but it does help to differentiate learning for students and allows them to take ownership of their success.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
In order for students to learn through the social learning theories students must be presented with tasks where they are able to work individually and together to create or complete the task. Dr. Orey mentioned the zone of proximal development where students will not be able to achieve success outside the frame where they are able to learn on their own. (Laureate 2009) When students work cooperatively they are able to support each other if a student is struggling with a certain concept.
Throughout the years I have been able to implement stations and Web Quests in my classroom where students have specific jobs for completing their tasks. With these jobs there is a clear boundary of who is responsible for each part of the workload and the students are able to complete tasks while developing their 21st century learning skills. Also I am able to integrate technology in the units with Web Quests students work to complete. Another strategy that was mentioned in our learning resources what that of Jigsaw learning. In my classroom students are grouped and given topics/parts of units to learn and teach to their peers. This is a great way for students to become masters of different areas of content and present it to their peers in a manner which they will understand.
Social learning can be successful in any classroom if it is managed and implemented in an orderly fashion. The teacher must be involved in monitoring group/partner work and stay abreast of the progress of each group. I don’t feel that social learning should be implemented everyday in a middle school classroom but it does help to differentiate learning for students and allows them to take ownership of their success.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Constructionist use of Technology
Following the constructionist theory one will think of learning as a building block process. All learners build on the four stages of constructionism. These stages involve assimilation, accommodation, equilibration, and schema. (Orey, 2009) Building these blocks will have students create artifacts for learning. They can use technology to create these blocks and work on assimilating their new knowledge.
Using technology will allow teachers to create a constructionist type classroom by teaching students how to build their blocks. Problem-based learning or learning by design develops units of study where students are able to create long term memories while they are learning.(Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007) During problem-base learning or learning by design units the teacher is there to help facilitate the learning while the students are making the discoveries.
References:
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Using technology will allow teachers to create a constructionist type classroom by teaching students how to build their blocks. Problem-based learning or learning by design develops units of study where students are able to create long term memories while they are learning.(Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007) During problem-base learning or learning by design units the teacher is there to help facilitate the learning while the students are making the discoveries.
References:
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Cognitivism in Practice
Working with students who have many different learning styles creates many challenges for teachers. With the instructional strategies of the cognitive learning process one can see how to address students’ memories when developing lessons. Dr. Orey discusses that the key points to the cognitive learning process is elaboration and short-term memory. (2009) I know that my students need to see and hear information as I am presenting it to them. Having students make connections to the information in a lesson to their personal life, other subjects, and different areas will help with their short-term memory. In order to make connections I could use concept maps to present and connect information. I could also have my students make verbal connections when we are discussing information in class or they could write in their journals different connections they think of while the lesson is implemented.
All of these ideas are important for students’ learning in the cognitive learning theory. The students need to be able to recall information from their short-term memory in order to use the information again when it is stored in their long term memory. The cognitive learning theory presents key information for students to process and retain content that is taught to them throughout the course of the year. If students can be presented information and create connections they will be more likely to retain the information in the long run. Are there other ways out there to elaborate and make connections of content for the students?
The cognitive learning theory is about connections students make to retain information. These connections would work wonderfully in my room through concept maps and advanced organizers. I am planning on using the concept map I am creating on poetry for my unit that is coming up in January. This will incorporate technology into my unit and increase the connections students make with the terms, figurative language, famous poets and types of poetry.
Laureate Education, Inc.(Producer). (2009). Behaviorist Learning Theory [Motion Picture]. Bridging learning, theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
-Meghan
All of these ideas are important for students’ learning in the cognitive learning theory. The students need to be able to recall information from their short-term memory in order to use the information again when it is stored in their long term memory. The cognitive learning theory presents key information for students to process and retain content that is taught to them throughout the course of the year. If students can be presented information and create connections they will be more likely to retain the information in the long run. Are there other ways out there to elaborate and make connections of content for the students?
The cognitive learning theory is about connections students make to retain information. These connections would work wonderfully in my room through concept maps and advanced organizers. I am planning on using the concept map I am creating on poetry for my unit that is coming up in January. This will incorporate technology into my unit and increase the connections students make with the terms, figurative language, famous poets and types of poetry.
Laureate Education, Inc.(Producer). (2009). Behaviorist Learning Theory [Motion Picture]. Bridging learning, theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
-Meghan
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Behaviorist Practices
The instructional strategies discussed this week are directly related to the principles of the behaviorist learning theory. Being able to condition students through reinforcement and punishment are the key strategies of the behaviorist learning theory. According to Dr. Orey the most powerful technique of operant conditioning is reinforcement. (2009)
On my team I use spreadsheets from Microsoft Excel to keep track of the students store points. Our store is a behavior reward system in which my students earn five points a day for following our team rules and procedures. When students are disruptive or unprepared store points are taken away. This spreadsheet allows us to analyze student behavior during the week and reward them for coming to class prepared and following the rules/procedures on a daily basis. Twice during a trimester students are allowed to shop the store which continues to reinforce positive behavior; the more points the students have the more candy/soda they can buy.
We also use several learning tutorials for reinforcement of skills through the program Study Island. This program allows students to receive enrichment and remediation based on their skill level. It is an Internet based program that students have access to at home and during the school day. I feel this program is another example of the behaviorist learning theory because the program provides immediate feedback for the students. Also it is a technology based program in which students are able to use to strengthen their skills.
The Internet4Classrooms tutorials in the resources for this week are tutorials I use with my classes when we are in the computer lab and they finish working on the assignment for the period. Students seem to enjoy working through these programs to develop their skills.
There are many technology programs/tutorials that follow the behaviorist learning theory available for use in classrooms. These programs/tutorials can provide students with help to strengthen their skills in different subject areas if they are used on a regular basis. Also I agree with Dr. Orey that these programs/tutorials should be used for more than remediation and to raise test scores. (2009)
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and
technology. Baltimore: Author.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved
from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom
instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
On my team I use spreadsheets from Microsoft Excel to keep track of the students store points. Our store is a behavior reward system in which my students earn five points a day for following our team rules and procedures. When students are disruptive or unprepared store points are taken away. This spreadsheet allows us to analyze student behavior during the week and reward them for coming to class prepared and following the rules/procedures on a daily basis. Twice during a trimester students are allowed to shop the store which continues to reinforce positive behavior; the more points the students have the more candy/soda they can buy.
We also use several learning tutorials for reinforcement of skills through the program Study Island. This program allows students to receive enrichment and remediation based on their skill level. It is an Internet based program that students have access to at home and during the school day. I feel this program is another example of the behaviorist learning theory because the program provides immediate feedback for the students. Also it is a technology based program in which students are able to use to strengthen their skills.
The Internet4Classrooms tutorials in the resources for this week are tutorials I use with my classes when we are in the computer lab and they finish working on the assignment for the period. Students seem to enjoy working through these programs to develop their skills.
There are many technology programs/tutorials that follow the behaviorist learning theory available for use in classrooms. These programs/tutorials can provide students with help to strengthen their skills in different subject areas if they are used on a regular basis. Also I agree with Dr. Orey that these programs/tutorials should be used for more than remediation and to raise test scores. (2009)
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and
technology. Baltimore: Author.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved
from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom
instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Reflection
Deciding to pursue my masters in integration of technology in the classroom was an easy decision for me to make. I have always wanted to learn more about the new technologies available for the classroom and ways to implement them to increase my students' abilities. Throughout this course I have learned a great deal about blogging, podcasts, wikis, and other technologies available for me to use in my lessons. Now that I am knowledgeable about these technologies I will be able to teach my students how to create and use them as well.
Before taking this course I did not know about all of the 21st century learning skills that my students will need to know in order to succeed in the 21st century workplace. By learning about these skills and the Web 2.0 technology I will be able to differentiate my lessons so my students are prepared for the workforce with the skills necessary to succeed.
My lessons are now more student-centered instead of teacher centered. It is proven through research that my students are digital natives and learn a lot differently than students of the past. I have been able to design and implement lessons where the students are multi-tasking and discovering through exploration instead of listening to a lecture each day.
To be successful at implementing Web 2.0 skills and 21st century learning targets I will have to stay abreast to the new technology available and how to implement it in my classroom. In order for me to stay informed I will continue subscribing to several technology blogs through my Google reader. By staying in tune with the new technology and 21st century learning skills I will be able to develop improved lesson plans to keep my students interested and cover the content they are required to learn.
In the next two years I hope to transform several of my units to include Web 2.0 technology and 21st century learning skills. To do this I will have to find a way to have computer access for my students who do not have a computer at home. I will also need to monopolize one of our schools computer labs. I would really like to run my class online. For me to accomplish this I will have to overcome the lack of funds to purchase technology. This means I will need to look for grants and other ways to earn money in order to purchase lap tops for use in my classroom. My goals seem large to some teachers in my building but I think for the sake of my students and their education I need to focus on their learning styles for them to be successful in the future.
Before taking this course I did not know about all of the 21st century learning skills that my students will need to know in order to succeed in the 21st century workplace. By learning about these skills and the Web 2.0 technology I will be able to differentiate my lessons so my students are prepared for the workforce with the skills necessary to succeed.
My lessons are now more student-centered instead of teacher centered. It is proven through research that my students are digital natives and learn a lot differently than students of the past. I have been able to design and implement lessons where the students are multi-tasking and discovering through exploration instead of listening to a lecture each day.
To be successful at implementing Web 2.0 skills and 21st century learning targets I will have to stay abreast to the new technology available and how to implement it in my classroom. In order for me to stay informed I will continue subscribing to several technology blogs through my Google reader. By staying in tune with the new technology and 21st century learning skills I will be able to develop improved lesson plans to keep my students interested and cover the content they are required to learn.
In the next two years I hope to transform several of my units to include Web 2.0 technology and 21st century learning skills. To do this I will have to find a way to have computer access for my students who do not have a computer at home. I will also need to monopolize one of our schools computer labs. I would really like to run my class online. For me to accomplish this I will have to overcome the lack of funds to purchase technology. This means I will need to look for grants and other ways to earn money in order to purchase lap tops for use in my classroom. My goals seem large to some teachers in my building but I think for the sake of my students and their education I need to focus on their learning styles for them to be successful in the future.
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
21st Century Tech Skills
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills is an organization designed to build partnerships between companies, schools, the community, and government leaders for the sole purpose of integrating school course work with the real work environments of the 21st century. This organization has developed a framework of skills that students should mastered by each grade level. They have also created assessments for their standards, all of which are aligned with skills students need to enter the 21st century workplace.
While researching the organization and the resources that are available from 21st Century I was surprised that I had never heard of or seen any of these resources in my school. Looking at the English standards and the literacy maps under the list of publications I was thrilled to see example where students were to use a wiki or blog to create and maintain a dialogue journal discussing the reading of a shared text with a partner or group. This student project/assignment aligned with standards for reading, writing and technology skills. Working on an assignment like this with my students would be something I am trying to plan on for the next novel we read.
I did not disagree with anything on the site. I am sure that not all of the student outcomes for literacy meet the standards set by the state of Kentucky where I teach but they could be easily aligned with work from the department of education and teachers throughout the state/community.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Possible Novel Unit??
After reading all about Blogs and creating this one I finally have an idea of how I plan to incorporate this into my lessons. In a few weeks I begin a unit with my seventh grade advanced language arts students using the novel Forged by Fire by Sharon Draper. Usually, I have the students read the novel as a class and individually they explore some of the topics discussed such as child neglect, alcoholism, drug abuse, etc. while working on different story elements.While reading the novel students complete and individual research project to present to the class.
To use the Blog I thought I would have students complete their discussion questions for every section of the novel on here. Students could post their reactions and thoughts to the events in the novel while discussing character development and conflict. I would love to invite the author, Sharon Draper, to be a part of the discussion as well. If the author was involved students could ask her questions about writing and other books from the series.
Students could then set up their RSS feeds to search for topics for their individual projects as well. They could find all of their research for their presentations by using Google Reader. I would have to plan several lessons to teach the students how to set up each component but I think once each student had a mini lesson they would be able to use the blog for future units as well. I would like to use the Blog for this class because I am positive all of the students have access to the internet at home and will be willing to try out this new technology in a class. These students would also be able to use the Blog correctly and I would not have a lot of worry about the content they were posting.
To use the Blog I thought I would have students complete their discussion questions for every section of the novel on here. Students could post their reactions and thoughts to the events in the novel while discussing character development and conflict. I would love to invite the author, Sharon Draper, to be a part of the discussion as well. If the author was involved students could ask her questions about writing and other books from the series.
Students could then set up their RSS feeds to search for topics for their individual projects as well. They could find all of their research for their presentations by using Google Reader. I would have to plan several lessons to teach the students how to set up each component but I think once each student had a mini lesson they would be able to use the blog for future units as well. I would like to use the Blog for this class because I am positive all of the students have access to the internet at home and will be willing to try out this new technology in a class. These students would also be able to use the Blog correctly and I would not have a lot of worry about the content they were posting.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Presidential address to students
Today my school viewed the Presidential address to students. Well when I say my school.... some of my students participated. It was amazing to me how many parents had an issue with their students hearing a "stay in school" message from the President of the United States. I even had a student tell me their parent thought about keeping them home from school today so they did not take part. How is this providing the best education for that child?? A parent really wanted to keep their child home for a half hour speech?? I may just be open minded but he is the President whether people voted for him or not andwhether they agree with his policies or beliefs or not. Does anyone else find this totally absurd?
Introducing the Blog.
This is my first post of my regular blog. I am excited about enhancing my knowledge and use of new technologies in my classroom. Tech Pro Wannabe was started to reach out to my fellow educators for information, advice, and comments on technology use in the classroom.
So I am not a total stranger you are writing to; here is a little bit of information about me. I am a mother to a wild ten month old son, a wife of five years, and a pack leader to my dog. We live in our house that my husband and I built four years ago. I teach seventh grade integrated language arts teacher to 130 students each day. In my free time I am working on my master's in technology integration, love to go walking with my friends, visit with my family, and work around the house with my husband.
Feel free to share any information about yourself when responding to a blog post or adding a comment!
So I am not a total stranger you are writing to; here is a little bit of information about me. I am a mother to a wild ten month old son, a wife of five years, and a pack leader to my dog. We live in our house that my husband and I built four years ago. I teach seventh grade integrated language arts teacher to 130 students each day. In my free time I am working on my master's in technology integration, love to go walking with my friends, visit with my family, and work around the house with my husband.
Feel free to share any information about yourself when responding to a blog post or adding a comment!
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