Final Reflection

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/