Reflection

As I reflect on the past eight weeks and my personal theory of learning, I recall several new teaching strategies that I was introduced to. I explored new technology that I plan to use in my classroom in order to engage my students in learning. Blogs, podcasts, wikis, voice threads… are only a few that I plan to further explore. While using these various tools, my students will become actively involved, curious, and in charge of their learning. I have always believed that students who are actively involved in project-based learning are able to build on their prior knowledge (schema). Collaborating with others also allows for each individual to develop their social skills and share important information with others. To allow this to occur, I have already adjusted my teaching by incorporating more time for my students to explore technology individually. Instead of using technology as an instructional tool, I use it more as a learning tool (Orey, 2001). Providing students with web quests, virtual fieldtrips… allows each child to become engaged.

Two tools that I look forward to using are voice threads and wikis, which will incorporate more collaborative learning. 1.) Using voice threads will allow students to create artifacts and the ability to visualize information that can be shared with fellow classmates. As discussed in my lesson plan, my students will be creating character maps for novels we read in class and then collaborate to explore and present the characters characteristics. 2.) Wikis can also be used in Language Arts. Students will be assigned a literature exploration job (word wizard, discussion director, literary luminary, connector, reporter, or illustrator),while reading a novel, and then create a portion of a wiki in a creative and unique way. I look forward to seeing how each student will present their information.

Two long term goals I have are:
Goal #1- Incorporate virtual field trips into my Science curriculum
I have discovered that there are several opportunities for me to use virtual field trips within my Science lessons. Part of my fifth grade curriculum is teaching the solar system, a place that few, if any, will ever travel to. Giving my students the chance to explore our universe or even speak with individuals from NASA allows for learning to take place. Some of the virtual field trips actually allow students to speak one-on-one with professionals, but they are usually expensive. I will need to find those that are inexpensive (or free), yet informational.

Goal #2- To find additional time to use technology
Unfortunately, our school district is not able to purchase lap tops or additional classroom computers, so I struggle with finding additional time to use computers. Four days a week, I have computer lab for forty-five minutes, but I have several students who also meet with a reading specialist during this time. I hope to teach those in attendance and then allow them to re-teach the students who are not present. A long term goal I have is to work with other colleagues to write a grant for a mobile computer lab.

This course has been extremely beneficial for me. I am anxious to incorporate technology into daily lessons and look forward to observing how my students interact and move forward using technology. I feel more prepared to share and assist my fifth grade students for a future filled with various forms of technology.

Voice Thread

Here is the link to my Voice Thread. Please visit and listen to the issue I am having with regards to weekly reading logs. How do I convince my students that reading and making connections to what has been read will assist them in becoming life long learners?

http://voicethread.com/#q.b886904.i4738414

Connectivism and Soical Learning in Practice

I believe that cooperative learning must take place in today’s classrooms. Students must learn to collaborate and work together to accomplish a common goal. In the future our youth will need to be prepared to function in a fast-paced world full of changes, technology, and individuals with unique ideas. My students must understand what it means to complete tasks while sharing ideas, respecting each group member’s individuality, and working in a civilized manner.

Technology plays an important role in cooperative learning, because if facilitates group collaboration, provides structure for group tasks, and allows member of groups to communicate even if they are not working face to face (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Using technology prepares students to become lifelong learners.

As a teacher of fifth grade students, I find myself being drawn to several of the instructional strategies using technology and social learning. Working in small groups allows for a "knowledgable other" to be present, everyone possessing responsible, and group consequences given for unacceptable work. My only concern is having the time to teach my students how to use the various types of multimedia- Voice Thread, podcasting… Working in a small school district has some disadvantages. We have three computer labs, but the labs are scheduled with classrooms throughout the day. An open computer lab does not always connect with my rotation times. My ultimate dream would be to have several laptops that could be used within my classroom, along with the four classroom computers I currently have. Unfortunately, this is not an option at this time. I am looking for ideas. Any suggestions?

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