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.

Constructivism in Practice

I strongly believe that ALL students need to be engaged in learning activities. To ensure a positive learning experience problem-based and project-based learning experiences can be used. They are powerful when incorporated into daily classroom lessons. This type of learning is much more effective than having an instructor stand in front of a class lecturing. I recently listened to Dr. Orey speak about constructivism and constructionism. These are theories of knowledge that state that each individual actively constructs his or her own meaning to information given and that individuals learn best when they can build an external artifact that can be shared with others. We, as teachers, all strive for this type of learning to occur. Our goal is to allow our students to make connections and relate their learning to their own personal lives.

In the book, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, generating and testing hypotheses is discussed. Immediately, a picture of my fifth grade Science class appeared in my head. Little did I know. This strategy can be used in all subject areas. “When students generate and test hypotheses, they are engaging in complex mental processes, applying content knowledge like facts and vocabulary, and enhancing their overall understanding of the content” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 202). Students are able to state questions, make predictions, and collect data… This is where technology is beneficial. Spreadsheets can be created to collect data, research is conducted by visiting websites, and then various graphs can be created using appropriate computer programs.

As teachers, we must create valuable lessons and then select the most appropriate technologies to support those lessons and engage our students who possess multiple learning styles.

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

Cognitive Learning Theories

As teachers, what is our ultimate goal when teaching new information to students? Do we want them to receive a "good" grade by placing information in their short term memory or place the information into their long term memory for future use? I guess we probably want it all, but...

According to Dr. Orey, each idea is connected to another idea, so when receiving information we must use various strategies to teach the subject matter (Laureate, 2009). Material must be presented visually, through movement, sound, writing, communication, and discussion to reach all learning styles. For this reason, a virtual field trip would be an added asset to any lesson plan. Allowing students to interact and become part of the learning/teaching process.

"The instructional strategy summarizing and note taking focuses on enhancing students' ability to synthesize information and distill it into a concise new form" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p.119). It is extremely important that students organize the information they are receiving and put it in their own words. Another strategy is to use cues, questions and advance graphic organizers. I do this often by relating subject matter to life experiences, by asking questions, and providing the entire class with graphic organizers, such as concept maps. This gives students the opportunity to become familiar with what is being taught. I believe that this can be accomplished in all grade levels and with all types of information. There are several computer programs that can be altered to fit its purpose.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.

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

Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works: "Reinforcing Effort" and "Homework and Practice"

Behaviorism

When discussing behaviorism I immediately think of students, their behavior, and how they respond to various elements within my classroom. I am a firm believer that behavior can be controlled, but I will not bribe or beg. I build strong relationships, have high expectations, and model appropriate behavior. When building relationships I demonstrate and encourage honesty and trust. Students are given the freedom to make choices and understand the consequences when good choices are not made.

Reinforcing Effort

Again, building relationships and informing students of your expectations allows each student to better understand the endless possibilities when GREAT effort is given. Having students complete an Effort Rubric and tracking their assessments and daily work allows students to see the relationship between the two. I have also found that it is beneficial to show students my computer when entering grades. It is often an eye opening experience to see how quickly grades can drop and the large amount of time it takes for grades to exceed expectations. Honesty is usually the best policy!

Homework and Practice

As stated, "Homework provides opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of the content and to gain proficiency with their skills" (Piller, Hubbell, Kuhn &Malenoski, 2007, p. 187). Can this be done without assistance from a parent or teacher? Multiple exposure to information can deepen a students understanding, but as I remind my students- "Practice makes permanent!" Homework using technology must be practice for a skill that has somewhat been mastered and then feedback should be given immediately before students continue. Technology provides a wealth of resources for learning outside the classroom, but they must be used properly and to streghten skills that are already part of a child's knowledge base.

Technology: Reflection

As I began this course, EDUC 6710: Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society, I was not fully prepared for what I would be learning. I had always considered myself somewhat “comfortable” with technology, especially since I grew up without computers, cell phones, or video cameras. I am proud of the way I have self taught myself to research, communicate, and create while using technology. I did not realize that this course would provide me with so much more information on how to use Web 2.0 tools. Throughout this course I have had the opportunity to learn how to effectively incorporate technology into my lessons and the importance of doing so. I have also gained experience using and creating blogs, wiki’s, and podcasts. I feel confident incorporating these techniques to enhance my lessons and meet the students various needs within my classroom.

While using technology, I am able to develop my students 21st century skills which allows them to collaborate, problem solve, and use critical thinking skills. These skills will prepare my students for a bright, successful future in society. My classroom is not teacher-centered, but instead learner-centered. My students work together in all subject areas to achieve a common goal. I have always taught this way, but I am now incorporating more technology for students to explore and express their ideas and thoughts. As I continue to further my education and work towards receiving my Masters degree in Technology, I will continue to incorporate new strategies on a daily basis and share with other colleagues.

It is my goal to establish the following:
(1)To create and publish a webpage which includes blogs. I want to give my students and their parents the opportunity to express ideas and thoughts regarding subject matter discussed in class.
(2)To incorporate technology into my reading program. I plan to teach using literature circles and have students collaborate in small groups to create a wiki. Each student will be responsible for adding to the wiki. It will give me the opportunity to evaluate/assess each students understanding of the subject matter discussed during the literature circle.

As a teacher and parent, I am excited about what the future holds for our children. There are so many opportunities that were not available to many of us. If school districts begin to incorporate more of the Web 2.0 tools into their schools, all children will have the ability to succeed and prepare for the future regardless of their economic status.

Technology? Or not?

It is common knowledge that each student, within our classroom, is unique. Check out my podcast as I identify students with various amounts of exposure to technology~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc4q1-kEQEo