Reflection: Final Blog Posting
The course “Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology,” has taught me a lot in the past eight weeks. We have looked at constructivist, behaviorist, and cognitivist theories, as well as examined the use of rewards and reinforcements in the classroom. I believe that each theory has a place in the classroom and that the correct or effective use of these theories is necessary to improve and engage student learning.
While teaching is important, the learner is even more important and when teaching, all the learning models or theories have their place. I agree with the behaviorist theory, but I need to be careful in the use of rewards or punishment, as it will affect the student emotionally and create pathways in the brain that will increase or decrease learning (Wolfe, 2003). I must also take into account the Cognitivist and the Constructivist view as they also have their place. In considering how students think and factors that influence their ability to absorb information, I can better design lessons to meet their needs (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008).
In order to design better lesson I must incorporate the 2.0 web tools that I have been introduced to like blogs, Wikis, spreadsheets, podcasting, Voice Threads and how to use Power Point as a learning tool, not just as a teaching tool. In managing these resources more responsibly I will be better able to design lessons that will engage students and increase their desire to learn(Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008). I will also be presenting the lessons in formats that create new pathways in the brain as I tap into their special and visual learning centers so that they how have more reference points with which to remember information stored
With this wealth of knowledge before me I must still pace myself and recognize my limitations (Kottler, Zehm, & Kottler, 2005), as I will not be able to implement all these web 2.0 tools at once. With this in mind I will be focusing on two of the web tools recently learned (wikis, concept maps, and voice thread), and I will adjust the use of power point in the classroom. The use of voice threads to enhance certain lesson content is great as it allows the students to work cooperatively in groups with each other or with other students worldwide. Having students create concept maps is a great learning tool as it helps to create an artifact that helps to increase the students ability to remember how information is related in the context given
I am still searching for new ways to integrate technology into the teaching of algebra and geometry so that I can tap into the technological age in which my students are growing up. It is unrealistic of me to expect them to come and sit in school for 7 hours and be stimulated to learn using only the pencil and paper method, when they are into iPods, texting, and video games. In order not to frustrate the students or frustrate myself, it is imperative that I design lessons that create those brain connections that stimulate learning.
My long-term goals then would center on developing teaching strategies using concept maps, Voice Threads, and Wikis to enhance learning in mathematics. In the fall of 2010, I will have an interactive white board in my mathematics classroom. My plans for the summer is to design activities (centered around math concepts and using Power Point), that will result in the students interacting with the white board and not just seeing the white board as a teaching tool but as a learning tool
References
Kottler, J. A., Zehm, S. J., & Kottler, E. (2005). On being a teacher:The human dimension.Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin press.
Laureate Education, I. (2008). Technology: Instructional tool vs. learning tool (DVD) Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Dr. Michael Orey.
Lever-Duffy and McDonald. (2008). Theoretical Foundations. In teaching and learning with technology (3rd ed. pp. 2 - 35). Boston: Pearson.
Orey, M. (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/.
Wolfe, P. (2003). Brain research and education: Fad or foundation. Maricopa Center for Learning & Instruction , 4-7.
