Reflection: Final Blog Posting

In reflecting on my personal theory of learning, I find that this course has helped me to develop ways to use technology to reach all learning styles. I based my theory on Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. He believes that one intelligence stands out for each person more than another. Through this course, I have learned key strategies that will engage my students in learning through technology and cooperative grouping. This course focused on behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and social constructivism and ways to help students be engaged in the learning process. In the DVD, “Brain Research and Learning”, Dr. Pat Wolfe (2007) explains that teachers have to create concrete experiences for students. She also explains that the brain is good at remembering through hearing and seeing. Technology is a way to create meaningful lessons for students, reach all learners, and prepare students for the 21st century.

This course has really helped me to understand how the brain works and how important it is for me to use technology as a way to get students involved in the learning process. Before taking this course, I had a very different idea of what it meant to integrate technology into the classroom. Presenting information through PowerPoint or using my ELMO is not enough. My students need to be out of their seats participating in lessons that integrate technology. I really enjoy allowing my students to work cooperatively on group projects in my classroom. This class has given me many ideas as to how to include technology into my projects. In the DVD, “Spotlight on Technology: Voice Thread”, Kevin Jarrett (2007) explains that technology makes a teacher’s day easier because it helps meet the needs of learners.

One technological tool that I would like to integrate into my classroom is VoiceThread. In creating a VoiceThread in this class, I felt that it was very user friendly. I can also see how beneficial that this tool will be in all subject areas. I teach social studies, reading, and math. Voice Thread is a great way to allow the students to express themselves, give each other feedback, and engage them in learning.

Another activity that I would like to integrate into my classroom is concept mapping. In The Theory underlying concept maps and how to construct and use them, Novak, J.D. & Canas, A. J. (2008) state, “Concept mapping is important because it serves as a kind of template or scaffold to help to organize knowledge and to structure it” (p.10). Having a graphical representation helps students to organize their thoughts and remember the information more easily. I can also use concept mapping in reading, social studies, and math. Requiring the students to identify the focus question, cross-links, and include examples of events or objects will help to create meaning for the students.

One long-term goal that I have is to incorporate one activity that involves technology into each social studies unit that I teach by the end of next school year. I feel that it is important that I make a big effort to add more technology into my instructional practice. I am gradually feeling more and more comfortable with technology and feel that this is a realistic goal. Another long term goal that I have is to create a classroom blog. I feel like this would be a great way to get my students and parents involved in the learning process. Next year, I plan on posting weekly questions on my blog in the hopes that parents and students will respond. These questions will range from their opinion on a book to their thoughts on classroom projects. I am very excited about this. Parents have to feel like they are a part of the classroom. It takes all of us to ensure that the students are successful.

References:
Jarrett, K. (2007). Spotlight on Technology: VoiceThread, Laureate Education, Inc, DVD.

Novak, J.D. & Canas, A.J. (2008). The Theory underlying concept maps and how to construct and use them, Technical Report IHMC Cmap Tools. 2000-01 Rev 01-2008. Retrieved from the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition Web Site.

Wolfe, Pat (2007). Brain Research and Learning, Laureate Education, Inc, DVD.

Voice Thread

This link will take you to my voice thread. I have included pictures of standards based bulletin boards in my voice thread. My school is in the process of becoming a standards based school. Each teacher must display the standard, essential question, and vocabulary that correlates to each lesson. Many of you might be working in standard based schools. I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions as to how I can easily make the transition. Thanks!