As I reflect on my experiences and discoveries from this course, I certainly feel I have gained a new and clearer understanding for technology integration. When I revisited my “Personal Theory of Learning,” I quickly noticed my reference to students learning best when they have something to “hook” on to. Now that I have gained an understanding for nonlinguistic representations, I feel I can validate this argument better. I would also strengthen my theory by discussing the elements of the constructionist learning theory. A particular modification I would make is to mention the importance of students creating artifacts and being actively engaged in the learning. I feel this was a reoccurring message with each online video I viewed in this course. Students need to be involved in the learning and the instruction should be student-centered. Without a doubt, I think this idea plays a significant role in student learning.
One immediate change I would make regarding technology integration is the amount of exposure I give my students. With each opportunity I provided them using a technology tool, they were engaged and motivated to learn. I absolutely want to expose my students to concept maps/webbing early on next year. I love the endless ways you can integrate this tool into your instruction. I also like how it’s an alternate method to summarizing, note taking, and organizing information. It also coincides with my belief in nonlinguistic representations. Students will have a mental image to help them recall information.
Another tool I would like to use is Voice Thread. I imagine my students will need to set up individual accounts, but I am really excited about the dialogue and discussions this tool can provide. Not to mention, it is very user friendly. I would also like to use Voice Thread as a homework tool, but I will have to survey my class before doing so. If possible, I can also see myself using it as a way to connect with parents. Thus, with a classroom of digital natives, it seems practical to integrate technology sooner than later next year!
Without a doubt, my repertoire of instructional skills has expanded. Like I have said in earlier discussions, I wish I had known about several of these tools earlier in the school year. Until recently, I feel I was only familiar with the basics. I also appreciate knowing additional tools my students can use. Looking forward, I would like to set a long-term goal to enhance my communication with parents via technology. I have always wanted to incorporate a classroom newsletter, but I have been unsure how I wanted to do it exactly. I may start small and begin by creating a classroom blog to share my updates. However, I would like to eventually upload podcasts or Voice Threads to my site as well. I envision this being up and running prior to my “Back to School Night.” One additional long-term goal I would like to try is have students from other classrooms collaborate using a tool such as Voice Thread. I have a few colleagues who teach older grades which I could see working with me on this project. I envision it being a way for students to provide feedback to other students. It could be an ongoing communication throughout the year.
Overall, I have thoroughly enjoyed this course. I will take away several tools and strategies to use with my students for the upcoming school year!
Monday, June 20, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Social Learning Theories and Voice Thread
Social learning theories significantly correlate with cooperative learning. Essentially, students work cooperatively to learn a new skill or concept. Social learning theories support the idea that students can be resources for one another. When working together, students can educate other students by playing the role as the team expert. This also supports the idea that students learn by doing and teaching others.
When considering technology integration that supports social learning theories, there are a variety of options that foster communication with students. For example, multi-media created by students demands several roles and responsibilities. Second graders would certainly need the support and guidance of an adult to incorporate a multi-media project, such as a movie. Ironically, I make a movie for my Back to School Night presentation every year. Truly, it is a whole class collaborative task. Each child has a special part in the movie. However, I would like to try making a movie next year that displays the students in a collaborative situation and clearly demonstrates a product, which they have generated themselves, rather than independently. I can only imagine the socialization and discussion that will take place between groups when they are told to plan a presentation for Back to School Night.
Another example of technology that correlates with social learning theories is Keypals. I am always looking for kid friendly websites for my students. When I browsed www.epals.com, I discovered a resource that I wish I knew about earlier this year. We teach a lengthy unit on culture and diversity. This site provided an incredible tool for students to communicate across the world. I love that students were posting messages to one another about their favorite holidays. Meanwhile, kids were teaching kids about holidays around the world. All the while, this tool was fostering discussions and collaboration. How neat!
A final example of technology integration is the use of WebQuests. This year and past years, I have been able to observe collaborative learning through the use of WebQuests. Since my students are younger, I have always grouped them together in order to complete the tasks specified on the WebQuest. I know there are a lot of WebQuests out there, but you really need to find ones that are interesting and pose an exciting problem or task. WebQuests hold students accountable and allow for student independence. Therefore, students can feed off one another to ensure their work gets completed correctly.
There are several tools and strategies available that support social learning theories. Integrating technology enhances the experience for learners. Essentially, students should be able to apply their learning and there are several tools using technology that will aid in this learning outcome.
For an additional communication tool, please visit my Voice Thread I created: http://voicethread.com/share/2085780/
Resource:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
When considering technology integration that supports social learning theories, there are a variety of options that foster communication with students. For example, multi-media created by students demands several roles and responsibilities. Second graders would certainly need the support and guidance of an adult to incorporate a multi-media project, such as a movie. Ironically, I make a movie for my Back to School Night presentation every year. Truly, it is a whole class collaborative task. Each child has a special part in the movie. However, I would like to try making a movie next year that displays the students in a collaborative situation and clearly demonstrates a product, which they have generated themselves, rather than independently. I can only imagine the socialization and discussion that will take place between groups when they are told to plan a presentation for Back to School Night.
Another example of technology that correlates with social learning theories is Keypals. I am always looking for kid friendly websites for my students. When I browsed www.epals.com, I discovered a resource that I wish I knew about earlier this year. We teach a lengthy unit on culture and diversity. This site provided an incredible tool for students to communicate across the world. I love that students were posting messages to one another about their favorite holidays. Meanwhile, kids were teaching kids about holidays around the world. All the while, this tool was fostering discussions and collaboration. How neat!
A final example of technology integration is the use of WebQuests. This year and past years, I have been able to observe collaborative learning through the use of WebQuests. Since my students are younger, I have always grouped them together in order to complete the tasks specified on the WebQuest. I know there are a lot of WebQuests out there, but you really need to find ones that are interesting and pose an exciting problem or task. WebQuests hold students accountable and allow for student independence. Therefore, students can feed off one another to ensure their work gets completed correctly.
There are several tools and strategies available that support social learning theories. Integrating technology enhances the experience for learners. Essentially, students should be able to apply their learning and there are several tools using technology that will aid in this learning outcome.
For an additional communication tool, please visit my Voice Thread I created: http://voicethread.com/share/2085780/
Resource:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
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