“For years, we have tried to teach brains that we have not understood,” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011a). Many teachers become great teachers through the process of trial and error, without really understanding and knowing how the students in their classrooms learn (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011a). It is important for educators to consider how their students learn in order to create a classroom environment that facilitates their students’ learning (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011b). This course has provided with a deeper knowledge and understanding of how my students learn and how to use educational technologies to enhance their learning.
I have always believed that students have various learning preferences and aptitudes for multiple intelligences and it is the job of the educator to use a multitude of instructional strategies to reach all of the students in his or her classroom. This class has given me a deeper understanding of the nine clusters of effective instructional strategies and how to implement them through integrating technology. However, these strategies are only effective when students can use them proficiently and when the strategy is appropriate for the content to be learned (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011d). When I began this class I believed students learn better when they interact with others and are actively engaged in the learning process. Through this course, I have developed a deeper understanding of social learning theories and now believe not only do my students need to communicate with others to be actively engaged in the learning process, they also need to create some kind of external artifact to demonstrate their learning (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011c). One way to effectively do this is to create cooperative learning activities in the classroom with technology.
This course has taught me the difference between integrating technology as an instructional tool and integrating technology as a learning tool. Previously I have use technology more as an instructional tool and less as a learning tool. While I was continuously integrating technology through PowerPoint, interactive white board, laptops, and inter-write pads I was not integrating it as effectively as I could have been to benefit student learning and engagement. Although I knew the importance of having students use technology I did not have many opportunities in my instruction for my students to do so except for reinforcing skills using interactive games. Throughout this course I have learned about many different technology tools I can use as learning tools rather than instructional tools in my classroom.
I am really excited to use VoiceThread and kidspiration more with my students. While the school laptops have kidspiration I have not really utilized the program to its fullest potential. There are so many applications and content areas kidspiration can be utilized for. I plan to use kidspiration more in math to explore concepts and assess understanding of concepts. Kidspiration is a great way to incorporate non linguistic representation, advance organizers, and cooperative group work in the classroom. In addition I want to have my students collaborate with each other using VoiceThread. I really like how easy it is to upload pictures or PowerPoint presentations and then the creator and classmates or teachers can comment on each slide by recording their voice, typing a comment, or uploading a video. The applications for this tool are endless. In addition, VoiceThread would be a great way for students to share their work with their parents. When using both of these tools the students would be the ones actively using the tools to collaborate and create artifacts of their learning.
In order to integrate technology more effectively in my classroom there are two long term goals I have set for myself. First, I want to help my students’ parents become more aware of technology integration. Some of the parents are weary of allowing their students to use certain technology tools. I plan to hold an informational session in which I share with parents the different tools we will be using and various applications for them. During this time parents can ask questions and get more information about the technology their students will be using. In addition, I would like to hold tech share days throughout the year in which students can share their favorite technology projects with their parents, and present their work to the class. Second, I want to integrate technology as learning tools more effectively into the classroom on a regular basis. I plan to take the time to teach my students how to use the various technology tools will be using and give them time to get familiar with the various tools. Then, I plan to integrate at least one weekly learning tool into instruction. I tend to try to do too much too fast, if I start by creating student centered learning tasks that integrate technology my students are comfortable using the tasks will become more manageable and can become more extensive as my students become proficient in using the tools.
In conclusion, in order for students to make meaning to new information they must be actively engaged in the learning process, interacting with others to create artifacts. Through integrating technology into instruction as learning tools, students will be able to actively use the technology to make meaning of the new information and create artifacts to demonstrate their learning.
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011a). Program one: Understanding the brain [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011b). Program three: Instructional theory vs. learning theory [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved fromhttp://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011c). Program eight: Social learning theories [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011d). Program eleven: Instructional strategies, Part one [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
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