“Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology” has greatly enhanced my knowledge on how the use of technology tools directly corresponds with how the brain learns. In the beginning of this course I thought I was incorporating technology into my classroom through a variety of avenues. I previously mentioned how students will have a more concrete understanding of what they are learning if it fits into their society or lifestyle and continue to stand by the fact that today’s students are more technology savvy. My students will be able to be more engaged in learning due to the resources provided by this course. Technology still supports my personal instructional theories to strive to make the appropriate connections to the real world and to feel like there is purpose and meaning in what I teach to my students. . “The act of teaching requires an understanding of learning and an understanding of the individual and environmental factors that affect the learner” (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008, p.25).
Dr. Wolfe noted that the learning process occurs when connections are made between neurons within the brain. Brain research and learning theories help us understand how these learning process can have a profound effect on student learning. Learning is enhanced by way of making connections so ultimately the more learning takes place as more connections are made. When students are actively involved in meaningful activities a variety of areas within their brains are being stimulated resulted in maximized student learning (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008c). As Dr. Orey suggested, we can truly engage our students and enhance their learning when instruction is diversified and individualized to reach a variety of learning styles and multiple intelligences (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008a). Numerous studies indicate that students encompass a variety of different learning and cognitive styles and multiple intelligences. Activating this knowledge requires a different approach to teaching that incorporates educational technology.
Educational technology can be used to broaden the horizons of instruction. It has the ability to increase brain activity by tapping into the visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learner while allowing them to explore their multiple intelligences. The use of this technology allows students to make concrete connections and will aid to better prepare students to thrive in today’s society. The educational technologies I was using almost everyday was the interactive whiteboard, LCD projector, student laptop computers, and Power Point. While these tools are effective if used in engaging students in their learning, educational technology reaches far beyond these tools
It is my long-term goal to ensure that all students are learning with these technological tools tools not just from them (Kirschner & Erkins, 2006). I plan to better use technology as a learning tool rather than an instructional tool. The key difference between technology as an instructional tool and technology as a learning tool comes down to who exactly is using the technology. When a teacher is the primary user of the technology, it is an instructional tool while student-centered technology use classifies the technology as a learning tool (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008b). There is a place for instructional tools, however student learning is best enhanced when technology is used as a learning tool. When making decisions about incorporating certain technologies in my classroom, I try to ensure that the technology is student-centered and provides opportunities for students to construct their own knowledge, collaborate with peers, and/or provides immediate feedback.
In the up-coming school year I also plan to create a class wiki. Blogs are blocked from our school system so wiki’s are the next best thing. I would like to use this tool to allow students to post discussion questions for my health class. Often students are embarrassed to ask questions during class, this way if they have an alias to use instead of their names I can address the question and even leave it open for others to engage in the conversation. VoiceThread, content mapping tools such as Webspiration, virtual field trips and multi-user virtual environments are online tools that I also intend to experiment with in the future to provide meaningful learning opportunities. The more technology I incorporate the more I become a facilitator to the learning processes of my students. They can work independently or in groups to create visual representations of concepts and show links between ideas and curriculum points. By incorporating these technologies, many of which students are already familiar, educators can easily capture their attention and actively engage them in learning activities that permit students to construct their own knowledge.
Instructional strategies require change to keep up with the changes in education all with the same goal to better educate our students. Traditional teaching provides a disservice to our students. Students need more from their teachers that just lecture. We must engage them in their learning and excite them about the content by infusing lessons with technology and skills that our students need in today’s fast-paced society. As stated by Lever-Duffy & McDonald (2008),
I look forward to refining my role as a facilitator by incorporating the skills and knowledge learned throughout this course . “Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology” proved to be an excellent resource for tools to integrate into my own lessons.
References
Kirschner, P., & Erkens, G. (2006). Cognitive tools and mindtools for collaborative learning. Journal of Educational Computing Research, 35(2), 199–209.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008a). Program one. Understanding the Brain [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008b). Program thirteen. Technology: Instructional Tool vs. Learning Tool [Motion picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Friday, August 20, 2010
Monday, August 2, 2010
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
