Reflection

Reflection

            My “Personal Theory of Learning” from week one included two theories, social constructionism and behaviorism.  Social constructionism involves the use of conversation and collaboration in the learning process (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).  Behaviorism uses reinforcement, punishment, and operant conditioning while students “learn as a response to the environment” (Lever-Duffy& McDonald, 2008, p. 15).  This course has deepened my knowledge and understanding of learning theory and the use of educational technology.  Furthermore, I have made some modifications to my theories because of this deepened understanding.   

            After reflecting upon my learning theories, I have come to the conclusion that I need to provide more collaboration and construction of artifacts.  All the theories presented in this course have all emphasized the importance of student centered learning.  Through technology, students can collaborate, not only in the school setting but also outside of the classroom.  No longer are students struggling to find time to meet together at someone’s house or a library to collaborate and construct artifacts.  Once a student has found information, it can be uploaded to a wiki or blog for others to find and reference.  Technology has also provided different ways in which students present their information.  Students can use various technology tools such as PowerPoint presentations, VoiceThreads, blogs, and wikis to create or utilize in their presentations.

            There are a few immediate adjustments I would like to make to my instructional practice regarding technology integration as a result of this course.  I would like to implement as many technology tools as possible into as many lessons as I can.  Right now I am using an LCD projector, PowerPoint presentations, and a SMARTboard to present information.  I would like the students to begin to create more PowerPoint presentations, VoiceThreads, and use the SMARTboard as learning tools.  After seeing the effect on student learning from last week’s application assignment, I can see the rich understanding in my students learning through the VoiceThreads and PowerPoint presentations.  This was the evidence I needed to see to help my students demonstrate their understanding, other than by using paper and pencil methods.  Because of this course my repertoire of instructional skills has expanded greatly.  I knew that technologies existed to support student learning, but was unaware of how to utilize them to best reach all learners.  This course has provided me with several ways in which I can enrich student learning and understanding.  VoiceThreads, concept mapping, virtual field trips, are all new tools to add to my repertoire that I did not have before.

            A long-term goal that I have is to help my students to become more familiar with PowerPoint presentations.  None of my students have ever created a PowerPoint presentation prior to being in my classroom.  I will create a project in which PowerPoint presentations can be an option for how to present information that the students have learned at least once a month.  This will help students to become more confident in their technology skills and prepare them for the future work place. 

Another long-term goal I have is to provide more use of my new SMARTboard.  This is the first year that I have had this piece of technology in my classroom.  It is also a learning experience for me.  I would like to provide opportunities for the students to manipulate the board more often.  At least twice a week, I will have students guide the class in correcting assignments, leading the class through a learning experience, or playing an interactive learning game.  These opportunities will strengthen student learning, confidence, and memory.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program three: Instructional theory vs.

learning theory [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

Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J. (2008). Teaching and learning with technology (3rd ed.

pp. 2–35). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.

Social Learning Theory

Social Learning Theory

After reading the chapter from our text that presented information about cooperative learning, I gained several insights and made some connections to the social learning theory through information presented by Dr. Orey.   Dr. Orey discussed several topics that pertain to the social learning theory.  One insight I gained from Dr. Orey stated that in a cooperative learning setting, each learner was responsible for everyone else’s learning (Laureate Education Inc., 2011).  The text supported that statement by stating that when students engage each other in groups, their learning is enhanced (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, p. 139).  The text also suggested that during cooperative grouping situations, learners “make sense of, or construct meaning for, new knowledge by interacting with others” (Pitler et al, 2007, p. 139).  Dr. Orey goes on to state that when students teach each other, the understanding is deeper (Laureate Education Inc., 2011).  Another insight gained was when technology is added, Pitler el al, (2007) also suggested that “a modest increase in effect size” was shown in some studies.  Students can use technology to present their group’s findings with the rest of the class.  In addition, technology can also help students to gain understanding of global concerns via other students from around the world (Pitler et al, 2007, p. 145).  This is an example of something Dr. Orey presented in the video.  Orey stated that learners use context and culture to gain knowledge and understanding of our world (Laureate Education Inc., 2011).

Resources

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). 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

Pitler H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with

classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Voice Thread

 http://voicethread.com/share/2303343