Website Review for the Pacific Northwest Tree Octopus
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Technology Tools and Learning Theories
When thinking about education and how students learn, one of the biggest theories of learning that come to my mind is constructivism. I have always felt strongly that students learn best when they are able to interact with content and material and have hands-on experiences. These types of experiences help students to build cognitive models which results in long-term memory and recall of information.
Based on research and my own experiences in the classroom I also feel that social learning theory is very important as well. Students learn from their peers and are often able to work together to create projects which may only be possible in a group setting. Students learn social norms and behaviors from their classmates and equally important, they can also learn content as well. When students are able to work in a group and share their knowledge and experiences all members of the group benefit. Students learn to rely on one another and work to their strengths and weaknesses to learn.
Technology plays an important role in the classroom and one thing I would like to do is to evaluate the tools I am using to ensure that they are student learning tools, not just teacher tools. The difference between the two makes a big difference for our students. I would like to start using more concept maps within the classroom. Concept mapping helps students to visually see how related topics go together. Showing students these types of maps and then having them create their own promotes higher order thinking skills within our students as they begin to think about content and how it relates to other subject areas.
Voice Thread is another technology tool that I would love to utilize in the classroom. Voice Thread allows students to collaborate together and then reflect upon the projects of others to add their own knowledge or content. This type of tool also encourages parental involvement as the account can be set up for parents to access and hear and see what their child is working on in the classroom. Home-school connection is very important for all students and allows the students to take pride in their work.
One goal that I have for my own classroom is to work with the school district to unblock some of the websites that have benefits for my students. All personal pages are banned, but I would like to sit down with my principal and technology coordinator to discuss the importance of using podcasts, Voice Thread, blogs and wikis within the classroom. It is my hope that administrators will begin to see the educational value of such tools and allow their usage within the classroom.
One other area in which I would like to make changes within the classroom is to develop more hands-on projects which encourage the students to use the computer to create projects and complete research in the classroom. I would like to carefully assess the technology that I utilize to ensure that it is enhancing my instruction, not taking the place of worn-out methodology.
Technology can play a huge role in the classroom and effectively teach when used correctly. It is important for teachers to carefully evaluate their own usage so that students are learning with the technology that we present in our classrooms.
Based on research and my own experiences in the classroom I also feel that social learning theory is very important as well. Students learn from their peers and are often able to work together to create projects which may only be possible in a group setting. Students learn social norms and behaviors from their classmates and equally important, they can also learn content as well. When students are able to work in a group and share their knowledge and experiences all members of the group benefit. Students learn to rely on one another and work to their strengths and weaknesses to learn.
Technology plays an important role in the classroom and one thing I would like to do is to evaluate the tools I am using to ensure that they are student learning tools, not just teacher tools. The difference between the two makes a big difference for our students. I would like to start using more concept maps within the classroom. Concept mapping helps students to visually see how related topics go together. Showing students these types of maps and then having them create their own promotes higher order thinking skills within our students as they begin to think about content and how it relates to other subject areas.
Voice Thread is another technology tool that I would love to utilize in the classroom. Voice Thread allows students to collaborate together and then reflect upon the projects of others to add their own knowledge or content. This type of tool also encourages parental involvement as the account can be set up for parents to access and hear and see what their child is working on in the classroom. Home-school connection is very important for all students and allows the students to take pride in their work.
One goal that I have for my own classroom is to work with the school district to unblock some of the websites that have benefits for my students. All personal pages are banned, but I would like to sit down with my principal and technology coordinator to discuss the importance of using podcasts, Voice Thread, blogs and wikis within the classroom. It is my hope that administrators will begin to see the educational value of such tools and allow their usage within the classroom.
One other area in which I would like to make changes within the classroom is to develop more hands-on projects which encourage the students to use the computer to create projects and complete research in the classroom. I would like to carefully assess the technology that I utilize to ensure that it is enhancing my instruction, not taking the place of worn-out methodology.
Technology can play a huge role in the classroom and effectively teach when used correctly. It is important for teachers to carefully evaluate their own usage so that students are learning with the technology that we present in our classrooms.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Voice Thread
One of the biggest problems that I observe in my classroom/school is a lack of funding for technology. Please check out the link to my Voice Thread to find out more (the link is the title of this post).
Social Constructivism- Week Five
Social constructivism asserts that students construct meaning primarily through their interactions with others and their environments. Coupled with social constructivism is cooperative learning which provides experiences for students in which they are working together in ways that will enhance and strengthen their learning. Cooperative learning and social constructivism work hand in hand when allowing group collaboration, communication, and problem solving.
One of the many ways that social constructivism can be utilized in the classroom is by using multimedia and web resources. By nature social constructivism requires students to work together to create and construct meaning with material being discussed. When students are able to work collaboratively to create multimedia presentations, like mp3 files and movies, it requires student planning, problem-solving and creativity. These are all skills which require a deeper understanding of content and provide social interactions for students.
Web resources also promote social constructivism. Today, students can log onto the Internet and instantly be connected with students all over the world. This type of interaction allows for students to problem-solve and discuss topics with students hundreds of miles away. The Internet also provides students with a wealth of knowledgeable experts to pull information from. While studying the International Space Station students can email questions directly to experts to receive information via email about questions that the class or students may have.
Social constructivism does not have to be solely used in conjunction with educational technology, however. There are many approaches that can be taken to utilize cooperative learning within the classroom that does not require a computer. Students can be placed into groups to discuss and react to a book that is being read in class or cooperative groups can work together to solve a community problem such as pollution in a local pond. Cooperative grouping gets its strength in the knowledge that is discovered and constructed by the students working together.
When students have the opportunity of working together it allows for each student to share his or her unique talents with the rest of the class. Cooperative learning groups provide a safe and non-threatening way for students to communicate while applying knowledge to create or solve a problem. Social constructivism is one of many learning theories that should be utilized within the classroom.
One of the many ways that social constructivism can be utilized in the classroom is by using multimedia and web resources. By nature social constructivism requires students to work together to create and construct meaning with material being discussed. When students are able to work collaboratively to create multimedia presentations, like mp3 files and movies, it requires student planning, problem-solving and creativity. These are all skills which require a deeper understanding of content and provide social interactions for students.
Web resources also promote social constructivism. Today, students can log onto the Internet and instantly be connected with students all over the world. This type of interaction allows for students to problem-solve and discuss topics with students hundreds of miles away. The Internet also provides students with a wealth of knowledgeable experts to pull information from. While studying the International Space Station students can email questions directly to experts to receive information via email about questions that the class or students may have.
Social constructivism does not have to be solely used in conjunction with educational technology, however. There are many approaches that can be taken to utilize cooperative learning within the classroom that does not require a computer. Students can be placed into groups to discuss and react to a book that is being read in class or cooperative groups can work together to solve a community problem such as pollution in a local pond. Cooperative grouping gets its strength in the knowledge that is discovered and constructed by the students working together.
When students have the opportunity of working together it allows for each student to share his or her unique talents with the rest of the class. Cooperative learning groups provide a safe and non-threatening way for students to communicate while applying knowledge to create or solve a problem. Social constructivism is one of many learning theories that should be utilized within the classroom.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Constructionism in the Classroom
The theory of constructionism is based on the principle that learners are able to learn information when they have an external model, or arifact, that they are a part of creating. Students that are a part of the learning process are able to recall information more quickly as well as have a deeper understanding of content. There are various instructional strategies that promote the constructionist classroom while at the same time utilizing educational technology.
Using spreadsheet software, such as Excel, allows students to manipulate data in order to be a part of the testing and hypothesis experience. Using this type of software allows students to make a hypothesis and then be a part of the testing to determine the validity of that hypothesis. Students are able to see the cause and effect of manipulating numbers within a spreadsheet and then see the immediate results of their choices. Spreadsheets can work well in science classes where students are gathering data and one variable is dependent on another. When students can see that correlation they will retain the knowledge longer because they were able to interact with the program and the data.
Data collection tools also support the constructionist classroom. Constructionism revolves around the guise that learners need to interact and be a part of the learning process. Data collection tools allow students to recognize patterns within the world and to answer questions. When students are able to gather their own data, not just read about someone else's, they are becoming actively involved. The one drawback about data collection tools is the accessibility of them within the school. Tools such as light intensity probes and digital microscopes have amazing capabilities within the classroom, but not all schools have access to them.
The last educational technology resource discussed are web resources. Web resources are used to help students make meaning and be a part of the learning process when the situation may otherwise not be feasible. I have found many fantastic websites which have allowed the students to be a part of the learning process. One example is that my students learned about tornados and then had to set the right conditions so that a simulated tornado would occur- because they were so excited to see the tornado it was more like a game to them so that all of the students were eagerly engaged to get the conditions just right. Had the lesson been merely lecture about the conditions needed for a tornado my students would not have been as interested and would not have remembered the lesson as well.
When planning and implementing lesson engagement is crucial. When our students can experience the learning process by doing rather than by hearing we can maximize their motivation and learning at the same time.
Using spreadsheet software, such as Excel, allows students to manipulate data in order to be a part of the testing and hypothesis experience. Using this type of software allows students to make a hypothesis and then be a part of the testing to determine the validity of that hypothesis. Students are able to see the cause and effect of manipulating numbers within a spreadsheet and then see the immediate results of their choices. Spreadsheets can work well in science classes where students are gathering data and one variable is dependent on another. When students can see that correlation they will retain the knowledge longer because they were able to interact with the program and the data.
Data collection tools also support the constructionist classroom. Constructionism revolves around the guise that learners need to interact and be a part of the learning process. Data collection tools allow students to recognize patterns within the world and to answer questions. When students are able to gather their own data, not just read about someone else's, they are becoming actively involved. The one drawback about data collection tools is the accessibility of them within the school. Tools such as light intensity probes and digital microscopes have amazing capabilities within the classroom, but not all schools have access to them.
The last educational technology resource discussed are web resources. Web resources are used to help students make meaning and be a part of the learning process when the situation may otherwise not be feasible. I have found many fantastic websites which have allowed the students to be a part of the learning process. One example is that my students learned about tornados and then had to set the right conditions so that a simulated tornado would occur- because they were so excited to see the tornado it was more like a game to them so that all of the students were eagerly engaged to get the conditions just right. Had the lesson been merely lecture about the conditions needed for a tornado my students would not have been as interested and would not have remembered the lesson as well.
When planning and implementing lesson engagement is crucial. When our students can experience the learning process by doing rather than by hearing we can maximize their motivation and learning at the same time.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Cognitivism in the Classroom
One of the difficulties of the educator is to effectively teach all students that walk through our classroom doors regardless of previous experiences and prior knowledge. Cognitivism is a learning theory which tries to explain why learners approach learning experiences in different manners but are still able to flourish (Oxendine, Robinson, & Willson, 2004).
Cognitivism works under the assumption that students learn best when they are actively engaged and involved in the learning experience. When students are engaged they are able to gain a deeper understanding of content and use their knowledge to problem-solve and synthesize. With the use of cognitive tools students are able to interact with information as they shift the learning from a computer to learning with a computer (Robertson, Elliot, & Washington, 2007). This difference is crucial as students are now learning to use a computer to enhance their learning to think about information rather than just reproducing and recalling information. Computers are aiding the learning process, not substituting as teachers.
When discussing ways of increasing student engagement and experiences into the learning process there are various technological tools that can be utilized. Using graphic organizers and concept maps offer students the concrete experience needed for cognitive learning to take place. Advance organizers can incorporate pictures, text, sound bytes, and even video clips to provide students with a framework to begin and enhance their learning. As advance organizers activate prior knowledge they also develop mental models which allow for students to begin reflecting upon the subject matter which then leads to an abstract understanding (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007).
Additional tools which lend themselves to cognitivism are summarizing and note taking skills. When teaching summarizing, teachers can use Microsoft Word to type a portion of text into the program. Together, the teacher and students can work together to summarize the text (this is the concrete stage of learning). Next, the teacher can auto summarize the text to see if the students summarized the text in a similar style to the computer (students are now critically reflecting upon their own work). After that the students are then ready for more abstract practice in which they will summarize a paragraph on their own. Leading the students through the summarizing process and moving from concrete to abstract will provide the students a framework in which to draw from for future lessons and activities.
Cognitivism can be used effectively in the classroom when students are engaged in realistic experiences, discussing content, and experimenting with newly formed concepts and experiences (Oxendine, Robinson, & Willson, 2004). Students will remember content much longer when they have had real experiences and hands-on activities to draw from.
Citations
Oxendine, C., Robinson, J., & Willson, G. (2004). Experiential learning. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved <2009>.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Robertson, B., Elliot, L., & Robinson, D. (2007). Cognitive tools. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved <2009>.
Cognitivism works under the assumption that students learn best when they are actively engaged and involved in the learning experience. When students are engaged they are able to gain a deeper understanding of content and use their knowledge to problem-solve and synthesize. With the use of cognitive tools students are able to interact with information as they shift the learning from a computer to learning with a computer (Robertson, Elliot, & Washington, 2007). This difference is crucial as students are now learning to use a computer to enhance their learning to think about information rather than just reproducing and recalling information. Computers are aiding the learning process, not substituting as teachers.
When discussing ways of increasing student engagement and experiences into the learning process there are various technological tools that can be utilized. Using graphic organizers and concept maps offer students the concrete experience needed for cognitive learning to take place. Advance organizers can incorporate pictures, text, sound bytes, and even video clips to provide students with a framework to begin and enhance their learning. As advance organizers activate prior knowledge they also develop mental models which allow for students to begin reflecting upon the subject matter which then leads to an abstract understanding (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007).
Additional tools which lend themselves to cognitivism are summarizing and note taking skills. When teaching summarizing, teachers can use Microsoft Word to type a portion of text into the program. Together, the teacher and students can work together to summarize the text (this is the concrete stage of learning). Next, the teacher can auto summarize the text to see if the students summarized the text in a similar style to the computer (students are now critically reflecting upon their own work). After that the students are then ready for more abstract practice in which they will summarize a paragraph on their own. Leading the students through the summarizing process and moving from concrete to abstract will provide the students a framework in which to draw from for future lessons and activities.
Cognitivism can be used effectively in the classroom when students are engaged in realistic experiences, discussing content, and experimenting with newly formed concepts and experiences (Oxendine, Robinson, & Willson, 2004). Students will remember content much longer when they have had real experiences and hands-on activities to draw from.
Citations
Oxendine, C., Robinson, J., & Willson, G. (2004). Experiential learning. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved <2009>.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Robertson, B., Elliot, L., & Robinson, D. (2007). Cognitive tools. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved <2009>.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Behaviorism in the Classroom
Educational theories have been debated for years. How and why people learn has been studied extensively and new theories are always arising and old ones are being updated. How an educator views learning is manifested in their teaching methods and educational objectives. One such learning theory is behaviorism. One of the most prominent behaviorists is B.F. Skinner who suppositioned that satisfying responses are conditioned whereas unsatisfying ones are not (Standridge, 2002).
While looking at Skinner in a purely psychological way suggests that the stimulus-response must be present in order for behaviorism to occur (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008). Therefore a teacher who turns the light off for students to quiet down is providing a stimulus (the light). Students who stop talking are immedietely rewarded with a token or whatever reward system the teacher uses. If the students do not stop talking they will have a token taken away. This is providing the reinforcement needed to produce an appropriate response (students stop talking). If we look at behaviorism in this way than many of the ideas suggested within the learning resources do not fall under the category of behaviorism. When looking at skill and drill strategies what is the stimulus? The content (multiplication facts for example?) or the anticipation of good grades? We know that we want the response to be- the students studying and receiving a good grade, but what was the catalyst (or stimulus) that shaped this behavior?
If we look at behaviorism in a more liberal way and view it as a series of causes and effects than behaviorism certainly is evident in the strategies suggested by Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn and Malenoski. Behavior contracts can provide a change in behavior when the students track it and see their success over time. The response is more effort put forth in the classroom, but the lack of a stimulus makes it a questionable behaviorist strategy. Likewise skill and drill websites can offer immediate feedback for students which is an important aspect of behaviorism.
Whether the strategies suggested are examples of behaviorism or not does not discredit them as strategies. There are many geat websites offered by Pitler, et. al as well as suggestions of using spreadsheets to create rubrics for students to track their successes. These are all powerful tools to be used within the classroom and can be met with student success when utilized appropriately.
Citations
Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical Foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
Standridge, M. (2002). Behaviorism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved<2009>, from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
While looking at Skinner in a purely psychological way suggests that the stimulus-response must be present in order for behaviorism to occur (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008). Therefore a teacher who turns the light off for students to quiet down is providing a stimulus (the light). Students who stop talking are immedietely rewarded with a token or whatever reward system the teacher uses. If the students do not stop talking they will have a token taken away. This is providing the reinforcement needed to produce an appropriate response (students stop talking). If we look at behaviorism in this way than many of the ideas suggested within the learning resources do not fall under the category of behaviorism. When looking at skill and drill strategies what is the stimulus? The content (multiplication facts for example?) or the anticipation of good grades? We know that we want the response to be- the students studying and receiving a good grade, but what was the catalyst (or stimulus) that shaped this behavior?
If we look at behaviorism in a more liberal way and view it as a series of causes and effects than behaviorism certainly is evident in the strategies suggested by Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn and Malenoski. Behavior contracts can provide a change in behavior when the students track it and see their success over time. The response is more effort put forth in the classroom, but the lack of a stimulus makes it a questionable behaviorist strategy. Likewise skill and drill websites can offer immediate feedback for students which is an important aspect of behaviorism.
Whether the strategies suggested are examples of behaviorism or not does not discredit them as strategies. There are many geat websites offered by Pitler, et. al as well as suggestions of using spreadsheets to create rubrics for students to track their successes. These are all powerful tools to be used within the classroom and can be met with student success when utilized appropriately.
Citations
Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical Foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
Standridge, M. (2002). Behaviorism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved<2009>, from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
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