Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology - Final Reflection

Modifications to My Personal Learning Theory:

As I reflect back upon the learning and readings we completed throughout this course, it was interesting to look back at my original “Personal Theory of Learning”. Prior to beginning this course, I only had a basic understanding of many of the different learning theories of how people learn. As Dr. Michael Orey explained, there are several different learning theories that educators utilize. Each of the different learning theories we explored in this class provided me with a stronger foundation for how to best teach my students. Another modification that I would make to my “Personal Theory of Learning” is how to use technology as both a teaching and learning resource. Before I began this course, I had misconceptions about using technology as a teaching tool and using technology as a learning tool. I now understand that displaying a PowerPoint slide is more of a teaching tool where as having students communicate through a class blog is can be a learning tool.

Immediate Adjustments to my Teaching Style:

There are several aspects of this course that I am eager to implement. As I begin my summer vacation, I have started to think about ways that I can adjust my teaching style and incorporate many of the resources we have looked at in this class. One of the first changes I plan to make is to my class website. Throughout the past 3 years, I have used a class website to keep my families and students informed. In this course, we have been posting and responding to each other’s blogs. I would like to incorporate this tool into my own classroom. A class blog will provide my students with an opportunity to collaborate outside of the classroom. My current class webpage only allows students to email me with questions or comments. A class blog would provide parents and students with a way to post messages for by myself and other students to respond to. The teacher would no longer be the only resource for answering questions.

Another resource I am planning to use is VoiceThread. VoiceThread is a web-based tool that allows users to post pictures, video clips and feedback. Similar to PowerPoint, VoiceThread can be used for students and teachers to make presentations. The major difference is that other users can log in and leave feedback on the VoiceThread and can also browse through other VoiceThreads. This tool will definitely have a strong impact on my students because it is very interactive and engaging. Similar to the class blog, VoiceThread provides students with another way to collaborate and learn from each other.

Long Term Goals:

One of the tools that I really enjoyed learning about in this course was the Virtual Field Trips. I have started to think about how I can incorporate this tool, but am exploring some of the features. I’m hoping to start using this tool throughout each of the weekly stories my students read. Instead of simply reading about the global warming effects occurring in the Arctic, I now of the ability to take my students on a “Virtual Field Trip” to actually show them. This is a much more powerful tool that will help to construct stronger connections for my students. Another tool that I plan to use is concept mapping. I recently installed Inspiration on my computer and have started to explore some of the features. This tool is a great resource for students to use when completing a research project. They can organize their thoughts in a concept map, and then convert the map into an outline that could be used for a research paper.

Overall, it is exciting to think about many of the tools available to teachers and students these days. Classrooms no longer have to end when the bell rings. Tools such as class blogs and wikis allow students to communicate over the internet and stay connected. Images and video clips that can enhance the content are just a mouse click away. These types of teaching/learning resources help to make learning very powerful and permanent.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.

Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging Perspectives on Learning, Teaching, and Technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M. & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using Technology With Classroom Instruction That Works. Alexadria, VA: ASCD.

My First VoiceThread

For this week's learning application, we explored an online tool called VoiceThread. This tool allows users to post pictures, video clips, audio clips or text based comments. After navigating through some of the different features on this site, I created my own VoiceThread. In my classroom, we are currently studying about the explorers and fur traders that came to the New World. I chose to create a VoiceThread that provided my students with an opportunity to hold a debate over whether or not it was okay for the explorers to claim the land that was already occupied by the Native Americans.

Here is a link to my VoiceThread:
http://voicethread.com/share/530859/

I have posted a several pictures along with a few comments to get the discussion going.

Kevin

Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

Throughout this week’s learning resources, we have been exploring many of the different aspects of social learning theories. We looked at several tools and resources that educators can use to help their students utilize cooperative learning that will help to create strong connections and construct deeper meaning. While I am a strong advocate of the social learning approach to instruction, it has been challenging for me to actually implement this approach with my students. I had always been taught in a way that the teacher was the leader with all of the knowledge and answers, while the students were simply the followers expected to absorb and retain the lecture based instruction.

In today’s society, that is no longer the norm. Teachers have learned to take more of a back seat allowing their students to guide the instruction. Instead of serving as only a leader, teachers are beginning to take the role of a facilitator that provides support to his/her students. This matches up very appropriately with the cooperative learning we are studying about in this week’s learning resources. There are several online resources available for teachers to use with their students in order to support the social learning approach to instruction. One tool that I was introduced to was VoiceThread. This is essentially an online photo album that allows users to post pictures, video, text and even commentary. I definitely see the advantage of using this tool to help my students collaborate with each other. Another tool that several students and teachers are using is Facebook. This social networking site helps individuals not only stay connected, but it also opens the door to other people with similar interests or hobbies. A powerful advantage of using these types of online collaboration tools is that the social learning does not have to stop within the barriers of your class or school. Students have the ability to discuss and learn from students in a completely different country. This type of social learning provides students with real-life scenarios and experiences that will not only provide stronger learning experiences, but will also create deeper meanings.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program Eight. Social Learning Theories. [Motion Picture]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program Ten. Spotlight on Technology: Voice Thread. [Motion Picture]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.

Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.