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.