Final Reflection

Looking back on my personal theory of learning from week one in this course has really opened my eyes to what this course has taught me.  This course has deepened my knowledge and understanding of learning theory and the use of educational technologies in many ways.  My students will have more hands on experiences and be active in the learning process as well as utilizing technology as a learning tool more rather than an instructional tool all the time.  By taking this course I have a better understanding of what the different learning theories are and how to utilize the information to make my instruction stronger for my students.

Before taking this course I thought the best way in teaching kindergarteners the different technology tools was by using technology as an instructional tool most of the time verses a learning tool.  One of the technology tools I used was power points and even then I was not using it correctly or effectively.  After teaching students how to use a voice thread, I realized that my students were very much engaged and became very exciting about creating something new.  The process of teaching a voice thread and having them create their own turned out to be a rewarding and successful experience.  So as for now, the adjustments I will be making in my class would be to utilize both technology as an instructional tool and a learning tool in order to shape my students learning and engage them with real world knowledge.  Two technology tools that I will be using with my students are voice threads and webspiration.  Voice threads will allow students time to collaborate and share thoughts, comments, and feedback with one another.  Webspiration will be a great way to increase knowledge by brainstorm ideas and creating maps for vocabulary, flow charts, and so much more.  These two tools will support and enhance my students learning while engaging them in with new knoweldge.  As a result of this course I have expanded my repertoire with instructional skills that I am able to put to use and can refer to for future reference.

Two long term goals changes I will be making to my instructional practice regarding integrating technology is to use at least two (if not more) technology tools in my classroom and keep up to date on new information about technology.  In an effort to build students knowledge and understanding on how the technology tools available, students need to utilize them.  As an educator I feel it is very important to get the latest information about technology that is available, in order to educate my students successfully on the changes that are constantly being made.  A strategy for achieving these goals is to work on them one day at a time.  In order to be successful I feel I need to use the goals that I have set for my self and make changes as needed.

Students in Line

http://voicethread.com/share/1522607/

Short cutting in Line

Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

"Learning would be exceedingly laborious, not to mention hazardous, if people had to rely solely on the effects of their own actions to inform them what to do. Fortunately, most human behavior is learned observationally through modeling: from observing others one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on later occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action."
                                               -Albert Bandura, Social Learning Theory, 1977

“As the idea of cooperative learning revolves around the concept of students interacting with each other for a common purpose in learning” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007 pg152).  Social learning theory is when, “Students actively engaged in construction artifacts and conversations with others” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  The relationship between cooperative learning and social learning theory is students are actively working together to gain understanding and knowledge about content.  “When students work in cooperative groups, they make sense of, or construct meaning for, new knowledge by interacting with others” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007 pg139). 

“Technology can play a unique and vital role in cooperative learning by facilitating group collaboration, providing structure for group tasks, and allowing members of groups to communicate even if they are not working face to face” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007 pg140).  Different technology tools can be set up in the classroom and extended outside of the classroom as well.  “Web resources facilitates powerful collaboration at any time of day and from any geographical location” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007 pg154).  Students are able to work on activities or create projects with other students they have never met using different technology tools.  “Now more than ever, technology allows students to collaborate on projects without the constraints of time or geography” (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007 pg153).

In my Kindergarten classroom I have set up small cooperative groups for my math intervention students to work in, most of these students are struggling to obtain number sense.  I have several small groups working on different tasks. One particular group of students are working on ordering numbers 1-20.  As I watch these students I notice that they are all participating to help one another.  Some students are still struggling with the number six and number nine, which is very common for five and six year olds to do.  I see a child who I would call more of the observer step up when the number nine is put in place of the number six and address the issue.  “One of the really best ways of learning content is to teach it” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  The other students immediately let that child make the change and continue putting numbers in order.  Working in these small groups not only benefits the child being taught but the child teaching the information as well.  “Teaching others helps the learner develop a deeper understanding of the content” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  To see students at such young ages teaching one another content is very pleasing and rewarding.

URL:

Why use Cooperative Learning?

Elements of Cooperative Learning
Class Activities that use Cooperative Learning

http://edtech.kennesaw.edu/intech/cooperativelearning.htm

Daily Dose of the Web:  http://internet4classrooms.com/daily_dose.htm

Reference:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program eight. Social learning theories [Webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.

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