Throughout my present course on Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. I have learned many different methods that can be used to be more effective at communicating a lesson to students. I have also attained a better understanding of the psyche of a student and all it entails. I still believe that learning theory and philosophy at its nucleus is help for all students that desire to become educated in a diverse society. There are so many different ways of learning and teaching that I can only imagine what it has to be like as a student this day and age.
When I look back over my brief life, I reach for comprehension from the teachers who had methods and instruction styles that truly engaged my attention and maximized my effort in their class rooms. The most effective teacher’s in my life were teachers who implemented positive reinforcement and set up rewards for achieving goals. As a result of this experience, I have become a passionate teacher who looks for ways to positively reinforce the importance of education and I diligently seek after this type of teaching style for the group of children that I work with.
Technology is something I have interest in when it comes to incorporating it in my classroom/ gymnasium. I have now found a few ideas on how I can achieve incorporating technology. I believe that I can use the resources of the Internet to effectively keep my students in touch with technology by using such tools as blogs and student accounts. Just in this class alone I have learned how affective blogs can really be. I will also incorporate using a video of a technological nature that can aid and assist in giving instructions for the current days lesson.
I do have a thought or question that still rings in my head when it comes to incorporating technology. Are machines taking over? I ask this question because the technological advances we have grown accustomed to have proved that less human involvement is needed to fulfill a task or duty. I went to Kroger's grocery store and I saw a massive line for the automative self check out lane and few people stood in the line with cashiers. I am not trying to develop a boycott on technology where it takes the place of humans. I just want society to be observant with how it chooses to incorporate this new wave of technology if we are not careful there will be little need for physical people and more of a demand for machines, devices, and gadgets.
This class has broadened my perspective on the use of technology and its importance in the classroom, personal life and connection to stay linked in globally. The next generational leader and student has to be proficient in these areas and it is my responsibility to ensure that the proper resources are there maximum growth.
JDH
References;
Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology instructional “DVD ”.
Laureate Education, inc. 2009
Using Technology with classroom Instructions that works, Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, November 30, 2009
Constructionism Application
Constructionism is a theory that states people learn best when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others.
In order for this to work first hand knowledge is vitally important to be able to relay the information accurately. This mechanism for learning occurs at times by one;s beliefs and understandings being altered to the external reality. This method can cause a city, state, country, or even the world to see things in a different light.
The important part of Constructionism is the students are engaged in learning and the process of creating an artifact. Giving students the ability to have ownership to their learning as well as the education of others is a stimulating tool for producing a great learning environment. 'This is will promote learning for students 'with' computers as oppesed to learning 'from' computers'. (Lajoie & Derry, 1993)
Its easy to get into theory and perception of what types of learning styles are best. There are a wide variety of theories and practices associated with designing, developing, using, managing, and ultimately evaluating both the teaching-learning process and the technological resources used to implement that process' (Lever-Duffy& mcdonald 2008). Bottom line, every teacher how knows their students learn best. All teachers need to incorporate the different teaching styles and learning theories in order for all of their students to be a success and understand the material to the full extent.
In order for this to work first hand knowledge is vitally important to be able to relay the information accurately. This mechanism for learning occurs at times by one;s beliefs and understandings being altered to the external reality. This method can cause a city, state, country, or even the world to see things in a different light.
The important part of Constructionism is the students are engaged in learning and the process of creating an artifact. Giving students the ability to have ownership to their learning as well as the education of others is a stimulating tool for producing a great learning environment. 'This is will promote learning for students 'with' computers as oppesed to learning 'from' computers'. (Lajoie & Derry, 1993)
Its easy to get into theory and perception of what types of learning styles are best. There are a wide variety of theories and practices associated with designing, developing, using, managing, and ultimately evaluating both the teaching-learning process and the technological resources used to implement that process' (Lever-Duffy& mcdonald 2008). Bottom line, every teacher how knows their students learn best. All teachers need to incorporate the different teaching styles and learning theories in order for all of their students to be a success and understand the material to the full extent.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Cognitive learning theories and practices
Cognitive learning theory is primarily revolved around information processing(Orey, 2009)
It is vital and important for students to know how to take notes and summarize information in their long term memory. A 'primary tool and mechanism for storing information into long term memory is elaboration'(Orey, 2009). In order to transfer data into long term memory as many connections as possible have to be made. As teachers finding those connections is our job and challenge. Having organizers and other similar resources truly helps each student retain information by association and assist the learner in the objective of organizing information that is needed and by rehearsal can be stored into long term memory.
Virtual field trips are new to me as a teaching professional for the field that I'm in. I can see how this is fun, helpful and very educational. Being able to take these trips gives the student the feeling that they have left the mundane structure of the classroom and journeyed to a place beyond normal reach. The connections made during this type of trip is valuable to where it will be remembered and rehearsed cognitively. I thoroughly enjoyed my explorations this week through the various trips that are availiable to educators. I can see taking my class on one of these trips soon!!
The only question is, How do you take your P.E. class on a virtual field trip? I will have to ponder this thought.
Resources: Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.
It is vital and important for students to know how to take notes and summarize information in their long term memory. A 'primary tool and mechanism for storing information into long term memory is elaboration'(Orey, 2009). In order to transfer data into long term memory as many connections as possible have to be made. As teachers finding those connections is our job and challenge. Having organizers and other similar resources truly helps each student retain information by association and assist the learner in the objective of organizing information that is needed and by rehearsal can be stored into long term memory.
Virtual field trips are new to me as a teaching professional for the field that I'm in. I can see how this is fun, helpful and very educational. Being able to take these trips gives the student the feeling that they have left the mundane structure of the classroom and journeyed to a place beyond normal reach. The connections made during this type of trip is valuable to where it will be remembered and rehearsed cognitively. I thoroughly enjoyed my explorations this week through the various trips that are availiable to educators. I can see taking my class on one of these trips soon!!
The only question is, How do you take your P.E. class on a virtual field trip? I will have to ponder this thought.
Resources: Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
"Behaviorism' The measurement and observation of behavior.
"Behaviorism" The measurement and observation of behavior.
Through study of the word "Behaviorism" I have found from the psychologist and theory setting patriarchs of this term that every one of these methods of teaching and instructing are being used everyday in various classrooms across the country and possibly the world. I at times have a stubbornness about me that doesn't always open up to another way of doing things, if I don't feel its right. I can now see how each situation defines itself soley and based upon it compatible teaching methods are vital to achieve the maximum amount of learning.
In my school I choose to focus on positive reinforcement. I have noticed the difference between night and day in my students verses the same students with other teachers. I follow and enforce the same rules that every else does, but positive reinforcement makes a person go the extra mile. Such as; giving a big smile when you see a student doing the right thing or finding a way unique to that person to reward a job well done. I don't believe this is something that is done all day everyday, although I do feel that if a teacher is truly in touch with his/her students the proper time for positive reinforcement will become obvious and quite noticeable.
I find that this method is most effective in dealing with the students who are going down the wrong path and need a little incentive to stay on course. "....When a behavior is unacceptable, it can be replaced by new behaviors..."(Parkay & Hass, 2000). Understanding each students stimuli will be a great assist in finding the thing that makes that individual student "tick" thus supporting the implementation of any behaviorist theory or strategy.
Through study of the word "Behaviorism" I have found from the psychologist and theory setting patriarchs of this term that every one of these methods of teaching and instructing are being used everyday in various classrooms across the country and possibly the world. I at times have a stubbornness about me that doesn't always open up to another way of doing things, if I don't feel its right. I can now see how each situation defines itself soley and based upon it compatible teaching methods are vital to achieve the maximum amount of learning.
In my school I choose to focus on positive reinforcement. I have noticed the difference between night and day in my students verses the same students with other teachers. I follow and enforce the same rules that every else does, but positive reinforcement makes a person go the extra mile. Such as; giving a big smile when you see a student doing the right thing or finding a way unique to that person to reward a job well done. I don't believe this is something that is done all day everyday, although I do feel that if a teacher is truly in touch with his/her students the proper time for positive reinforcement will become obvious and quite noticeable.
I find that this method is most effective in dealing with the students who are going down the wrong path and need a little incentive to stay on course. "....When a behavior is unacceptable, it can be replaced by new behaviors..."(Parkay & Hass, 2000). Understanding each students stimuli will be a great assist in finding the thing that makes that individual student "tick" thus supporting the implementation of any behaviorist theory or strategy.
Monday, August 24, 2009
The 21'st Century Learner is the catalyst for technology!!!
A recent course I took "Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society" has truly opened my eyes to the world of technlogy and its importance for the student of the future. This course taught me the I can be outstanding in what ever field I choose strictly because technology via the internet, blogs, wiki's gives me an outstanding set of resources. The amazing thing about a teacher for the next generation is that he/she has to be a constant learner for technology changes everyday and to be truly proficient as an educator persistent learning is a must.
A major obstacle seems to be the educational system which verbally promotes change with no
corresponding actions. In the next few years I look to continually integrade technology in my classses and look to develop the next generational leader by giving access to the proper resources that will promote an effective start to success.
I strongly encourage not only educators but everyone in every field to get with the program and stay relevant to the advances of technology. The incorporation of technology is coming like a mighty rushing wind, better get prepared for you literally get BLOWN away!!!
A major obstacle seems to be the educational system which verbally promotes change with no
corresponding actions. In the next few years I look to continually integrade technology in my classses and look to develop the next generational leader by giving access to the proper resources that will promote an effective start to success.
I strongly encourage not only educators but everyone in every field to get with the program and stay relevant to the advances of technology. The incorporation of technology is coming like a mighty rushing wind, better get prepared for you literally get BLOWN away!!!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Getting a 21st century education
I visited a website called Partnership for 21st Century Skills. I enjoyed this site strictly because it is targeted to equipping today's students for tomorrows challenges. I was not too surprised by the material, but I am fond and excited about the area of innovation and creativity. We use to be known for inventing things and I believe it had allot to do with our pursuit of imagination and creativity. Today we have become robots that have no meaning to life except to run through the mundane efforts of "familiar" which prevents us from pursuing an exciting breath taking life. As an educator I believe it is now time to place innovation and imagination back in to my lessons. The person who's imagination we allow to run wild could become the world's next amazing scientist!!!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Class Blogs
I have been thinking about what type of blog I would create for a Physical Education class. A majority of class time everyday is spent on introducing rules and coordination techniques to do the activity at hand. I have thought about a possible nutrition awarness or calculation blog as an effort to help with the obesity problem we face in our country. I believe that the nucleus of the problem is we just don't know what we are putting in our body and how many calories, sodium and cholestoral gram and milligrams are in or food. I could use this blog to also allow questions to be asked and answered by either me or their fellow students. I could possibly innovate this for the up and coming school year.
Questions/Thoughts????
Questions/Thoughts????
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