Course Reflection

At the beginning of the course, I felt as thought I was a behaviorist. I still feel as though I subscribe most to this theory of learning, but I am also much better informed about other theories than I was before the course. I still very much feel as though rewarding desired behaviors and punishing bad behaviors is a very effective way to teach. Most of the other theories relate to things that I have done in class, but may not have been able to explain why.

I have had students construct artifacts such as papers, blogs, and powerpoints, but I did not understand the psychology behind why it was effective. I have always had students work in groups because I think that they need to be able to work collaboratively in order to be efficient in most lines of work. I used stories and tried to connect concepts to other life experiences but did not realize that I was using cognitive learning theory.

In the future I would like to use an interactive whiteboard effectively as a learning tool and not just as an instructional tool. Currently I have a projector and a screen, but I will soon have an interactive whiteboard. It is my goal to use this technology to get the students actively involved instead of simply another instructional tool.

I would also like to make better use of blogs. I have used blogs on a limited basis, but I think that it is a great way for students to continue discussion outside of class. Many students are not comfortable expressing opinions during class. I will continue to push them to do so, but a blog can be very helpful in doing this. It also holds students socially responsible for creating quality work. They will not just be graded by the teacher, but their peers will be evaluating their work as well.

In the long term, it is my goal to become more efficient in website design so that I can use it as a part of my classes. I currently run a website for our wrestling club, but it is very simple and would not meet all of my goals in the classroom. Another long term goal that I have is to use voicethread as part of some of my lessons. I thought it was an exciting way to learn and present information.

Connectivism and Social Learning

Students will naturally want to socialize with their peers. Instead of denying them the opportunity to do so, I try to provide them with time to do it in a meaningful way. On a weekly basis, my students do labs in my science classes and must collaborate in order to solve problems and use the scientific method to learn more about the topic being taught. I have found that students will begin to tune out the teacher if the method of lecturing is used too often. I also believe that students will retain information longer and with better understanding if they learn through doing. Often times the labs can be done using computers and lab equipment that will help students prepare for a job using technology or in a research lab.

Another method that I have used that requires technology and the "jigsaw" method of instruction involves powerpoint. A unit that I have the students do deals with the human body. Students know that they will be tested on the different organs and body systems. The students are allowed to choose an organ or organ system (depending on how complex the organ might be) and then they must research that organ. They are then responsible to present the information to the class. By doing this project the students must be able to do research using technology. They must know how to create effective powerpoint presentations. They have to decide what information is important and teach it to their classmates. They have added responsibility and ownership because they know that the entire classes grades rely on them effectively presenting the organ that they have been assigned.