One of the NETS-T indicators that I would like to improve is to: address the diverse needs of all learners by using learner-centered strategies providing equitable access to appropriate digital tools and resources. I recently had a smart board installed in my classroom. Up until now I have not been using this board up to its potential. This summer I am scheduled to get training on how to use the board as an interactive tool. I have researched several interactive websites that will help me teach science concepts and use the board as it is intended.
Another indicator that I would like to improve is to: engage students in eploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources. I am always looking for ways for students to be engaged in their own education instead of simply listening to me talk. It is my goal to add at least one activity to each class that engages the studetns without them learning content by reading from a textbook or listeninng to me talk. I think that it is crucial to have students use technology to help guide them through things that they need to learn.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Sunday, February 28, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Integrating Hypotheses and Constructionism
Generating and testing hypotheses is often thought of as something done only in science classrooms, but this is not necessarily the case. People generate and test hypotheses many times everyday and do not even think about it. In order to be good problems solvers, students must learn how to create valid hypotheses and then find efficient ways of testing them. Technology allows students to do just that.
In my science classroom, students often do measurements using probeware that uploads directly to a laptop computer. The students then use software to create tables and graphs of the data to help them draw conclusions about the hypothesis that they have tested. By using the technology, instead of just measuring and graphing by hand, the students get experience dealing with computers that will be valuable as they go to college and enter the work force. It is also a much more efficient use of time. Many of the tedious and repetitious tasks that students used to have to complete on their own can now be done in seconds using computers.
Another way that science students can create and test hypotheses is to pick a controversial issue and make a stand. The students could make a stand based on what they already know. When they do this, they are creating a hypothesis. The could then research the topic to test whether they have a valid hypothesis and then present their findings to the class. Not only are they questioning their current beliefs and testing them, but they are also engaging in constructionism. By creating an artifact to show what they have learned, the students will be better able to remember.
In my science classroom, students often do measurements using probeware that uploads directly to a laptop computer. The students then use software to create tables and graphs of the data to help them draw conclusions about the hypothesis that they have tested. By using the technology, instead of just measuring and graphing by hand, the students get experience dealing with computers that will be valuable as they go to college and enter the work force. It is also a much more efficient use of time. Many of the tedious and repetitious tasks that students used to have to complete on their own can now be done in seconds using computers.
Another way that science students can create and test hypotheses is to pick a controversial issue and make a stand. The students could make a stand based on what they already know. When they do this, they are creating a hypothesis. The could then research the topic to test whether they have a valid hypothesis and then present their findings to the class. Not only are they questioning their current beliefs and testing them, but they are also engaging in constructionism. By creating an artifact to show what they have learned, the students will be better able to remember.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Cognitive Learning Theories
Cognitive learning theories have a strong foundation in making connections in one's brain to help recall information. Information is not lost, it is just inaccesible because it does not have a strong connection in the brain. In order to better recall information, an individual must make strong connections to other things that are already understood. It is much easier to explain the anatomy of a wolf to a student if he or she has been to the zoo and actually seen a wolf. The student will be able to recall the smells, visual cues, and other sensory data from the day that they saw the wolf at the zoo. If they have not seen an actual wolf, it would be helpful to explain how it might be similar to a dog, which they have seen. This would be a perfect example of how episodic information gets into one's long term memory.
Today I had a substitute for my classes because I attended a workshop on groundwater in the state of Wisconsin. The workshop was informational but was mostly intended to teach us how to use models that we had received after applying for a grant. The model is an excellent example of using connections to explain how groundwater systems work. The students are unable take actual cross sections of the earth and watch chemicals as they flow through a water system, but they can see it using the model and dyes. By seeing the flow of water the students will be able to make much more concrete connections when we discuss the water cycle. Another way to help students understand the water cycle is by using technology. Three dimensional images on powerpoints can help students visualize something that would otherwise be very confusing.
Concept mapping is an outstanding method for helping students understand and comprehend information. I currently use weekly assignments that require students to make concept maps because they force students to make connections in their brain and then put those connections on paper. I have yet to do the application for this week and make concept maps using the technology resources, but I can see how they would be quite useful. Instead of having to scan students concept maps into the computer or make copies of them to share with other students, they will already be in an electronic format. I will be able to pull them up quickly to use on the projector. It will also be a skill that will be valuable for students that go into many different fields.
Today I had a substitute for my classes because I attended a workshop on groundwater in the state of Wisconsin. The workshop was informational but was mostly intended to teach us how to use models that we had received after applying for a grant. The model is an excellent example of using connections to explain how groundwater systems work. The students are unable take actual cross sections of the earth and watch chemicals as they flow through a water system, but they can see it using the model and dyes. By seeing the flow of water the students will be able to make much more concrete connections when we discuss the water cycle. Another way to help students understand the water cycle is by using technology. Three dimensional images on powerpoints can help students visualize something that would otherwise be very confusing.
Concept mapping is an outstanding method for helping students understand and comprehend information. I currently use weekly assignments that require students to make concept maps because they force students to make connections in their brain and then put those connections on paper. I have yet to do the application for this week and make concept maps using the technology resources, but I can see how they would be quite useful. Instead of having to scan students concept maps into the computer or make copies of them to share with other students, they will already be in an electronic format. I will be able to pull them up quickly to use on the projector. It will also be a skill that will be valuable for students that go into many different fields.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Behaviorism in Practice
Effort is the most important part of student learning. Intelligence is very important as well, but regardless of how intelligent a student is, their effort will determine how much they learn. All students will learn much more when they put effort into that which they are learning. It is the role of the teacher to use all accessible resources to try and enhance the effort put forth by the students. Technology can be a very effective tool in motivating students to do well.
The school in which I teach has an online gradebook. It is an extremely valuable use of technology because it helps students track their grades which almost always correlate with the amount of effort that they are putting into the class. It helps to involve parents becuase the parents have up to the minute information about whether their student is completing assignments and how well they are performing. If grades go up or down, parents know right away.
Homework and practice are an important part of students learning new concepts. It is certainly not the only thing that should be used when exploring new concepts, but it is a great way to help students reinforce what is being learned in class. I have a few interactive programs at my disposal and find them very effective. I use pen and paper assignments as well. I think that regardless of how assignments are completed, they are effective. Technology allows students to see pictures and videos that help them to understand and remember what is being learned. A well set homework policy and providing a clear purpose of the assignments are important so that students put effort into completing them.
The school in which I teach has an online gradebook. It is an extremely valuable use of technology because it helps students track their grades which almost always correlate with the amount of effort that they are putting into the class. It helps to involve parents becuase the parents have up to the minute information about whether their student is completing assignments and how well they are performing. If grades go up or down, parents know right away.
Homework and practice are an important part of students learning new concepts. It is certainly not the only thing that should be used when exploring new concepts, but it is a great way to help students reinforce what is being learned in class. I have a few interactive programs at my disposal and find them very effective. I use pen and paper assignments as well. I think that regardless of how assignments are completed, they are effective. Technology allows students to see pictures and videos that help them to understand and remember what is being learned. A well set homework policy and providing a clear purpose of the assignments are important so that students put effort into completing them.
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