Final Blog Reflection on Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology

As I reflect back on my “Personal Theory of Learning” I created in Week 1 of this course, I made a comment about how I utilize the interactive whiteboard daily as part of my instructional practices such as guided notes with my students. I discussed the different cues (showing, talking, and pointing) as I work through my notes, which includes the students to some extent. However, what I do lack in my personal learning theory is the incorporation of more student engagement and involvement. For example, I have been mainly using the SMARTboard as an instructional tool that Dr. Orey describes as a tool to “impart information” or as a means for the teacher to present information to the class (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011c). The question I should be asking myself is “What can I do to get more of my students up at the board?” I have changed my way of thinking as I work through lessons and activities implemented in my classroom. I want to make sure I have a good balance of technology being used as an instructional tool and as a learning tool. As Dr. Wolfe stated, “learning is the act of making and strengthening connections” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011a). I hope to be able to actively engage my students in the daily lesson and activities by incorporating and using technology in my classroom as a learning tool. It is my hope that this will help them make connections to the content.

Throughout this course we have studied various learning theories. For example, we explored the behaviorist theory, social learning theory, as well as the constructivist & constructionist theories. All of these theories are important within the classroom because they can be implemented in various ways to help our students learn. Not all students learn in the same way so the idea behind knowing different instructional strategies such as cooperative group learning (social learning theory) or allowing students to create artifacts (constructionist learning theory) can help us as teachers to reach out to the various types of learners we have in the classroom. One of the major aspects of teaching I believe in is to provide the students with variety. For example, I would allow students to use various educational technologies that suit their style of learning and personality such as a PowerPoint if they like visual images or a VoiceThread if they collaborate well with others. This flexibility allows for creating a classroom that is “democratic and student-centered” (Westhaver, n.d.). Lastly, this course has allowed me to see all types of educational technologies that can be used. This class was my first experience with the creation of a VoiceThread. I was also exposed to various concept mapping tools that my students can use. Exposure to the technologies available is important as we move forward in the technological world. There are so many educational technology tools readily available for us to use that we as educators must share these resources with our colleagues, and continue building our “tool boxes” of technologies.

One of the biggest adjustments I will be making with my instructional practice that I actually touched on earlier is incorporating more student involvement with the usage of technology in the classroom. I am lucky enough to have all of these great technology tools in my classroom, however now it is time to hone in on using them more as learning tools. It definitely has changed my way of thinking which is great and now I feel that I can extend my knowledge to my colleagues to help them as well.

As I make strides with using more educational technology tools in the classroom, there are two in particular I would like to use with my students to support and enhance their learning. The first tool is SMARTboard interactive whiteboard. I use this board with my students every single day. It’s a great tool for instruction, however, students must be more involved and I want it to become more of a learning tool as well. I would like the students to be up at the board acting as teachers to their peers. I think it would be great if students wanted to teach particular problems to the class via the board. They have free reign to the tools available in the SMART Notebook software. In fact, by doing this supports the social learning theory discussed by Dr. Orey. He states, “Teaching others helps the learner develop a deeper understanding of the content” (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011b).

I would also like to incorporate VoiceThread into my classroom. I found an example online of how VoiceThread could be used in math.

Here is the link: http://voicethread.com/about/library/7th_graders_practice_Math_in_Action_from_Ms_Redd/

Here is another link: http://www.teachscienceandmath.com/2010/06/23/ideas-and-strategies-for-using-voice-thread-in-science-and-math/

I really like this idea! It’s a great way to extend the lesson beyond the classroom. The students post their answers and collaboration can build among the students as they all share their answers to the problem. My only concern with this extending outside of the classroom is students not having access to a computer at home or having access to sound if I provide a video. I know there’s the text feature, but the video makes it really appealing to the students. The VoiceThread would be great for projects or lessons. In particular, when we focus on geometry, the students could find various shapes, take pictures of them, and then upload them onto the VoiceThread for students to compare and contrast the images they found. Or another usage of it might be for the students to create a math problem their classmates must solve and then can upload it via VoiceThread. The idea behind VoiceThread is collaboration and in my opinion, the students can learn so much from their peers. Collaboration is an important component to the social learning theory and is a powerful strategy in that the students are building their ideas together (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011b).

My first long-term goal is to utilize the SMART Response Clicker System at least 2-3 times per week within my classroom.  I have used the system before, however the data that can be derived from the system is great! Every day I have a “Problem of the Day” posted on my board. I would like to incorporate more of the clickers in with this and would like for this to happen at least 2 times a week. I would also like to use the clickers for review of the state standardized test (OAA) that we have every spring. My strategy for achieving them is setting aside 20 minutes 1 day during the week for review. I would like to make sure the review covers material just learned by the students as well as a cumulative review. The SMART Response System is great for evaluating and managing student progress, ensuring every student understands the lesson, and it keeps students engaged (SMART Technologies, n.d.).

My second long-term goal is to save all of my SMARTboard slides, notes, and activities (as a PDF document if I can) and upload them to my class website. In order to make sure this happens, I will be creating a section on my website where the students can easily view any documents, files, or PDFs that are available. I will periodically (1-2 times a month) remind and show my students the website page so they remember to use the website as a resource. I think if the students know these are available, it will encourage more traffic to my website so students can stay in tune with what is going on in our math classroom.  

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011a). Program one: Understanding the brain [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011b). Program eight: Social learning theories [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011c). Program thirteen: Technology: Instructional tool vs. learning tool

[Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology.

SMART Response XE interactive response system - SMART Technologies. (n.d.). SMART Interactive

solutions for education, business and government - SMART Technologies. Retrieved June 15, 2012, from http://smarttech.com/us/Solutions/Education+Solutions/Products+for+education/Complementary+hardware+products/SMART+Response/SMART+Response+XE

Westhaver, M. (n.d.).  Constructivist theory inspired learning. Thinkspiration: The inspiration software blog. Inspiration Software, Inc. - The leader in visual thinking and learning. Retrieved June 15, 2012, from http://www.inspiration.com/blog/2011/06/constructivist-theory-inspired-learning/