During this course I have discovered instructional strategies that incorporate educational technologies that I have not been exposed to. Also, I now understand how the brain works and the impact that a student-centered classroom has on student learning. As a result, I have analyzed my personal learning theory and how the educational learning theories are incorporated into classroom. I have also analyzed adjustments that need to be made in my classroom in order to foster an engaging learning environment. Finally, I have developed two long-term goals that will help me continue on the path of improving as a teacher.
In my personal theory of learning I developed in the first week, I described learning as an individual process based on personal experiences, background, and preferences. I also stressed the significant role that the constructivist perspective, the communication process, and individual learning styles in the learning process. However, after advancing through six more weeks of this course, I have discovered the significant impact that all learning theories and educational technologies have on the facilitation of learning. I believe I primarily focused on the importance of the constructivist perspective, communication process, and individual learning styles in learning because I am most comfortable with these concepts. However, as my knowledge of other theories and educational technologies has expanded, I hope to incorporate them into my personal learning theory as well. “Teachers want to transfer the knowledge and skills they currently possess to their students so that they too can embrace, enjoy, and use that knowledge academically, personally, and professionally (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008, p. 10). After considering various learning theories, exploring educational technology tools, and studying the role of the brain in the learning process, I have a deeper knowledge and understanding of their impact on student learning, and I hope to incorporate them into my classroom.
The most immediate adjustment I plan to make in my instructional practice is to incorporate more constructive/construction learning activities using technology. The constructive/constructionist learning theories had the biggest impact on me during this course. Dr. Orey (2010) explains the constructionist learning theory states people learn best when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others. Constructionist learning experiences enhance student learning by creating an active learning environment. Two technologies that I intend to incorporate into my classroom are VoiceThread and a Weblog. These educational technologies makes engaging in project-based, problem-based, or inquiry based assessments more accessible by providing a resources to help teachers develop active learning environments where students collaborate through cooperative learning. Cooperative learning enhances student learning because they are able to construct new knowledge through interactions with their peers (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007).
I have developed two long-term goals in relation to my instructional practice regarding technology integration. My first goal is to eventually integrate technology-based culminating assessments. Presently, I have a mixture of project-based assessments along with traditional paper-pencil tests. I hope to only use technology-based assessments for a final project in a unit. I understand this process is very time consuming, but I must start somewhere. I will slowly begin developing new assessments during the summer vacation months. My second goal is to develop a professional learning committee (PLC) within my school to help teachers collaborate and share ideas regarding educational technology tools. One major advantage of this course was discovering creative projects and assessments that teachers are currently using in their own classrooms, and I would like to develop a similar environment in my school. I plan to develop the group through word of mouth with my grade level PLC. After creating a group, I will need to create a meeting schedule and develop an agenda for the group to follow during meetings.
Through this course I have discovered new strategies that are rooted in various learning theories. I am excited about the new educational technologies I have been exposed to during this course, and I hope to incorporate them into my classroom in order to better facilitate and support learning. After this course, I believe it is important to update my repertoire of instructional and learning strategies that I currently use in order to challenge my 21st century learners.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program Number One: Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories [Webcast]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore , MD
Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston , MA
Pitler H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria , VA
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