Reflection - Week 8

I have learned a lot from this course. I have learned about different learning theories and how each can be used with technology and various teaching strategies to improve student learning. Successful student learning involves the integration of technology in the classroom, mainly for student use, that makes content learning fun, interactive, engaging, and motivational. 21st century learners need to be engaged and emmersed in an environment where they can interact with their peers and become more self-responsible for their own learning. They need to be learning about, practicing with, learning with, and interacting with various forms of technology for learning. They need to be taught the basics and the tools involved with various forms of technology and be able to confidently use technology in the learning process.

As far as my personal theory of learning is concerned, I still believe in the Constructivist theory of learning, where activities build upon my students' past experiences and knowledge and construct his or her personal knowledge. I always refer back to previous experiences with a topic or material. I question students about a topic or material, past experiences, and knowledge whenever we begin a new project. Then, I build upon their knowledge of the subject. But, I've come to realize over the course of this class that it is also important to incorporate the Social Constructionist and Constructionist theory into my lessons. Cooperative learning has many student benefits, such as encouragement, discussing and validating answers, bouncing ideas off each other, student empowerment, individual accountability, increased motivation, and aiding each other during the project. Group work gives the students a "sense of ownership" when the product is constructed and "each group member's mark is on the final outcome" (B. Kim, Social Constructivism). In the Constructionist theory, Dr. Orey states that "each individual actively constructs his/her own meaning" and "people learn best when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others" (Constructionist & Constructivist Learning Theories dvd). It is all about hands-on learning activities and projects, where students often collaborate and work together, assemble data, and assemble visual artifacts.

Immediate adjustments: I would like to integrate more groupwork (social learning) activities into my lessons, use VoiceThread and Virtual Field Trips, and give more opportunities to my students to be actively engaged in their own learning, research, and development of an artifact that utilizes technology and creative thinking skills. Using these strategies/tools will motivate student learning and engagement and make learning fun and exciting for students!

Two long-term goal changes: One of my long-term goals is to look at each lesson that I teach in terms of how to integrate technology, social learning, and more student interaction. For each lesson that I teach, I will reflect on my objectives and goals, reflect on what I've learned in this course, as far as technology, teaching strategies, and theories, and use this knowledge to enhance my lessons. Another of my long-term goals is to remember to connect student learning to past experiences/skills, use many visuals and recognize the importance of Gardner's multiple intelligences, and practice new skills. As Dr. Wolfe (2009) says, “Practice makes permanent” and “The brain seeks meaningful patterns and is sculpted through experience” (Brain Research & Learning).

In conclusion, I will use the resources that are available online and the technology resources that are provided for me within my classroom and the computer lab to engage and motivate my students in their learning of various concepts. I will provide many opportunities for cooperative learning (groupwork) and using new technology resources, such as VoiceThread, Virtual Field Trips, digital camera/digital enhancement software, and online resources for learning. I recognize the importance of incorporating each of the learning theories into my classroom and the benefits of these theories for me (the teacher) and my students. Students learn best when they are interested, engaged, and interacting with the content. “Tell me, and I will forget. Show me, and I may remember. Involve me, and I will understand” (Confucius, circa 450 BC, Experiential Learning).