Reflection on Technology in my Classroom

I went back and thought about my beliefs relating to learning and have realized that my thoughts and ideas have not changed. I still believe that students learn differently and as a teacher, I need to incorporate different learning styles into my teaching. I also continue to agree with the social learning theory and continue to use it in my classroom. In a classroom, this would mean that students gain knowledge as a “result of the collaboration of a group of learners in an effort to construct a common core of knowledge” (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008, p. 18). I believe that students learn from discussion with peers and through creating artifacts to show their knowledge. Although my own theory of learning has stayed the same, I have been introduced to many new techniques and tools that I can use in my classroom which relate to my beliefs in how students learn.

I have been very nervous in incorporating technology into my classroom. An immediate change that I will make to my classroom for next year is just incorporating more technology. I have learned about the benefits of incorporating technology into my classroom as it “provides an opportunity to differentiate instruction and change their classrooms into dynamic learning environments” (Pitler et al., 2007, p. 2). This course has helped me to feel more confident in being able to use technology and has given me choices as to what pieces of technology I can use in my classroom. VoiceThread is one tool that I would like to use in my classroom. I believe that VoiceThread is a very easy to use, student friendly program that students can use to communicate with each other and to share information with each other. A second piece of technology that I would like to integrate into my teaching right away is Virtual Field Trips. I believe that Virtual Field Trips can help students really gain a picture of what something looks like without actually leaving the classroom. Virtual Field Trips give students a visual experience and help to make rich connections for students to store information into their long term memories (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008).

One goal that I have for the long term is using a piece of technology for each unit that I have in class. I feel that by incorporating a technology tool into each of my units, my students will be more comfortable using technology in the future, they will be more engaged in the units, and connections can be made for greater learning. In order to achieve this goal, I will need to take some time to look at my units and find out which tools will work best for each unit. Due to the fact that we only have one computer lab for our school, I will also need to plan ahead in order to use the lab. Another long term goal that I have for myself is to continue to learn more about technology. I am learning about the technology that is available now, but in five or ten years, new technology will come out. I would like to continue to learn about those new tools I can use in order to keep my students engaged and eager to learn. Collaborating with my coworkers, taking new technology courses, and staying up to date with professional readings will be the best ways for me to meet this goal.

“Teaching, learning, and technology work together to achieve the ultimate goal of effective knowledge transfer” (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008, p. 26). This quote shares my new understanding on how these three things can increase student learning when used together. I am excited to integrate my new learning into my classroom in order to meet my students’ needs, engage my students, and to create lessons where students are actively learning.


Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008a). Program five. Cognitive Learning Theories. [Motion Picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical Foundations. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Social Learning Theories

This week’s resources and discussions were focused around the topic of social learning theories. With these theories, it is thought that students learn through working with peers while building and creating artifacts.

In the text, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, I read about different technology tools that can be used in the classroom to build collaboration and cooperation between groups and peers.

One type of technology that I feel really emphasizes cooperative learning and social learning theories are WebQuests. “WebQuests are inquiry-orientated activities that allow students in a class or from multiple locations to work together to learn about a particular subject or to tackle a particular project or problem (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007, pg. 145). Just like the above quote states, I feel that WebQuests are a great way to have students team up to complete a project. Students need to do research and read through online links to help them answer questions and create a completed project using the information that they gained. I found a website that gives a good introduction of WebQuests and also has some other websites which can be helpful for a teacher beginning to use WebQuests.

Using a WebQuest in your Classroom

Wikis are also something that was discussed in Chapter 7 of the text. Wikis are a great technology tool that can be used in the classroom to allow students to communicate and work together. Wikis are a great tool because they can be used at any time and can be used by many students from different places. All of the students need to add information to the wiki in order for it to be a successful and complete project.

VoiceThread is another program that I have been learning about this week. I feel that VoiceThread can be used as a starting point for students to be introduced to new problem-based, cooperative learning project in my classroom. I created a VoiceThread that I will use after I have completed my simple machines unit with my class. Through this VoiceThread, students will learn about the project they will need to complete in groups to solve the problem of trapping a leprechaun. Take a look and tell me what you think!

Leprechaun Trap

References:
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.