Final Reflection EDUC 6711

Final Reflection

Throughout this class, we have explored a variety of learning theories as well as instructional strategies that we can implement into our classroom. It is important that I as a teacher know and understand theories and strategies so I can determine what may work and may not work for my students. According to the needs of my students, I need to adapt my lessons and implement the strategies that I feel will help them be the most successful.

At the beginning of this class, in my personal learning theory I stated that I felt students learned by doing. For the majority of students, they are kinesthetic learners that need to be active in the lesson in order to fully grasp the concept. I also believe that all students are different, and have their own preferred way of learning so as their teacher I need to get to know them in order to implement their style of learning into my lessons. As I reflect upon this learning theory at the end of this class, I still believe that students learn by doing. After this class, I believe this even more now than I did before. When students are actively engaged in the lesson, they are able to retain that information for further recall and are able to build on that knowledge when presented new information. With learning theories, it is important to know the theories that affect me in the classroom.  By understanding the difference in the learning theories, I am able to connect my lessons and activities to learning theories that may allow me to understand how my students will process the information that I present. With the use of educational technology, I now understand the importance of making sure that students are actively engaged in the use of it, not just the teacher. When students use the technology, they are able to guide their own learning and use the technology as a tool to help them understand the new information.

An immediate change I will make in the integration of technology in my classroom, is to allow students to interact with the SMART Board more. I allow them to use it on a regular basis; however I want to find ways for them to interact with it on an everyday basis. I also want to create lessons in which students have to present information using a technology tool such as wiki or concept map to help their classmates learn the concept as well. One tool I want to use with my students is the concept map. I want my students to use the map to show their understanding of a concept. When students create a concept map they will be able to show their knowledge with text, as well as images and other resources. I like how the concept map allows students of focus on one topic, and branches off with more information regarding that topic. The second tool I would like to implement with my students is the voice thread. The voice thread would allow to students to create a presentation on a topic, and then add their comments to the presentation through the use of voice thread. By doing this students would have to conduct research on the topic and then be able to clearly explain their learning to the listeners. The voice threads would cause students to understand the material before they present it. Again with the voice threads, they can provide images that relate to the topic to help their viewers connect the information to an image.  Through this course, I have learned about both of these tools. I did not know what a voice thread was or a concept map. Not only do I know what they are, but I know the steps needed in order to create one. By knowing what to do myself, I am able to show my students how to use these tools effectively.

The first long term goal I have for myself regarding my instructional practices is have students create presentations using technology on a regular basis. Since I teach third grade, I have always thought it would be difficult for students to create Power point presentations and use the SMARTBoard to present them to the class. However, after this class I feel that my students can complete this task, and they will be successful as well. In order to accomplish this long term goal, I need to teach my students how to use the programs they need to use for the presentations. After they are successful at making the presentations, I need to teach them the proper way to present information to others. Many of my students do not have the communication skills they need in order to do so, so that would be something I would have to teach them. Therefore my goal is to have students using presentation software to create engaging lessons to help them teach others a new concept.

My second long term goal is to create a class wiki or blog for students and parents to use. I want to have a place where students and parents can go to communicate with each other and myself. I also would use the wiki or blog to present new information to students before I actually teach it to them. I could use it to determine students’ prior knowledge regarding a topic to help guide my instruction in the classroom. This communication tool would allow students to discuss information outside of the classroom, and also allow parents to be an active participant in the conversation. In order to do this, I would need to make sure parents and students know and understand how to use these tools, and create a plan of use for the blog or wiki. I really want to accomplish this goal because I feel it will open up many doors between school and home.

In conclusion, this class has shown me the importance of using technology in a way that helps students be more successful. Technology is a great tool we can use in the classroom to create fun and engaging lessons that students will enjoy. Students need to be involved in their learning so they can retain the information we present. Educational technology is a great tool as long as it is used effectively. Students are able to use technology outside of the classroom, so what are you doing in your classroom to provide them ample opportunities to use technology in the classroom to allow them guide their own learning.

I have enjoyed this class, and will continue to use the information I learned within my own classroom. Happy blogging until next time!

-Sam R.

Social Learning Theories and Voice Thread

Social learning theories address the need for students to work collaborative and converse over the concepts being taught to help deepen their understanding. When students are given the chance to work together and build upon each other’s knowledge, they are able to use their peers to help them understand the concept or lesson. In my classroom, I give students multiple opportunities to work together on projects, or simply to solve a problem. When I do this students are able to share their different strategies, and learn different ways to approach the same answer. According to Dr. Orey, the social learning theory is about students working together, either completing a project or teaching each other about new content (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).

The instructional strategy we read about this week is cooperative learning. This instructional strategy and social learning theories directly relate to each other. In cooperative learning groups, students are able to explore their knowledge of content on a deeper level. In their groups students are able to share ideas and thoughts to help others understand it better. When cooperative learning groups are used, students should know the purpose of the group, as well as their job in the group. I teach third grade and this is an important aspect of forming groups. I assign my students different jobs so they know what I expect of them, and when all the jobs are put together, the assignment or task is completed. After learning about voice threads, blogs and other educational technology tools, I can see how I can implement the technology with the social learning theory. Students need to be aware of social media since they are exposed to it outside of the classroom.

Both cooperative learning and the social learning theories are based upon students working together to solve or explore a given topic. When students are engaged in their learning as a group, they are accomplishing this theory and strategy. In today’s classroom, students need to be exposed to working together collaboratively and realizing the impact they can have on each other’s learning.

Here is my voice thread I created for this week about a problem we face at my school:

http://voicethread.com/#q.b2493352.i0.k0

Happy blogging until next time!

-Sam R.

Reference

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). [Webcast]. Social learning theories. Baltimore: Author.

Constructivist and Constructionist Learning Theories

When I began exploring these two learning theories, I was curious to see how they were different. Like Dr. Orey states, many people do not know and understand the differences in the two theories, but it is important for teachers to understand so we can implement them effectively in our classrooms (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). In the classroom, the theory that is evident and important is the constructionist theory. When students are engaged in their learning, and they are creating artifacts to show what they have learned, they are participating in the constructionist theory, according to Dr. Orey (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  In my classroom, I feel that this is very important to help students grasp the concept and be more successful in their learning.

The instructional strategy we read about this week is generating and testing hypotheses. Of course, the first thing that came to my mind was science; however this strategy can be implemented into any subject. Once I began reading about it one of the aspects of this strategy is problem solving. Being a math teacher I got really excited because this is a major component in helping my students become better mathematicians. If students discover a problem, create a hypotheses and then test their hypotheses they are accomplishing this strategy. Generating and testing hypotheses correlates with the constructionist learning theory because students are able to use project based learning and their own experiences to create knowledge. Especially with problem solving, students have to generate ways to solve their problems, and continue to test those strategies until they successfully accomplish the problem.

Now that I know more about this strategy and constructionist theory, I feel that I will be more aware of the projects that I assign in the classroom. I want my students to be challenged and engage in meaningful learning through the projects. Of course to help them be successful, I will provide them with my expectations and resources; however students will have to complete all the hands-on components of the projects.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). [Webcast]. Constructivist and constructionist learning theories. Baltimore: Author.

Cognitivism in Practice

For this week’s resources we learned more about two different instructional strategies: cues, questions, and advanced organizers and summarizing and note taking. With the cognitive theory, both of these instructional strategies can be implemented in the classroom effectively with the use of technology.

The first strategy I am going to focus on is summarizing and note taking. Being a third grade teacher, I will admit that I do not use this strategy very much in my classroom. After learning more about it, I feel that I will feel more comfortable integrating it into my lessons. One idea for implementing summarizing in the classroom with the use of technology is through Microsoft Word. If a student needed assistance summarizing text, there is tool called Auto Summarizing that will help summarize that text for them. I was completely unaware of this tool. As for note-taking, I love the idea of the inverted T. Students write an inverted T, or they draw one on Microsoft Word. On one side of the T they write essential words, on the other side, they can draw an image relating to those words. This addresses the dual code of the cognitive theory by having images with information to help store that information in their long term memory.

The second strategy is cues, questions and advanced organizers. I also do implement enough advanced organizers in my classroom, especially since all I teach is math and science. However, I do use cues and questions to help guide my lessons. In every lesson students are first exposed to their “I can” statement which helps expose them to the material we will cover that day. It gives them an idea of what we are going to learn that day. I also have an essential question that I focus on for the lesson. I ask the question at the beginning of the lesson, and again at the end to see if their answer has changed because of their new knowledge. Throughout the lessons, I ask many questions to help guide their thinking, but keeping their focus on the “I can” statement and essential question. Not only do I feel it helps guide student learning, but it also guides my teaching. If at the end of the lesson, students are still unable to answer the question, then I must go about teaching the content in a different way to help them gain the new information. Questioning is an excellent instructional strategy for all teachers to keep them aware of student learning throughout a lesson.

After learning about these strategies and the cognitive learning theory, I feel that both are essential in student achievement. If students do not retain the information, then they will not be able to recall it later. These strategies are excellent tools to help students put the information into their long term memory and make the connections needed in order to be successful with the new knowledge.

Happy Blogging until next time!
~Sam R.

Behaviorism in Practice

In this week’s learning resources we learned about two instructional strategies that can be correlated with technology, homework and practice and reinforcing effort. These are only just two of the many instructional strategies that can be implemented effectively with technology in the classroom.

The first instructional strategy is reinforcing effort. In my classroom, all I want is for student to give their best effort in everything they do. If I notice them doing this, they receive praise not just from me, but from other students as well. I have noticed that praise for effort or desired behavior, influences students to continue those behaviors and efforts.  Through the reinforcing strategy, students know my expectations and what is acceptable in the classroom.

Last year, my entire school adopted what we call our “40 Eagle Essentials”, which essentially are our school rules. It is a school wide plan, that all teachers including special area teachers (art, music, etc.) use within their classroom. Eagle Essential 18 states that every student is expected to turn in homework Tuesday through Friday of each week. This means homework will be assigned Monday night through Thursday night. In my classroom, I do not give homework to students on topics that we have not covered in class. It is important that the work they take home can be done independently without much help from parents or siblings. I also do not send home but a few questions, because I realize that students are receiving homework from the other teacher. If students do not complete the homework, their consequence is to put their name on the board, which is a warning. In most cases, if students do not have their homework in one class, they usually do not have it in either class. In that case they will receive their name and one check, which means they have to sit at the silent lunch table. By implementing these punishments for actions, the entire school is participating in a form of behaviorism.

There are many instructional strategies implemented in classrooms. These two strategies are examples of how behaviorism is implemented in today’s classroom. When students receive positive reinforcement or consequences for their behavior they learn what is expected of them in the classroom.

Happy blogging until next time!

~Sam R.

Final Blog post for EDUC 6710

It is amazing how fast this class has gone by. I have thoroughly enjoyed interacting with my classmates with the new communication tools we have learned about. Before this class, I did not know how could I use these new technologies within my classroom, but now I am excited to implement the ideas I have.

This class has helped me realize what I can do with blogs, wikis and podcasts within my classroom. I have been able to brainstorm and learn other teacher’s ideas to implement these technologies within my class. I am now more comfortable in using these technologies as well. Before this class, I had never created a blog or wiki, but now I realize how easy and convenient it would be for myself and my students and parents to use.

Within the last 7 weeks, I have learned the importance of making sure that students are exposed to as much up to date information as possible. It is also important that I learn about my students, their learning styles and their background. If I know more about them, then I can adapt my lessons and teaching style to meet their individual needs. I have always been a student centered teacher, but this class has helped reinforce my belief that students are more successful when they guide their own learning. It is essential that students are the leaders in their own learning, and I serve as a facilitator. It is especially important in mathematics. Students learn better by doing, therefore I need to provide multiple opportunities for them to do so within my classroom.

Even after this class, I am going to continue following educational blogs, and continue to stay informed with any research involving student achievement. As a teacher, I need to continue to grow and learn so I can expose my students to information that is recent and also provide richer opportunities to my students. Society and technology is ever-changing, and I feel that my classroom needs to mirror that change. I may not have the funding to have all the new technology in my classroom, but that does not mean I ignore it, rather I can introduce it to them and help them understand the use of technology they may have available to them elsewhere.

Two goals I have are: 1) Introducing more technologies to my students, such as iPods, and individual laptops for students. I am going to try and achieve this goal by applying for grants that are available, and show my principal the benefits that they will have in my classroom.  It may take me a while to accomplish this goal, but I am going to try very hard to find outside funding to support this task. 2) I would like to see more teachers in my school implement the use of technology on a daily basis. Luckily, I have been assigned as the IT person at my school, so I feel that I will have the opportunity to accomplish this goal. I plan on having professional developments in which I model ways to use technology, and I will also provide individual assistance if teachers feel that they are not comfortable in using the technology. I want teachers to understand the success their students will have simply by implementing engaging lessons through technology.

I have really enjoyed this class, and will take everything that I have learned and will apply it to my classroom. I hope everyone has enjoyed my blog during these 8 weeks, and feel free to continue to stop by and see what is going on in Samantha’s Classroom Corner!

Happy blogging until next time!

~Sam R.

Technology Interview with My Students

This week's assignment was to interview three of my students regarding their use of technology. I was surprised to learn that one of my students had a Facebook page, that he used for social networking. All of my students had computers at home, and they all used them to play educational games.
I have to be honest, when I first read this assignment, I was wondering how I was going to get it accomplished and not take away from my instructional time. After I started the interviews, I was so excited to finish them because I was learning about my students. Through their answers on their interviews, I realized how much they enjoyed using the SMARTBoard, so I will make sure I implement more interactive activities in my lessons.

It is important as a teacher, that I know what my students enjoy, and what they have access to at home. My classroom needs to reflect the technology use at home, and I hope to continue to find new and exciting technologies to implement in my classroom. Technology continues to change each and every day, and I want my students to adapt to our ever-changing society.

Here is the link to my podcast: http://samantharivers.podomatic.com/entry/2011-10-08T09_30_01-07_00

Happy blogging until next time!
~Sam R.

Evaluating 21st Century Skills

This week's assignment was for us to look at The Partnership for 21st Century Skills website. I had never heard of this website, or of the organization itself. In today's society, it is important that not only are we teaching students the academic skills they need to be successful but also the skills that will help them thrive in today's economy and workplace.

My reaction to the website is that the fusion and collaboration is very important. If we want students to be prepared, we need to provide them with the information and the tools that they need. It is a great idea and strategy to team businesses and schools together. After all, the schools are the ones preparing their future employees.

The information that helped me develop a new understanding is that we can use the main academic components (3 Rs: ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, etc.) as an umbrella to teach the 21st century skills. It does not have to be a separate curriculum, instead it should be fused together to help students be more successful in both areas.

On the website, there was not anything that I disagree with. Rather, I highly agree with the twitter feed that discussed how standardized testing needs to be reevaluated. Instead of using it as the one and only answer to determine students' success, we need to be discovering ways to assess student learning for the challenges that the digital world presents. I feel that all components are essential in creating prepared citizens for society. It needs to be a team effort between schools and businesses to help students be successful.

Implications that I may implement into my classroom after looking through this website is that I need to be focusing on more skills such as life and career skills, learning skills and informational/media technology. I need to work on implementing these 21st century skills into my everyday curriculum, which would be easy to do. I need to address needs of survival in today's society alongside their educational needs. By addressing these skills, I will be sure to fuse academics and 21st century skills together so it flows together. Students will be learning and addressing the skills without realizing it. If I do not address these skills, my students will not have the skills they need in order to thrive in today's society. It is my job to prepare them for life, and after reviewing this website, I have realized the importance of life skills along with academics.

Happy blogging until next time!
~Sam R.

Utilizing Blogs in the Classroom

I have to admit that once I created this blog, I kept coming back to it to see if it had any "activity". Since I was so curious to see, the first thing that popped in my head, was how my students would react. I teach third grade math and science. My third graders are becoming more and more curious of technology, and they love to explore new tools that I show them.

After really thinking about my students, and the content that I teach, I came up with two ways that I may implement a blog into my classroom. First, I would use it as a communication tool for home and school. The math curriculum that I teach is called Everyday Mathematics. It teaches the concepts in a new and different way, especially from how most of my students' parents were taught how to do math. I would use the blog to put the math lessons and concepts in terms that parents could understand so they could help their child at home more effectively. I could also inlcude assessment questions that could be reviewed to better prepare students for upcoming assessments. It would also be a vital tool to keep parents up to date on any events that are taking place in the classroom and the school.

The second way I wanted to implement the blog in my classroom is to showcase student work. When we do science experiments or math projects, I thought about scanning in any exemplary work to showcase to others. I would make sure parents and other teachers were aware so they could comment on any students work that is on the blog. I feel that this would be a great way to motivate students to do their best on everything. Students love to have their work on display in the hallways, and this way their work could be shown to more people and actually receive written comments.

I feel that both ways will improve the lesson that is occurring in the classroom. The first way would allow for parents to help students more effectively, therefore they would better grasp the concept I am teaching. By showcasing student work would cause students to be more attentive in class and also motivate them to give their work 100% because their project could be chosen for the blog.

I have many ideas running through my head about implementing a blog in the classroom. These are just two that I felt suited my classroom and my content area the best. If you have another idea that might work, I would love to hear it!

Happy blogging until next time!
~Sam R.

Impact of Technology on Education

Our world is beginning to consist of more and more technology. It is essential for classroom teachers to understand the technology that is developing in the world around them and expose their students to as much as they can. It is my belief that if we show students the appropriate way to use technology within the classroom, then they will be more responsible when they are exploring it on their own. I look forward to working with fellow teachers and learning about the many ways technology impacts our society especially how we can implement it into our classroom.
Anybody have any ideas on how to implement new technology into the classroom, please share!

~Sam Rivers