Reflection

My personal learning theory has not changed throughout this course. However, there are adjustments that I plan to make to my instructional practice regarding technology integration. My students each have their own laptop. Although I integrate technology into my lessons, it is usually through some type of project, such as an iMovie or a podcast. I need to find more ways for my students to use technology in their daily lessons.

  One new technology tool I plan to use is Concept Maps. As long as you have an essential question, mind maps can be used to organize any type of information. In language arts, this would be helpful to use as a character map or to organize information when reading a novel.

  As I mentioned above, I would like my students to use technology in my language arts class more regularly, and not just for projects. One of my goals is to have them use the online textbook to read stories on their computer.  There are also homework assignments that can be done online. This is something that has been available that I have not yet utilized. This goal will not be hard to achieve since they used their computers in this manner as 7^th graders.  I will simply need to talk to our building technician to make sure the online textbook is put on the 8^th grade laptops when they are re-imaged.

  Another long-term goal is for students to collaborate with other students globally. I would like to learn more about programs such as Skype and ePals. Again, this is something I will have to learn more about before utilizing it in my classroom. I will have to check with our district technology staff to make sure it is acceptable for our students to use these programs on their laptops.

Voice Thread

I am new to Voice Threads, and like most people, I do not like listening to the sound of my own voice. Anyway, I have a problem with students completing their work in my class and would love any suggestions you may have!

http://voicethread.com/share/530854/

Social Learning Theory

I do not think social learning should be the primary method used in the classroom. In the experiences I have had with cooperative groups, at times there is too much playing around by some of the team members. In some groups it seems that one or two people are doing all the work. Social learning is important, and it definitely has its place in today’s classroom, but it should be used in conjunction with other methods of learning.

 Now more than ever, technology allows students to collaborate on projects without the constraints of time or geography, (Pittler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski, 2007). There are many different ways students can use technology to work in cooperative groups.

Students in my language arts class often work in cooperative groups. Sometimes they work together to problem solve or simply discuss their assignments. Other times they work in cooperative groups to create a project. When working together to create projects, they are shown exemplar projects and given organizers and rubrics before they begin the project. This ensures they understand what is expected of them, and there are no surprises when the assignment is graded.

One of the benefits of social constructivism is that conversation with others helps students to understand things. At times the learner needs a more knowledgeable person to help them understand, and this can be a parent, teacher, peer, or even a computer. Having students explain things to others also helps them to get a better understanding of the text. One activity that helps with this is the Jigsaw Activity. This is where each student is responsible for reading a certain section and then teaching the class about that section. After everyone has taught the group about what they read they have heard about the entire selection.

Having students work together is a powerful strategy, but students need a balance of teacher instruction, cooperative learning, and independent learning.

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

Laureate Education Inc. (2008). “Social Learning Theories.” Baltimore, MD: Laureate Education Inc.