A Reflection of Technology in the Classroom

• Reflect on the “Personal Theory of Learning” you developed in Week 1. Summarize any modifications to your personal theory of learning you have made as a result of your learning in this course.

As we started this course my personal learning theory was the concept that students learn from doing and applying. This line of thought holds sway for me today as I reflect on the different strategies I studied in the course Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. As I learned the importance of theories such as constructionism and dual coding, my belief is that the 21st century classroom should be student centered and involved.

• Describe any immediate adjustments you will make to your instructional practice regarding technology integration as a result of your learning in this course. Identify two technology tools you would like to use with your students and how the tools will support or enhance your students’ learning.

I will integrate several forms of technology into my curriculum next year. I am preparing assignments that will use programs such as Inspiration and Webspiration to develop concept maps, powerpoints, videos, and VoiceThreads. My goal is to have my students actively involved in the exploration of history. These programs will promote collaborative groups and allow my students to discuss the themes and concepts we are studying.

• List two long-term goal changes you would like to make to your instructional practice regarding technology integration and outline a strategy for achieving them.

Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

According to George Seimens, connectivism is the ability to make decisions based on rapidly altering foundations. The components of connectivism seem to operate as small parts of a machine working in unison to power the entire production. The majority of the instructional strategies used in this week’s resources dealt with students interacting with a single goal. The vignette used of Mrs. Smith's class and her introduction of Shakespeare is a great example of social constructivism. Mrs. Smith’s assignment promotes collaboration between a diverse group of students and generates a level of exciting over a topic that she previously struggled to make a connection with her students. All of the students were able to contribute to the project and gain an understanding of the subject.

Dr. Michael Orey discussed the importance of social learning and connecting the gap between the Zone of Proximal Development and the More Knowledge Other. There are when we reach our learning potential and need someone or something to help bridge the gap. Modern technology provides tools that can assist to make these connections. Students can gain this information directly, through various programs, or through the various methods of communication from various forms of technology. Social learning came come from avenues other than technology. Jigsaw excercises allow students to obtain and share knowledge.

The link to my personal vociethread is below.
http://voicethread.com/share/1192090/

Fred