Reflection: Final Blog Posting

I have had several courses over the years that discuss Learning Theories. Each time I take a course and have to evaluate or think about my personal theory of learning, it changes. This course was no different. However, I think this change will reflect the rest of my teaching career more accurately. I began this course aligning myself with the Constructivist perspective. I am continually encouraging my students to discover knowledge and continually build. However, I have ended this course realizing that I cannot commit myself to one particular theory or model. My learning theory is to choose some parts of each theory.

I wish I could make immediate adjustments to my instructional practice regarding technology. I have learned about many new technology tools that I would like to use with my students. Virtual field trips, concept mapping and communication software are just a few tools I would like to begin incorporating into my classroom. This course has given me wonderful ideas, which I hope to use in the future. Unfortunately, the technology is not available for me to make changes. It also seems that it is not in our near future to have smart boards or computers in our classrooms. I am hopeful that I will be teaching a 21st century classroom one day!

Voice Thread

http://voicethread.com/share/1043725/

Enjoy!

Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

Cooperative learning focuses on having students interact with each other in groups in ways that enhance their learning (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Technology can play a big role in cooperative learning. It gives students the ability to form groups and allows them to communicate at anytime from anywhere. My classes at Walden are a prime example of cooperative learning! Multimedia, Web resources and communication software can all facilitate cooperative learning. Communication software; blogs, wikis, instant messaging and Skype, is more appropriate for first grade students.

The collaboration tools that I have explored and cooperative learning are very similar. They both correlate with the principles of social learning theories. Social learning theory focuses on students actively engaged in constructing artifacts and conversing with others (Orey, 2009). Students can use collaboration tools/connectivism in Social learning. Connectivism will help students to be actively engaged and converse with others. As Siemens (2009) states, “networks are rich, there has been a significant explosion on how we connect with other people”. Our students have so many different types of technology that they can use to connect with other students for social learning or networking. It makes learning possible all of the time!

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009).

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