Reflection: Effective Integration of Technology in the Classroom

The learning opportunities in this course have required me to deeply consider my personal theory of learning. Eclectic was the term I used to describe that theory during Week 1 and it remains accurate today. Picking and choosing strategies and approaches from all of the theories has allowed me to better meet the needs of my students. The behaviorist theory is most evident in my classroom management. Behaviorism can be used effectively, especially in classroom management because as Melissa Standridge (2002) points out, “students work for things that bring them positive feelings, and for approval from people they admire” (p. 6). Cognitivism is a theory that I would not have identified directly with prior to this course. However, I have discovered that I employ many cognitive strategies including concept mapping. I would like to utilize this theory more often in my teaching as building strong and numerous connections in the students brains will increase the likelihood that the information can be recalled (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). Constructivism and Social Learning are two theories that I call on often in my daily practice. These theories allow me to work towards the student-centered classroom that I strive for. Technology can allow students to work independently or in teams to create some amazing artifacts within these theories. These artifacts can be used as alternative assessments that demonstrate the learning that has taken place. The benefits of social learning are numerous. Perhaps the discussions among students are the most valuable. Technology can be used to engage students within all of these theories of learning and student engagement should be a primary goal of all teachers.

There are several technology tools that I would like to use with my students to enhance learning. Voice thread is the tool that I am most excited about. Learning will be enhanced through the effective use of this technology as the students will be able to have discussions about images related to course content. Students who hesitate to contribute to class discussion will have time to prepare their thoughts. The walls of the classroom are virtually eliminated as students can contribute to the voice thread from any computer with internet access at any time of day. Another technology that I am excited to take full advantage of is Microsoft Word. Many of the advanced features of Word were presented in Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works (2007). The Track Changes and Insert Comments features on Word can allow for students to receive feedback on their writing. Students can also receive feedback in Word by utilizing the Flesch-Kincaid Readability Scale to see what grade level their writing was done at. Other features in Word that I want to familiarize my students with are using the reference tab in creating a bibliography, working with citations, and using the program for research. These applications of Word can enhance student learning by offering comments on their work, providing feedback, summarizing, and researching.

Portfolios have been an integral component of my classroom for several years. They provide students with a collection of their best work and demonstrate the learning that has taken place. My experience in this course has shown me that my students may be better served by creating their portfolios online. This can be accomplished through the use of a blog. It will take me a year or so to work out all of the fine details of this endeavor but I will begin by providing the students with a rubric of my expectations for their portfolio. Student will be able to scan images, upload digital photos, and create links to voice threads, etc… as they compile their artifacts. Compiling portfolios online will allow for the students to comment on each other’s work, offer suggestions, seek input from people outside the walls of the classroom, and to work on them anywhere. Another goal that I have in regards to technology integration is to create a webpage for myself where students can access their classroom pages. I will begin this endeavor by starting with one or two classes and working up to all of them. On each classroom page I will list upcoming deadlines, downloadable files, technology tutorials, helpful links, and a link to a blog where students can ask questions. This will be a large job for me but will be a big step in creating a kind of global classroom that can meet the needs of my students. Providing technology tutorials will be very helpful to my CAD students in using our software. This kind of a site will also be very beneficial to students who have been absent while blogging will allow for the students to assist one another. This goal will also allow me to create a more environmentally friendly classroom with students submitting assignments electronically.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Program five. Cognitive Learning Theories [Motion picture]. 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.

Standridge, M. (2002). Behaviorism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved April 30, 2009, from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/

Social Learning and Voice Thread

Voice thread is a great technology that supports connectivisim and social learning theory. This tool allows for people to upload images, video, or other graphics and to comment on them. Networks of information can be created among the people who comment on these images. I created a voice thread that I could use in my Engineering Design Course as a review of multiview drawings. The thread can be viewed and commented on at: http://voicethread.com/share/523939/ This is a very difficult concept for students to grasp and could serve as a great review for them. I can also forsee students creating their own thread that demonstrates their rationale for the location of dimensions in their multiview files. I can envision many applications of voice thread in my classes but this is just one example of how I could use it.

The social learning theory is one that I have tried to incorporate into my own classroom. It is structured around the components of culture, collaboration, and context. I find it somewhat difficult to seperate from constructionism as I often have students work in teams to create an artifact. "Cooperative Learning" is an instructional strategy that supports this theory while embedding technology. The discussions that students have with one another while working cooperatively are vital to this theory. This strategy provides an opportunity for students to problem solve, think creatively, and support one another. Some technological tools that support this strategy include the use of blogs, wikis, and document sharing applications. These tools can really aid in the communication among the team while spreadsheets, PowerPoint, and podcasts are tools that can be used in the creation of artifacts. In today's society it seems less important to be able to recall trivial facts and much more important to know where to find the answers and how to work with others and technology in doing so.