As Dr. Orey discussed how we compare the constructivist theory to the constructionism, I was reminded of a phrase I have on my wall at school. Learn it, Do it, Own it... These words reflect how I want my students to learn in my classroom. Once the lesson has been taught, you have to let your students show you what they know. They have to "do it" and construct an artifact to show their knowledge of the subject.
One of the most difficult parts of this process is letting go of the micromanagement of the classroom and letting the students work together cooperatively. This means a bit more noise sometimes, but we need to let our students problem solve and become seekers of knowledge, not just tape recorders that listen to us teach them what they need to know. For too many students, they have gotten into the habit of waiting for someone to tell them the answer. We have to help them become detectives in their own education.
The six recommendations that are made in the Pitler text for generating and testing hypothesis, cover all the different techniques for a constructionist classroom. Then the artifact that is created by going through all of these steps can be easily created using different facets of technology. In order for us to create equilibration in our class, we need to help the students create more schema's in order to help them accommodate their new knowledge.
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.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Week 2 - Behaviorism in Practice
There were two very distinct facets that we read about this week. Both separate by their own definitions, however, they are very closely related at the same time. Effort is what is put into the tasks we complete and the homework and practice give us the tasks to help put forth the effort in our assignments.
The ideal student is one that walks into our classrooms with nothing but "want" in their eyes. They want to please you, they want more knowledge, they want to satisfy their own questions about the information, and won't stop until they are all answered. Wouldn't it be lovely if ALL of our students just came to us with that attitude and perspective???
I loved the idea of the Effort Rubric (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007) to help the students begin to define the correlations between their efforts put forth beforehand and the outcomes with their graded work afterwards. The data results usually speak for themselves. We want our students to be instrinsically motivated and what better way than to show them the proof in the pudding. Work + Effort = Success!!
It makes sense that we are in a cycle of data production, collections, and analysis within the education system itself and we are coming up with ways for students themselves to do the same self-awareness and data collection techniques. We all need to know what we are doing well, and where we need to improve. As much as some folks hate to say the word "data", you just can't argue with the numbers when they show you the results. The constant use of re-assessment and comparing/contrasting the information is simply a good practice, in my opinion.
With homework and practice - the guidelines said it all. Homework should have set policies in place and have an expected outcome and purpose for all work that is to be completed. In addition, feedback is so crucial. So often, I see homework as being checked for completion only and not for correct answers. How easy it is to fall into this trap. If you are giving an effort grade, then that practice suits your purpose. However, to truly help the students understand their work - a quick check and comments are due. With practice, again the students should collect data on their progress and there should be a pre-determined specific focus that you want the students to work on. As a follow-up, teachers need to provide a structured time for students to work on increasing their level of understanding if necessary.
This week, we focused on behaviorism and how this theory is a part of our educational process. The bond between effort and practice is meshed together because of behaviors. The choice is up to each and every student that walks into our room.
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.
The ideal student is one that walks into our classrooms with nothing but "want" in their eyes. They want to please you, they want more knowledge, they want to satisfy their own questions about the information, and won't stop until they are all answered. Wouldn't it be lovely if ALL of our students just came to us with that attitude and perspective???
I loved the idea of the Effort Rubric (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007) to help the students begin to define the correlations between their efforts put forth beforehand and the outcomes with their graded work afterwards. The data results usually speak for themselves. We want our students to be instrinsically motivated and what better way than to show them the proof in the pudding. Work + Effort = Success!!
It makes sense that we are in a cycle of data production, collections, and analysis within the education system itself and we are coming up with ways for students themselves to do the same self-awareness and data collection techniques. We all need to know what we are doing well, and where we need to improve. As much as some folks hate to say the word "data", you just can't argue with the numbers when they show you the results. The constant use of re-assessment and comparing/contrasting the information is simply a good practice, in my opinion.
With homework and practice - the guidelines said it all. Homework should have set policies in place and have an expected outcome and purpose for all work that is to be completed. In addition, feedback is so crucial. So often, I see homework as being checked for completion only and not for correct answers. How easy it is to fall into this trap. If you are giving an effort grade, then that practice suits your purpose. However, to truly help the students understand their work - a quick check and comments are due. With practice, again the students should collect data on their progress and there should be a pre-determined specific focus that you want the students to work on. As a follow-up, teachers need to provide a structured time for students to work on increasing their level of understanding if necessary.
This week, we focused on behaviorism and how this theory is a part of our educational process. The bond between effort and practice is meshed together because of behaviors. The choice is up to each and every student that walks into our room.
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.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Welcome to EDUC 6711 Class!
I am looking forward to learning more about technology and how I should implement tools properly in my classroom. I hope you will help me in my journey!!
Sunday, March 1, 2009
A New Mind-set - Reflection - week 8
First and foremost, this course has helped me "try-out" many tools that I would have never attempted alone. With the help of my classmates and instructor, we collaborated and created a Blog, a Wiki-page and a Podcast. These new web 2.0 tools have shown me the 21st century tools that are available to use with my students and how I can use these skills to better prepare my students to be successful in the future business world.
I have discovered that my "old school" methods of teaching are not what my students need today. Their learning styles are so different now than they were 20 years ago, when I started teaching. Most of my students are digital natives, while I myself, am a digital immigrant just entering into the wonderful world of technology. Although I have used e-mail for communication and digital picture taking, I have certainly not been on the cutting edge for most of the technology tools that we have available for us as resources in the classroom. The "hands-on" knowledge that I've learned from this class showed me that I can use Wiki's and Blogs as useful collaboration techniques and not be afraid of them. The use of Pod casts in my classroom will continue to be a work in progress for me, as this particular tool seemed to be the most complicated to produce and manage.
In the future, I plan to have more student centered lessons and I will become more of a facilitator. In the readings during this course, I discovered that I should not just be teaching the kids what I know, but rather helping them to discover the true process of learning itself. Not that I didn't address this before, but now I have learned that there are more effective ways to achieve the same objective. The use of Wiki's and Blogs can be used to evaluate their knowledge and use of collaboration within each group formed and will give my "digital natives" a chance to show off their computer skills.
It is my hope that through these courses at Walden, I will continue to learn the most efficient ways to create lessons in my class with the use of technology. Ultimately, my goal is to have the highest student achievement possible in my class and prepare them for the 21st century. This is a continual learning process, as there seems to be new and exciting tools created on a daily basis. This is what makes learning about technology challenging. There's always something new and better coming just around the corner.
In the next two years, I hope to have weekly, if not daily lessons that will need to be completed with the use of technology tools. One way that I'm hoping to accomplish this goal is by applying for a grant in our school cluster, that will afford me the opportunity to equip my room appropriately. I would like to have a more interactive way to present my lessons and still be mobile in my classroom. When I use a PowerPoint presentation in my room right now, I am having to return to my computer to move on or complete the lesson. I'd like a remote to be able to continue interactively working with the students as I move about the room. In addition, I would request funds to purchase several ( as many as they would give me money for...) laptops to be used as stations in my classroom. I will be in a new school next year, and I assume they will have the laptop carts for check-out, but I'd like to be able to use them whenever I want. All of our schools are equipped with a wireless network, so all I would have to purchase would be the computers themselves. The second goal I would have for myself in the next two years would be to take risks and don't be afraid to try something new. After being stuck in a rut for so long, I feel that this third class in my Masters program has certainly gotten me on the right path to achieve this goal. I feel that my confidence level is building in technology and I can only get better from here.
As a final reflection, I would like to thank all of my classmates and my instructor for helping me when I needed it, and simply being a great support system in this "new world" for me!! I have enjoyed working with each of you and look forward to meeting you again in my future courses.
I have discovered that my "old school" methods of teaching are not what my students need today. Their learning styles are so different now than they were 20 years ago, when I started teaching. Most of my students are digital natives, while I myself, am a digital immigrant just entering into the wonderful world of technology. Although I have used e-mail for communication and digital picture taking, I have certainly not been on the cutting edge for most of the technology tools that we have available for us as resources in the classroom. The "hands-on" knowledge that I've learned from this class showed me that I can use Wiki's and Blogs as useful collaboration techniques and not be afraid of them. The use of Pod casts in my classroom will continue to be a work in progress for me, as this particular tool seemed to be the most complicated to produce and manage.
In the future, I plan to have more student centered lessons and I will become more of a facilitator. In the readings during this course, I discovered that I should not just be teaching the kids what I know, but rather helping them to discover the true process of learning itself. Not that I didn't address this before, but now I have learned that there are more effective ways to achieve the same objective. The use of Wiki's and Blogs can be used to evaluate their knowledge and use of collaboration within each group formed and will give my "digital natives" a chance to show off their computer skills.
It is my hope that through these courses at Walden, I will continue to learn the most efficient ways to create lessons in my class with the use of technology. Ultimately, my goal is to have the highest student achievement possible in my class and prepare them for the 21st century. This is a continual learning process, as there seems to be new and exciting tools created on a daily basis. This is what makes learning about technology challenging. There's always something new and better coming just around the corner.
In the next two years, I hope to have weekly, if not daily lessons that will need to be completed with the use of technology tools. One way that I'm hoping to accomplish this goal is by applying for a grant in our school cluster, that will afford me the opportunity to equip my room appropriately. I would like to have a more interactive way to present my lessons and still be mobile in my classroom. When I use a PowerPoint presentation in my room right now, I am having to return to my computer to move on or complete the lesson. I'd like a remote to be able to continue interactively working with the students as I move about the room. In addition, I would request funds to purchase several ( as many as they would give me money for...) laptops to be used as stations in my classroom. I will be in a new school next year, and I assume they will have the laptop carts for check-out, but I'd like to be able to use them whenever I want. All of our schools are equipped with a wireless network, so all I would have to purchase would be the computers themselves. The second goal I would have for myself in the next two years would be to take risks and don't be afraid to try something new. After being stuck in a rut for so long, I feel that this third class in my Masters program has certainly gotten me on the right path to achieve this goal. I feel that my confidence level is building in technology and I can only get better from here.
As a final reflection, I would like to thank all of my classmates and my instructor for helping me when I needed it, and simply being a great support system in this "new world" for me!! I have enjoyed working with each of you and look forward to meeting you again in my future courses.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Podcast Technology Student Survey
This class has helped me experience a lot of "firsts" with the use of technology. My first podcast was not difficult, however, I did have to trouble-shoot a few of the recording elements. I am learning that these tools can be useful in the classroom and I'm anxious to get my students working with them as well. Feel free to give any feedback, as this is my first attempt and I'd like to improve on this technique.
The URL address for my podcast is: http://www.gcast.com/u/saracatherinevaughan/main
The URL address for my podcast is: http://www.gcast.com/u/saracatherinevaughan/main
Friday, January 30, 2009
Today I visited the website: http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/
At first, I found myself not being able to get to everything I wanted quick enough. This website thoroughly addresses the skills needed to be successful in the area of technology in the future, and also the means by which we can accomplish this. I appears that if we have the tools and training necessary, the training is there for the taking. The graphics are clear and concise, with an explanation and examples given for all descriptions. The large "Route 21" sign cleverly placed on the left margin got my attention and upon further investigation, it revealed a very organized way to explore much needed information on the 21st century skills.
It surprised me that there are only 10 states that have committed to this program, and it made me wonder what is taking the other states so long? We have had the "No Child Left Behind" mandate in place for many years and yet the commitment just isn't there. Our country needs to put education first and re-evaluate what is the most important track for our nation to follow. In the next few years, it will be interesting to watch how the policies of education and the requirements of our future leaders mesh together.
I did not disagree with any of the information that I read on this site, however, I wish that there were more "In the News" articles. There appeared to be only 7 articles on the home page that were related to this topic. I consider this to be the hottest topic in education right now, so I'm wondering why there aren't more?
As an educator, I would like to see a stronger support system put into place for this organization. They are like a textbook that has everything laid out by chapter and now they are just waiting for enough people to read the text. Let's get going and start the NEW WAVE!!
At first, I found myself not being able to get to everything I wanted quick enough. This website thoroughly addresses the skills needed to be successful in the area of technology in the future, and also the means by which we can accomplish this. I appears that if we have the tools and training necessary, the training is there for the taking. The graphics are clear and concise, with an explanation and examples given for all descriptions. The large "Route 21" sign cleverly placed on the left margin got my attention and upon further investigation, it revealed a very organized way to explore much needed information on the 21st century skills.
It surprised me that there are only 10 states that have committed to this program, and it made me wonder what is taking the other states so long? We have had the "No Child Left Behind" mandate in place for many years and yet the commitment just isn't there. Our country needs to put education first and re-evaluate what is the most important track for our nation to follow. In the next few years, it will be interesting to watch how the policies of education and the requirements of our future leaders mesh together.
I did not disagree with any of the information that I read on this site, however, I wish that there were more "In the News" articles. There appeared to be only 7 articles on the home page that were related to this topic. I consider this to be the hottest topic in education right now, so I'm wondering why there aren't more?
As an educator, I would like to see a stronger support system put into place for this organization. They are like a textbook that has everything laid out by chapter and now they are just waiting for enough people to read the text. Let's get going and start the NEW WAVE!!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
How will I use this blog for my students? I am most likely to use it as a forum for discussion for the days lessons. If they have any questions, they can ask me on-line. I will also use this to praise my students for their hard work! It is so easy to focus on one or two that are difficult students, when in reality we have SO many GREAT kids in our classes and we need to praise them loud and often for their hard work and effort in class. I will be checking the procedures for using student names on my blog page, as I'd like to make sure I'm following the rules with my county on the guidelines for our user policy. Perhaps first names only will be in order!
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Welcome to my Blog! This is a new avenue for me to use technology to share information and hopefully gain insights into your ideas as well. I am working on my Masters in Technology and will be posting articles that pertain to my classes, as well as discussions with my classmates in the upcoming weeks. I look forward to your comments.
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