Class Reflection

My personal learning theory at the beginning of this course mainly consisted of students reinforcing ideas and concepts. By this I mean that students are shown how to approach a problem, what to look for and then how to solve. When a student understands what the question is look for, they most likely already know how to solve. They just need to remember that connecting link and it will come to them. I have tried to use more technology in my class such as concept mapping. This little bit of technology allows students to physically see the connections and recall them at a later date.

I think that I am doing fine with the integrating technology part in my class. I try to use as many available programs and ideas to keep my students engaged and motivated. Excel, power point and other web sources keep students interested and make for an easier class. I would like to use a smart board in the class more often. With the help of Excel, a project can be set up for students to do and it can be displayed on the screen. Presentations can be done and students can have practice speaking in front of others. Since the students will work with others, social interaction will happen more often and soon students will become accustomed to the daily routines. Keeping students interested in what the lesson is about is very hard, but with the technology today students can concentrate and have fun at the same time.

I would like to try to have more interaction in my class by having groups set up for most of the semester. These students will have to learn to get along since their grade will depend on it. By students working together, they will learn to depend on each other for support if someone doesn't understand. Another can explain it to the group until they understand. New tricks might be discovered and they can be expressed to others. Another goal for me is to use more technology in the future as it comes. I try to use as much as possible, but there isn't time for it all. I think it would be a good idea to try to introduce new ideas to myself as well as my students. These new programs might be useful or introduce new ideas for students to learn and use. Technology is coming along at an incredible rate and will only continue to advance.

Voice thread-- Calculators

Here is the link to my voice thread. It deals with calculators and the misuse of them.



http://voicethread.com/share/530262/

Social learning

I feel that cooperative learning is very important in the learning process of our students. The social interaction between students is needed for social belonging as well as practice for working together with others when you become employed in the work force. Like I have said in the past, working with others allows you to bounce your ideas off of them and receive input for you to become more advised to what might be needed. Many ideas are thought of when someone else gives you a concept to begin with. Instead of being in groups, a student might be interacting with a student in another state or country. "Communication with students in other cities, states, and countries broadens the perspective of students and challenges them to learn about other cultures, languages, and issues throughout the world." (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn & Malenoski, 2007) Spending time on the computer enhances typing skills as well as making friends and learning about culture from somewhere else.

By hearing and seeing what is being presented to you, one can interact within a small grouping where you can feel comfortable. Since the group is smaller than a regular class, more ideas and interaction will happen. The teacher will also have more time to walk around to see the progress that is happening and to answer questions that the students may have. When technology is included in this mix of ideas, learning is brought to a different level. Having time to set aside to let the students work on the computers lets them explore new ideas and concepts to broaden their knowledge. Even though technology is advancing at an incredible rate, two or more students talking and engaging in some type of discussion is important. Social interaction and learning is key.



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