Reflection for Bridging Learning Theory, Technology, and Instruction

As I reflect on my personal theory learning that I developed early on in the course, I have realized that I needed to modify an area as a result of the learning that took place in this course. The area that stands out the most to me is turning the learning over to my students. I recognized the enhancement that technology posed to the learning process, but I did not realize the full extent to which the students needed to use the tools to learn.

As a result of that reflection, I will directly design my lessons so that the students will use the technology tools to learn. For instance, I will use the concept mapping tool often. During this course, I had the TIS at my school load the application for the Itouch devices to include a concept mapping tool. I have had the sutdnets use this for vocabulary, spelling, text features, and more. The studnets embrace learning in this capacity. I wil also use Voice Thread to give students a platform for their thoughts and work.

Two long-term goal changes I wil make to my instructional practice regarding technology integration will be to give my students the opportunities to use technology to prepare them for the 2st century along with the skills necessary to compete in a global society. The strategy that I have chosen to achieve this long-term goal with is to directly teach them how to use the tools, and then to incorporate the tools into activites, projects, and lessons by purposeful planning.

Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

In this week's resources, an emphasis was placed on cooperative learning. My assignment was to decide how the learning resources related to this topic. After participating in the Voice Thread assignment, I viewed that resource as providing a definition to explain how cooperative learning occurs. For instance, Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski (2007) support the strategies purpose by defining cooperative learning as a learning strategy that increases learning by engaging students in interacting with each other to enhance learning.

I believe that the social learning theory shows its validity in an assignment such as Voice Thread; however, it becomes apparent that students may discuss a dilemma and share possible ideas, opinions, and more, without ever coming to a solution. If a more experienced "expert" could step in and offer sound, practical advice, it would benefit all of the students participating.

As discussed in this week's discussion post, there are benefits to social learning. There still is no substitute for an experienced, educated individual to guide the learning. If we, as students of higher learning, struggle for answers, how much more our students in the classroom who have only had limited educational and background experience.

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

A Current Need

Here is the link to my Voice Thread. Please view my slides and respond to my current need. Thank you.

http://voicethread.com/share/1386525/