The second class that I am taking through Walden University in order to earn my Graduate Certificate in Integrating Technology in the Classroom is called Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology . This class was a review of the textbook learning theories and required me to take a look at what my own personal theory of learning was and how I use technology to implement it in my classroom. On Week One, we had to define our Personal Theory of Learning and describe our current level of technology integration. Now, at the end of the course on Week 7, I am reflecting on my Personal Learning Theory and making some minor adjustments to the way that I think that students learn best and the technologies that I can use to support that learning.
Regarding my own learning theory, I had said that I believed that an eclectic approach is best; that there are effective elements in all of the learning theories, and that you need to tailor your approach to the situation and the lesson and your anticipated learning outcome. I had also stated that, when examining my own teaching and practice, I find that I primarily follow the Constructivist perspective, both Cognitive and Social, with underlying strains of Behaviorism. At the end of the course, my personal learning theory really has not changed. I still believe that a teacher should tap into prior knowledge and use that as a foundation upon which new learning can be built, where the learner takes ownership for constructing their own knowledge. Because the learner is active in the learning process from the very beginning, it makes the learning authentic and more easily retained. With a firm foundation activated and an interest in a topic with which they have some familiarity, students participate in an educational atmosphere where inquiry-based learning and social interaction combine to produce a unique learning experience for each learner as a result of the educational environment and the result of his/her own cognitive process. Within this environment, instruction needs to be individualized based on student need. Furthermore, learning is collaborative and assessment is simultaneous to provide immediate feedback.
Really, my personal theory of learning has not changed, although this course has made me aware of the technological tools that I can use to support my (Social) Constructivist views. A lot of the time, the problem that I have with the younger grades is getting access to computers to use for a lesson. I have been looking into grants and talking with our state’s Department of Energy to see if I can get some computers donated. I had never heard of a Voicethread before, and it is one of my favorite things that I have learned how to use because it is user-friendly, even for my younger students and their sometimes technologically challenged parents. I plan to use the Voicethread as a way that students can compile and share their knowledge, both with each other, and with their parents at home. I also had a chance to explore some great Virtual Field Trips. I was aware of their existence, but it was one of those things where you just can not find the time to sit down and go through all of the resources unless you are forced to do so. I plan on integrating more Virtual Field Trips into my Gifted curriculum because they are a great primary resource, they are highly engaging and interactive, and they are cost effective. I am also looking forward to implementing a class Wiki, creating podcasts, and doing some concept mapping.
I have made myself some promises and I have set some personal goals for myself in regards to integrating technology. I vow to always try my best to keep up with the technology advancements that are made, even after I don’t have to do it for a class, so that my students will always benefit from being in my class. One obstacle will always be the funding available and the willingness of our technology department to help implement or install different programs. I have set two goals:
Number 1: I will continue to utilize the information that I get from following the technology for teaching blogs to which I subscribe. We teachers are our own best resource, because only we can understand what our students truly need and what truly works. www.freetech4teachers.com has so many FREE resources that I can personally use in my classroom, or that I can pass on to my students, their parents, or other teachers to use. Seeing as cost is not an issue, the technology department will be more willing to help me to install any necessary software.
Number 2: We have a technology committee at school that functions as an intermediary between the teachers and the technology department and the administration. I have joined this committee so that I can advocate for the teachers who are trying to use “controversial” social media to teach. Through this committee, I will continue to push for more technology in every classroom. This committee also writes grants to request additional funding for technology. I will continue to seek out and apply for any grants that will help our school obtain more technology.
I have a week off, and then I will be taking a course titled Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom. I am going to use the week off in between my classes to look at some of my past lessons and think about how I can make them more engaging, challenging, and student-centered. I need to look at what my Personal Learning Theory is and then look to see if my lessons are supporting that high level of engagement. Effective teachers are consistently modifying their lessons and approach to meet the needs of all of the learners in their classrooms.
