Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer's GAME plan has been a valuable resource that has helped me become more reflective about the way I teach. As I have discussed in previous blog postings, the GAME plan asks teachers to set Goals, create an Action plan, Monitor progress and Evaluate the plan. This four step process makes me think about a problem that I am facing and helps me work through the problem. The impact of this plan on my teaching will be significant. I have never worked through a problem by actually writing the steps down. I usually think about a problem and set goals in my mind as to the best way to tackle the goal. The GAME plan allows me to write the process down.
One immediate adjustment that I have made to my instruction as a result of this course is to use digital storytelling in my classroom. Digital storytelling is a great way for students to express their learning. Having students create digital stories creates a more authentic learning experience that is more personal to the student. This is a student-centered approach to education. My Principal has challenged me to be more student-centered and this is just one more tool that I have at my disposal. I am excited to use this technology in my classroom.
Rob Winner
EDUC 6713
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Using the GAME Plan Process with Students
As discussed in a previous posting, GAME stands for setting Goals, taking Action, Monitoring progress, and Evaluating and reviewing how the plan worked (Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer, 2009). I have completed a GAME plan for myself over the past couple of weeks. Please review previous postings to follow how the process worked for me.
The GAME plan can be used and applied by students as well. Anyone can use the GAME plan really. It is a great way to organize thoughts and follow through on a goal that you set for yourself. I will be using the GAME plan with my students in the future. The next time I introduce a new technology to my students, I will be asking them to create a GAME plan for themselves. This will allow students to take control of their learning making it more meaningful to them.
When reviewing the NETS-S standards from ISTE(see link below), I found that the GAME plan will be best used with standard 4 (Critical thinking, problem solving and decision making). The GAME plan does all of these things. Students must think critically about a problem they are facing and make decisions about the best way to solve the problem. In fact, the four sub-standards for stanard 4 follow the GAME plan as well. Teaching the GAME plan becomes a part of learning standard 4 from NETS-S.
Allowing students to set goals, create actions, evaluate their progress, and evaluate their learning is an important skill that students can use both in school and in the post school setting.
Rob Winner
EDUC 6713
References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P., (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: a standards-based approach. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning
ISTE
http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS_for_Students_2007.htm
The GAME plan can be used and applied by students as well. Anyone can use the GAME plan really. It is a great way to organize thoughts and follow through on a goal that you set for yourself. I will be using the GAME plan with my students in the future. The next time I introduce a new technology to my students, I will be asking them to create a GAME plan for themselves. This will allow students to take control of their learning making it more meaningful to them.
When reviewing the NETS-S standards from ISTE(see link below), I found that the GAME plan will be best used with standard 4 (Critical thinking, problem solving and decision making). The GAME plan does all of these things. Students must think critically about a problem they are facing and make decisions about the best way to solve the problem. In fact, the four sub-standards for stanard 4 follow the GAME plan as well. Teaching the GAME plan becomes a part of learning standard 4 from NETS-S.
Allowing students to set goals, create actions, evaluate their progress, and evaluate their learning is an important skill that students can use both in school and in the post school setting.
Rob Winner
EDUC 6713
References
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P., (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: a standards-based approach. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning
ISTE
http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/ForStudents/2007Standards/NETS_for_Students_2007.htm
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Revising my GAME plan
Over the past month, I have been exploring how to best teach my students how to cite electronic sources. I developed a GAME plan designed by Cennamo, Ross, and Ertmer (2009). The GAME plan asks us to set Goals, take Action, Monitor Progress, and Evaluate success (Cennamo, et al 2009, p. 3). Each week I have reflected about my experience in each of the steps. I have found this to be a rewarding experience. The reflection has been a good tool for me to think about how to best serve my students and make the process efficient for myself.
I have learned about many resources that I can use to help my students cite electronic sources. The suggestions from my peers have been most helpful. They referred me to website such as www.bibme.org and www.citationmachine.net. These resources will be used in my classes.
I am still working toward my goal of helping my students cite electronic sources. I have a lot to learn in regards to citation myself. Suggestions from my professor in this course, Theresa Pepe, have helped my hone my own APA citation skills.
At this time, I am not ready to set new goals at this time. I am ready to continue learning about citation and I am in the process of looking for a seminar or class that will help me in this regard.
In the future I plan to use the GAME plan occasionally to help me think about my own learning. Setting goals and developing a plan to reach those goals is a healthy process. Taking the time to write down and follow through a GAME plan will help me stay on task.
Thank everyone for their assistance in this process. Both Theresa and my peers have helped me become a better teacher.
Rob Winner
EDUC 6713
I have learned about many resources that I can use to help my students cite electronic sources. The suggestions from my peers have been most helpful. They referred me to website such as www.bibme.org and www.citationmachine.net. These resources will be used in my classes.
I am still working toward my goal of helping my students cite electronic sources. I have a lot to learn in regards to citation myself. Suggestions from my professor in this course, Theresa Pepe, have helped my hone my own APA citation skills.
At this time, I am not ready to set new goals at this time. I am ready to continue learning about citation and I am in the process of looking for a seminar or class that will help me in this regard.
In the future I plan to use the GAME plan occasionally to help me think about my own learning. Setting goals and developing a plan to reach those goals is a healthy process. Taking the time to write down and follow through a GAME plan will help me stay on task.
Thank everyone for their assistance in this process. Both Theresa and my peers have helped me become a better teacher.
Rob Winner
EDUC 6713
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Evaluating My GAME Plan Progress
Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer (2009) state, "As a future teacher you will be directing much own your own learning process and how you work best within this process" (p. 3). The authors go on to describe their recommendation for how a teacher should do this. Their recommendation is the GAME plan. The GAME plan asks teachers to, "set Goals, take Action, Monitor progress, and Evaluate whether the goals were achieved and Extend your learning to new situations" (Cennamo, et al, 2009, p 3).
Over the past 4 weeks, I have been working on my own GAME plan. The Goal of my game plan is to teach my students how to properly cite electronic sources. I created an action plan and monitored my progress just as Cennamo, et al suggest. It is now time for me to evaluate my progress and think about new ways to engage my students in regards to citation.
The actions I took to help my students cite electronic sources were effective. I found the greatest assistance from http://www.citationmachine.net/. This resources was a winner in the eyes of my students. After taking the advice of some of my peers, I introduced my students to this website and they loved it.
Ordering the APA guidebooks for my students has been somewhat ineffective. They arrive just after my students learned they could cite electronic sources electronically. Perhaps next year, I will use these books before I introduce the citation machine website (http://www.citationmachine.net/) Although, but inadvertently completing my lesson in this order, I have found that students are not afraid of using the computer to complete citation. The citing websites have always been intimidating for me. This will aid in my instruction next year.
I still have a lot to learn about citation myself. In no way would I consider myself an expert on the subject...I probably made a mistake with citation above. I would like to attend a seminar or complete a class or certification in citation from the APA. I do not know if this is even an option, but I think it would be beneficial to me and my students.
I would adjust my GAME plan in the ways I discussed above. Take a class, change the order of my instruction in regards to teaching student citation and using more electronic citation programs would help me be a better teacher and help my students learn more about citation.
Overall, I found the GAME plan to be a good resource. I believe that the GAME plan is something that we all do both in and out of the classroom whenever we encounter a problem or something we wish to change about our lives. It is nice to have a defined process like Cennamo, et al suggest with their GAME plan.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: a standards based approach. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning
Rob Winner
EDUC 6713
Over the past 4 weeks, I have been working on my own GAME plan. The Goal of my game plan is to teach my students how to properly cite electronic sources. I created an action plan and monitored my progress just as Cennamo, et al suggest. It is now time for me to evaluate my progress and think about new ways to engage my students in regards to citation.
The actions I took to help my students cite electronic sources were effective. I found the greatest assistance from http://www.citationmachine.net/. This resources was a winner in the eyes of my students. After taking the advice of some of my peers, I introduced my students to this website and they loved it.
Ordering the APA guidebooks for my students has been somewhat ineffective. They arrive just after my students learned they could cite electronic sources electronically. Perhaps next year, I will use these books before I introduce the citation machine website (http://www.citationmachine.net/) Although, but inadvertently completing my lesson in this order, I have found that students are not afraid of using the computer to complete citation. The citing websites have always been intimidating for me. This will aid in my instruction next year.
I still have a lot to learn about citation myself. In no way would I consider myself an expert on the subject...I probably made a mistake with citation above. I would like to attend a seminar or complete a class or certification in citation from the APA. I do not know if this is even an option, but I think it would be beneficial to me and my students.
I would adjust my GAME plan in the ways I discussed above. Take a class, change the order of my instruction in regards to teaching student citation and using more electronic citation programs would help me be a better teacher and help my students learn more about citation.
Overall, I found the GAME plan to be a good resource. I believe that the GAME plan is something that we all do both in and out of the classroom whenever we encounter a problem or something we wish to change about our lives. It is nice to have a defined process like Cennamo, et al suggest with their GAME plan.
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: a standards based approach. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning
Rob Winner
EDUC 6713
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Monitoring my GAME plan
Over the past two weeks I've been taking a look at my own technological skill set in regards to how I teach and use technology in my classroom. Part of this process means creating a GAME plan. The GAME plan is an acronym for creating GOALS, taking ACTION, MONITORING, and EVALUATING in a step by step process created by Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer(2009). Over the past two weeks I have determined steps one and two:creating a goal of teaching proper citation to my students and developing an action plan for carrying out my goal. This week I will take a look at my goal and the action plan for it. This step is called monitoring.
Cennamo, et al (2009) asks us if we are "making sufficient progress toward your goals and reflect on whether the strategies you have chosen are working". I am finding the information and resources I need to complete the process of teaching my students to properly cite electronic sources. My students have been practicing citation both in class and at home. I directed my students to try out the website http://www.bibme.com/ and most of them found it useful. In class, we have been practicing citation as a class on the Smartboard.
Recently I spent some time with a few teachers from the Language Arts department at my school and inquired about students' level of experience citing electronic sources. During this research, I found that most of my students have been exposed to mainly citing text resources and a small effort has been made to teach students in Language Arts classes about citing electronic sources. This has been very helpful to me as I have started my students at step one in relation to citing electronic sources.
One concern that has arisen during this process is if there are any other resources out there that I am missing that can help me teach my students this process. The bibme cite http://www.bibme.com/ has been helpful, and I would like to see other resources that educators have used to help teach students this process. Does anyone have any thoughts or resources that can help me out?
Rob Winner
References
http://www.bibme.com/
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: a standards based approach. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
Cennamo, et al (2009) asks us if we are "making sufficient progress toward your goals and reflect on whether the strategies you have chosen are working". I am finding the information and resources I need to complete the process of teaching my students to properly cite electronic sources. My students have been practicing citation both in class and at home. I directed my students to try out the website http://www.bibme.com/ and most of them found it useful. In class, we have been practicing citation as a class on the Smartboard.
Recently I spent some time with a few teachers from the Language Arts department at my school and inquired about students' level of experience citing electronic sources. During this research, I found that most of my students have been exposed to mainly citing text resources and a small effort has been made to teach students in Language Arts classes about citing electronic sources. This has been very helpful to me as I have started my students at step one in relation to citing electronic sources.
One concern that has arisen during this process is if there are any other resources out there that I am missing that can help me teach my students this process. The bibme cite http://www.bibme.com/ has been helpful, and I would like to see other resources that educators have used to help teach students this process. Does anyone have any thoughts or resources that can help me out?
Rob Winner
References
http://www.bibme.com/
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: a standards based approach. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Carrying Out My GAME Plan
This week for my Walden class, I have been asked to review my GAME plan I created last week and think about ways to carry it out. I have selected my first goal...I pasted it below for reference.
What resources will I need to carry out my GAME plan?
-I will need several things to get the ball rolling on citation. First, I need to get a class set (30) of the APA guidelines. Also, I will need to gather some examples for my students to use when practicing. This can be as simple as going to several web sites(or have my students do this) and bookmarking them to the school's server for easy access for my students. I will also need to set up time in the computer lab including securing the teacher computer with an LCD projector to project examples so my students can follow along.
What additional information do I need?
-the only other information I can foresee needing is students backgrounds in citation. I can get this information from my own experience dealing with my students. I can also inquire from the Language Arts department the level of experience in citation the students have.
What steps have I been able to take so far?
-I have submitted a purchase order to order the class set of APA guidelines. I have also developed a lesson plan which I gave a short description of above.
I look forward to implementing this part of my game plan. My students will benefit from having the experience of being exposed to citation. This is a skill they will use in college.
Rob Winner
GAME plan submitted last week...
NETS Standard 4a: advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources
Goal 1: Students will learn how to properly cite electronic resources in APA format.
Action: When dealing with electronic resources, I will teach students how to use APA format to cite sources. This will be done by getting a class set of APA guidelines and having students follow the format. We will practice in the computer lab and use this skill during an established class activity, the Article Analysis.
Monitoring: I will keep a watchful eye during practice in the computer lab and make notes to students about when and how to cite sources.
Evaluation: Each student will be evaluated each week on their Article Analysis and a test will follow during week two of the exercise
What resources will I need to carry out my GAME plan?
-I will need several things to get the ball rolling on citation. First, I need to get a class set (30) of the APA guidelines. Also, I will need to gather some examples for my students to use when practicing. This can be as simple as going to several web sites(or have my students do this) and bookmarking them to the school's server for easy access for my students. I will also need to set up time in the computer lab including securing the teacher computer with an LCD projector to project examples so my students can follow along.
What additional information do I need?
-the only other information I can foresee needing is students backgrounds in citation. I can get this information from my own experience dealing with my students. I can also inquire from the Language Arts department the level of experience in citation the students have.
What steps have I been able to take so far?
-I have submitted a purchase order to order the class set of APA guidelines. I have also developed a lesson plan which I gave a short description of above.
I look forward to implementing this part of my game plan. My students will benefit from having the experience of being exposed to citation. This is a skill they will use in college.
Rob Winner
GAME plan submitted last week...
NETS Standard 4a: advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources
Goal 1: Students will learn how to properly cite electronic resources in APA format.
Action: When dealing with electronic resources, I will teach students how to use APA format to cite sources. This will be done by getting a class set of APA guidelines and having students follow the format. We will practice in the computer lab and use this skill during an established class activity, the Article Analysis.
Monitoring: I will keep a watchful eye during practice in the computer lab and make notes to students about when and how to cite sources.
Evaluation: Each student will be evaluated each week on their Article Analysis and a test will follow during week two of the exercise
Monday, November 9, 2009
GAME Plan fro NETS (Week 2 Application 6713)
This week I will be taking a look at two indicators as set forth by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) regarding National Education Standards for Teacher (NETS-T). For each one I will create a GAME plan. The four steps of the GAME plan include setting a Goal, Action, Monitoring, and Evaluation. The GAME plan is "recommendations for self-directed learning" (Cennamo, Ross, & Ertmer, 2009, p 3). Cennamo states that GAME fosters "understanding of content" and "creates authentic leaning" (Laureate Education, 2009). Technology can be used to support the GAME plan.
NETS Standard 4a: advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources
Goal 1: Students will learn how to properly cite electronic resources in APA format.
Action: When dealing with electronic resources, I will teach students how to use APA format to cite sources. This will be done by getting a class set of APA guidelines and having students follow the format. We will practice in the computer lab and use this skill during an established class activity, the Article Analysis.
Monitoring: I will keep a watchful eye during practice in the computer lab and make notes to students about when and how to cite sources.
Evaluation: Each student will be evaluated each week on their Article Analysis and a test will follow during week two of the exercise.
NETS Standard 3c: communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats
Goal: Make parents aware of projects and relevant classwork their sons and daughters will be engaging in with a weekly podcast.
Action: I will create a weekly podcast to inform parents and students of classroom activities.
Monitoring: Each Friday I will determine if I have created the podcast and be sure that information included in the podcast is relavant to the parent and teacher.
Evaluation: I will gather feedback from parents who listen to the podcast at the end of the year to determine if the podcast was done each week and determine if the podcast was helpful.
Rob Winner
References:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: a standards based approach. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
ISTE International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). NETS-T. Retrieved November 9, 2009, from Http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/FroTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T__Standards_Final.pdf
Laureate Education. (2009). Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore, MD: Author.
NETS Standard 4a: advocate, model, and teach safe, legal, and ethical use of digital information and technology, including respect for copyright, intellectual property, and the appropriate documentation of sources
Goal 1: Students will learn how to properly cite electronic resources in APA format.
Action: When dealing with electronic resources, I will teach students how to use APA format to cite sources. This will be done by getting a class set of APA guidelines and having students follow the format. We will practice in the computer lab and use this skill during an established class activity, the Article Analysis.
Monitoring: I will keep a watchful eye during practice in the computer lab and make notes to students about when and how to cite sources.
Evaluation: Each student will be evaluated each week on their Article Analysis and a test will follow during week two of the exercise.
NETS Standard 3c: communicate relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents, and peers using a variety of digital age media and formats
Goal: Make parents aware of projects and relevant classwork their sons and daughters will be engaging in with a weekly podcast.
Action: I will create a weekly podcast to inform parents and students of classroom activities.
Monitoring: Each Friday I will determine if I have created the podcast and be sure that information included in the podcast is relavant to the parent and teacher.
Evaluation: I will gather feedback from parents who listen to the podcast at the end of the year to determine if the podcast was done each week and determine if the podcast was helpful.
Rob Winner
References:
Cennamo, K., Ross, J., & Ertmer, P. (2009). Technology integration for meaningful classroom use: a standards based approach. Mason, OH: Cengage Learning.
ISTE International Society for Technology in Education. (2008). NETS-T. Retrieved November 9, 2009, from Http://www.iste.org/Content/NavigationMenu/NETS/FroTeachers/2008Standards/NETS_T__Standards_Final.pdf
Laureate Education. (2009). Integrating technology across the content areas. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Keep on Truckin!!!
Another Walden class with some blog assignments. I'm starting a new class this week entitled "Supporting Information Literacy and Online Inquiry in the Classroom". Should be fun. I'll be posting quite a bit for this class, so check back often to see what is going on!
Winner
Winner
Monday, August 17, 2009
Class 5 Reflection
My personal theory of learning hasn't changed. I was a constructivist at the beginning of this course and I am a constructivist now. This course did solidify my theory as I reviewed the course material. I did like Orey thoughts that each person constructs their own individual learning experience.
If there are any immediate changes I would make to my teaching as a result of this course, it would be to make my classroom more student centered. Students learn best when they are doing. I plan to use my smartboard as it was intended to be used. Students will use the smartboard more than me in my classroom this year. This way they are constructing the material in their own mind. Another technology I will use is using PowerPoints at the beginning of each new lesson to cue information students may have about the material already. These PowerPoints will bring to mind information or visuals or both at the beginning of a lesson.
One goal I have created for myself is making my classroom more student centered. As I said before, students learn best by doing and this will give them the opportunity to do so. I will have to change some of the things I have done in the past to do this. It can be done through modifying my lessons, however.
Another goal I have created is to use groups more often in my class. Once again, this will create an individual experience that students can build off of to learn. I will use roles to help myself and my students keep the lesson structured. This will also take some changes to the way I have done things in the past, but can be done.
Winner
If there are any immediate changes I would make to my teaching as a result of this course, it would be to make my classroom more student centered. Students learn best when they are doing. I plan to use my smartboard as it was intended to be used. Students will use the smartboard more than me in my classroom this year. This way they are constructing the material in their own mind. Another technology I will use is using PowerPoints at the beginning of each new lesson to cue information students may have about the material already. These PowerPoints will bring to mind information or visuals or both at the beginning of a lesson.
One goal I have created for myself is making my classroom more student centered. As I said before, students learn best by doing and this will give them the opportunity to do so. I will have to change some of the things I have done in the past to do this. It can be done through modifying my lessons, however.
Another goal I have created is to use groups more often in my class. Once again, this will create an individual experience that students can build off of to learn. I will use roles to help myself and my students keep the lesson structured. This will also take some changes to the way I have done things in the past, but can be done.
Winner
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Social Learning and its Implications
People are constantly learning from others. Our students' peers can be an awesome resource for information if they work cooperatively. Research has shown that students learn more if they are actively engaged in their learning and Orey (2007) tells us the main purpose of cooperative learning is to get our students actively engaged in their education.
Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski, the authors of Using Technology with Classroom Technology that Works, suggest a few methods to get our students working together
(140). My favorite of these methods is the cooperative multimedia project. Of course rubrics are given and students are given responsibility to create the project among themselves. I really like how students are given or choose roles for what they intend to do in the project. This gives structure to the project. Another thing that correlates is having students work on a project like this will make them work together and achieve success together. They will be accountable to one another and in turn, help each other learn.
Winner
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski, the authors of Using Technology with Classroom Technology that Works, suggest a few methods to get our students working together
(140). My favorite of these methods is the cooperative multimedia project. Of course rubrics are given and students are given responsibility to create the project among themselves. I really like how students are given or choose roles for what they intend to do in the project. This gives structure to the project. Another thing that correlates is having students work on a project like this will make them work together and achieve success together. They will be accountable to one another and in turn, help each other learn.
Winner
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Constructivism and Project Based Learning
I think I'm one step away from the suggestions of Pitler, Hubble, Kuhn, and Malenoski in their book Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works. I got it all but the technology. In the book, the authors suggest using a program which will simulate an actual battle or war from history (p. 213). The web resource the authors give is awesome and I will be using it in my class in the future.
Back to my point...I already do this, just without technology. I thought a few years back that a game I have and play at home, "Axis and Allies" would work great as a group activity to teach World War II. For most folks, Axis and Allies is a complicated,boring, long board game. I saw it as a awesome learning resource. So I talked the school into buying me a half dozen games. I had the students play the game from the perspective of the five major powers in the war...USA, USSR, Great Britain, Germany, and Japan for those who struggled in History class :) The students loved it and learned a lot more than standard lecture, note-taking, and reading.
I found out recently that this game comes in a computer based version. Boy would that save a lot of setting up...this game has about 1 million pieces :)
The program as described in the book and my Axis and Allies program are the perfect complement to the constructivist learning theory. Constructivist believe we learn something based on the process in which we learn it. Reading, lecture, notes means one thing to students: boredom. Most information learned in this way goes in one ear and out the other. Providing information to students in a hands on way such as these programs will enable students to learn the information as they will remember the information along with the process in which they learned it. Just as the name implies, constructivism is based on the process of learning. Just like building a house, it takes many parts to reach the completed project. Education works in much the same way. A foundation must be built and the various other pieces of information are needed to construct a framework of knowledge to the learner.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., Kuhn., Malenoski, K., ( 2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Denver, CO: Mid Continent Research for Education and Learning.
Winner
Back to my point...I already do this, just without technology. I thought a few years back that a game I have and play at home, "Axis and Allies" would work great as a group activity to teach World War II. For most folks, Axis and Allies is a complicated,boring, long board game. I saw it as a awesome learning resource. So I talked the school into buying me a half dozen games. I had the students play the game from the perspective of the five major powers in the war...USA, USSR, Great Britain, Germany, and Japan for those who struggled in History class :) The students loved it and learned a lot more than standard lecture, note-taking, and reading.
I found out recently that this game comes in a computer based version. Boy would that save a lot of setting up...this game has about 1 million pieces :)
The program as described in the book and my Axis and Allies program are the perfect complement to the constructivist learning theory. Constructivist believe we learn something based on the process in which we learn it. Reading, lecture, notes means one thing to students: boredom. Most information learned in this way goes in one ear and out the other. Providing information to students in a hands on way such as these programs will enable students to learn the information as they will remember the information along with the process in which they learned it. Just as the name implies, constructivism is based on the process of learning. Just like building a house, it takes many parts to reach the completed project. Education works in much the same way. A foundation must be built and the various other pieces of information are needed to construct a framework of knowledge to the learner.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., Kuhn., Malenoski, K., ( 2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Denver, CO: Mid Continent Research for Education and Learning.
Winner
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Building an Educational Experience
Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works by Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenski provides us with a few new ideas about how to use cues, questions, and advance organizers to increase student learning. Basically, the authors believe that we can increase student achievement by building off of knowledge that students already have to advance their new learning. What a great idea! Of course, this isn't a new idea. Researchers have long known that we learn by connecting new knowledge with prior knowledge. Cognitivist such as Bruner, Ausubel and Piaget believe that as Lever-Duffy and McDonald state that learning takes place when, "information enters through the senses, undergoes mental manipulation, is stored, and is finally used" (p. 16).
Pitler, et al discuss using different technologies that will help students do just that. The authors discuss using Word Processors, spreadsheets, and multimedia to get students thinking. I really liked and will use the idea of using brochures as the authors discuss to activate learning. An example I might use in my class would be that of creating a brochure on the dust bowl. Students could research the Internet and find information like maps, pictures and video of the dust bowl prior to us even discussing the topic in class. This would activate the students brains prior to the lesson and would create a framework for learning. When we did get to the lesson, students could share their brochures with the class. Many different sense could be accessed such as sight, sound, and touch just as cognitivists teach.
Multimedia is another technique discussed by Pitler et al. This is another thing teachers could use to access the senses and build off prior knowledge of students. Multimedia projects such as powerpoints and video used in the classroom will also activate learning through the senses just as cognitivist like.
Overall, the authors do a good job of giving teachers new ideas for using the cognitivist approach.
Winner
Pitler, et al discuss using different technologies that will help students do just that. The authors discuss using Word Processors, spreadsheets, and multimedia to get students thinking. I really liked and will use the idea of using brochures as the authors discuss to activate learning. An example I might use in my class would be that of creating a brochure on the dust bowl. Students could research the Internet and find information like maps, pictures and video of the dust bowl prior to us even discussing the topic in class. This would activate the students brains prior to the lesson and would create a framework for learning. When we did get to the lesson, students could share their brochures with the class. Many different sense could be accessed such as sight, sound, and touch just as cognitivists teach.
Multimedia is another technique discussed by Pitler et al. This is another thing teachers could use to access the senses and build off prior knowledge of students. Multimedia projects such as powerpoints and video used in the classroom will also activate learning through the senses just as cognitivist like.
Overall, the authors do a good job of giving teachers new ideas for using the cognitivist approach.
Winner
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Week 2 Application
Well, I'm back at it...blogging away my thoughts for a new class this time. Stay tuned as I have several more things to discuss for this class.
This weeks topic asks me to analyze the ideas of the book Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works by Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski and identify any correlations to the behaviorist learning principles.
Chapter 8 of the book discusses effort and reinforcing it with our students. Behaviorist love reinforcement, positive or negative, because it creates a reaction. In the book, the authors do a good job of explaining how to track effort even giving teachers software strategies to track the effort. Although the strategy is well thought out, I think it is hard to quantify something like effort. What I think is a good effort, the next person may think the same effort is poor. The authors want educators to track effort and strive for improvement which I believe we can do. Students know how much effort they are putting into something and know if they are increasing the effort over time. The result of this survey will give a positive or negative reinforcement like behaviorist want and students will adjust effort accordingly.
I never understood why math teachers gave me 50 questions of homework over the same exact concept. I always asked, couldn't the same thing be done with 5 questions? According to behaviorist, this drill and practice helped me learn the concepts. Chapter 10 of the book discusses strategies teachers can use with technology to create more effective homework. These strategies vary and all make the point that students might enjoy using them as many can be done collaboratively. I liked the idea, and so would behaviorists, that these technology resources give immediate feedback. Also, these strategies would allow students to practice the skills at home as most could be adapted for a web format.
Winner
This weeks topic asks me to analyze the ideas of the book Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works by Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski and identify any correlations to the behaviorist learning principles.
Chapter 8 of the book discusses effort and reinforcing it with our students. Behaviorist love reinforcement, positive or negative, because it creates a reaction. In the book, the authors do a good job of explaining how to track effort even giving teachers software strategies to track the effort. Although the strategy is well thought out, I think it is hard to quantify something like effort. What I think is a good effort, the next person may think the same effort is poor. The authors want educators to track effort and strive for improvement which I believe we can do. Students know how much effort they are putting into something and know if they are increasing the effort over time. The result of this survey will give a positive or negative reinforcement like behaviorist want and students will adjust effort accordingly.
I never understood why math teachers gave me 50 questions of homework over the same exact concept. I always asked, couldn't the same thing be done with 5 questions? According to behaviorist, this drill and practice helped me learn the concepts. Chapter 10 of the book discusses strategies teachers can use with technology to create more effective homework. These strategies vary and all make the point that students might enjoy using them as many can be done collaboratively. I liked the idea, and so would behaviorists, that these technology resources give immediate feedback. Also, these strategies would allow students to practice the skills at home as most could be adapted for a web format.
Winner
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Reflection Week 8 Class 3
I am finishing my third course at Walden University. Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society opened my eyes to the many untapped technologies that are available to me in Education. Three of these technologies are wikis, blogs, and podcasts. These three things have helped me create a more student-based atmosphere in my classroom.
I always knew that technology would continue to play an increased role in education. This class strengthened my resolve to embrace new technologies and use them in my classroom. I am already having my students create their own class wiki page.
The cool thing about technology and education is that the students already have a base knowledge of the technology. Students are eager to use it and will take a leadership role in it if given the chance. An example of this student centered learning occurred just last week in my class. When making a class wiki, I had students choose a "Project Manager" from their class. The Project Manager then asked their peers how the wiki should be designed and then created it. My students made all of the decisions about the project. As a result, the students had ownership in the project and did a really good job.
I can continue to expand my knowledge of new technologies by simple looking for them. There are dozens of ideas and applications available to educators on the web. All I have to do is search them out and use the ones I feel will help my students.
One goal that I have set for myself is to include one technology lesson each quarter in my classes. This should be easy over the course of the next few years as I will continue to have fresh, new ideas introduced to me from this program. I have found this program to be very helpful in that regard.
Another goal I have set for myself is to make a presentation to the other teachers in my district about technology and how it can help them in their classes. I already have a base knowledge and an administration that is willing to support me. All I will have to do is plan a talk and get it on the agenda for one of our staff development days.
Winner
I always knew that technology would continue to play an increased role in education. This class strengthened my resolve to embrace new technologies and use them in my classroom. I am already having my students create their own class wiki page.
The cool thing about technology and education is that the students already have a base knowledge of the technology. Students are eager to use it and will take a leadership role in it if given the chance. An example of this student centered learning occurred just last week in my class. When making a class wiki, I had students choose a "Project Manager" from their class. The Project Manager then asked their peers how the wiki should be designed and then created it. My students made all of the decisions about the project. As a result, the students had ownership in the project and did a really good job.
I can continue to expand my knowledge of new technologies by simple looking for them. There are dozens of ideas and applications available to educators on the web. All I have to do is search them out and use the ones I feel will help my students.
One goal that I have set for myself is to include one technology lesson each quarter in my classes. This should be easy over the course of the next few years as I will continue to have fresh, new ideas introduced to me from this program. I have found this program to be very helpful in that regard.
Another goal I have set for myself is to make a presentation to the other teachers in my district about technology and how it can help them in their classes. I already have a base knowledge and an administration that is willing to support me. All I will have to do is plan a talk and get it on the agenda for one of our staff development days.
Winner
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
My Thoughts on My 3rd Class
Well, I have come to the end of my third class at Walden University. Overall, I found this class very useful in introducing me to new technologies in education. I learned three new skills: blogging, wikis, and podcasts. These technologies will help me as a teacher.
I deepened my knowledge of technology in one major way. I learned that it is ok to use these things in my classroom. As a society we are becoming more dependent on technology and my students will need to use these things in college and in life. It is important for teachers to expose our students to new technology.
The use of these technologies is inherently learner centered. Giving the responsibility to my students to learn the information is a big change. Less lecture and more inquisitive learning will help my students be successful.
I can expand my knowledge of technology to use in my classroom by using technology. Information aggregators give me access to other teachers and what they are doing in their classroom. I will continue to use them.
One goal that I have set for myself is to use each of these technologies at least once per year. The biggest obstacle for this goal will be time. I already have a schedule that I follow to teach the information mandated by the state. Using ne technologies takes time. I will have to incorporate them into my lesson in an efficient way.
Another goal that I have set for myself is to allow my students to help me create new lessons using technology. Often times, my students know how to use these technologies already. Why not let them help me? It makes the classroom more student centered and increases student motivation if they have a say in their own education. An obstacle that I will face is once again time. This goal will require more time from me setting up new lessons.
Winner
I deepened my knowledge of technology in one major way. I learned that it is ok to use these things in my classroom. As a society we are becoming more dependent on technology and my students will need to use these things in college and in life. It is important for teachers to expose our students to new technology.
The use of these technologies is inherently learner centered. Giving the responsibility to my students to learn the information is a big change. Less lecture and more inquisitive learning will help my students be successful.
I can expand my knowledge of technology to use in my classroom by using technology. Information aggregators give me access to other teachers and what they are doing in their classroom. I will continue to use them.
One goal that I have set for myself is to use each of these technologies at least once per year. The biggest obstacle for this goal will be time. I already have a schedule that I follow to teach the information mandated by the state. Using ne technologies takes time. I will have to incorporate them into my lesson in an efficient way.
Another goal that I have set for myself is to allow my students to help me create new lessons using technology. Often times, my students know how to use these technologies already. Why not let them help me? It makes the classroom more student centered and increases student motivation if they have a say in their own education. An obstacle that I will face is once again time. This goal will require more time from me setting up new lessons.
Winner
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
21st Century Skills-A Review
I recently had the pleasure to look at a website from an organization called 21st Century Skills. I though that it was a great website and I am happy that I got to see it. You can find it here... http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/ It is a well designed site with lots of information pertinent for educators.
What is on the site? Of course the mission and purpose of the organization. Publications with information supporting their vision of educating students with the skills that will be needed for folks after they graduate.
The site also contains examples of teachers using their suggestions through video. There are dozens of videos available to look at demonstrating teachers in real world teaching situations. I looked at a few...very nice and very informative.
The site also had over 500 resources linked directly to their site with a rating for each.
I was surprised that the website actually had a few articles from publications that were in direct disagreement with the premise of 21st Century Skills. I didn't expect to see that. I tried reading one of them, but the link took me to a site that I had to be a member...and I wasn't going to register.
I did not disagree with anything on the site. Believe me, I made an effort to find something that I would disagree with, but to no avail.
Implications for my students and myself? Many. The fact is, the world is changing. We are becoming more and more technologically advanced. We also rely upon technology more than we ever have. If our students are going to be successful when they graduate, they are going to have to learn these skills. the website gave me lots of ideas that I will use in my classroom. The explanations 21st Century Skills gave to their ideas are fantastic and easy to follow...so long as you are at least a little technologically minded yourself. Check it out for yourself!
Winner
What is on the site? Of course the mission and purpose of the organization. Publications with information supporting their vision of educating students with the skills that will be needed for folks after they graduate.
The site also contains examples of teachers using their suggestions through video. There are dozens of videos available to look at demonstrating teachers in real world teaching situations. I looked at a few...very nice and very informative.
The site also had over 500 resources linked directly to their site with a rating for each.
I was surprised that the website actually had a few articles from publications that were in direct disagreement with the premise of 21st Century Skills. I didn't expect to see that. I tried reading one of them, but the link took me to a site that I had to be a member...and I wasn't going to register.
I did not disagree with anything on the site. Believe me, I made an effort to find something that I would disagree with, but to no avail.
Implications for my students and myself? Many. The fact is, the world is changing. We are becoming more and more technologically advanced. We also rely upon technology more than we ever have. If our students are going to be successful when they graduate, they are going to have to learn these skills. the website gave me lots of ideas that I will use in my classroom. The explanations 21st Century Skills gave to their ideas are fantastic and easy to follow...so long as you are at least a little technologically minded yourself. Check it out for yourself!
Winner
Friday, March 6, 2009
How I will use my blog in my classes...
I teach 11th grade Sociology in a small rural district in west central Ohio. As part of the class, I have had my students write an article analysis about an issue that deals with Sociology. On the day it is due, we usually have a classroom discussion about the article. It serves as a starting point about an issue that students may or may not have experience for.
Instead of having the students write a paper about each issue, I could have the students read an article and I could blog my thoughts on the issue as a starting point. Then, students could respond with comments, questions, and other issues that may come to their minds. By using blogs in this way, I believe students would become more engaged in the discussion. The web is a useful tool in this regard as students are sometimes shy about sharing face to face with their peers. Also, this exercise would teach students what I am learning now, how to use blogs for educational purposes rather than what they most commonly use them for, social networking.
Instead of having the students write a paper about each issue, I could have the students read an article and I could blog my thoughts on the issue as a starting point. Then, students could respond with comments, questions, and other issues that may come to their minds. By using blogs in this way, I believe students would become more engaged in the discussion. The web is a useful tool in this regard as students are sometimes shy about sharing face to face with their peers. Also, this exercise would teach students what I am learning now, how to use blogs for educational purposes rather than what they most commonly use them for, social networking.
Second Blog
This is the first post of my second blog. I have a blog on my school's network, but it does not allow RSS feeds. This is for my Master's Class.
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