This week Constructionism takes center stage and we will look at different strategies that support this theory in the classroom. Teachers that understand how students “build” ideas into knowledge can provide active and engaging learning activities for their students. One instructional strategy studied was that of “generating and testing hypotheses” and yes, it applies to all content areas, not just science. As a business teacher I have used problem solving and decision making as a way for my students to generate and test hypotheses. Last month, one of my classes “constructed” a project on buying a computer which consisted of a research paper and Power Point presentation. In our video resources, Dr. Orey loves to talk about Power Point being all about building and creating artifacts.
Project-based learning tools show the benefits and possibilities of the constructionist approach to learning. Here is a link to a great website where students determine their course.
http://edcommunity.apple.com/ali/story.php?itemID=598
This site from Apple is a great example of how students can design their own projects with guidance from teachers. Collaboration and cultural awareness is fostered through the connectivity of classrooms around the country and world. What a great way for students to take ownership of their education and build something they can share with others.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Technology and Cognitivism
Cognitivism focuses on the inner mental activities and explores processes such as thinking, memory, knowing, and problem-solving. Technology can be an integral part of cognitive activity if used properly in and educational setting. Let’s take a look a look at 2 technologies that are gaining popularity and their link to cognitive theory.
Virtual Field Trips
A virtual field trip, if done correctly can provide many of the identical cognitive gains that an actual real-life field trip can provide. Field trips taken online can take a student to locations too far away to travel to or too expensive to visit. The key is to conduct the virtual field trip much like the real-life field trip and students should then be able acquire the same cognitive gains as if they actually went there. When this is possible, an entirely new world of experiences will be opened to all students regardless of the school field trip budget, as they can all experience firsthand the potential of the Internet as a valid curricular device.
Concept Mapping
Concept maps are graphical tools for organizing and representing knowledge. They include concepts, usually enclosed in circles or boxes of some type, and relationships between concepts indicated by a connecting line linking two concepts. While at first glance concept maps may appear to be just another graphic representation of information, understanding the foundations for this tool and its proper use will lead the user to see that this is powerful tool. Concept maps identify the way we think, the way we see relationships between knowledge. The teacher who constructs concept maps for classes is interested in students understanding relationships between facts, not just "knowing" the facts.
http://www.utc.edu/Administration/WalkerTeachingResourceCenter/FacultyDevelopment/ConceptMapping/
http://cmap.ihmc.us/publications/researchpapers/theorycmaps/theoryunderlyingconceptmaps.htm
Virtual Field Trips
A virtual field trip, if done correctly can provide many of the identical cognitive gains that an actual real-life field trip can provide. Field trips taken online can take a student to locations too far away to travel to or too expensive to visit. The key is to conduct the virtual field trip much like the real-life field trip and students should then be able acquire the same cognitive gains as if they actually went there. When this is possible, an entirely new world of experiences will be opened to all students regardless of the school field trip budget, as they can all experience firsthand the potential of the Internet as a valid curricular device.
Concept Mapping
Concept maps are graphical tools for organizing and representing knowledge. They include concepts, usually enclosed in circles or boxes of some type, and relationships between concepts indicated by a connecting line linking two concepts. While at first glance concept maps may appear to be just another graphic representation of information, understanding the foundations for this tool and its proper use will lead the user to see that this is powerful tool. Concept maps identify the way we think, the way we see relationships between knowledge. The teacher who constructs concept maps for classes is interested in students understanding relationships between facts, not just "knowing" the facts.
http://www.utc.edu/Administration/WalkerTeachingResourceCenter/FacultyDevelopment/ConceptMapping/
http://cmap.ihmc.us/publications/researchpapers/theorycmaps/theoryunderlyingconceptmaps.htm
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
A Behaviorists Approach to Homework, Practice and Reinforcing Effort through Technology
Behaviorism is still being used in today’s classroom with behavior management and students’ use of technology. Think about it, B.F. Skinner’s operant conditioning can be seen every day in a classroom when teachers reinforce both positive and negative behavior. The use of technology as a primary mechanism for learning is also part of the behaviorist theory of learning.
So, how are homework, practice and reinforcing effort represented through a behaviorists approach to education and what does this have to do with technology?
Homework and Practice
Homework provides multiple exposures to information that gives students chances to broaden their knowledge of content. Having students practice a skill or concept enhances their ability to reach the expected level of proficiency on any given subject. Technology is providing a wealth of resources for learning outside of the classroom. Most families today have a computer at home connected to the internet where information about anything is at the click of a button. Technological advances in communication are also allowing teachers and students to collaborate at a higher level with text messages, instant messages and email. It is easy to see how technology is fueling the fundamental behaviorist principal of “drill and practice”. One of my classes has an online course companion where students can play vocabulary games, work puzzles, read articles and watch videos to supplement their learning inside and outside of class.
Reinforcing Effort
The relationship between effort and achieving is a concept I constantly drill into my students. Often I am telling class that this is an effort grade in the hopes of getting them to do their best. Recognizing effort and excellence through technology is giving visibility to achievement for everyone to see. If you access my schools website, the first thing you see is the student of the month. Our Broadcast Video class showcases the morning announcements along with any significant contribution going on at school. These are great incentives for students to be successful and make contributions.
Conclusions
Behaviorist James Hartley identifies repetition as necessary for learning to take place and the use of technology is giving students chances to frequently practice now more so than ever. He also subscribes to learners being active and not passive and the internet gives all students a chance to take their own initiative into learning. I provide online tutorials on my teacher web page that students can access for all of my classes. Finally, Hartley talks about reinforcement being the cardinal motivator. Using technology to showcase exceptional students is a wonderful incentive for students to get out there and be somebody.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
The Behaviourist Orientation to Learning located at http://www.infed.org/biblio/learning-behavourist.htm
So, how are homework, practice and reinforcing effort represented through a behaviorists approach to education and what does this have to do with technology?
Homework and Practice
Homework provides multiple exposures to information that gives students chances to broaden their knowledge of content. Having students practice a skill or concept enhances their ability to reach the expected level of proficiency on any given subject. Technology is providing a wealth of resources for learning outside of the classroom. Most families today have a computer at home connected to the internet where information about anything is at the click of a button. Technological advances in communication are also allowing teachers and students to collaborate at a higher level with text messages, instant messages and email. It is easy to see how technology is fueling the fundamental behaviorist principal of “drill and practice”. One of my classes has an online course companion where students can play vocabulary games, work puzzles, read articles and watch videos to supplement their learning inside and outside of class.
Reinforcing Effort
The relationship between effort and achieving is a concept I constantly drill into my students. Often I am telling class that this is an effort grade in the hopes of getting them to do their best. Recognizing effort and excellence through technology is giving visibility to achievement for everyone to see. If you access my schools website, the first thing you see is the student of the month. Our Broadcast Video class showcases the morning announcements along with any significant contribution going on at school. These are great incentives for students to be successful and make contributions.
Conclusions
Behaviorist James Hartley identifies repetition as necessary for learning to take place and the use of technology is giving students chances to frequently practice now more so than ever. He also subscribes to learners being active and not passive and the internet gives all students a chance to take their own initiative into learning. I provide online tutorials on my teacher web page that students can access for all of my classes. Finally, Hartley talks about reinforcement being the cardinal motivator. Using technology to showcase exceptional students is a wonderful incentive for students to get out there and be somebody.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
The Behaviourist Orientation to Learning located at http://www.infed.org/biblio/learning-behavourist.htm
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Digital Education
Final Blog Posting
This course has made me learn new technological skills that I otherwise would have probably never paid too much attention. Being able to create and maintain a blog is something I will continue to enjoy for many years to come and I cannot wait to see how my students take to this new communication tool. Being part of a wiki was a tad confusing at first with the setup but I do see the benefits of this style of collaboration. The podcast was the most challenging of the assignments but was satisfying to hear the final product and I thought working with audacity was cool.
The challenges and frustrations and even triumphs of being a student again make me keenly aware of what it is like to be a student so empathy for the kids I teach has increased. Knowing how technology can be used to engage learners is very beneficial and I plan on taking advantage of any and all new resources made available. My style as an educator has never been teacher centered but now I know even better ways to step back and let students take control their own education.
This year I’m stepping out of my comfort zone by teaching 3 new courses at a brand new high school. Even though I have been nervous at times, I continue to get a better grip each day on the new content I will be teaching. So, in many ways me and my students will be learning together and I’m comfortable in knowing sometimes they will be teaching me! I welcome this collaboration and will do my best to guide this process.
One of my immediate goals is to have clearance to use blogs and wikis in the classroom. Currently, anything involving a wiki or blog is web washed by the county filter. I feel that if these two learning tools can be safely monitored, the powers that be cannot say no and I will follow the chain of command trying to make this happen.
Another goal is to have a full program of Video/Broadcasting classes at my new school. This course is new to me and I am excited about the possibilities. Right now I have one class and next year I hope to have at least three. By making this class challenging, exciting and fun, hopefully kids will want to take this class.
Digital Education is here to stay and it is our job as teachers to lead our students in using these new technologies to remain a global leader in this world.
This course has made me learn new technological skills that I otherwise would have probably never paid too much attention. Being able to create and maintain a blog is something I will continue to enjoy for many years to come and I cannot wait to see how my students take to this new communication tool. Being part of a wiki was a tad confusing at first with the setup but I do see the benefits of this style of collaboration. The podcast was the most challenging of the assignments but was satisfying to hear the final product and I thought working with audacity was cool.
The challenges and frustrations and even triumphs of being a student again make me keenly aware of what it is like to be a student so empathy for the kids I teach has increased. Knowing how technology can be used to engage learners is very beneficial and I plan on taking advantage of any and all new resources made available. My style as an educator has never been teacher centered but now I know even better ways to step back and let students take control their own education.
This year I’m stepping out of my comfort zone by teaching 3 new courses at a brand new high school. Even though I have been nervous at times, I continue to get a better grip each day on the new content I will be teaching. So, in many ways me and my students will be learning together and I’m comfortable in knowing sometimes they will be teaching me! I welcome this collaboration and will do my best to guide this process.
One of my immediate goals is to have clearance to use blogs and wikis in the classroom. Currently, anything involving a wiki or blog is web washed by the county filter. I feel that if these two learning tools can be safely monitored, the powers that be cannot say no and I will follow the chain of command trying to make this happen.
Another goal is to have a full program of Video/Broadcasting classes at my new school. This course is new to me and I am excited about the possibilities. Right now I have one class and next year I hope to have at least three. By making this class challenging, exciting and fun, hopefully kids will want to take this class.
Digital Education is here to stay and it is our job as teachers to lead our students in using these new technologies to remain a global leader in this world.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
The Podcast
Here goes my very first Podcast and it was a very neat experience. Audacity was used to record and Podbean is my host. My interviewing skills will need to improve and that will take a little time to get experienced. Hope you enjoy.
http://thebishpodcast.podbean.com/about/
http://thebishpodcast.podbean.com/about/
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The Partnership for 21st Century Skills Website
The site looks like it has a definite agenda of providing a world class education for all students. Only a few states seem to be represented and they are actively pursuing membership. There is also an online store for educational resources. Everything appears legit to me and I do not see anything wrong with what they are trying to do. I think this site is trying to challenge the educational system that we have and will challenge educators to step up to the plate and deliver the education our kids deserve.
The 21 century skills set needed for all students in this organizations opinion mirrors the views of Dr. David Thornburg and are as follows.
1. Information and communication skills (information and media literacy skills; communication skills)
2.Thinking and problem-solving (critical thinking and systems thinking; problem identification, formulation and solution; creativity and intellectual curiosity)
3. Interpersonal and self-direction skills (interpersonal and collaborative skills; self-direction; accountability and adaptability; social responsibility)
4. Global awareness
5. Financial, economic and business literacy, and developing entrepreneurial skills to enhance workplace productivity and career options
6. Civic literacy
The founding companies that helped start this entity along with the Department of Education are impressive and include:
AOL Time Warner Foundation
Apple Computer, Inc.
Cable in the Classroom
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Dell Computer Corporation
Microsoft Corporation
National Education Association
SAP
The 21 century skills set needed for all students in this organizations opinion mirrors the views of Dr. David Thornburg and are as follows.
1. Information and communication skills (information and media literacy skills; communication skills)
2.Thinking and problem-solving (critical thinking and systems thinking; problem identification, formulation and solution; creativity and intellectual curiosity)
3. Interpersonal and self-direction skills (interpersonal and collaborative skills; self-direction; accountability and adaptability; social responsibility)
4. Global awareness
5. Financial, economic and business literacy, and developing entrepreneurial skills to enhance workplace productivity and career options
6. Civic literacy
The founding companies that helped start this entity along with the Department of Education are impressive and include:
AOL Time Warner Foundation
Apple Computer, Inc.
Cable in the Classroom
Cisco Systems, Inc.
Dell Computer Corporation
Microsoft Corporation
National Education Association
SAP
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Blogs in the Classroom
I'm excited about the different ways blogs can be used successfully in the classroom. This next school year will be the first time I will use this technology in my classroom and I'm hoping to get some great ideas from fellow teachers all over the world. Blogs can serve many purposes in education from what I've seen and heard and the possibilities seem endless. The first function a blog serves that comes to mind is a place to showcase work and interact about content. Also, I feel it will be a great outlet for shy students that normally don't want to speak out in class. Any tool that will get students thinking, communicating and opening up is wonderful and will enhance learning.
Above all, I think blogging will increase the level of communication between students, parents and teachers. Blogs can be accessed anytime, anywhere and anyplace which makes them all powerful. This communication that can occur outside of regular school hours is important. I plan on using blogs for discussion topics and journals.
Above all, I think blogging will increase the level of communication between students, parents and teachers. Blogs can be accessed anytime, anywhere and anyplace which makes them all powerful. This communication that can occur outside of regular school hours is important. I plan on using blogs for discussion topics and journals.
I'm a high school business ed teacher.
My question for fellow educators is how are you successfully using blogs now in your classroom and what tips can you give a novice blogger to use next year.
My question for fellow educators is how are you successfully using blogs now in your classroom and what tips can you give a novice blogger to use next year.
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