Reflection

“Instructional Theory versus Learning Theory” by Dr. Orey described how learning theories can feed into technology integration into the classroom. The learning theory examines what goes on in the learner’s mind during the learning process. The instructional theory is when strategies are used in the learning environment to facilitate learning.

I believe that all students can learn, and that teachers should use as many teaching strategies as possible to meet the needs of every student. I am a fan of Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences. Lessons should be created to meet the needs of each student, and like Dr Orey said, “The environment in which we teach may also vary.” (Orey, 2001) One tool I would implement into my classroom is cooperative learning. I believe students can learn a lot from each other, and with this type of interaction all students can be successful. Another tool I already use a lot is the advanced organizers. Advanced organizers help kids to lay out all of their information into things other than words like graphics. Children who have trouble expressing themselves verbally really have a good time with the advanced organizers.

Two long term goals that I have set for myself are as follows: take more risks with technology and to provide more immediate feedback to my students. After this course and my previous courses, I have learned a lot about the advantages of using technology in my classroom. I want to go beyond the simple power points and advanced organizers with my students. Lastly, sometimes I don’t respond to my students like I should because there just aren’t simply enough hours in a day, but I am going to make it a priority.

Voice thread

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Social Learning

I believe that social learning can be beneficial for some students within a classroom. Other students may not be able to handle it, so as a teacher, you should have some other strategies to use in your bag. I like using social learning in my classroom, but I have to monitor this group of students a little more than I had to with previous groups. I would think that middle school aged children would be able to handle social learning more, but from my personal experience thus far, it seems that they can’t.

On the other hand, I do enjoy watching my students work cooperatively and collaboratively. I do believe that they learn a lot from their peers, and that it boosts their confidence when they feel like the experts in a situation.