Final Reflection

As I reflect on my “Personal Theory of Learning” I implemented many of the learning strategies taught in this course. Through this course I have found many new and exciting ways to bring a variety of technologies to my students. Lever-Duffy & McDonald (2008), state that educational technology is a support for the teaching and learning process that helps teachers transfer knowledge and skills to their students to enhance instruction. By engaging students through multiple styles of teaching, stronger memories are built and learning is reinforced. Lever-Duffy & McDonald (2008) explain that learning is a response to stimuli and from this a result of reinforcement that learning can occur. Being able to understand the different learning styles of students is important in maximizing their ability to comprehend content. I have been able to deepen my knowledge in this course by studying different learning theories and learning how to utilize those strategies using different technology tools to give students better learning opportunities.

To make learning more beneficial to my students I plan to make adjustments to my instructional practice by using concept maps and VoiceThread. One technology tool is using Webspiration to develop concept maps. This strategy gives students’ the ability to access prior knowledge when exploring new information. It helps students develop a better understanding of content by gathering essential information. Concept Maps keep students organized and help develop critical thinking skills through collaboration to problem solve. Another technology tool is to implement VoiceThread. This technology tool allows students to collaborate with each other, no matter where they are. It lets students develop new perspectives and ideas to answer questions. Students can explore ideas off each other to help them gain knowledge and understanding. VoiceThread opens up opportunities for all students in the class to express their viewpoints. It is an effective way to give and receive feedback, or new ideas. Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski (2007), state that applied effectively, technology implementation increases student learning, understanding, and achievement, but also motivates students to learn, encourages collaborative learning, and supports the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Both of these definitely make learning new things more engaging and fun by bringing creative ways to teach students.

One long-term instructional goal regarding technology integration is to implement gaming software to help teach and reinforce student learning. Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski (2007), state that both games and simulations allow teachers and students to get instantaneous feedback during the learning process by allowing for immediate redirection of misunderstood learning concepts. Using gaming software is a way to motivate, increase interest, and build confidence in students’ abilities to learn content material. A second long term goal is to teach students how to use technology tools, such as Microsoft Word and Google Docs, to help them with summarizing and note taking skills. This type of software can help guide students on confusing tasks. Technology tools, such as Inspiration, can provide support in helping students to organize and structure note taking techniques. To achieve these goals I plan on going to technology workshops and collaborating with co-workers that successfully use this type of technology in their classroom.

References
Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Persons Education, Inc.

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