This course has been a real eye opener in terms of search and validity of resources. Teaching students literacy skills is necessary in education. Students need to know how to look for resources, how to evaluate them and decide if these are useful for their purposes. The course textbook describes literacy as “an extension of our traditional view of literacy, incorporating the technologies that so strongly influence the ways we access information” (Eagleton & Dobler, 2007, p.29).
I was shocked when I had to evaluate a website. The colors, font and information were children friendly, but the information was terrible. It made me think about how children may read and believe what they read. In order for students to choose the appropriate information, reading comprehension strategies must be used. Student’s prior knowledge plays an important role because they may be able to connect the new information with what they already know. All of this information should allow them to understand the text, summarize, synthesize and look for the validity of the source.
As a teacher I have to model different strategies, teach students about using keywords, note taking and provide them with a lot of practice for them to feel comfortable using these tools and knowledge. It is necessary to provide students the opportunity to practice, ask questions, be engaged and collaborate with other students when working. This allows them to apply the skills and strategies they have learned.
In order for me to teach my students the proper concepts, tools and skills I will continue my technology classes and search for professional developments or workshops during summer.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
EDUC 6711: Reflection
Reflecting on my personal theory of learning from week one has once more made me realize that each student learns differently, and using their previous experiences. The use of a variety of learning activities to help all learners and their different styles is necessary.
This course has taught me about the learning theories and different points of view of previous and recent experts in education. I see technology in the classroom as not only necessary, but as an excellent tool to keep students engaged, socializing, and up to date learning about the growing and constant changes.
A learning tool I will continue using is a Blog to keep students and parents up to date, also using more power point presentations in the classroom because I understand how useful it is for all learners. These are tools I am currently using, but as a long term change I would like to integrate more technology in the classroom as voice threads which I would need school and parents permission to use. Using twitter and podcasts are also technology tools I would like to integrate and have students involved in their learning.
Continuing my personal learning and education is an important change I am planning on doing because the more I learn, I may pass to my students, see and understand their individual needs, and help with their learning styles.
This course has taught me about the learning theories and different points of view of previous and recent experts in education. I see technology in the classroom as not only necessary, but as an excellent tool to keep students engaged, socializing, and up to date learning about the growing and constant changes.
A learning tool I will continue using is a Blog to keep students and parents up to date, also using more power point presentations in the classroom because I understand how useful it is for all learners. These are tools I am currently using, but as a long term change I would like to integrate more technology in the classroom as voice threads which I would need school and parents permission to use. Using twitter and podcasts are also technology tools I would like to integrate and have students involved in their learning.
Continuing my personal learning and education is an important change I am planning on doing because the more I learn, I may pass to my students, see and understand their individual needs, and help with their learning styles.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Social learning in the classroom
Many of my high school students have facebook , myspace, twitter, and other accounts. In the classroom I enjoy having my students collaborate and cooperate with each other about different topics and situations. At this level many students are willing to work with others, but some are not. This is where planning engaging activities helps. As time goes by we build a small community of respecting each other and working together.
Integrating technology is a great tool that may be used to expand their knowledge, and create curiosity in searching and learning. The tools are not always available, but the key is to work with what I have and keep on learning.
Chapter 7 offers various web resources. As a foreign language teacher I liked keypals. It should be great to communicate and learn from others around the world. Safety is always an issue, that’s why I believe parents should be involved.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
Integrating technology is a great tool that may be used to expand their knowledge, and create curiosity in searching and learning. The tools are not always available, but the key is to work with what I have and keep on learning.
Chapter 7 offers various web resources. As a foreign language teacher I liked keypals. It should be great to communicate and learn from others around the world. Safety is always an issue, that’s why I believe parents should be involved.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Constructivism in Practice
This week we focused on Constructionist and Constructivist learning theories. Dr. Orey explains these and makes emphasis on Constructionisim saying “this one is most important for teachers.” He explains the Mechanisms for learning as Assimilation, Accommodation, Equilibration and Schema. These go from students new experiences, to accommodating it to their prior knowledge and balance it.
On chapter 11, Generating and Test Hypothesis, it was interesting to read how Spreadsheets are used by students. I agree with the following quote from this chapter “Simulation software also can provide incredibly engaging learning environments, resulting in increased motivation and retention in learning.” It seems that as students get involved, collaborate and accommodate their new skills, they learn better and retain the information.
On chapter 11, Generating and Test Hypothesis, it was interesting to read how Spreadsheets are used by students. I agree with the following quote from this chapter “Simulation software also can provide incredibly engaging learning environments, resulting in increased motivation and retention in learning.” It seems that as students get involved, collaborate and accommodate their new skills, they learn better and retain the information.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Technology and Cognitive tools
This week’s resources and instructional DVD’s helped me understand about different ways to present the learning material to students. It was interesting to listen to Dr. Orey say teachers should present the material “using senses”, also using “informational images.” I like the idea of making them as real as possible, through power points, virtual field trips, pictures, or using any other resources available.
Chapters four and six of the book were very interesting. They present different ways to organize and summarize using word processing and other applications. It should help students’ process information, and organize their main ideas. These chapters also offer visual examples and class situations. All of these relate to cognitive learning because using a variety of methods will target different learning styles and make long time memories. I am truly learning and enjoying the material from the Web resources provided in the class book.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Chapters four and six of the book were very interesting. They present different ways to organize and summarize using word processing and other applications. It should help students’ process information, and organize their main ideas. These chapters also offer visual examples and class situations. All of these relate to cognitive learning because using a variety of methods will target different learning styles and make long time memories. I am truly learning and enjoying the material from the Web resources provided in the class book.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Behaviorism in Practice
Reinforcing effort is an excellent strategy. I use it with all students because it motivates them to keep on trying and do their best. Sometimes I write Spanish praising phrases on their graded papers and they get excited. I agree with Dr. Orey when he said reinforcement is the “most powerful” of the operant conditioning.
I use homework to reinforce what students learn in class. I teach Spanish and understand it is not something parents, siblings, or many friends may help with at home. At the beginning of each nine weeks I give each student a homework sheet that I stamp. Students must show me their homework at the door where I stamp it and review quickly. Every five stamps is a grade. After I stamp it at the door for effort and completion, we go over it as a class, and then I stamp their sheet. It is a lot of work for me, but great for students because they keep track of their grades and at the same time they put some effort on the homework.
I use homework to reinforce what students learn in class. I teach Spanish and understand it is not something parents, siblings, or many friends may help with at home. At the beginning of each nine weeks I give each student a homework sheet that I stamp. Students must show me their homework at the door where I stamp it and review quickly. Every five stamps is a grade. After I stamp it at the door for effort and completion, we go over it as a class, and then I stamp their sheet. It is a lot of work for me, but great for students because they keep track of their grades and at the same time they put some effort on the homework.
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