Theory Reflection

Even after spending 8 weeks exploring theories, I still feel the same about constructivist. I think that it is important that the students have hands on activities to help them learn. I do feel like I am more equipped to bring on those activities for them. I now have the tool of Voice Thread to add to my list of technology to use and have an awareness of how the technology is used whether it be instructional or learning.

One immediate adjustment that I will make to my instructional practice is that I am going to become more aware of how I am using the technology. In my lessons, I will identify whether it is used for instructional or learning purposes.

One tool that I would like to use with my students is PowerPoint. I tend to make a number of PowerPoint’s to use with my students but do not have them make the project themselves. The students making their own projects will help enhance the learning by them building something on their own.

Another tool I would like to use is my SmartBoard. I currently have a SmartBoard in my room but do not use it to its fullest. The settings are off, so I tend to gear away from the equipment out of frustration. I am going to make a point to get the equipment fixed and start utilizing it. This again will allow the students to complete hands on activities and enhance their learning.

Some long term goals I have planned is having the students start blogging. I want to incorporate this into my curriculum this summer and have it be a staple of the class. Another long-term goal would be to incorporate more virtual tours. I enjoy working with the tours and if time allows I would like to make a virtual tour of my own. Both of the long term goals would be used for learning purposes.

Social Learning

When I think of social learning, I think of cooperative learning and collaboration. These have become very popular in education in the last decade. I will use both in my classroom. The first is cooperative learning. I will put the students into groups for projects on a regular basis. Students get the benefit of learning from each other and taking their knowledge and putting it all together.

Collaboration is also very common in business. The students in my junior program complete a 30 day simulation where they run their own business. All the businesses are in one model community. I also talk about the fact that if the post office does not open then the other businesses can not run properly. They are collaborating so that all the businesses can run smoothly.

A rubric is something that I use when completing these projects with the students. They know what is expected ahead of time. I find that they work harder and have greater outcomes with the use of rubrics.

Voice Thread

Here is my voice thread. I have attached the link for help

http://voicethread.com/share/892982/