Constructivism in Practice

Dr. Orey stated that constructionism is "A theory of learning that states people learn when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others." Students are active in their learning and learning is student centered. The teacher acts as facilitator. In our supplemental reading, Innovative Learning: Constructivist Theories of Learning, it states that students learn through their own discoveries.

The instructional strategies we learned this week are Generating and Testing Hypotheses. Technology has made it possible for students to "learn through their own discoveries" by using spreadsheet software, data collection tools, and web resources. In each of these, students are making decisions, problem solving, makes hypotheses, collaborating, and is involved in authentic tasks. Students are 'building" something and are active in their learning. The instructional strategies all contain components of constructionism.

Teachers are there to facilitate these authentic projects. In my experience, students would rather "create" something using technology. It is enjoyable for them, and the projects keeps them interested. Our students are 21st century learners. With that being said, teachers have to take that into consideration and continue to support and encourage our students by offering them the opportunity to use technology as a tool to support their learning. Problem solving, collaboration, making decisions, etc. are all 21st century skills that our students must master in order to be prepared for today's workforce.

Cognitivism in Practice

This week we explored Summarizing and Note Taking and Cues, Questions, and Advance Organizers. These instructional strategies that were introduced correlate with the principles of cognitive learning theory. Dr. Orey mentioned the Information Process Model which involves understanding, retaining, and recalling information. The instructional strategies previously mentioned are used for that reason.

In Cues, questions, and advance organizers, students can create advance organizers to help with note taking and recalling information. This is a word processing application that will contain terms, links, pictures, etc. In this case, technology is used to in organizing information. Students make connections and visual representations are used to help students remember information. Dr. Orey had mentioned "elaboration" and how students must make as many connections as they can.

Another technology tool that was explored is Kidspiration Organizer. I would use this to begin a lesson as described in the text. This organizer provides students with a learning objective, illustration, and more importantly, an essential question. The essential question will assist students in thinking at a higher level, if the appropriate question is asked.

In Summarizing and note taking, I would use Combination Notes that are created in Microsoft Word with my first graders. This to me, can be used effectively with my young students. It is used to help them recall information. Not only does this include text, but illustrations as well. I think this is a great way to organize information.

Blogs are an excellent way to implement reciprocal teaching. Students learn from one another not only in class, but by using a blog. Students are given the opportunity to voice their opinions, ideas, and really learn from one another.

How do the strategies mentioned correlate with the principles of cognitive learning theory? James Hartley had mentioned in Key Principles of Learning Associated with Cognitive Psychology that instruction should be well organized because it will be easier for students to remember. He also stated that instruction should be "clearly structured." This is the whole concept that Orey spoke of which is making connections. In our video, it was said that the cognitive learning theory also includes the element of effective use of images, and that too was described in the instructional strategies learned for this week. James Hartley also stated how important prior knowledge is. In Brainstorming with Inspirations RapidFire Tool, students are given an essential question and must brainstorm possible answers or solutions. This is a way of activating prior knowledge. James Hartley states that "Things must fit with what is already known if it is to be learned."

Behaviorism in Practice

This week, two instructional strategies were explored; Reinforcing Effort, and Homework and Practice. Both instructional strategies relate to the behaviorist learning theory. Providing recognition is a way of reinforcement. I offer constant praise to my students when they provide me with quality work, try their best, were once struggling on a skill and has shown great improvement, or if a student behaves appropriately. I find that the more I offer verbal praise, the more my students are motivated and eager to continue working hard and act appropriately in class. In Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works, it offers many suggestions and examples of how technology can be used for recognition. In Web-based surveys, students have the opportunity to receive feedback from both teacher and peers. Teachers can use the results and print out certificates which can be personalized for students and what they have achieved. Another way technology can be used for recognition is through web showcases and picture galleries. Students can showcase their work not only to a teacher and peers, but to parents as well. Something I have never tried and would like to, is audio e-mail. I love calling home and sending positive notes of praise, but this is just yet another way of incorporating technology-being able to give audio praise in an e-mail. Today's learners are Digital Natives and incorporating technology in offering recognition is just another way students and teachers can use 21st century skills. Just as in the behaviorist learning theory, the more I motivate my students and reinforce a certain behavior, the behavior will more than likely be repeated.

The instructional strategy of homework and practice also correlates with the principles of the behaviorist learning theory, because in order for students to master a skill learned in class, they must be given ample opportunity for practice. Technology is incorporated by using word processing applications and multimedia. In multimedia, students are able to practice skills and feedback is provided instantly. Feedback is crucial in learning. It drives instruction for teachers, and shows students what their strengths and weaknesses are. Technology today offers prompting and hints, so students can arrive at the correct answer and understand where they went wrong. I like using web resources in the classroom to provide students the opportunity to practice and enhance skills learned. In my first grade classroom, I use Iknowthat.com and starfall.com. The text provided a few more websites that I would like to incorporate in the coming school year. Students can use these websites both at home and at school.

Elements from the behavioral learning theory are used each day in class. Students should not only know about rewards, but consequences as well. We use elements from the behavioral theory for classroom management, but through recognition, and homework and practice as well. Technology supports all that we do and provides students will an incredible learning experience that supports and enhances what they have learned in class through practice and enrichment.

Reflection

This course has helped me develop my own technology skills by allowing me the opportunity to explore blogs, wikis, and podcasts. These are tools that are beneficial to use with my students, and I now know how to use it for my own personal use, and in the classroom. In addition, I learned a wealth of information about today's digital learner and what they need to succeed in today's workforce.

I will continue to expand my knowledge of technology by continuing my courses in this specialization. I am a life long learner, and I will utilize the technology that my district offers. I will continue to use the airliners, and smartboards. I will spend the time researching different ways I can use a blog, wiki and podcast for classroom purposes. I will also think about what material I cover in all subjects so I can research lessons to use on the smartboard.

One long term goal I have for my classroom is to utilize the technology that is offered. The more I use technology, the easier it will become for both myself and my students.

Another long term goal I have is to really set a foundation for my students to succeed. In order to do this, I have to look at each 21st century skill and create a plan of how to strenghthen my students skills in each area. I can offer assignments involving research, collaboration, problem solving, higher order thinking, etc.

I am excited about the future courses I will be taking. Each new course will help bring me a step closer to meeting my goals!

Profiling the Students of Today- Student Interviews

http://cconstantelos.podbean.com/mf/web/ctfue/SchoolInterview.mp3

Reaction to The Partnership for 21st Century Skills

I feel The Partnership for 21st Century Skills web site was extremely helpful in making me aware of what a 21st century learner is, what their needs are, and what is expected of them once they complete their schooling. The Framework for 21st Century learning is a nice visual that highlights the 21st century skills. I explored each skill, and now have new learning of what each skill is, and what it involves.

I live and work in New Jersey, and what suprised me about this site is an article I read from the NJEA titled "21st Century Skills-The Days Ahead" by Kathy Hurley. The article states that New Jersey is a leadership state that is working with Partnershp for 21st Century Skills in order to prepare students to succeed in the work environment. In my distict, we only recently received a few smartboards and airliners. I have two computers in my classroom and only one works. I know that professional development is now offered in operating a smartboard, but nothing but articles has been distributed in order for educators to understand how to incorporate these 21st century skills in the classroom. One of the problems my district experiences, and many others I'm sure is the issue of funding. I don't see how these 21st century skills can be incorporated successfully without the technological tools to aid these educators. There are many educators such as myself that are interested and dedicated to teaching 21st century skills, but the question is, how can we accomplish this without the financial support of our district? I am specializing in technology in order to help my students succeed. In addition, my school has really been working with their staff to inform us of these skills,and it is our first step. The next step will be incorporating these skills in the classroom, and waiting for further professional development to be offered.

I really don't disagree with anything on this site, I just wish there were more specific ways for educatiors to incorporate these 21st century skills. I know professional development is offered by this site, but it would be nice to have some specific imput and examples of how to go about accomplishing this.

As an educator, I am going to continue helping myself by being a "high performing teacher" and a lifelong learner. Although a "Digital Immigrant" I am absolutely trying to give it my all and teach to how these "Natives" must be taught in order to meet their needs. My students are only in first grade, and I am trying to provide a foundation for them. Hopefully each year that passes, our state will see the importance of 21st century skills and provide funding for technology so our students can reach success and be prepared for the work environment they will be entering!

Blogging in First Grade

Blogging in first grade is an excellent opportunity for my students to share their work as authors. We usually have an authors chair where students can celebrate their work to an audience; their classmates. Now,students can read their finished work on the computer and provide some encouraging words. First graders are sometimes afraid or don't know how to express their ideas and I think this would give their confidence a huge boost. Some may think blogging in first grade is impossible. I don't think it is impossible at all, but just a bit more challenging.

Some ideas that I have for a first grade blog would include my students posting a response to either a question of the day or a journal prompt. Students would be allotted time during the day to post their response. They can then go to the computer lab and read through some responses and be responsible to post a comment or comments to their classmates postings. I can even post a picture and have them respond to a picture prompt. On this blog I would also post various websites where students can play educational games of interest. Students can visit these websites at school, and at home if they have access to a computer. They can leave their opinions of what games they enjoyed, or really did not like. They can also share if they know of any great websites they have used.

Another idea would be for students to blog what they have learned for the day, and if something confused them. These are just a few ideas that I have. It will take them some time to get use to blogging, but they are such a terrific bunch and can do anything-especially if it is enjoyable for them!