Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Module One

What are your beliefs about how people learn best?

As an early elementary educator, a teacher must offer differentiated instruction to a group of diverse learners. As a second grade teacher, positive learning experiences must be afforded to each child to promote successful learning experiences. Our focus in the school system is to teach the state outlined standards, stress essential questions, and provide performance tasks. Students must have formal and informal assessments that help instructors track progress. Teachers must identify strengths and weaknesses of each individual student. Furthermore, teachers must identify the multiple intelligences that students exhibit to help them have success. Additionally, students need to have both concrete and abstract learning experiences. Manipulatives are exceptional tools to help students have more concrete learning experiences. Worksheets have their purpose; yet, teachers need to understand that worksheets only provide abstract learning experiences. Students learn best when the teacher models the skill, the students work together to practice the skill, and students work independently to practice the skill. It is imperative that students understand the skill in order to practice the skill successfully.


What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?

There are three main learning theories and they are:  behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism. Educational technology enhances the concrete learning experiences for students of all ages. Educational technology can be used to provide meaningful learning experiences, and it plays an integral part in all of the main learning theories. Students are motivated when educational technology comes into play. They are eager to want to explore the possibilities. Educational technology enhances instructional delivery, and it provides learning experiences that are motivational.


I responded to the following blog post:  Nadine Petrie-Waymy, Debra Morris, Michele Baylor, and Belinda Van Norman.

8 comments:

  1. Sandra,
    Your summary covered many of the aspects I believe supports learning. I like that you emphasized the need for balance in types of instruction, assessment, and learning experiences (abstract and concrete). This is important to give differentiation in teaching to capture all the potential learners in the classroom. You provided an effective checklist of positive instruction that will foster meaningful learning experiences.
    Furthermore, I agree that learning theories applied in today’s instruction need to be supported by educational technology. Educational technology used correctly, not only create amazing learning experiences, but stimulate future learning. Thanks for your comprehensive summary.

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  2. Hello Brenda,

    As educators, we know that it is so important to allow our students some hands on experiences in their learning experiences. Technology does motivate students, and motivation is so essential to have success in the classrooms.

    Sandra Dykes

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  3. Sandra,

    I certainly agree with the points you make. Our classroom settings have changed tremendously over the past twenty years. I am a special education teacher in Georgia. I remember making the statement 20 years ago that sooner or later all students will have somewhat of an Individualized Educational Plan, similiar to those created for students with special needs. I feel we are pretty much doing that today. We have differentiated instruction, multi-level groups,progress monitoring and individual assessments for all of our students. We have come a long way. I'm excited to be a part of education today and the way we are advancing our strategies to address individual needs. I believe we will see this concept take leaps in the near future with the use of technology in the classroom. It's exciting to be an educator in 2011!

    What are your feelings on technology being used to individualize learning? Do you see a need for classrooms to be equiped with more technology in order to address individual needs?

    I enjoyed your post.
    Debra Morris

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  4. I also believe that individuals most certainly learn differently. It is vitally important that instructors and classroom teacher apply differentiated instruction to ensure all students understand their expectations to meeting their goals and objectives. Differentiated instruction is an instructional theory that allows teachers to face this challenge by taking diverse student factors into account when planning and delivering instruction. It requires planning, commitment, and acknowledgment of the fact that diverse abilities, experiences, and interests have a tremendous impact on student learning. It's important that teachers and instructors identify alternative methods of assessing student performance and understanding. Assessment results should increase teacher understanding of students' abilities, interests, and needs, and should be incorporated into future planning which will improve students ability to reach the maximum potential.
    Good post Sandra.

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  5. Sandra,
    You are so right that students are motivated to learn when technology comes into play. Technology is such a huge part of our students' lives in this day and age. I use my Promethean board on a daily bases and I have noticed that the students are more engaged in learning when I do so. BV

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  6. I love your post. It is so important the we differentiate with our students. No two students are alike and we must continue to find ways to reach them in the classroom

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  7. Sandra:
    You post was spoken from the heart of a teacher. Which of these learning theories do you think best reflects Education Technology or could there be another? Just food for thought.

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  8. I believe that the heart of teacher encompasses all learning theories. There is just no one size fits all.

    Sandra

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