Reflection

About 8 weeks ago, I wrote the following as a part of my personal learning theory:

Students learn in very unique ways; each student I have encountered in my teaching career has been very different and has had an exceptional learning style. In my personal theory of learning, I believe that student learning is a complex process and requires the use of many components of the brain (visual, audio, etc) as well as incorporating different instructional practices. Learning theories are complex ideas which require a lot of experience and personal knowledge of working with students; because my experience as a teacher is limited to my short year of teaching, I believe that my theory is simply based on my research of other theories which have been developed by others. As I continue to grow as a teacher, my personal theory on learning will also continue to grow and become more complex.

Today, after much further exploration of learning theories and technology tools, I believe that I still agree with what I believed then, except to a deeper extent. By that, I mean that I know understand what those theories that I referred to mean. Furthermore, my learning theory continues to add an incredible amount of technology into it because I am developing a better understanding of new ways to incorporate it into my lessons. I am also realizing, through assessments and observation that the technology keeps students engaged and creates deeper understanding of information.

Throughout this course I have continued to add more and more technology into my everyday lesson plans. Upon my return to the classroom from medical leave, I plan on implementing the use of wikis and blogs into my lessons for students to use as a reflection tool. I also plan on using my interactive white board more often as well as having students use it as a presentation tool. My technology and instructional strategies and tools are growing and I look forward to using them in the classroom.

Looking ahead, I plan on integrating student blogs to use as a reflective journal where they must respond to each other as a means of student growth. I also hope to begin using the student set of laptops and/or the computer lab to enhance student technology skills as well as interaction during lessons.
All in all, I have loved this course and growing on my learning theory, instructional strategies and technology tools. I look forward to continueing to grow as a teacher and enhance my students' learning ability through the use of technology.

Social Learning

There are an infinite number of things that can be integrated using the social learning theories. When students are presented the opportunities to use technology as a part of the lesson, they thrive on the determination to attain that goal. My students are always working towards the opportunity of using the computers and when I provide them the incentive of using technology as a part of their assignment, they are extremely motivated to complete. When social learning and technology are combined, students are more engaged in the learning experience and, in turn, create a deeper memory of what is learned.

Enhancing the use of the social learning theory will also promote active cooperative learning for the students while still incorporating necessary skills in order to reach their goal. The social learning theory promotes active, engaged learning for students while building relationships.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program eight: Social learning theories [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1

Voice Thread

Sorry for my late contribution this week, I have unfortunately been in the hospital. Please take the time to view my voice thread and share your thoughts. 

Thanks! 

http://voicethread.com/share/2696165/