Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Course Reflection



                When I reflect back on my personal learning theory I can honestly say that my theory has not changed but following this course I have added so many tools to my teaching repertoire.   I now feel that I have the knowledge to reach the diverse sample of learners that I teach.   Dr. Orey has touched on a number of learning theories and strategies that I cannot wait to implement in my classroom.  This class also helped put a lot of what I already do into words.  I found that I use a lot of these theories without understanding that I am using them.  After this class, my efforts now have more direction and I feel comfortable knowing when to use each theory and strategy.  I know when to use dual coding, I realize that I have an emphasis on behaviorism and that I use technology more for an instructional strategy that a teaching tool.  These are very important to know and understand, those things that are good and those things that need to be reeled in like only using technology for a teaching tool need to be monitored.
                The biggest adjustment that I will make to my instructional practice regarding technology integration is not in the realm of using technology, but in how I use technology.  I believe that I am a great user of technology as an instructional strategy, but I really lack in using it as a learning tool.  I would love to use blogs and voice threads with my students.  The blogs will allow the students to interact in an environment that they are comfortable in.  The blog also allows for running dialogue between students and topics.  Maybe a student does not like to speak in front of people, but feels extremely comfortable commenting online, this helps them.  I love learning about the voice thread.  Not only is it down right cool, but the voice thread allows the students to use both linguistic and non-linguistic representations for the purpose of learning.  It is very easy to use and permits peer review and interaction.  The course talked about not having technology for technology’s sake and with blogs and voice thread software the technology has a profound importance.   I cannot wait to use virtual field trips in my class.  I teach 10th Grade Global Studies and the Holocaust is a major topic.  To actually tour the Holocaust Museum will be a great instructional tool.
                There are a few changes I would like to make with my instruction regarding technology.  One change is that I would like to transform the SMARTBoard from an instructional tool to a Learning tool.  I would like to see students up and moving around the classroom and manipulating the board instead of using it as a high priced projector.   My second long term goal is to implement one project per unit that utilizes voice thread technology, blogs, wikis and the like.  I feel that it does not have to be a major project, but that the extra technology and time with content can only help student learning.
                As this class closes, I am finishing the course with knowledge that I had not anticipated learning.  I am confident that I can apply the lessons of this class to my classroom and truly benefit my students.   Whether they are creating PowerPoint presentations or Voice threads, the technology I use in my classroom will have a purpose and create meaningful learning experiences

Friday, June 1, 2012

Voice Thread

 This week, we were asked to work with the program Voice Thread.  The problem that my school has been dealing with is appropriate school dress.  I created a Voice Thread presentation that speaks to the issue and also discusses some of our specific rules and difficulties enforcing this issue.



http://voicethread.com/share/3150163/