The ideas and principles brought to me in this class have made me really re-look at my personal theory. There are a few modifications to my personal theory that I would change as a result of information that I have learned in this class. First, I believe that it is vital to continue to creating student-first lessons that create artifacts. Artifacts are the basis of the constructionist learning theory. I really believe that the constructionist theory fits for the subject of physical education. The constructionist theory is “a theory of learning that states people learn best when they build an external artifact or something they can share with others (Laureate, 2009). The second would be to use the ideas that I have learned about brain-based learning to continue to guide student into learning information.
When I look at “students using technology as active learners (Laureate, 2009)”, the immediate adjustments I would make would be to use more sites in my lessons than Unitedstreaming, and discoveryscience. I really have grown interested in VoiceThreads from since being in this class. Their ease of use for students and they ability for student to comment on classmates information, has sparked my interest. I also will use spinscape, instead of paper and pencil. Today’s students need to be able to use the technology advance their learning.
There are two long-term goals that I would like to add to my instructional program. The first goal would be to students use VoiceThread regularly in class to discuss topics that are going on regarding the world of physical education. The second goal would be to find more avenues where I can input technology into my physical educational lesson and still keep the focus on the physical aspect of the subject. I truly believe that both goals can be achieved by continuing to reach for the future ideas of physical education and not being content with doing things the old way. Teaching kids a new set of strategies will take time however they will learn more content, which in turn will save me as the facilitator time (Laureate, 2009).
References:
Laureate Education, Inc (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.
J3
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Week 4 - Constructivism in Practice
Constructionism is “a theory of learning that states people learn best when they build an external artifact or something that they can share with others” (Laureate, 2009)
I believe that physical education and constructionism work perfectly in educating students. In physical education we are always building upon a previously learned idea in an abstract way using artifacts. They can be balls, hoops, beams, minds, and etc. Constructionism to me falls right in line with doing activities as a team. Everybody must do there part and when the parts are put together in the correct way the group has success.
When it is time to use technology in physical education, I always run into two direct problems. If I can not do my technology activity in co-operation with the classroom teacher it often does not happen. My classes are only 30 minutes long and that really does not give the students the opportunity to explore and create they way I would like. By they time they get in the computer lab and get settled they have very little time to create and work. That leaves a lot of work to be done at home and not everybody has the means to create the artifacts or parental support to understand that these ideas can be done in physical education as well as their regular classroom.
My second problem is that the base of my subject matter is physical movement, not sitting in front of a computer. I have not yet found a way to truly integrate physical movement in to sitting at the computer working the mind. Without using the computer, I have been able to create artifacts as students perform different activities and combine those activities with creations from other classmates to make one project. That was a thrill and the students often talk about those lessons and how much they enjoyed it.
I truly believe that physical education and constructionism can expand a child’s knowledge. When constructionism is looked at in its most basic form, “its constructing anything using whatever tools that you choose to use, but it is all focused on the students being active and engaged in the construction of artifacts” (Laureate, 2009). The creating of artifacts is easy; it is the insertion of technology in a thirty minute class period that is causing me problems.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.
J3
I believe that physical education and constructionism work perfectly in educating students. In physical education we are always building upon a previously learned idea in an abstract way using artifacts. They can be balls, hoops, beams, minds, and etc. Constructionism to me falls right in line with doing activities as a team. Everybody must do there part and when the parts are put together in the correct way the group has success.
When it is time to use technology in physical education, I always run into two direct problems. If I can not do my technology activity in co-operation with the classroom teacher it often does not happen. My classes are only 30 minutes long and that really does not give the students the opportunity to explore and create they way I would like. By they time they get in the computer lab and get settled they have very little time to create and work. That leaves a lot of work to be done at home and not everybody has the means to create the artifacts or parental support to understand that these ideas can be done in physical education as well as their regular classroom.
My second problem is that the base of my subject matter is physical movement, not sitting in front of a computer. I have not yet found a way to truly integrate physical movement in to sitting at the computer working the mind. Without using the computer, I have been able to create artifacts as students perform different activities and combine those activities with creations from other classmates to make one project. That was a thrill and the students often talk about those lessons and how much they enjoyed it.
I truly believe that physical education and constructionism can expand a child’s knowledge. When constructionism is looked at in its most basic form, “its constructing anything using whatever tools that you choose to use, but it is all focused on the students being active and engaged in the construction of artifacts” (Laureate, 2009). The creating of artifacts is easy; it is the insertion of technology in a thirty minute class period that is causing me problems.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.
J3
Week 3 - Cognitive learning theory in practice
The cognitive learning theory uses the metaphor of the mind as computer: information comes in, is being processed and leads to certain outcomes (Learning Theories, 2009).
Every teacher wants their students to be able to take the information that they are taught in class and have them be able to put it into their long-term memory. The cognitive theory helps you to look at the inner workings of the mind. When technology is combined with learning the avenues can become endless to help the students to make connections to the information. Paivio’s dual coding hypothesis states that “people remember images much more than they can remember text (Laureate, 2009). Teachers can really be helped by the modern technology.
Technology gives teachers many different ways and to reach the students. One way that students can visit locations with out leaving their classroom is by virtual field trips. Virtual field trips can help the student to interact with a museum, park, or part of the world. The ability to see actual a historic location and artifacts that are actually from the time period are invaluable to making connections to the studied event. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any virtual field trips based on physical education. However, through cross-curricula teaching I can take my students on virtual field trips and bring what they saw back to a physical education or health base.
If you ever are looking for a new way to help your students expand their learning use virtual field trips. Your kids will enjoy it.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.
Received from: www.learning-theories.com/cognitivism.html#more-34
J3
Every teacher wants their students to be able to take the information that they are taught in class and have them be able to put it into their long-term memory. The cognitive theory helps you to look at the inner workings of the mind. When technology is combined with learning the avenues can become endless to help the students to make connections to the information. Paivio’s dual coding hypothesis states that “people remember images much more than they can remember text (Laureate, 2009). Teachers can really be helped by the modern technology.
Technology gives teachers many different ways and to reach the students. One way that students can visit locations with out leaving their classroom is by virtual field trips. Virtual field trips can help the student to interact with a museum, park, or part of the world. The ability to see actual a historic location and artifacts that are actually from the time period are invaluable to making connections to the studied event. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find any virtual field trips based on physical education. However, through cross-curricula teaching I can take my students on virtual field trips and bring what they saw back to a physical education or health base.
If you ever are looking for a new way to help your students expand their learning use virtual field trips. Your kids will enjoy it.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.
Received from: www.learning-theories.com/cognitivism.html#more-34
J3
Week 2 - Technology and Behaviorism
Behaviorism can be a powerful learning theory. However, in today’s educational system its role has changed. Behaviorism by definition is the “worldview that operates on a principle of stimulus response, all behaviors can be explained without the need to consider internal mental states or consciousness” (learning-theories.com, 2009). Children start off as a clean slate and the stimuli that they experience positive or negative make them who they are. It theory was primarily created by B.F.Skinner.
My classroom and school focuses more on the positive reinforcement level of behaviorism. This year we stated a program that rewards students for the positive things they do. It really has changed the atmosphere of my school. Children are really trying to be helpful and kind to their classmates. I see this as a great way to reinforce the efforts of those who are showing positive acts as well as showing others how kindness can benefit them. In my classroom, I believe in sportsmanship and I look for those kind acts towards classmates. When I see a student showing kindness to others I reinforce it at the end of class by giving them praise and tokens for our school store. I not only attempt to do it in my classroom, but when other teachers tell me that it has happened in their classrooms also I let the student know I heard and reward that also. This way we can make it a school wide action and not just a thing they do in physical education.
In a behaviorism based world, “technology that is mostly used for drill and practice destroys the passion for learning that students should have, by taking away the opportunities for fun and exploration” (Laureate, 2009). There are many different ways to use technology then just having them watch tutorials. Students can do projects, create, pod casts, voicethreads, and blogs that can manifest their creative side. When we use technology in physical education it is important that we help the students to explore the world with there minds, then come in the gym and let their body’s show what their minds have learned. Behaviorism has its place in education, but we as teachers have to work to make sure it is not just used in behavior management.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.
Received from: www.learning-theories.com/behavorism.html
J3
My classroom and school focuses more on the positive reinforcement level of behaviorism. This year we stated a program that rewards students for the positive things they do. It really has changed the atmosphere of my school. Children are really trying to be helpful and kind to their classmates. I see this as a great way to reinforce the efforts of those who are showing positive acts as well as showing others how kindness can benefit them. In my classroom, I believe in sportsmanship and I look for those kind acts towards classmates. When I see a student showing kindness to others I reinforce it at the end of class by giving them praise and tokens for our school store. I not only attempt to do it in my classroom, but when other teachers tell me that it has happened in their classrooms also I let the student know I heard and reward that also. This way we can make it a school wide action and not just a thing they do in physical education.
In a behaviorism based world, “technology that is mostly used for drill and practice destroys the passion for learning that students should have, by taking away the opportunities for fun and exploration” (Laureate, 2009). There are many different ways to use technology then just having them watch tutorials. Students can do projects, create, pod casts, voicethreads, and blogs that can manifest their creative side. When we use technology in physical education it is important that we help the students to explore the world with there minds, then come in the gym and let their body’s show what their minds have learned. Behaviorism has its place in education, but we as teachers have to work to make sure it is not just used in behavior management.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.
Received from: www.learning-theories.com/behavorism.html
J3
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Week 5: Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice
This week, in Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, you explored an instructional strategy that embeds technology: “Cooperative Learning.” Reflect on the strategy and how it relates to social learning theories. Consider the social networking and collaboration tools you explored. How do they correlate to the instructional strategy and social learning theories?
Dr. Michael Orey gives this definition for social learning, "Students actively engage in constructing artifacts and conversing with other students about what they are building (Laureate, 2009)." I personally like the idea of students working together to accomplish a goal or task. This is a definition that works well in my physical education class. Physical education is a subject that using collaborative and cooperative learning to help student understand the motions and functions of their bodies better. I always have students ask others in the class before asking me. I want them to be able to understand that there is more than one way to have an idea explained. I believe that peer to peer interaction can teach and reinforce ideas. There are times in which the teacher's explanation is to far over the students head for them to understand. However, sometimes a classmate can explain it right at their level.
When it comes to collaboration tools, I choose them before individual tools. In physical education, most of my tools are physical and not technology based. However, in this week's lesson I had the ability to use a tool called VoiceThread. This was a tool that I had never heard of til this class. Once I created my own thread I got excited. It was really easy to use. I uploaded a PowerPoint document. The program then changed it into a thread, then I was able to use my microphone and add my own voice. Once that was done then my classmates, started adding their comments to my thread and a network was created with my VoiceThread being the base. I really believe that this going to be an exciting adventure for my students and for me. I can't wait to see the creative way they use this tool to teach information to their classmates.
I believe that VoiceThread, YouTube, SchoolTube and other cooperative sites show their correlation to instructional strategies, by giving the student's the ability to gain knowledge from others outside of their classroom walls. Using the world as a resource for learning. Students must have the ability to learn from others that are more knowledgeable then them. "Without the social interaction with more knowledgeable others, it is impossible to acquire social meaning of important symbol systems and learn how to use them (Orey, 2001)."
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Social_Constructivism
Dr. Michael Orey gives this definition for social learning, "Students actively engage in constructing artifacts and conversing with other students about what they are building (Laureate, 2009)." I personally like the idea of students working together to accomplish a goal or task. This is a definition that works well in my physical education class. Physical education is a subject that using collaborative and cooperative learning to help student understand the motions and functions of their bodies better. I always have students ask others in the class before asking me. I want them to be able to understand that there is more than one way to have an idea explained. I believe that peer to peer interaction can teach and reinforce ideas. There are times in which the teacher's explanation is to far over the students head for them to understand. However, sometimes a classmate can explain it right at their level.
When it comes to collaboration tools, I choose them before individual tools. In physical education, most of my tools are physical and not technology based. However, in this week's lesson I had the ability to use a tool called VoiceThread. This was a tool that I had never heard of til this class. Once I created my own thread I got excited. It was really easy to use. I uploaded a PowerPoint document. The program then changed it into a thread, then I was able to use my microphone and add my own voice. Once that was done then my classmates, started adding their comments to my thread and a network was created with my VoiceThread being the base. I really believe that this going to be an exciting adventure for my students and for me. I can't wait to see the creative way they use this tool to teach information to their classmates.
I believe that VoiceThread, YouTube, SchoolTube and other cooperative sites show their correlation to instructional strategies, by giving the student's the ability to gain knowledge from others outside of their classroom walls. Using the world as a resource for learning. Students must have the ability to learn from others that are more knowledgeable then them. "Without the social interaction with more knowledgeable others, it is impossible to acquire social meaning of important symbol systems and learn how to use them (Orey, 2001)."
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Orey, M.(Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Social_Constructivism
Friday, December 4, 2009
My Concerns
Hello everybody,
Here is a voicethread that I create. Please feel free to watch it and make comments. http://voicethread.com/share/784958/
J3
Here is a voicethread that I create. Please feel free to watch it and make comments. http://voicethread.com/share/784958/
J3
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Reflections on a GREAT class.
I have just finished a master's level class, through Walden University, that I feel was a great learning experience. The class is titled Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society. The instructor is Susan Webber.
In this course, I learned how to use and create podcasts, blogs, and wiki's. Before this class I had heard of all three of those ideas, but had never used or thought about using them personally or for teaching purposes. Now that I have had to use and create them I now have an idea for how to expand my class's idea of Physical Education.
This class has also deepened my knowledge of the teaching and learning process. As a Physical Education teacher, I used to only look at the physical aspect of learning and looking at all children mentally as similar. This class has shown me that today's 21st century learner comes to class with many different ideas and mental processes. That using those ideas I can use technology to reach children on many different levels and make my Physical Education class more than what the children expect when they walk into my classroom.
Throughout my educational life, I always thought that teacher-centered education was the way to teach. I used to believe that it was my job as teacher to have all the answers and to give those answers to my students. Also, that the only way they were going to learn something was if I told it to them. This class as broadened my ideas and thinking. I now know that it is better to be learner-centered. I now understand that today's children come to school with ideas, information and up to date knowledge. Through technology today's children have access to up to the minute information. I also understand that we, as teacher and student, can work together to find answers to questions that we my have as a class. That I don't have to have all the answers just guide them to discover them for themselves.
I plan to increase my knowledge of technology learning by taking part in technology workshops, offered by my county and outside of the educational system. I feel that by using and learning about the new technologies I can bring them to my students. This search of 21st century technology will ensure that my students will be ahead of the technology curve.
As a Physical Education teacher, I want to have a 21st century classroom just like other classrooms in America are striving to achieve. My goal is to be able to come up with more technological projects for my students. I was to use pedometers, along with other devices, and software to have the students understand movement, exercise, and how what they do or do not do everyday matters in the long journey of life. In order to achieve technology in my class, I plan to order what I need in small amounts so that in two years I can have a class set or more of technology materials. I know that my ideas won't have up-to the minute technology in my class, however it is the best I will be able to do.
When this class started, I believed that integrating technology in a classroom just meant using LCD projectors, Laptops, and PowerPoint. Now after completing this course, I understand that integrating technology means learning how to be learner-centered, learning how to be a facilitator instead of a lecturer, and learning that using technology can help a teacher reach so many different learning styles that lecturing can.
In this course, I learned how to use and create podcasts, blogs, and wiki's. Before this class I had heard of all three of those ideas, but had never used or thought about using them personally or for teaching purposes. Now that I have had to use and create them I now have an idea for how to expand my class's idea of Physical Education.
This class has also deepened my knowledge of the teaching and learning process. As a Physical Education teacher, I used to only look at the physical aspect of learning and looking at all children mentally as similar. This class has shown me that today's 21st century learner comes to class with many different ideas and mental processes. That using those ideas I can use technology to reach children on many different levels and make my Physical Education class more than what the children expect when they walk into my classroom.
Throughout my educational life, I always thought that teacher-centered education was the way to teach. I used to believe that it was my job as teacher to have all the answers and to give those answers to my students. Also, that the only way they were going to learn something was if I told it to them. This class as broadened my ideas and thinking. I now know that it is better to be learner-centered. I now understand that today's children come to school with ideas, information and up to date knowledge. Through technology today's children have access to up to the minute information. I also understand that we, as teacher and student, can work together to find answers to questions that we my have as a class. That I don't have to have all the answers just guide them to discover them for themselves.
I plan to increase my knowledge of technology learning by taking part in technology workshops, offered by my county and outside of the educational system. I feel that by using and learning about the new technologies I can bring them to my students. This search of 21st century technology will ensure that my students will be ahead of the technology curve.
As a Physical Education teacher, I want to have a 21st century classroom just like other classrooms in America are striving to achieve. My goal is to be able to come up with more technological projects for my students. I was to use pedometers, along with other devices, and software to have the students understand movement, exercise, and how what they do or do not do everyday matters in the long journey of life. In order to achieve technology in my class, I plan to order what I need in small amounts so that in two years I can have a class set or more of technology materials. I know that my ideas won't have up-to the minute technology in my class, however it is the best I will be able to do.
When this class started, I believed that integrating technology in a classroom just meant using LCD projectors, Laptops, and PowerPoint. Now after completing this course, I understand that integrating technology means learning how to be learner-centered, learning how to be a facilitator instead of a lecturer, and learning that using technology can help a teacher reach so many different learning styles that lecturing can.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Students and Technology
I have created a podcast that discusses students and their feeling and attitudes about technology and its uses in their lives. I hope you enjoy it.
http://www.teachertube.com/music.php?music_id=440&title=Students_and_Technology&ref=Phantom693
http://www.teachertube.com/music.php?music_id=440&title=Students_and_Technology&ref=Phantom693
Friday, July 24, 2009
Evaluation of the "Partnership for 21st Century Skills" website
This week in class I was asked to examine the web site of an organization called "Partnership for 21st Century Skills". As I examined this site I was intrigued by the organization and its website.
My first reaction to the website was that it was colorful, inviting, and very well laid out for the user. I really like the drop-down feature on the top menu bar. I like that I didn't have to click the tab to see what pages were linked to it. I was also inmpressed with the idea of highlighting videos on the home page to attact attention web programs that they have done.
As I examined the site more I was surprised by a few things.
- I was surprised that this organization has only been around since 2002.
- All 50 states are not a part of this organiztion. As of right now there are only 11 states. The state that I work in Maryland is not part of that group.
- In 2009, this organization was awarded Best website for technology and learning.
- That so many different organization helped to make this years current board and that the U.S. Department of Education was one of the founding members.
There was not many ideas that I didn't agree with, because I do believe that the 7 strategies that they promote are necessary for children in the future. However, I do question how many computers are in the classrooms of the states that are members? If there are no more computers in the classrooms then before, why should a state join this organization that is backed by computer companies?
After reviewing this website and its organization, I wondered how this organization's work could impact me as an educator and my students. I felt that this organization has given my a blueprint of ideas that I can use to make sure my students are ahead of the technological curve. I believe this organization's information can give my students an advantage over their counterparts in the state of Maryland. I can say this because Maryland is not a member of this organization as a state body.
Please, feel free to check the website out for yourself and post what you think on my blog.
To check the website click the hyperlink below.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Using Blog in a Physcial Education Classroom
As I think about different ways I can use this blog in my daily classroom activities, I am understanding more that this blog can be a conduit between my classroom and life for my students and their parents outside of my classroom. Here are ways that I can see this blog being used in my Physical Education classroom.
1) The students can receive homework assignments and project information.
2) The students can post new fitness activities that they have found in their communities.
3) With my 5th & 6th grade students, I can have them post and monitor their classmates weekly fitness activity plans.
4) The students can respond to questions from their classmates and parents about health and physical fitness.
5) This blog can be used by parents to assist them with understanding how to improve their children's health and fitness levels.
1) The students can receive homework assignments and project information.
2) The students can post new fitness activities that they have found in their communities.
3) With my 5th & 6th grade students, I can have them post and monitor their classmates weekly fitness activity plans.
4) The students can respond to questions from their classmates and parents about health and physical fitness.
5) This blog can be used by parents to assist them with understanding how to improve their children's health and fitness levels.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Physical Education Tech and The Modern Classroom
Into today's education, it is vital to use technology and to be able to teach cross-curricula. I would like to use this blog to help any teacher who is looking for ways to use technology cross-curricula. Please, feel free to respond to any comment you see and add your own new information. Together we can help each other to expand the knowledge of fellow educators and their students.
Do you have any new technology that can be used in the Physical Education Classroom and also in the General Classroom?
Do you have any new technology that can be used in the Physical Education Classroom and also in the General Classroom?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
