Module 1 Blog Topics (Select One):
What are your beliefs about how people learn best? Over the course of my professional life I have always believed that people learn best when they can apply the information to a real world event and have a "hands-on" experience. Teaching at the elementary level we are often very "hands-on" when having our students learn new concepts. Whether it is an experiment in science, performing a reader's theater, or using manipulatives in math; all of these methods help our students to make a concrete connection to the concepts. I then take it one more level by having a discussion or project that relates the ideas to their life. It is then I can see their minds making a connection and internalizing the information.What is the purpose of learning theory in educational technology?Learning theory is an important aspect of education. It is through theory that we can learn about the ways and methods of connecting with students. Learning theory also gives us as educators the "insight" into how to best reach the varying levels of student needs that arise in our classroom. It is important to realize that there is more than one way to teach and more than one way to learn and learning theory helps us to make those distinctions. It is even more important as we step into the new age of education with technology that we continue to utilize learning theory in order to provide a well balanced educational experience for all students.
What yo say about using variety of methods in teaching to reach all learning styles is essential. Often we use multiple theories in teaching a lesson and may not even realize it. As you said, educational technology provides us with tools to teach and design classes that encompass learning style diversity. One must keep learning theories in mind when selecting sites for learners to gain resources and network with others.Great post.
ReplyDeleteSandy
I like to think of learning theories as plays in a play book. I coached high school soccer and we had different plays for different situations on the field. I would talk to the seniors about what we wanted to do versus a certain team when we got corner kicks or free kicks at different distances. Learning theories are like those plays, you have to analyze the situation and see what the other guys (student motivation, maslows needs, attention, etc.) are doing and then put out the best play you have to get to the goal. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't but you learned something because you know you have to try something else, because that play did not work!
ReplyDeleteEric,
ReplyDeleteThat is a great analogy! I often use a variety of ways to motivate my students however I do see myself gravitating towards my comfort zone all too much. I am hoping through this class I will be able to awaken the memories of theories past. Thanks for the post!
Excellent post! A lot of people are starting to feel that technology (in terms of computers, cell phones, etc.) are limiting students' hands-on experiences and that tactile experience is lost in the digital interface. How do you feel about using software instead of physical manipulatives or realia in your instruction? Thank you
ReplyDeleteshane