At the
beginning of our course, Dr. Michael Orey described the differences between
instructional theory and learning theory. He stated that the learning theory is
the understanding what is going on the learner’s mind during the learning
process. (Orey, 2001). This course has
modified my personal theory of learning through better understanding of the
process of learning for students. One
particular impact on my personal theory is the power of imagery or images that
help students produce connections for deeper learning and future recall of
information. This concept is not new to
me; however, my understanding has deepened on how powerful this practice
supports student learning. Having
students describe mental images or having them draw or write down information
in concept map form produces greater results and longer term memory of
information.
An
immediate adjustment for me will be a greater emphasis on this learning
methodology of imagery and images as an implementation of my teaching strategy.
The power of images tends to be underestimated in its value and impact on
profound learning and recall. Two of the technology tools that I would like
to use with students are Voicethread (www.voicethread.com)
and Weebly (www.weebly.com) for blogging
and students portfolios. They will
support and enhance student learning through visualization and feedback using Voicethread
and improving writing and communications skills along with showcasing students’
work using Weebly. Both webtools will
allow for greater collaboration and communication between students and provide
the opportunity to share ideas with classmates and the world. My repertoire of
instructional skills has been expanded to include concept mapping and
Voicethread usage.
One of my
long term goals is for our school to have a 1 to 1 computer access program for
every student and to become fully technology integrated with the core
curriculum. I would like to serve as a
computer technology integration specialist to assist classroom teachers with
technology integration. I believe with
the combination of core subjects being taught with technology and designing
engaging lessons for the students will create excitement for learning. We are a
private Christian school and I know the steps to accomplish this goal will be
gradual and challenging. The steps to make this possible will be laying the
foundation by working individually with teachers to determine their goals and
desires for integrating technology into their classroom. I can plan and collaborate with teachers as
they create lessons for their classes. I will offer selected times when
teachers can come to the computer lab to just talk, share and discover new
webtools for their lessons. This foundation in place as money is available and
new classroom sets of computers or 1 to 1 computers are available, an excellent
transition can occur for teachers to use computers for their lessons.
Another
long term goal that is more of a personal goal is to become a better computer
technology instructor. After I have received
my Master’s Degree in Education, Integration of Technology K-12 from Walden
University, my goal is to become certified in Microsoft Applications and Google
Applications. These certifications will
provide the expertise to deepen the learning experience of my students and
faculty within my school. My desire is
to be such an asset to both my students and co-workers that expanded knowledge
of technology and applied technology integration becomes seamless within our
school.
Finally,
this course has boarded my vision and understanding of how students learn and how technology impacts student
engagement. Combining instructional
strategies along with technology integrations is powerful for both the
instructor and the learner. The plethora of webtools to insert with each lesson is increasing
daily and the learning potential is unlimited.
These are exciting times to be both the facilitator of learning and the
student of learning. Pitler, Hubbell, & Kuhn, M. (2012), highlight the
impact of technology on the learner with this statement. “Research shows that integrating technology
into instruction tends to move classroom from teacher-dominated to a
student-centered learning environment.” (p.3). As a computer technology
instructor, my ultimate goal and desire are to create a student-centered
learning environment through technology and positively impact student
engagement and learning. This course has helped build those essential skills to
accomplish that goal.
References
Orey,
M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology.
Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/index.php?title=Main_Page
Pitler,
H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom
instruction that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
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