Reflection

During this class I believe that my view on learning theory has not changed drastically. I still believe that there is no one right approach to learning. Throughout this study I have learned that each learning theory has it's positive effects on students and learning. When used collaboratively, these theories can be utilized and create a successful learning environment.

Through the incorporation of technology in collaboration with these theories, great learning can occur. Technology can be a great tool to help students construct and achieve true learning and comprehension of the subject matter covered. Two of the technology tools that I would like to incorporate into my classroom are the C-maps and voice threads. These are two tools that I think greatly enhance a learning experience. Throughout this course, I have stored many great web sites and tools into my educational library that I can pull out when appropriate.

Two long-term changes that I would like to make in my instructional practice regarding technology integration are trying to stay ahead of game and working simultaneously with others outside the classroom. By staying ahead of the game I mean trying to prepare my students for tomorrow, not today. If I want them to be prepared when they leave my classroom, they must be thinking of the future and what it is going to bring. I want to encourage them to be life long learners and to be successful they must learn to be life long learners. By working simultaneously with others outside the classroom, I believe is another way to prepare them for tomorrow. It also reinforces what I am teaching and allows them to see subjects from another perspective.

Voice Thread Week 5

There are many great tools that can be used by educators and students. Power Point, voice threads, C-maps, etc. All of these tools are tools that can be used by both the educator and the students to construct good quality tools for learning.

The voice thread was really exciting and students (teachers too) can use informational images, text, voice, and communicate with other educators and students all over the world, sharing their knowledge as they create. Students learn best by creating, building, and reconstructing artifacts because they are able to share their experiences, triumphs, and failures with each other through their creations. This can especially be seen during group activities. Students are able to listen to each other and learn by watching, listening, and doing while in a group setting. One of my favorite lessons is having my students create a Power Point presentation in a group setting. I love watching them discover their strengths and weaknesses and learning how to work through problems.

By creating this brief voice thread I can see how it could be useful in the classroom. I think that it would allow itself to be an effective tool in communicating and sharing with parents and other students around the world.

Click on the link below to see my voice thread:
http://voicethread.com/share/1702259/