Over the past eight weeks, I have learned a vast amount of knowledge to help more effectively integrate technology with each lesson. As a computer teacher, my students use a form of technology every day; however, I do not always use the technology in the most efficient way. This class has given me vital instructions on how to teach more successfully through the use of technology.
As stated in my Personal Theory of Learning, I use different teaching styles depending on content of the subject matter. I will continue to vary my instructions as before. However, I have learned new ideas that I hope to implement immediately. One technology tool that I am excited about using is VoiceThread (Laureate, 2009c). I am anxious to have my students collaborate online via this new and exciting tool. I know my students will enjoy it and will also be able to discuss and analyze numerous topics through the power of this web-based software. A second technology tool I am already incorporating is concept maps (Laureate, 2009a). I had the students create a concept map describing how a computer works. With allowing students the ability to use their own creative webs and images to describe each part of the computer, they grasped the material much more easily and retained it for the test.
For the long-term, I want to incorporate more collaborative activities with my students as well as use more non-linguistic representations. To have my students work more collaboratively, I plan to use blogs and wikis for students to post projects. I also can incorporate discussion boards through students’ blackboard accounts where they can discuss ideas for their projects. When I am lecturing and introducing students to new topics, such as computer ethics and virus protection, I will use a non-linguistic approach. I will have the students draw pictures to represent the ideas discussed or they may use clip-art or pictures from the internet to illustrate what is being taught (Laureate, 2009b).. Thankfully, I always have access to computers and the internet, so the possibilities for my students are endless. I must concentrate on using that time wisely and keeping the students actively engaged so that the use of the technology will be beneficial to their learning.
Resources:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Cognitive Learning Theories [DVD}. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Instructional Strategies, Part One [DVD}. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Spotlight on Technology: VoiceThread [DVD}. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
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