Education has changed dramatically since I began teaching almost sixteen years ago. When I first began teaching, the only material or resource provided to me was a textbook for each subject and one computer. Today’s world of education does not focus on a textbook, but in the world around us through the use of technology. Students need to be given a chance to learn by incorporating instructional strategies that motivate students and meet the needs of every learner we teach.
At the beginning of this course we had to create our own personal theory of learning. Many weeks later, I still feel strongly about the idea students learn best when we focus on their different modalities so we can ensure student learning and success. “The more modalities that you use to transfer information into the brain the more avenues you have to retrieve it. If all I do is talk to kids, then it goes in one way, auditory, so they memorize what I tell them” (Laureate Education, 2010). In order for me to meet the different learning styles, I have been introduced to nine instructional strategies as well as ways to integrate technology tools that will allow students to learn based on their preference through this course. One thing I have learned along the way is how students need to learn with true meaning. If we want students to learn we must give them the opportunity to organize, process, and apply the information. We must also provide them multiple chances to communicate and collaborate to create projects that showcase their knowledge of an assignment. If we introduce content through the use of the nine instructional strategies as well as the technology tools introduced in this course we will meet the needs of every student and prove that the learning theories are in fact alive and well.
When it comes to technology in my classroom, I feel I am at an advantage. I am fortunate to have twenty-seven laptops for students to use in class. Two technology tools, I plan to incorporate into my repertoire of strategies is VocieThread and Webspiration. VoiceThread will be essential to my students’ ability to comprehend information. It gives students the chance to voice their opinion about information, explain their meaning, and provide and receive feedback. Students love to socialize through many social networks and this will only enhance their interest. Webspiration will allow students to organize and process information in a way they can easily understand. This is critical when trying to apply knowledge in order to show mastery. As I reflected over the nine instructional strategies, there were many I have incorporated into my content instruction, but I have a new insight on how I can improve them by utilizing the technology tools associated with each. I can now ensure students comprehend by expanding the instructional strategies with the use of technology effectively.
One goal I will set for myself is involve more technology with the instructional strategies. An example of this would be when I use the strategy, cues, question, and advanced organizers. Instead of teaching to the students, I will have them develop and utilize a concept map using the resource, Webspiration. One of the biggest obstacles is getting students to understand and retain the curriculum. Concept maps allow students to organize and process information so they can later apply it so they can demonstrate their understanding. The second goal I have in mind will affect majority of the technology tools I would like to implement. My goal is to present to my district personnel reasons why certain websites need to be unblocked for the students’ benefit. Our district has blocked many sites that would be beneficial to students. I feel if there is enough research and information to back this up my district may agree. This will be a difficult challenge, but in order to implement the correct technological tools with instructional strategies it must be done to ensure students understanding and success.
Regardless of education in the past, it will never be the same. As the technology age continues to grow and develop, education will constantly change as well. It is up to us to make sure we stay on top of the latest research and developments so we can create an environment appropriate for student learning. Every child that enters our classroom is depending on us to prepare them for the future. It is our responsibility to ensure they are ready because they are our future.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). [Webcast]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore MD
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria , VA
