REFLECTION

• My learning theory is definitely a blend of different learning theories. I believe that every student has a unique perspective and understanding that the student brings to my classroom. It is my job to help them understand how they learn. I don’t think my learning theory has changed, but I have been reminded by my classmates and Dr. Orey that our classrooms should be student centered.
• One thing I have learned while taking my last few courses is that I am just starting to fully understand my own learning style. It has changed even over this last year and the more I read and learn I that your learning style will change and grow, but the fundamentals will remain the same. As my knowledge of computers and how to integrate them in the classroom increases, I can expect my own classroom style to change and that is very exciting
Two new technology tools that I would like to use would have to be Voice Thread and Blogging. Voice Thread and Blogging are such innovative ways to get a class discussion going and to really bring about community learning.
• Two long term goals I would like to change in my classroom in regards of using technology are using more technology that is student based and taking more time to try new applications

Cooperative Learning

This week we read and discussed cooperative learning. In the text Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works, they explain, when students work in cooperative groups, they make sense of, or construct meaning for, new knowledge by interacting with others. Our students will experience a different work force when they enter and will be expected to be prepared for a fast-paced workplace where technology is used and where the clientele may be global.
I love the idea of using Keypals to communicate and collaborate with students and teachers in other parts of the country or world. Many of my students have a much-skewed view of the world because they have never left the South and I feel responsible in broadening their outlooks. Most of the books we read as a class are about other cultures or countries or have a minority lead character.
My students spend 25 minutes in small group instruction daily and I really liked the idea from our text about using different criteria for deciding groups. I notice that my groups often start feeling that it will be easy to let someone else do the work and then they become competitive and really, fight to see has the right answer, it becomes fun and the students remember answers better, maybe because they listen to see if their answer was correct.
I think cooperative learning is a fantastic way to design curriculum, however I think a mix of a more traditional one on one with this style is the best way. I also think Cooperative teaching might also benefit teachers and students for many of the same reason.

Reference
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD

Voice Thread

I think that if my remedial readers owned their own novels and were able to write in them they would be more successful. Please view my voice thread.
Thanks,
Mary

voicethread.com/share/1191648