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Cooperative Learning and Social Learning Theory

One idea through the social learning theory is cooperative learning.  Cooperative learning is the idea of students working together to gain new knowledge and perspectives (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  In the book, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works, it suggests different ways to use technology with cooperative learning.  These ideas include creating videos, webquests, keypals, and web resources (Pilter, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007) .  These are great ideas for older students (grades 4 and up); however, with young students they are just learning how to use a mouse for a computer.  There is no way they could create videos in small groups, etc. 

Here are some ideas I have using basic technology with the idea of cooperative learning (that I have done in my classroom). 

• This past spring, we completed a unit on ocean animals.  As a comprehensive type activity, we created an ocean on our SmartBoard.  Students thought of animals that you would find in the ocean and I would google image these animals and put them in the ocean.  Students worked cooperatively with each other to create the ocean. 
• I have students learning to read sight words.  These students worked together to complete a cookie sight words game on the computer (with my assistance).  When one student didn't know the sight word, another student would help them out. 
• My students love to podcast.  This past spring, we put together a podcast (groups of 3) of a story each group wrote and developed together.

While these are basic ideas, this is the start for future cooperative learning with harder technology. 

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program eight. Social learning theories [Webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.

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

Technology and Guiding Student Learning

Every Monday and Friday for 30 minutes, my preschoolers get to go to the computer lab.  It is their absolute favorite thing to do in school and every single one of them looks forward to it.  During calendar time, when we do the day of the week, I will have at least 2 or 3 students remind me it is computer day!  Technology is definitely a tool I can use to reach all of my students. 

This week, I reviewed the idea of the constructionist theory.  This is the idea that students create something and are actively engaged in the learning process.  Technology is a wonderful tool for students to be engaged in as well as actively participating in their learning.  Many examples of constructionist theory involve students picking a favorite book and creating a project off this.  Other examples involve students picking a topic of interest, researching, and creating something to present the information learned (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010).  

For my young students, I have to guide the choice process and help students to create the project.  A few weeks ago, I gave each of my students 4 options to create their own environments (farm, ocean, forest, or jungle) with animals.  This option was found from a website online (www.sheppardsoftware.com).  Each student got to determine how many animals lived in the environment, what animals lived in the environment, and where each animal lived.  After they were done, they talked to my assistant, speech therapist, or myself to discuss their environment.  It was a really neat activity and my students thoroughly enjoyed creating an environment on their own. 

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program seven. Constructionist and constructivist learning theories [Webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Instructional Strategies and Cognitive Learning Theory

This week, I read about the following strategies from Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works:  Cues, Questions, Advance Organizers, Summarizing, and Note Taking.   Below is how I apply these strategies into my classroom and how they relate to the Cognitive Learning Theories.  The main idea of Cognitive Learning Theories is using multiple senses to improve learning (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). 

Every day in my classroom, I have a question of the day.  Each day of the week focuses on a different WH prompt (who, what, where, when, why) and is a question that relates to the theme of the week.  For example, on Monday, I might ask "What kind of insect would you like to be?"  On Tuesday, I might ask "If you were an insect, where would you like to live?"  To help students with answers, I always review the vocabulary words of the week.  These vocabulary words tie in to any question and can help assist students.  The vocabulary words are made on sentence strips and have text and image.  This incorporates the idea of Palvlo's Dual Codes of Information where students learn better with images and text (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). 

This week I created a concept map with my students.  At first, I was really concerned about doing this, because they are only preschoolers and I was not sure how well they would understand.  After completing the activity, I found my students were extremely knowledgeable and with assistance could figure out where the arrows would go on the concept map.  For a first time experience, it went very well.  Next time I do this activity, I would really like to incorporate pictures with the words.  This relates back to Palvlo's Dual Codes of Information where students learn better with images and text (Laureate Education, Inc., 2010). 

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program five. Cognitive learning theory [Webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Behaviorist Learning Theory

This week, I reviewed the idea of Behaviorist Learning Theory.  It was interesting to see how I use many of these ideas in a more modern way in my classroom.  For example, I truly believe in the idea of holding students to high expectations.  I believe it is important to create these expectations early in the year and reinforce it daily.  In the book, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, it discusses the idea of reinforcing effort by creating graphs to show students how effort can bring achievement (Pitler, 2007).  Both of these modern ideas stream from the idea of behaviorism, more specifically operant conditioning.  It is the idea that rewards outweigh punishment (Laureate, 2010).  I find that if students understand why their effort pays off, they push themselves.  It is my job to help students see the benefit to effort.  One thing I do to show my students is a visual of how many letters they knew in October and how many they know now.  I simply lay out the cards in a stack so they can see the difference. 

In the book, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, it discusses the idea of homework and practice to reinforce concepts (Pitler, 2007).  In my classroom, I use practice with activities, books, and websites to reinforce the ideas I am teaching.  The idea of homework and practice can be found in behaviorist learning theory, because it is the idea of drill.  It is a constant repetition to basically program something into a person’s brain.  For example, reviewing letters so many times will make students begin to recognize letters. 

While many concepts are a modern twist to behaviorist learning theory, the underlining foundation can still be found in many activities and classrooms. 

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2010). Program four. Behaviorist learning theory [Webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.

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

Reflection on Technology

In what ways has this course helped you to develop your own technology skills as a professional teacher?

            Throughout the course, I have learned new technology ideas to bring into my classroom.  When I created my podcast, I found that one of my students who talks in one word utterances, loved to hear his voice.  Ever since creating the podcast, I will record things he says and I now get 3-4 word utterances.  What a change!  I also liked creating a blog, because I think this is a great, free, and easy way to share ideas with other teachers.  

In what ways have you deepened your knowledge of the teaching and learning process?

            I truly believe to be a teacher you must know your students.  In my classroom, my students love going to the computer lab.  This is the time that I find my students most engaged and wanting to learn.  As a teacher, it is my job to find ways to create a learning environment that invites students to learn.     

In what ways have you changed your perspective from being teacher-centered to learner-centered?

            My carpet time has become much more student-centered than teacher-centered.  We start off carpet time with a question and this normally leads into some type of discussion.  I have found that this is some of the best learning time.  I learn about my students and my students learn about me.  We have gotten into discussions that will be beneficial to students for the rest of their lives. 

In what ways can you continue to expand your knowledge of learning, teaching, and leading with technology with the aim of increasing student achievement?

            Technology is always changing and growing.  As a teacher, it is my job to learn about technology and try to get new technology into my classroom.  I will use the available technology I have in my school to create lessons that integrate technology. 

2 Long Term Goals With Technology

1.      Next year, I will move two of my computer times to the beginning of the day to do calendar and language activities on the SmartBaord.  Using programs such as SmartExchange to see what other teachers are doing will help to provide my students with the best learning opportunities.  With using the SmartBoard, I will help students begin to develop 21^st Century skills.  I also plan on writing a grant to try to get a SmartBoard in my classroom. 

2.      With the grant approval for I-pads in my classroom, I will use this for small group and individual instruction.  I hope to be able to use the I-pad when working with students on sight words, letters, colors, shapes, numbers, etc.  There are so many programs available on the I-pad that I can create differentiated lessons that will benefit each individual student. 

Podcast

This week I created my first podcast!  I interviewed four of my preschoolers about technology in the classroom and at home.  Enjoy!
http://www.podcastmachine.com/podcasts/9059/episodes/43238