Reflecting on Technology

At the beginning of this course I had to come up with my “Personal Theory of Learning”. I discussed Vygotsky’s social development theory. I was introduced to this theory in my third education class in undergrad and I identified with it immediately. Especially the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and More Knowledgeable Other (MKO). The ZPD is what a students can do on their own and what they can do when a teacher or another person that is more knowledgeable (MKO) on the subject or skill is helping them (Learning Therories.com, 2013). The other theory I discussed was Gardner’s multiple intelligences. In his theory, “every individual possesses some degree of each of the intelligences he details…If any one of the intelligences is of significant capacity, the result is a prodigy in that area.” (Lever-Duffy, 2008). Both of these theories are still very important to my teaching style. However, this course opened my eyes to other theories and strategies; some of which I was already using. The elaboration and dual coding theories are two that I have added to learning theory. Elaboration theory states that “content to be learned should be organized from simple to complex order, while providing a meaningful context in which subsequent ideas can be integrated.”(Learning-Theories.Com, 2013, para 1). Dr. Orey states that dual coding is information that is stored two ways, with a picture and the labeling of that image (Laureate, 2011). One of the strategies I did not realize I was using was project based learning. With this students are creating an artifact; they are working together, and I have been using this for several years. This class also introduced me to many different technologies such as concept mapping software, virtual field trips, Voice Thread, and more. These different technologies have are very exciting for me as a teacher, and the students are having fun and learning at the same time. I have already started using Kidspiration for concept mapping in a couple of my classes with a great deal of success, as well as viritual field trips. I am working with a 3rd grade to make fractured fairy tales and I am looking into the animation sites I learned about from our technology resources. I think that will be a wonderful way to keep students engaged and learning. I also want to use Voice Thread much more, as well as blogging and wikis. Many of my older students use different social media sites and I think a wiki for things such as a book discussion would be useful and fun for the students. One of my long term goals is to get a set of Ipads for my library. Not only can tons of books be downloaded to them but the educational apps are awesome. l have a personal Ipad that I use on my smartboard with airserver. The students love using my ipad, especially on the big screen. The apps are great learning tools, and are fun for the students. To get ipads for my classroom I am going to have to beg, borrow, and plead. I am working with my local library board to help with funding, and I am also looking into grant writing. My other goal is to get more computers in one of my libraries. I have two school libraries, one has ten computers and the other has two. So it is a must to get more computers in that library. To get this technology into the hands of my students I plan to ask for donations of old computers that I can fix up and I am sending out letters to local businesses asking for their old laptops and desktop computers. I am also looking into different grants to buy computers. Both of my goals involve getting technology into the hands of my students. Learning to use technology is a hands-on process. It is my job to make sure that they have that technology to learn on. References Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program five: Cognitive learning theory [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1 Learning Theories.Com. (2013). Social Development Theory (Vygotsky). Retrieved from http://www.learning-theories.com/vygotskys-social-learning-theory.html Lever-Duffy, J., & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.