Reflection

• Reflecting over my Personal Theory of Learning for Week 1, I think there are some additional technological resources that would be of great benefit to my students. I plan on using Voice Threads and Blogs to have continous discussions over items where students feel they may need more assistance, and utilize these tools as "learning tools.
• Like stated previously two technological tools that I would use in my classroom are Voice Threads ands Blogs, and many more tech savvy progams. The fact that many of our students are computer whizzes, it is important that we as educators embellish on that and allow them to showcase their knowledge and talent.
• The two long-term goals that I have in terms of my classroom are to incorporate more collaborative work, and began to use cues, questions and advanced organizer with a more rationale approach, allowing th students to learn hands on.

Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

Cooperative learning is an important factor in education. Many students learn different ways through trial and error, peer to peer, technology based and so on. The more cooperative learning and working together that takes place in the classroom the better opportunity students have in order to be successful. Throughout the year I have worked with my students on what it is expected during cooperative learning, they are each assigned a task and held equally responsible for carrying their weight in their assigments. In addition to them learning to work together, cooperative learning prepares students for the future in learning responsibility.

My Voice Thread

http://voicethread.com/share/1450445/

Constructivism

In reading and reviewing resources for this week Dr. Orey makes many points in regards to Constructivism. Orey states, that Constructivism "is a theory of knowledge that each individual is actively constructing their own meaning." With this being said, students should be allowed the opportunity to help in the learning process. The classroom should be learner centered versus teacher centered. I have learned over the course of my teaching that peer learning seems more effective than the routine, "standing in front of the classroom lecture." In addition to using peer to peer instruction methods mentioned in Ch. 4 outline Cues, Questions, and Advance Organizer, these methods could assist students to help with organizational and chronological skills needed for their success. Technology that could be used to enhance these techniques include blogging, concept mapping, creating virtual field trips and power presentations. If more construction took place in the classroom more of our students would be successful.