June 28th, 2009 by dclemons
During the first week of our current course we were asked to develop our personal learning theories. Over the last eight weeks we have re-examined learning theory and its relationship to technology. It was nice to go back and compare what I already knew about learning theory with the content from this course. I found that I can now connect learning theory not only to technological tools, but to all aspects of learning. Most importantly, I have a clear idea of the most effective ways to relay information to learners. In the week one assignment I expressed the belief that the learners must be actively engaged to be successful. This belief has been confirmed through the coursework and I have knowledge of several new technologies that can act as valuable learning tools.
I would like to make adjustments as to how I will implement technology almost exclusively for the benefit of the students. I have challenged myself to use podcasting, blogs, and voicethreads next school year as a way of using technology as a learning tool rather than an instructional tool.
My long term goal is to redesign my classroom to provide an environment where interactive and collaborative technologies are easily accessible with little time lost in transition routines. To achieve this goal I will take advantage of grants to supply the equipment needed and use my classroom budget with the goal of supplying headsets, microphones, flash drives etc.
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June 7th, 2009 by dclemons
This week we took on the fun task of creating voicethreads mine can be found here http://voicethread.com/#b530533
Feel free to comment. The audio has some issues on my computer, but it is still audible.
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May 27th, 2009 by dclemons
This week’s resources have many activities that allow students to construct evidence that they have mastered classroom objectives. I liked the suggestion of using Excel or spreadsheet software in Chapter 11 of Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works.This would be especially helpful in science or math class, but could be implemented in any content area. For social studies, I thought that the Making History strategy game was great too! Students not only have to construct a virtual country in this web based game but they must also consider the finer points of economics, politics, and diplomacy. Another great feature is the fact that it is a multi-player game, so it could be used to foster collaboration while providing opportunities for students to accommodate to broaden their understanding of social studies.
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May 24th, 2009 by dclemons
This week’s resources have helped me re-examine the importance of the information processing model as it pertains to education. It is easy to get lost trying to make sure that our students pass their standardized test by relying too heavily on declarative memory activities rather than procedural, or episodic memory. This re-examination challenged me to conduct my content reviews this week by using activities that would help my students commit the information to long-term memory. As a result we had more fun, and I saw them making connections to other ares of the content through acting out skits and drawing pictures to represent information. Concept mapping activities are next I can’t wait to see how it goes!
Have a great week !
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May 13th, 2009 by dclemons
This week I have been more aware of the learning theories that I use. As I have carried out the normal tasks of my daily routines, starting with homeroom and ending with evening duty, I’ve been shocked at the overwhelming presence of behaviorism in my school community. Dr. Michael Orey (2008) credits much of this to the pressures created as a result of No Child Left Behind (Laureate). Like any other theory, if used too much behaviorism can become stale and mundane. However, behaviorism can be used as a tool to strengthen higher level thinking skills. Technology offers the tools to make behaviorist theory more effective through reinforcement of the positives that make practicing a skill fun.
After visiting http://www.phschool.com/curriculum_support/ss_skills_tutor/ , I realized that the tutorial nature of the website would be a good way for my students to practice critically analyzing maps and political cartoons. The reinforcement my students received from the lessons, practice activities, and application of these skills engaged and inspired them. I had to find several paintings and political cartoons that I could copy and paste on the Smartboard to further feed their thirst for making use of the skill.
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May 10th, 2009 by dclemons
I am excited to be starting a new class with Walden this week. It is called Bridging Learning Theory,Instruction, and technology. It is nice to go back and re-examine educational theory and brain research and how these areas connect to technology. I had a hard time understanding RSS during the last course that required me to use it. If anyone can offer clarity on RSS I would appreciate it. I subscribed to google reader and that simplified it. I can read the blogs of everyone in my group. Hopefully I have a handle on it this time around.
Have a great week!
Daryl Clemons
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February 8th, 2009 by dclemons
I just published my first podcast. After trying several sites to host it I finally found one that worked great and met all of my needs. It is called Podbean.
My fisrt podcast can be heard at http://dclemons.podbean.com/
Have a great week!!
Daryl
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January 28th, 2009 by dclemons
The website Partnership for 21st Century Skills, found at http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/ is a great resource for school districts to bridge the technology gap between businesses, communities, schools and local governments. I was surprised to find state initiatives for several partner states, including mine…. West Virginia. When you choose a state from the site it takes you to the technology standards for that particular state. You will also find valuable information and resources to professional development opportunities on “Route 21″. One of the missing links in helping bridge the gap is providing teachers with the skills and training necessary to help their students, the professional development opportunities page is a great resource for districts to plan.
It provides evidence that the citizens of America agree that our education system needs to go through the same transformation that the businesses and communities have in the last decade. It also gives a clear map of how we can meet the demands of a changing global society.
Check it out!
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