Donna's Technology Class Blog

I like using the constructivist theory in my classroom. Over the years, I have taught in several states and subject areas. I found a great “hands-on” or constructionist science curriculum that I could integrate with the one I was required to use. This curriculum is part of the Challenger Center program, http://www.challenger.org/. The point of each activity is to ask the students a key question, give them a materials list, and allow them to create an experiment or artifact that will answer the key question. My students loved this material, and their grades in my science class improved. I was surprised to see that their grades and problem-solving skills also improved in other classes as well. I currently teach computer literacy. I use a modified constructivist method in which I give students information, demonstrate the procedures, and then allow them to practice the skill on their own. This method can work with a technology class, as well as an academic area class. I love all the onli...

I read this week about cognitivism. Cognitivism is a theory of how people perceive, remember, and apply information. In the video, Dr. Orey said that the human brain can only process 7 (plus or minus 2) pieces of information at a time, so we must decide which information is important. In light of this information limit, we need to teach students to decipher what is important. Note-taking skills are an important part of student learning and information retention. One of the examples to assist students in making the connection between the information presented and retained is note-taking. Several strategies were shared including giving "teacher-created notes." These notes can be digitally shared and then edited and summarized by the students as they transfer the information into their own words. Having the students think through the information presented to transfer it into their words creates another way for them to forge a connection in their minds-elaborating on the informat...

The book, Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, made two “generalizations.” 1. “Not all students realize the importance of believing in effort. 2. Students can learn to operate from a belief that effort pays off even if they do not initially have this belief” (Pitler, 2007). Pitler continued by giving two examples of teachers who used spreadsheets for students to track and evaluate their own effort in relation to their grades. The teachers incorporated spreadsheet skills and graphing/charting with their regular math lessons. This use of technology showed the students with graphic representations how their effort was directly related to their grade (Pitler, 2007). The students recognized the correlation between their behavior, putting forth effort, and the desired response, a good grade. This is a practical application of behaviorism. Another instructional strategy mentioned in the book suggested using word processing software tools to research, not just write papers. ...

Since taking this class entitled “Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society” I have learned how to blog, create a wiki, and create a podcast. I would not have made time to learn these technologies without this class. Reading the 21st century learner expectations and skills necessary for students to succeed in the future has challenged me. Students need to use higher-order thinking skills. Sometimes the students have insights into technology with which I am not familiar. This sharing of the knowledge is the key to learning and development for both the teacher and student. I have become more conscious of being learner-centered in my classroom. I plan to give more collaborative projects. For the collaborative projects, the students will choose from a variety of technology topics to research, rather than the assigned topic. I will give the students opportunities to help each other during class time rather than having them quietly doing independent work. I w...

Subscribe Free    Add to my Page I created a questionnaire to explore the technological demographics of the students in my classes. Most of the students polled have access to computers at home. They all have computer access at school since they are taking a technology class. The students found the following differences in the way they use technology at school and at home. 1. They almost unanimously said that they had more “freedom” at home since the school has filters and limits on what they are allowed to do. 2. They said they were limited as to the amount of time they were allowed on the computers and the Internet. 3. They said that they have faster methods of communications at home with more means of communication. 4. They said that they have faster computers at home. 5. They said they have to “sneak” to use their iPod or text on their cell phones at school, but at home it was allowed. As to the amounts of time students used technology at home, I found that 1. Approximately...

I recently visited http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/ . I found a lot of resources regarding what skills students should be taught in order to succeed in the 21st century. There were also several states listed that have initiatives to implement policies and standards that will ensure students are presented with opportunities to learn these skills. I liked the recent news events of businesses partnering with schools to help further the students' education, but I was disappointed that there were not more states or businesses listed. I was also looking for suggestions as to how to implement teaching these skills in my class, and did not find them. Did anyone else find good ideas here?

Thanks guys, for the great ideas. It looks like I will have to do some preliminary work with the students on what a blog is and how to appropriately respond to someone on the internet (cyber-citizenship and netiquette). I found this great website with worksheets, and interactive internet lessons for several grade levels teaching Internet basics, safety and citizenship. It is www.cybersmart.org . I like the idea of making this a semester-long project, since that's how long my classes are. This project would have to be done primarily after school, since all blogging websites are blocked by our school district's internet filter policy. Any suggestions?