Digital Blog Post #B Ch. 2&3

      I enjoyed reading about the four learning theories in Chapter 3 of our text book (Maloy, et al, 2013, p. 47). It was interesting to hear about the different theories. Behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism, and constructionism."In the behaviorism theory learning is a process of memorizing, demonstrating, and imitating. In the cognitivism theory computer instruction must consider the effects of attention and perception and be based on individual learning needs and differences. In the constructivism theory learning is a process of manipulating and interpreting the surrounding world in a unique way. In the  constructionism theory leaners build their own knowledge and adds the idea that those knowledge structures are public entities."

     Another interesting part of the chapters for me was the approaches to reaching. There are the student center approaches which focus on the teacher "instructing" in the most efficient and effective ways possible. There is also a student centered approach which is when the goal of the teacher is to "create" situations in which students participate in minds-on problem solving and thoughtful reflection. (Maloy, et al, 2013, p. 51)



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     I've learned that technology promotes critical thinking and problem solving. "the rapid feedback from computers and other technologies support students curiosity and desire to learn on their own without need for constant teacher direction. (Maloy, et al, 2014, p. 69) Also, online learning games, virtual worlds, and interactive simulations promote critical thinking and problem solving within the context of activities students find engaging."

References:

A Principal's Reflections. (n.d.). Retrieved February 09, 2016, from http://esheninger.blogspot.com/2015/03/engagement-does-not-always-equate-to.html

 

Maloy, Robert, Verock-O’Loughlin,Ruth-Ellen, Edwards, Sharon A., and Woolf, Beverly Park (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

 

Teacher Cadet Technology. (n.d.). Retrieved February 09, 2016, from http://teachercadettechnology.blogspot.com/2012_01_01_archive.html

 

Tips for Better Management of Technology in the Classroom. (n.d.). Retrieved February 09, 2016, from http://blog.wepresentwifi.com/tips-better-management-technology-classroom

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Digital Blog Post #A

     After reading chapter one titled "Becoming a 21st Century Teacher" a concept from the reading which really stood out to me was 'Today's students and technology'. I had never taken into consideration how young children are this day in age when new technologies are introduced to them. It states in the textbook that "by the time these youngsters entered second grade, about 70% played video games and used the internet on a daily basis" as referenced by Maloy, et al (2013, pp 3) "youngsters from this generation have never known a world without cell phones, text messaging, and other interactive technologies". My 4 year old son has an iPad mini of his own in which he uses for educational games, and for movie purposes, however I never really thought about how he could use this tool in the classroom. This all being said I believe it is imperial that teachers for this generation be up to speed with these technologies in order to educate their students on ways to use these means for educational purposes.

     Another concept from the reading which I found to be important was "Technology and the Work Of A Teacher". There are ways teachers use technology today that  I never took into consideration of what it would be like if these technologies weren't around. It's actually interesting that teachers are now able to use technology inside the classroom for learning experiences, and also to interact with students outside of the classroom. For example like Maloy, et al (2013, pp 7.) states in the text book technology is used inside the classroom for internet research, power point presentations, student participation. It's also used outside of the classroom for grade and attendance record keeping, professional correspondence, research, and educational networking. I remember being in school when all assignments were handed in manually to the teacher and hand graded, and then were returned within good time, could have been a few days to retrieve a final grade. I've found an interesting article showing the difference between school now and school back then. Technology has actually made the process of teaching a bit simpler. Could you imagine living in a time where there were no computers? I couldn't. I have, but now I couldn't even imagine life without it.

    Lastly, I find it very easy to agree with the textbook in the section entitled "computer technologies". As Maloy, et al, (2013, pp. 5)  states  "as the use of computers and other informational technologies become more common they tend to "disappear" from our view. People tend to take them for granted, hardly noticing their speed, features, or the changes they bring to the way we conduct our daily lives." As I enter the teaching profession I absolutely intend on teaching my students through technology and hope to also transform learning.

    In conclusion the future of technology in the classroom is inevitable and it is very important for future educators to be well trained and up to speed with the latest technologies in order to teach in this day of age. I have also included a brief video I found on youtube that shows where technology could lead to in future classrooms, which is pretty unbelievable and advanced.




References

Maloy, R., O'Loughlin, R., Edwards, S., & Woolf, B. (2013). Transforming Learning with New Technologies. 2nd Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson Education Inc