During the first week of Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology course I presented my personal theory of learning as a combination of behaviorism, cognitivism, constructivism and aspects of the communications theory (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008). As I sit here reflecting on all that was covered during the seven weeks of study, I still believe that my personal thoughts on theory of learning remind the same as it is inclusive of a variety of learning styles. Using this combination of theory of learning allow me to meet the diversity within my classroom ensuring that all learners are taken into consideration. This course has help to enhance my choice of instructional strategies along with educational technologies that will engage learners within the learning environment.
In making immediate adjustments to my instructional practice would be in the utilization of incorporating more technology in my classroom. Two technologies that I will begin to use in my classroom is weblog and voicethread. I believe the use of these technologies will help to enhance my students’ learning by helping students to improve in their ability to express themselves and to improve their discussion ability. Improvement in these areas will also help to improve students’ self-confidence thus improving their learning and achievement within the classroom. The use of concept map is something I also want to utilize more of in my classroom to help students to build off their prior knowledge and motivate them to gain control over their learning.
To ensure my professional growth I have set two long-term goals to change and enhance my instructional practice regarding technology integration in my classroom. One such goal that I have set is to incorporate more technology into my lessons. I have already begun applying strategies to achieve this goal. Since learning about web 2.0 technologies from my Walden course, I have begun to implement blogging and podcasting in my classroom and will soon implement the use of voicethread and concept map among others. Another goal that I have set is to ensure that I am using the available technologies more as a learning tool than an instructional tool in my classroom. Dr. Orey stated that what the teacher does with the technology to impart or present instruction to the students are instructional usage, while allowing students to have access to technology to be actively engaged in their learning is using the technology as a learning tool (Laureate, 2011). Armed with this information, I will begin to strive to create a learning environment that put the technology in the hands of the learners, making them active learners in my classroom.
References
Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Laureate Education, Inc. (2011). Technology: instructional tool vs. learning tool. [Video Webcast]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu/webapps/portal/frameset.jsp?tab_tab_group_id=_2_1&url=%2Fwebapps%2Fblackboard%2Fexecute%2Flauncher%3Ftype%3DCourse%26id%3D_1374104_1%26url%3D
