Reflection

As the year comes to a close, so does my graduate course on learning theories and technology. I leave with a similar perception of learning as when I entered. Students learn at different rates and in different ways. The key to reaching the majority of children in a classroom is presenting the same material in various fashions. Listening to a speech, seeing a PowerPoint, and creating a website on the same topic can tap into the learning styles of many while reinforcing the information each time. The course worked to deepen my understanding of why using multiple methods is beneficial. While I still believe in multiple intelligences, I now appreciate the underlying influence of brain activity and memory formation. Wolfe (2008) detailed the interaction between synapse connections and memory retention. Neurologically speaking, students who create more pathways in their brains to information will have an easier time of accessing the data at a later date.

As most students are being raised in more technology accessible households, their learning is structured around this mode of information presentation. One wonders if all their other learning outside of school is technology centered, then can the absence of this method be detrimental within the classroom. With this thought in mind, I will strive to include more technology-driven and student-centered lessons. This will involve more work on my part for scheduling computer labs, altering lesson plans, and keeping up-to-date with the newest advancements made available to my school. I would like to create projects that include the use of VoiceThreads as well as concept maps. Each of these programs requires students to plan out their method of answering questions. Rather than jumping into the problem, they have to categorize what they already know and what they are looking for. This helps students develop the much needed skill of looking at the entire picture before passing a judgment.

As far as long term goal changes, I think it is too early to tell in my case. I am just starting to edge out of the first year survival mode. If I were to pick two long term goals for technology, I would choose student-centered projects and interactive classrooms. Both of these require more research and practice into the available programs. Unfortunately, I believe that each case will involve trial and error periods. The only strategy for success, or rather encouragement, would be to try the activities with one class before spreading to all of my classes. Repeating the same problems four times a day without a chance to fix the situation can be disheartening. In either case, students creating a technological project or working with another class across the nation would definitely be something to explore in the future for the benefit of all.