1.) How does this fit with what I already know? Chapter 9 focuses on how technology can support learning. It also cautioned that inappropriate uses of technology can hinder the learning process as well. The chapter discussed several different learning applications for different programs. This follows nicely with the learning environments we covered last week. When you incorporate technology in to the curriculum you are effectively expanding the learning environment. Technology can create new opportunities for curriculum design and allow students new ways in which to encode and retrieve information. The text further identifies computer scaffolding as a way for learners to engage in more advanced activities and build critical thinking skills. Finally, technology in the classroom can foster a sense of community offering students to collaborate and work together. It also allows for easier teacher feed back and can help them identify strengths and weaknesses in student thinking processes, thus allowing them to provide specified instruction when applicable.
Chapter 10 was a great wrap up of what we have been talking about all a long. It was a concise conclusion of the main themes of cognition we have covered. The biggest take away from chapter 10 for me was the information on transfer learning. I don't think this can be stressed enough in our current educational circumstances. "Instructional differences become apparent when evaluated from how well the learner transfers understandings to new problems and settings." That pretty much sums up the gamble our administrators and districts are taking on the current teach to the test approach that has invaded our schools. Will the next generation be able to think there way out of a paper bag? Much less a global crisis?
2.) What I don't understand? A.) I don't understand why, with all the evidence to the contrary, we allow the current philosophies of instruction to persist. I found chapter 10 to be fantastic, yet in direct opposition to what I am seeing and hearing about the state of education today. What gives? B.) How are we going to possibly bring technology to low income school districts? We can't even get some schools text books!
3.) How would I apply this information? "Learning with understanding is more likely to promote knowledge transfer rather than memorization." Words for every teacher and parent to live by. If I ever get the chance to have my own classroom, this will be on the wall somewhere.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I strongly with your concerns about the divide for technology and education in low income schools. How do you incorporate technology when you have no materials to do this! While some schools have a smartboard and laptops for every students, some schools may have 1 computer in each room- that the teacher uses.
ReplyDeleteIn addition, our materials effect our education in the technological sense- students who dont have the money to own a computer or work on one in school, will never be able to practice their typing skills, etc, and will fall behind the huge technological divide in the country. When students are not provided with the opportunities due to material restriction from money, the results can be devastating.
Your quote about learning is fabulous! We need to remind ourselves this often. In a world of responsibilities an expectations, it is easy to fall into the memorization rut. We need to make sure that we are engaging our students and encouraging them to think independently for realistic purposes. Doing this allows them to deeply process information, and actually learn it! Memorization only makes us able to pass a test, but we are not able to use the information.
ReplyDelete