Cooperative Learning Theroies

There are various theories that support social learning platforms. In this week Dr Orey observed that students, in order for learning to take place must be engaged in the construction of their own artifacts. (Laureate Education Inc. 2009) I am a strong supporter of cooperative learning; as a part of social learning. Student can learn so many things from each other. They look to each other for socializations acceptance, the birth of new ideas, validation of skills and ideas, and they get encouragement from some-one their own age, rather than the teacher. According the book, Using Technology with classroom Instructions’ that Works, they author state that cooperative learning focused on ways for students to interact with each other in a way that can enhance learning. (Hubbell,Kuhn,Malenoski, 2007)

The use of technology will only enhance this type of learning. The use of project- oriented groups will also benefit from this theory using the media tools, and communication tools.

One tool that is use in my classroom if the moodle online learning path form, i have seen that this technology does help students to collaborate more in their efforts

References
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Program 8. Social Learning Theory. [Educational video]. Baltimore: Author

Constructivist/Constructionist Learning Theories.

The students are destined to be a part of the creative technological age. There is absolutely no avoiding this. it is therefore imperative that students within the classroom learn by using the technology around them ti inspire their creative skills. According to Dr. Michael Orey he states that the use of technology to construct anything, where students are being engaged in creating artifacts if one of the foundational rule of constructivism (Laureate Education, Inc., 2008). When students are engage they can reach a state of equilibration, by assimilating information, and accommodating schema, that will build external artifacts.

The instructional strategies does correlate with the principles of constructivist/constructionist learning theories. According the book Using Technology in the Classroom Instructions that works, the author states that , When Students generate and test hypothesis, they are engaging in complex mental process. (Pitlerr,Hubbell, Kuhn Malenoshi, 2007)

From experience students who use other software's such as productivity software, web resources or audio tools assimilate information at a faster pace than those who don't.

Students adores the opportunity to generate an hypothesis, by using problem solving techniques, inventions, experimental inquiry. Using the concept of constructivism they gain more information that will last throughout a lifetime.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). Program 6. Constructionist and Constructivist Learning Theories. [Educational video]. Baltimore: Author

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandri, VA: ASCD.

Cognitive Learning and Technology

The cognitive Learning theory explores the concepts that instruction must be well organized, clearly structured, well displayed, and should provide feedback for learning to take place. Therefore how can the used of technology supports the cognitive learning theory.

In this week lesson we learned about, activities that will get student involved in their learning experience. We learnt how we can use word processing, spreadsheet and multimedia tools to enhance the learning capabilities of students. One of the way is by using these software to create a medium of clues, questions and advance organizers. The use of brainstorming software can also help student use their mental facets in order to reach success in learning. Some Students are visual and while some are otherwise in their learning styles to use of technology does reach these students, so that they can understand concepts more clearly. The visual use of PowerPoint and video will help students to understand key concepts.

Note taking is another essential component in order for students to provide feedback, take notes for reflection and they can use this also as a place to ask questions.

My students love the use of blogs and discussion forum they get a chance to express themselves, ask questions, etc. This I can testify is a great way to enhance learning.

Correlation of Instructional Strategy and Behaviorist Learning Theories

According the the authors of the book Using Technology in the Classroom, they indicate that, Instructional strategy of reinforcing efforts enhances students' understanding of the relationship between effort and achievement by addressing their attitudes and belief about learning. (Hubell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007).

On the other hand Judy and Jean in their book Theoretical Foundations, suggested that according to behaviorist, the learner acquires behaviours, skills, and knowledge in response to the rewards, and punishments, or withheld responses associated to a behaviour. (Lever-Duffy, MC Donald 2008)

I strongly believe that students need a clear understanding of what is expected of them within a classroom environment. When expectations are realized students can begin to associate effort with achievement. When student have understood the importance of success, their behaviousr are changed for the better, and rewards are expected.

In order for student to develop the effects of effort and achievement, they need to have a scale on which they can align themselves. This can be introduce with the use of technology. Students may even get involved into the decision making process of rewards for efforts and achievement.

The collection of their data is essential for reflection and and can be used as a tools for future experiments of students behaviour as it relates to effort and achievement.

References:

Lever-Duffy,J,

MC Donald J, 2008 Theoretical Foundations (Laureate Education Inc)

Pitler H Hubbell, E,Kuhn M, Malenoski, 2007, Understanding Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, Alexandria, VA

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I am thrilled to be learning how the brain works in respect to learning capabilities with students. I am looking forward to this class. Please feel free to follow my blog and get the latest via RSS feeds.