First week back and straight into it! This week we
covered the foundations of learning theory. I will be reflecting on the
engagement activities for week 1 as well as my learning experience.
Engagement
Activity 1- Learning Styles
What is
your learning style? What sorts of learning experiences would suit you best
with your learning style?
There are three basic learning styles which include visual,
auditory and kinaesthetic. I performed an inventory and found out I was
probably an auditory learning meaning I identify sounds and then relate them to
different experiences I have had. I do however believe I am strongly a kinaesthetic
learner and learn best from doing hands on stuff. 1
In a
traditional classroom of 25 students, how would you support the range of
learning styles each lesson?
In a classroom of 25 there is probably a variety of learning
styles as all students learn in different ways. As mentioned on the ICT’s Moodle
course, students have prior experiences, prior knowledge, perceptions &
attitudes, learning styles, intelligence, personalities and temperament. This
can make teaching changeling. To support a range of learning styles each lesson
I would make sure I incorporate a number of activities or teaching techniques
which involved all styles at least once throughout the lesson. This could
include counting using blocks for kinaesthetic learners, writing instructions
of the board and reading them out aloud for both auditory and visual.
With your
current knowledge of ICT, how could your design and digital pedagogy support
your learners better?
I currently don’t have much knowledge of ICT but reading a number
of articles has made me realise that using ICT’s in a classroom can be very
engaging for student and can also support learners with their individual
learning styles. One articles I read stated that with the use of technology in
the classroom the students’ self-esteem largely increased as well as their motivation.2
It was also stated that students
appeared to be working more cooperatively. Students started to collaborate to
help each other out.2 This
evidence shows that technology can have a positive effect in the classroom so
my question is why aren't we using it more?
How does
ICT support differences in learning styles?
When you think about a number of technologies that have started to
creep into the classrooms you can identify that they cover the 3 basic learning
styles. Let’s imagine a class of grade 4’s have each been given an Ipad. They
have a literacy and numeracy program which they use for English. This program
will probably give written instructions on the screen, potentially read the
instruction out aloud and also require the students to click different options
throughout the program. Being able to touch the screen makes its very
interactive and would help kinaesthetic learners. This is just one example of how ICT’s could
support different learning styles. As technologies develop we may be exposed to
bigger and better ways to help students learning in their optimal environment.
Engagement
Activity 2 – Multiple Intelligences
After reading the article “One Intelligence
or Many?” I believe that Gardner is definitely on the right track with his
theory and also agree with the fact that Gardner hasn't examined all areas. I
like how Gardner has used biological facts to prove his theory. For me this
makes more sense and relates specifically to the human brain which is the power
station of our body. On the other hand
Sternberg’s theory also relates. I like how he believes that theories were not
incorrect to rather incomplete.3 I believe this is a very debatable
topic and although I agree we both theories there is still room for improvement.
Understanding these theories can help teachers comprehend the different intelligences
students have and use this information to deliver the best learning theory
possible.
The video below helped me understand the concept of multiple intelligences.
Engagement
Activity 3 – Reflection on Prensky’s ideas
What is
your belief and understanding of the nature of today's learners? Do they really
"demand" technology in the classroom?
These days technology is a part
of our culture and students love it so why not use it? There is a great quote I
got from the YouTube video below which I believe in 100% true. It states ‘Teachers
will not be replaced by technology, but teachers who don’t use technology will
be replaced by those who do’. I believe that a classroom should be interactive
and enjoyable to learn in. If we keep it the same students will become bored. I
do however think that technology doesn't need to replace everything in the
classroom. As I'm preparing to be a HPE teacher I still believe having a
variety of old and new technologies in the classroom is helpful. It also gives
the student the opportunity to find what works best for them.
Engagement
Activity 4 – Reflection on Connectivism
Do you
agree with them? Can you see Siemen's point of view? What is your position?
After reading the article on
connectivism I fully agree with what is being said. Technology is making us
think and learn in different ways. It’s quite scary to think that what we need
for tomorrow is so much more important than what we actually know today! I
think this topic could be debated for hours but I believe every day the world
around us is evolving and we must adapt or we will fall behind. If we teachers
are unable to adapt and keep up what hope do our students have? It’s sad that
it has taken us this long to realise the impact that technology can have on
learning.
Well that's all for week 1. I hope I have justified my point of view as well as engaged you in some helpful links.
References -
1 James, B.W. (2009). What’s Your Learning Style? Retrieved February 2013 from http://sunburst.usd.edu/~bwjames/tut/learning-style/stylest.html
2 Educational Research and Improvement U.S.
Department of Education. Effects of
Technology on Classroom and Students. Retrieved February 2013 from (http://www2.ed.gov/pubs/EdReformStudies/EdTech/effectsstudents.html
3 Paik, H.S. (1998). One Intelligence or Many? Alternative Approaches to Cognitive Abilities.
Retrieved February 2013 from http://www.personalityresearch.org/papers/paik.html
