Contructivism in Practice

Constructivism is the learning process where students actively take part in their learning by asking questions, using resources to answer those questions, and then creating an artifact to demonstrate their knowledge. This type of learning can take place in all subject areas; however, the scientific structure of generating and testing hypotheses is used to answer the student’s questions (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). A teacher’s job in this type of thinking is that we create the basis for the student to be the best individual for future society. We never know when we are teaching the next scientist whom may cure a disease, the next doctor to save a child or even the next president.

Students can use Excel, scientific probes, and gaming technology to make and test hypotheses (Pitler, et al., 2007). Excel would be a form I could use in the gym because of the data collection that can occur. Also, the program would allow the students to compile the data over a period of time. I have an idea for a unit about a race or walk around Wyoming. I know that Excel could be useful in tracking the number part of it and even conversions. However, I need to get an interactive map to show the students’ progress in the “game”. This real world experience could help the students to see a relevant reason to get moving to stay healthy.

Being as I live in Wyoming I decided to try the Windward site. The site is a race around the world avoiding weather complications. This is truly what constructionism is. “The theory of learning that states people learn best when they build an external artifact something they can share with others” (Laureate Education 2009).
When students can create a connection with what they are trying to learn the student learns better. Teacher’s can help to create the connections that will take the student to the next level in education, success, and even life!

References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Brittany Lundberg

Cognitivism in Practice

There are several technologies that aid in student learning. Cognitivists view learning as an operation that requires your brain to take in information through your senses, store the information, and retrieve it later (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008).

Advanced organizers help students to de-clutter their thoughts and mainstream what it is that they are trying to learn. These organizers minimize distraction for some students and allow for a more focused learner. The questions that are asked by the teacher and by students should intensify the level of learning.


Concept mapping is good if there is a lot of information provided to the student. The map allows the student to find the relevant information and the sub categories that the piece of information goes to. Helps to see all your ideas and get the ideas organized in a clear manner. All of these tools help the student to effectively learn the material. The connections students can make to different pieces of information on a concept map is very similar to the connections our brains make when it receives information through the different senses (Laureate Education, 2009).

Virtual field trips can be a powerful tool without ever leaving the classroom. Students can go places they may never get to go otherwise either because of money, or logistics. These fieldtrips can lead to connections students can make to their own lives. This allows the student to buy into their own learning and make a personal connection.

Resources:


Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Lever-Duffy, J. and McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical Foundations. In Teaching and Learning with Technology (3rd ed. pp. 2-35). Boston: Pearson.

EDUC 6711- Week 2 Behaviorism in Practice

"James Hartley (1998) brought about the idea of 'learning by doing', an active learner is better than a passive one. I truley believe in my classroom that this is true. Once a student becomes passive in the gym it is very clear that either the student does not like what we are doing or that he or she does not understand what it is that I am asking of them. I know that inorder to be successful I have to strive to have my students "with me." I actually use that statement instead of asking if they understand.

Effort can be important in the gym and is very easy to see from a third party looking in. Many students do not realize that they are not putting forth enought effort to get the assignment done correctly.  Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski (2007) suggested that showing the students data of how the student's effort is directly related to performance. I agree this would be powerful however in my situation may be a difficult thing. Students forget how much they put toward something in a few minutes so stopping an activity for them to chart is hard. I do use a tap out system. The students walk by a wall and tap the appropriate level that they worked at for the day. This is not their grade but more of them realizing where they were or where they should have been.

 References:

The Behaviourist Orientation to Learning online artictle retrieved on November 11, 2009 from: http://www.infed.org/biblio/learning-behavourist.htm
 
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Reflecting on Technology EDUC 6710

As EDUC 6710 comes to a close I reflect on what I have learned and what the possibilities are for technology use in my gym. Course EDUC-6710I-5 Understanding the Impact of Technology on Education, Work, and Society has given me many insights about technology in my classroom/ gym. I have learned that there is a difference between doing something differently and doing something different. (Laureate Education 2008). Some of my lessons that I have done in the past can now be done in a more efficient manner. I also learned that as a teacher sometimes we get caught up in what we are comfortable with and not what connects with today’s students. I have learned that the limits of technology are endless and that I can try anything and will most likely see some success.

I have deepened my knowledge of teaching through technology by allowing the students to take more responsibility for their education. I have realized that the old way may not be the best way for today’s students. “Today’s kids grow up in the light. They’re deeply immersed in it long before educators ever see them.” (Prensky 2008).

I have changed my perspective to being more learners centered because I know now that I need to keep up with my students in the area of technology and let them use what they know. I should not be holding them back or powering them down when they come into the gym. Today’s students need to use what they know because they feel that the older generations “do not get them,” or understand who they are and what they are about.

I am going to continue with my Master’s in Education- Integrating Technology in the Classroom so that I can do my students a better service. I also, have already signed up for more training on the operating systems that are being used in my school district. I have talked to the teachers in my building and they are willing to help me with the lab time and making sure that the students have time to log on for Physical Education purposes when they are not in the gym. I am excited to get Race around Wyoming going. Race around Wyoming is a pedometer activity where the students log their steps, convert the steps to miles and try to beat other teams to landmarks around Wyoming.

One goal of mine is to receive a Smart board for my gym. I would like it to be portable so that I do not break it. Once the Smart board is received I plan to use it daily for my student’s access and knowledge of content. In order to get the Smart board I am going to ask PTA to purchase it for me. Another goal is to have the students participate in Race across Wyoming and log their activity time. The more that my students can see their success the more success they will have. I hope that I can give my students many successes and that we learn together if something does not go quite right.

I am excited for the upcoming school year and am looking forward to integrating technology into the gym whenever I can and with many different lessons.

References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2008). Understanding the impact of technology on education, work, and society. Baltimore: Author.

Prensky, M. (2008, March). Turning on the lights. Educational Leadership, 65(6), 40–45

Prensky, M. (2005). Listen to the natives. Educational Leadership, 63(4), 8–13.

Richardson, W. (2009). Blogs, wiks, podcasts, and other powerful web tools for classrooms (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press

Thornburg, D. (2004). Technology and education: Expectations, not options. (Executive Briefing No. 401). Retrieved from http://www.tcpdpodcast.org/briefings/expectations.pdfng on the lights.

Profiling the Students of Today

When profiling the students of today I interviewed four students from the neighborhood where I live and teach. I realized that today's students are totally immersed in technology. Everything that the students do has to do with technology from daily contact with friends to listening to music. Their lives are controlled and lived through technology. Although, my students were elementary aged they were very knowledgeable about technology and knew that their lives would be very different if they did not have technology in their lives. The audio podcast is to the right. It worked on my computer so hopefully it works for you! If you have trouble please let me know.

Learning for the 21st Century

21st Century learning what is that ? Well, I have to say that I agree that we as educators are not teaching our students what they will need in their futures. I liked the six key elements to 21st century learning. 1. emphasize core subjects 2. emphasize learning skills 3. use 21st century tools to develop learning skills 4. teach and learn in a 21st century context 5. teach and learn in 21st century content, 6. use 21st century assessments that measure 21st century skills.

It does not suprise me that phyical educaiton does not fall under the 21st century core subjects. However, really it should be. Look at all the health issues that we are having. Today's youth do not know how to take care of their bodies. Therefore leading to more health issues. I really do believe that Physical educaiton should be on the core subject list.

As a contemporary teacher the implications are hard because the subject in which I teach is not said to be a core by NCLB or 21st century. Therefore the students do not believe that what I am teaching in important. The more technology that I can incorporate in will aid in the buy in later and will help my students further succeed in their technological careers.


References
Partnership for 21st Century Skills (.nd) A report and Mile guide for21st century skills. Washington D.C. Author. Retrieved from http://www.21stcenturyskills.org/images/stories/otherdocs/p21up_Report.pdf

Use of a blog in my classroom.

I teach elementary physical education k-6th grades. I would use the blog primarily for the 5th and 6th graders because of the knowledge of technology and the amount of time that they are allowed in the computer lab
The use of a blog in my classroom would be for students to log and discuss their activity. For instance, the FITT principle which stands for F=frequency how often they did an activity, I= intensity which is how hard they did it, T= time which is how long, and T= type what kind of activity that the student did.
The blog could also be used for encouragement by other students and for idea development. This could also be a place for the students to share favorite, or exciting activities.
My classroom blog would not be about a specific assignment but for the students to show what they have accomplished. I would also use it for Healthy Tips, such as food choice, portion distortion, activity ideas, and goals.

Hello!

The title of my blog "Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work" comes from Aristotle. This is something that I truly believe, if we love what we do then we will put our heart and soul into it. I have always loves sports and education. Therefore I have the perfect job for me a physical education teacher. However, here recently I have embarked on a new territory, integrating technology into the classroom. This for most teachers is easier than some to create a computer lesson or incorporate some form of technology. I do not have enough technology in the gym (my classroom) for an effective lesson. I use what I have which is pedometers, heart rate monitors, and my laptop. I have the ground work or the idea for a technology lesson in the gym which I hope to someday put to good use. More to come on that idea as it is "in process" at the moment.