Dear Parents,
As many of you know, the use of technology within the classroom is a popular topic in the education world today. Technology is advancing at a very quick rate, and personally we all see many benefits in using it. Where would we all be without a cell phone? Or what would we do if we could not pay our bills online (does anyone even own stamps anymore?)? Just as technology has changed our personal lives for the better, it has also benefited education today. With the incorporation of the computer into the classroom, for example, we have been able to take teaching to new heights! I am sure you have seen the advantages to the use of technology within the classroom, but I am also aware of the concerns that you have surrounding technological advances within the classroom as well. Many parents have expressed a concern to me that technology in the classroom has just given students more distractions and helped them procrastinate more than it has helped them to be educated. While there might be some truth to the distractions (it is hard to get them to turn those phones off!) I feel that incorporating technology into our classrooms has truly helped bring education into a new world of possibilities. With the use of technology students are able to:
-Learn new ways of communicating
-Research information that simple encyclopedia systems just could not provide
-Take subjects to deeper levels
-Receive extra assistance in understanding materials presented in the classroom
-Become prepared for college or the workplace (since technology is generally heavily incorporated in both settings)
And of course there are many more benefits as well!
There are two theories of learning that drive most lessons presented within the classroom. Both theories have great points about education and learning, and no matter which you choose, technology fits into both!
The Directed Learning Theory: http://tiger.towson.edu/users/dvoso1/comparing_directed_instruction.htm
"Learning happens when knowledge is transmitted to people and they store it in their minds," (Roblyer and Doering, p. 35).
-Learning is fostered by using a system of instruction, by stating goals and objectives. For example, matching assessment and instruction to objectives (Roblyer and Doering p.35).
-Learning is teacher directed
-Standardized tests are supported!
(Roblyer and Doering p.34)
The Constructivist Theory: http://www.exploratorium.edu/IFI/resources/constructivistlearning.html
"Learning occurs when one constructs both mechanisms for learning and one's own unique version of knowledge," (Roblyer and Doering p.35).
-Knowledge is constructed, not transmitted!
-Let students generate their own knowledge through activities
-Hands-on instruction that is student centered
-Let students show what they have learned in different ways, not just tests!
(Roblyer and Doering p.34).
Both theories have practical components, and they drive the instruction that goes on within the classroom. The use of technology can be supported by both theories, and therefore it is appropriate to use when instructing within the classroom! If you are asking, "Why use technology?", here are some great reasons for you!
1. Motivation- gains learner attention, illustrates real-world relevance, engages students in the production of their work, etc.
2. Enhanced instructional methods- interaction with immediate feedback, self-paced learning, visual demonstrations, cooperative learning, etc.
3. Increased productivity- saving time on production tasks, grading and tracking student work, faster access to information, etc.
4. Required information age skills- technological literacy, information literacy, visual literacy!
(Roblyer and Doering, p.16)
With these advantages in mind, I would like to present some ideas I have that involve the use of both theories, but require the use of technology. Using the constructivist theory idea, I have developed a lesson plan for my English class that involves the students with a pen pal overseas. The lesson requires the students to be actively involved in writing and communicating (all supervised!) with an electronic pen pal from another country and the primary use of communication will be email, but the classes will communicate as a whole through web cam chatting. This project will allow the students to improve their writing and communicating skills, as well as become comfortable with the new technological ways of communicating in today's society. In order to complete this lesson, our classroom is in need of:
1. A web cam
2. Two personal computers, desktop.
With help of you "the parents" we are hoping to make this lesson a real life possibility!
The second lesson idea is based on teaching with the directed theory and it involves the use of a document camera to incorporate the presentations of daily work and lessons to each student. The camera allows instruction to be transmitted from the presenter to the class in a visual way. This device would allow any lesson, worksheet, or document to be presented onto the whiteboard while the teacher or student is working with the document. This is a new way of using past "overheads" and it is wonderful for teaching the students precisely how to do a lesson! In order for us to incorporate this into daily lessons, we are in need of the funds to purchase a document camera! Again, we are appealing to you "the parents" for any assistance you can provide!
Together, we can provide a wonderful classroom environment for our students that will ensure a well rounded education for all!
Thank you again for your ongoing support!!!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Quigley
DISCLAIMER: This blog is an assignment for an educational technology course at National University. It is not a real fundraising blog.
