Reflection

When rereading my personal theory of learning that was written at the beginning of this course, I do not feel that any of my personal beliefs have changed. However, throughout this course I have been given the tools to enhance the learning theories I feel work well for students in my classroom. Collaboration, part of the socialist learning theory is an important aspect of my upcoming Kindergarten classroom. Students will be working together to explore new concepts during play and structured activities. It is also important to remember the aspects of the cognitive learning theory and incorporating different learning styles and multiple intelligences. This will allow all students to be actively engaged in their learning.

In regards to integrating technology, before this course started, I was planning to incorporate technology when I could in the classroom but I did not want to push it since Kindergarten is a new grade level and I was unsure how it would go. However, after this course, I am motivated to make sure my students really get what they need, including 21st century skills. Two technology tools I would like to incorporate are Voice Thread and Virtual Field Trips. With Voice Thread, I will have students incorporate their ideas by drawing a picture and telling their story using video or audio. This will allow students to express themselves without having to worry about the writing aspect. With virtual field trips students will be able to experience certain places and experiences without leaving the classroom. Some students do not have many opportunities to explore new places so bringing the experience into the classroom will allow all students to have background knowledge about a topic or experience the place regardless of home involvement.

Two long term goals of using technology are to put technology into the hands of students more and to try new technology with students. In order for these goals to be successful, I feel a lot of modeling needs to be seen in the classroom. In order to put technology more into the hands of students, modeling will need to occur for students to see the procedures of the technology as well as what is expected out of the tool. I will need to make sure that technology is readily available and a teacher or parent is availabale as well for assistance. Second, trying new technology with students will need to be taken slowly in order to be successful. I will need to be sure to teach my students one tool at a time so they can become proficient with it. This will allow students to use it more often and for multi purposes.

I look forward to trying these new technology tools within my kindergarten classroom this upcoming year.

Voice Thread

Below is the link to my voice thread. My topic is ways to use parent volunteers in the classroom.



http://voicethread.com/share/1261883/