Brandon Aycock's Blog

Distance Education Evaluation

2010-08-05T12:28:00.000-07:00

With so many methods and tools that could be used for distance education it is important to know what will work and what won't work. Seeking feedback from students is vital in this situation, but also challenging. After a year of taking distance education classes online, I must say that I am impressed at the willingness of the instructors to seek feedback from students. The instructors here at USU, seem to be very interested in what students have to say about classes, and are willing to make changes and adjustments as student needs direct them to. I have felt that the online evaluations have been an effective tool for gathering feedback. Since these are anonymous, students should feel comfortable to speak their minds about courses. USU's methods of obtaining feedback should serve as a model for the rest of us as we design or offer distance education courses. Up to this point, it has been very beneficial to see some of the concepts that we have learn, in live situations.

Developing an effective distance education course takes time, testing, experimentation, and above all feedback from those who use the course content and features.

Google Sites

2010-08-04T10:29:00.000-07:00

I am amazed at the many tools that Google has created in the past few years. Many of these tools are useful, easy to use, and very innovative. One of these tools would be Google Sites. Google Sites is a simple and easy way for an individual to create a website without having to know HTML.

I think there are a number of uses for Google Sites in any industry. My wife and I are part of a group of citizens in our county who are trying to promote the idea of having an aquatic center to replace our existing run-down pool. To do our part, we decided that we would create a Blog about the proposed center. Since I am busy this summer going to school, my wife took the lead on this project and ended up creating a decent blog. However, in the process of doing so, she become frustrated with the lack of control that she had while using Blogger. She was limited to where she could place text and graphics. After all was said and done, she was able to create a nice blog, but I realized that Google Sites may have been the tool to use for this situation. Google site may have given her more flexibility in creating the layout that she wanted.

I think this is the beauty of these Google tools. There seems to be a tool that will work in most situations. I see these tools as being very useful to students and teachers in and out of the classroom. I would just how many of our students are aware of what these tools provide and what they can create using them.

Wikis

2010-07-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed learning about wikis this week, and I see some great opportunities with wikis in education. Some of the wiki sites that schools have set up are pretty impressive. I would really enjoy doing something like this in my classes. However, I have a tendency to think that a wiki site would be enticing to younger students and opposed to high school students. When I think about the students I have, I see them thinking that creating a wiki would just be more work. This is something that I would like to implement in my class, but I just wonder how I could go about it in way that would get my students excited.

If anything, a wiki site would have some great applications in distance education. What a great way for students and teachers to work together when there is distance between them.

Finding the Proper Mix

2010-07-28T18:26:00.001-07:00

During this semester, we have learned about so many great tools that we can use in our instruction and I am excited about the possibilities for the upcoming year. Along with that excitement is a little anxiety as I consider what tools I could use and how I can use them together. It is one thing to know about these tools and something completely different to know how to use them effectively as to enhance instruction rather than distract from it. In order to figure this out, I think a lot of it will have to be trial and error. I will just have to try different tools in different learning situations and see what works. As I do so, I think I can gain some invaluable insights through the eyes of my students. By asking for feedback from my students, I can hopefully get an idea as to what works and what doesn't.

Video Instruction

2010-07-22T22:34:00.000-07:00

Last school year, I decided to try a different approach to how I deliver instruction. Instead of presenting material live, I decided to prerecord class instruction and have the students watch it on their computers. I thought this might allow me to spend more time working with students individually. I found this approach to be favorable among many of the students. Students liked this because they could work at their own pace, and review content as necessary.

The downside of this was that the videos took up precious screen space on student computers and I noticed that there began to be a lack of interaction and collaboration among my students. Because of this, I felt like my classroom was lacking personality and excitement, and I began feeling bored. I know that this shouldn't be about me, but if I was feeling this way, I wonder if my students were sensing a lack of excitement for learning.

I wonder if there are others who have tried this method of instruction and would be curious to hear about what their experience is and what challenges they faced in implementing a technology such as this. I think it can be promising, especially for my situation, but I think I need to develop a more effective way of using this technology so as to not take away from the personality of the classroom.

Blogs

2010-07-22T22:25:00.000-07:00

So as I realize that I have yet to write an entry for my blog this week, I have thought about the purpose for writing in this blog each week and how it relates to what we are learning in class. I see this blog as a journal where I can write about my thoughts and insights as I continue my education in this program. I believe that this blog also gives me the opportunity to organize and process the information I am learning. If blogging about learning seems to be useful to me, what could it do for my students. Would they also see keeping a blog as an opportunity to record their thoughts and ideas as they learn. Would this be a learning technology that would enhance learning in my classroom?

YouTube

2010-07-15T21:04:00.000-07:00

To me, YouTube is an enigma of sorts or what we might call a two edged sword. There are so many excellent video resources on YouTube that could be used to support instruction and students love accessing YouTube. In fact, many of my students will spend hours on YouTube if you let them. This would be the other edge of the sword.

Normally YouTube is blocked at our school, but sometime last school year there was a period of time where our internet filters went down and our students had access to YouTube. My classroom is a computer lab and I teach computer classes, so naturally when word got out that the filter went down all YouTube hell broke loose. I had the darndest time keeping my students out of YouTube and on task! I even had the problem of some students accessing inappropriate videos promoting such things as gang violence,ultimate fighting, and all things bloody-gory-mess.

So I ask, "How do we harness this YouTube power for the educational good of mankind?" I have yet to come up with an answer.

Social Networking and Online Collaboration Sites: Benefits vs. Risks

2010-07-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

In the workshop on Facebook this week, BJ talked about how his district has a policy that teachers are not allowed to have their students as friends on Facebook. A few other classmates also said that their district has a similar policy. At the college where I teach, we don't have any particular policies on that, but Facebook is blocked. Bj went on to demonstrate some great ways that Facebook could be used in the classroom such as a discussion board or office hours in the evenings so students can seek help when it is needed. Facebook would be a very useful tool for education and there are other sites out there that could also be great tools such as Second Life or Twitter. However, as an educational community we are still unsure as to whether it is safe and appropriate to use these resources. We don't want to cross the wrong lines and not knowing what results or implications may follow, we would rather be safe than sorry. This is a constant battle between the benefits and risks of these tools, and the risks seem to be winning. I wonder if we will ever find a resolution to this battle and find the perfect balance that will allow us to use some of these tools without reservation. I am guessing we won't until there are some online tools created with education in mind. Facebook and Second Life were not created as such nor were many of the other sites out there.

iTunes U

2010-07-09T12:23:00.000-07:00

In one of my classes this semester I have to complete a research paper on one of the digital tools that we have learned about that could be used in our own classrooms. I have chosen to do mine on iTunes. As I think about iTunes in and educational setting, I realize that I personally haven't tapped into the power of iTunes and utilized it enough in my classroom. I know that iTunes U alone has some excellent resources. Also, I assume that many of my students are unaware of the many resources that iTunes offer. Many of these resources are in the form of podcasts and are free for anyone to download.

I have made a commitment to myself to take some time to look the content in iTunes U and see what is available in my subject areas and see what would work in my classroom and what might also benefit my students. I would also like to plan on spending some time with my students in the upcoming school year to show them that iTunes has more than just Apps and music. I would like for them to discover for themselves what is available for their own personal benefit.

Back In Session soon...

2010-07-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

Even though I still have about six weeks of summer left before another school year breaks loose again, I already find myself thinking about what the new school year might bring. I am still trying to figure out how to design my curriculum and how to teach my students. I have spent the last few years trying different approaches and feel the need to come to some conclusions and develop and definite plan instead of continuing to fly by the seat of my pants. I am been contemplating some of the learning technologies that I have been learning about this semester and wondering what I can use in my classroom the enhance the learning experiences of my students. I am excited about the technology, but I think it will be important to find the right mix and determine the best way to use these tools. I want these tools to be helpful to the students and not a distraction.

I think I will need to take some time to brainstorm and come up with some solid ideas as to how these technologies will play out in my classroom.

The Future

2010-06-29T10:08:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening my wife gave birth to our third daughter. This morning I was thinking about our new baby girl and her future. As I thought about her I considered what it might be like for her when she enters school and what methods will be use to teach her. I also wondered what the future will hold for her education and what tools and methods could be used to give her the best quality education possible. There are so many tools that are available right now that can open up a world of knowledge to our students and these tools will only get better. Many of these tools are changing the way we communicate, collaborate, and learn. As teachers, we have the responsibility of staying current on these tools and discovering ways to use them in educational settings.

As teachers we often fill overwhelmed with our schedules, teaching students, and finding the right methods and tools to use to do our jobs effectively. In this Web 2.0 age, the challenge of having a lack of resources and tools is becoming less relevant. The challenge that is becoming more relevant is deciding what tools to use and how to use them in a manner that will improve student learning. This is at least a challenge that I am facing in my early years of teaching.

Distance Education Trends

2010-06-28T13:43:00.000-07:00

As I learn more about providing distance education opportunities, I begin to realize that it takes more effort and thought than I even imagined. If distance education interaction is to ever equal the traditional classroom setting it must provide the proper mix of communication tools that are innovative, easy to use, and allow learners to share and communicate. I feel overwhelmed at all of the tools that are available to be incorporated in this mix. I am also excited about many of these tools and how they have the ability to transform distance learning. The freedoms of this country really do put the world at our fingertips and the possibilities are virtually endless, especially since there are so many tools out there that are free to access and use.

For myself, I will need to find a set of tools that I feel will work in my teaching situation. I will need to become familiar with those tools and then develop and effective way to implement them into my own teaching situation.

Digital Tools and Student Motivation

2010-06-23T12:24:00.001-07:00

I've been excited about some of the digital tools that we are learning about that could be used to produce distance learning resources. There are so many ways that these tools can be used to create innovative learning opportunities in distance learning. I also see many ways that these tools could be used in a live classroom. This can be especially true for teachers who are fortunate enough to have access to a high tech computer lab. I am fortunate enough to be able to teach in a computer lab on a daily basis. In fact, I have taken time in class to introduce some of these tools to my students in hopes that they will find innovative ways to complete school work and to stay organized. However, without trying to sound to negative, I really haven't been able to see many of my students get even the slightest spark of interest in these tools. There seems to be little motivation among students when we learn about these tools. I feel that my students don't really catch the vision of these tools and how they can use them for their own development and benefit.

I would think that my students would jump at the opportunity to complete an assignment or project in a new and exciting way. Are they so use to the traditional paper and pencil methods that they are afraid to try something new. I wonder if I am doing something wrong. Why is it that my students won't get excited about these tools? What can I do to help them see the vision of these tools?

Week 6-Open Education Resources

2010-06-21T16:08:00.000-07:00

The new OER (Open Education Resources) that are becoming available will be a great boost to our educational system. These resources will provide some excellent opportunities for our students in and out of the classroom. I believe that these resources will also put a new spin on professional development which seems at times difficult for busy teachers like myself to find the time to participate in. Now, with the click of a button, we are able to access online website, learning modules, and podcasts. iTunes U alone is a great example of an OER and how powerful and convenient they can be. I can essentially take a class online while I am sitting on the bus traveling to work.

Needless to say, the readings in class this week sparked my interest. I am excited to take some time to explore some of these OERs and see what schools like MIT, Rice, USU have to offer for the public.

Week 5 # 2

2010-06-17T13:02:00.000-07:00

For the past two days I have been attending the annual Business Education conference. This years theme is iTeach Business and Business Education Apps. Many of the conference workshops have presented various Web 2.0 tools and applications. I find it interesting how Web 2.0 is becoming a vital part of education. There are so many tools out there that are free for the taking and I am excited about the opportunities that these tools will create for us. Our students can have access to amazing learning resources and opportunities that could greatly enhance the way they learn. The keynote speaker at this conference stated that 80 percent of young learners are visual and hands-on learners. I feel that Web 2.0 tools are perfect tools for these type of learners. My hope is that our students will realize how powerful these tools are. Teenagers tend to view the Internet as an entertainment resource. If they can realize that there are tools out there that can help
them learn, be more productive, and prepare for the future.

Week 5

2010-06-17T12:58:00.000-07:00

This week I have been thinking about distance learning and the tools we use to facilitate distance learning. There are some amazing tools and we often here about how these tools are revolutionizing education. We also talk about how distance learning is the wave of the future for education. However, I wonder if distance education will really ever be an equal or better alternative to the traditional classroom. As I have taken online classes in this program I have come to realize that I prefer the traditional classrom. I seem to get more out of a class if I am having direct interactions with
The teacher and other students. I imagine there are others out there who feel just as I do. With this in mind, I wonder if distance and online learning will ever get the point where it is innovative enough to equal the interaction that exists in a traditional classroom setting.

Web 2.0 2

2010-06-09T15:29:00.001-07:00

In my last blog post, I summarized my thoughts on Web 2.0 and how it could enhance the way we learn. As this week has progressed, I have been wondering why we haven't seen a big transformation in education as these new internet technologies have emerged. It is obvious that teachers are now beginning to utilize some of these tools in the classroom, but Web 2.0 technologies have been around for a few years now and are continually evolving. Shouldn't we be seeing some major trends in the classroom such as more computer-based instruction? As teachers, when trying to implement these tools, what challenges are we facing that hold us back from revolutionizing our instruction?

Web 2.0 and its possiblities

2010-06-07T16:58:00.000-07:00

Web 2.0 has changed the way we use the internet drastically! We can now communicate, share, and contribute knowledge with just about anyone with a few keystrokes and clicks. There is great power and possibilities with Web 2.0 in our personal lives and in the classroom. Specifically speaking about the classroom, our students can create and share content, post their opinions, collaborate, and communicate. Distance and time are no longer an issue. These technologies are a great upgrade and alternative to the traditional methods of instruction. When I consider the possibilities of instruction created by this new technology, I'm optimistic about the future of education. However, I'm still trying to understand how harness this technology and how to show students that Web 2.0 is more than just a way to be entertained or to chat with friends. I want my students to catch the vision of these technologies and to use them to learn more, penetrate the barriers of knowledge, and be more productive. I hope that over the next few years I can find ways to help them catch this vision, but for right now it seems to be a difficult task.

How can learning be effectuated by a teacher?

2009-12-02T22:11:00.001-08:00

As teachers we need to make learning real and meaningful to our students. So much of what our students learn in school can be so abstract. If we want our students to be motivated to learn we have to attach meaning to the things which we are teaching. Our students need to be able to recognize how what they are learning can benefit them and how they can use it to improve their own quality of life. Students constantly ask the question, "When am I ever going to use this?" If we are creating meaning for our students as we teach them, they can answer this question for themselves.

We can make learning meaningful by applying the principles that we have learned from the various learning theories we have studied. Each of these theories seem to suggest ways that we can attach meaning and context to learning. Also, these theories provide ways for us to help our students take ownership of their own learning, and when students can do this they can be motivated to find meaning in what they are learning. We should engage our students in learning activities that will challenge and lift them to greater heights of learning. Essentially, we need to be teaching our students how to teach themselves and become competent, self-motivated, and independent learners who can tailor their learning to meet their own needs and aspirations.

My answer to how teachers can effectuate learning has evolved immensely. At the beginning of this course my answer to this question was simply that a teacher needs to be there for his or her students. However, I don't know if I could have really described what "being there"meant. I now believe that "being there" means teaching your students how to rely on themselves and their learning abilities. As they learn to do this we can be there to provide feedback and encouragement and guide them as they lead themselves.

What is Learning?-Extra Credit

2009-12-02T21:12:00.000-08:00

Learning is the process of connecting existing knowledge with new knowledge and finding meaning and application within that connection. For example if I would like my students to learn to use graphic design principles when creating various graphics and layouts, my students will first need to determine what they already know about graphic design. They can then use what they already know and connect it with what they learn about graphic design principles. As they make these connections they should be able to find meaning. What I mean by finding meaning is is they are able to see why this knowledge is important and how they can use this for their own growth and benefit. The students should be able to determine what graphic design principles mean to them and how they can use them for their own refinement and development.

In my first attempt to define learning I believe I defined it as the connection of prior knowledge with that of new knowledge. Throughout this class I have begun to realize that attaching meaning to what one learns is probably the most important part of learning. We should be able to recognize what learning a particular subject can mean for us, how it can refine us, and how we can apply this knowledge in authentic contexts of life. If we can't use it or make it meaningful ourselves, then why learn it?

Social Constructivism-How can learning best be effectuated by a teacher?

2009-11-25T10:44:00.000-08:00

As teachers, I think that we need promote independent learning in our classrooms as much as possible. More often than not, we continually try to spoon feed knowledge to our students, rather than allowing them to discover it on their own. We need to take a step back from our role as a teacher and become more of a learning assistant. We need to allow our students to take ownership of their learning and then make ourselves available to our students when they feel they have reached a point where they can progress no further. We can then be the person the student goes to help refine their understanding.

Social Constructionism-What is Learning?

2009-11-25T10:25:00.000-08:00

Learning is using the best of what you have of your own abilities to acquire new knowledge, and then seeking outside resources to refine and perfect your understanding of that knowledge. Far too often we a spoon fed information and don't take the opportunity to use our own ability to be and independent learner. I think we would be amazed at what we can learn if we really pushed our own learning abilities.

An example of this is with the media. I think the media is always trying to spoon feed us information and we accept whatever they give us. Rarely do we take the opportunity or time to do research on our own. If we did do this, maybe we could find come to our own conclusion on various issues. We could then test the accuracy of our conclusion by consulting with others who might be an expert the the topic that we are studying.

Week 13: Bruner-How can learning be effectuated by a teacher?

2009-11-18T19:39:00.000-08:00

As teachers, we can help our students understand abstract ideas by allowing them to experience concrete ideas. These concrete ideas need to be representative of abstract ideas. As the students experience the concrete, we as teachers need to help them to connect the concrete representations with the abstract. As we do this, students will continually spiral to higher levels of understanding.

Since most of the material that my students learn requires using a computer, students are confronted with abstract ideas all the time. They have to be able to understand the processes a computer goes through to compute information. I constantly have to find ways to provide students with concrete examples that effectively represent the abstract. I find that the more hands on experience I give my students, the more likely they are able makes connections and understand the abstract subject matter.

Week 13: Bruner-What is Learning?

2009-11-18T19:28:00.001-08:00

Based on Bruner's theories of learning I would define learning as the refinement of knowledge. I agree with Bruner's hypothesis that any human being can learn something about even the most abstract of ideas at any age. I think when we are learning something new, we start with what we know and as we have direct experiences with the topic at hand, our knowledge evolves to a higher level of understanding.

As a teacher of Mulitmedia, every year I get students who have very little knowledge of computers let alone multimedia, and I am always amazed to watch their understanding evolve throughout the school year. As these students have direct experiences in multimedia, they start to make connections with what the knowledge that they brought to the class. Gradually over time and with enough exposure to multimedia, they make connections and are able to learn and create actual functioning multimedia.

I think this is what Bruner meant by his hypothesis. Everyone brings knowledge to the table, and given enough exposure to and experience in a certain subject, connections will be made and knowledge is gradually refined to higher understanding.

Week 12-Situated Cognition: How can learning best be effectuated by a teacher?

2009-11-11T18:17:00.001-08:00

Teachers can effectuate learning by providing students with meaningful hands-on learning experiences. For example, if I wanted to properly teach my students the process of applying for a job, I need to create activities that allow them to experience this process. I could have them actually look for a job online or in a newspaper, fill out a job application, create a resume based on their skills and experiences, and participate in an job interview. By taking the students through these activities, they are not just being told the process, they are experiencing it. Through these experiences, they can become accustomed to the job application process and see and experience it for themselves. I believe by allowing the students to do so, they will be able to remember and do what they need to and will therefore be all the more prepared when it comes to applying for a job. I think this is what is meant by situated cognition.

Week 12-Situated Cognition: What is Learning?

2009-11-11T18:01:00.000-08:00

Based on this weeks learning theory, I would say that learning is experiencing. It is one thing to read from a book or listen to someone try to explain something, but it is completely something else to actually go out and be right in the middle of it experiencing a concept first hand. For example, I could try to explain to someone who has never driven a car before how to drive and they might understand the concept, but they won't be able to do it. The best way for them to learn to drive a car is to get behind the wheel and experience this. Through this experience the brain is working along with the rest of their body and the body as a whole is becoming accustomed to the concept. When an individual is having an experience, they can have failures and successes and see the results of their choices in a given situation. Through this process, deep and meaningful learning occurs.

Week 11, Case Based Learning: How can learning best be effectuated by a teacher?

2009-11-03T18:08:00.000-08:00

Teachers should look for every opportunity they have to give students life-like experiences in the classroom. The teacher can do this by presenting students with real-life scenarios for the students to engage in. These scenarios should give the students the opportunity to recall their own previous experiences and to gain from the experiences of others.

One of the most memorable learning experiences that I had in high school came from my 11th grade US History class. Our teacher wanted us to understand what situations many immigrants were faced with in this country before certain labor laws were put into place. To do this, he took us into the little gym of our high school with the light low. He had us perform various tasks and made us sit on the floor to do so. As we were completing the tasks he would yell out instructions to us in Czech. After this activity, we discussed what conditions we were under and how we felt about those conditions. We then compared our experiences to those of early immigrants and the work conditions that they were exposed to. I can honestly say that I gained an understanding and even an appreciation for what immigrants went through during that period of history. To this day I can still recall much of what we discussed on that day, and I could give you a good idea of what it was like for immigrant workers before certain labor laws were put into place.

To me, this is a great example of a memorable learning experience. We didn't just talk about the working conditions of immigrant workers, we experienced it, and we were able to share each others thoughts and perceptions on the whole situation. This case-based learning activity is something that I will remember for the rest of my life, and I can honestly say, it is something that took me to a higher place in learning.

Week 11, Case Based Learning: What is Learning?

2009-11-03T17:51:00.001-08:00

Based on this weeks learning theory I would say that learning is engaging in new experiences, sharing experiences, and learning from others experiences. I think a lot of times students are expected to meet learning expectations by memorizing and then recalling information when asked to do so. So much pressure is put on teachers to have students pass state tests that curriculum is based upon teaching to the test. Students should have educational experiences that they will remember and use in the future. What good is it to a student if all they can do is recall information for a test to only forget it later. Real life experience is the best and most meaningful teacher and students should be given as many experiences as possible that will expose them to new ideas and information.

Week 9-Motivation: How Can Learning Be Effectuated By a Teacher?

2009-10-20T09:37:00.000-07:00

Based on this weeks reading and topic, I believe that a teacher must create a comfortable and inviting learning environment for all students. This environment should encourage students to be curious, ask questions, and participate without feeling threatened.

Personally, I try to be friendly and open to my students. I also try to foster respect in classroom relationships and create a safe, non-threatening learning environment. However, I still have students who seem unmotivated, afraid to participate in classroom activities, or even ask for help. I am continually asking myself, how you motivate the unmotivated? Any thoughts or suggestions?

Week 9-Motivation: What is Learning?

2009-10-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

To enhance my definition of learning, I would add that learning is finding answers to questions about what is not known. If you have questions you are motivated to seek out answers, and this in turn helps to expand the mind and its functional abilities.

I have always wondered how you motivate unmotivated students, and after studying this weeks reading, I wonder if the answer to this question is creating curiosity. It seems like a lot of unmotivated students, have little interest and lack curiosity about the unfamiliar. If they lack curiosity, they are less likely to be motivated to ask questions, or to ask for help.

Week 8, Human Development-How can a teacher effectuate learning?

2009-10-14T15:24:00.000-07:00

I think it is important for a teacher to present students with various and challenging learning opportunities that allow students to use the cognitive skills that they posses at their operational level, and that will stretch those abilities. By stretching these abilities they can start transitioning into more advanced operational stages. Refering back to the example of my four year old daughter (see previous post), my wife and I are trying to challenge my daughters current abilities so that she can start to transition into concrete operations. We are trying to accomplish this by teaching her concepts such as sharing with others. Sharing can be hard for her sometimes, but when she does, we try to show her how it makes others happy and how rewarding it can be to help other people be happy. By teaching her the concept of sharing, she is able to start looking outside of herself, and see things from other perspectives. This whole process that we are taking her through is stretching her current abilities and helping her to progress toward more concrete operations.

Week 8, Human Development- What is Learning?

2009-10-14T14:55:00.000-07:00

Based on what I have learned about the different operational stages that come with age, I would say learning is the development of the mind and the processes it uses to grasp new information. When contemplated, it really is interesting to see how the capacity of the human mind develops from a sensory-motor stage, learning by exploring physical surroundings, to a formal operational stage, with the ability to analyze and comprehend abstract material. I see this occurring in my two daughters who are two and four. I see my four year old in the preoperational stage, being self-centered and still trying to learn how to see things from others viewpoints. My wife and I are trying to teach her how to sympathize with others and see the world from outside of herself. She is coming along with this, and the more she develops, the more enjoyable she is. I see my two year still doing a lot of exploring with the physical world around her. She is so eager to learn about everything, and wants to do everything that her older sister can do. I really enjoy seeing her in this stage. To her everything is so new and exciting, and this is how I think the process of learning should be.

How can a teacher effectuate learning?-Schema Theory Week Six

2009-09-30T08:06:00.000-07:00

A teacher can effectuate student learning by bringing to the students' minds an existing schema that will help them learn new information, perform tasks, or learn new skills. For example, I teach multimedia classes where my students learn how to create digital media and digital presentations. If I wanted my students to create a digital presentation on an some sort of debated issue such as universal healthcare, I would have to present this project in the light of an issue paper that the students would have done in English class. Since most of my students would have had to write and issues paper at one time or another for English, we might start this project discussing as a class, the experiences the students had in writing that paper. We could discuss how they researched the topic, where they found sources, how they organized their information, and exactly what information their paper contained. We could then discuss the expectations for their digital presentation and how it is similar and how it is different from their English paper. Hopefully, by doing so, the students will have an existing schema in their head that will help them learn how to create a digital presentation on an issue.

What is Learning?- Week 6 Schema Theory

2009-09-30T07:52:00.000-07:00

In discussing learning in the context of schema theory, I would suggest that learning is evaluating how you see or perceive things around you based on the experiences you have had and using existing perceptions to develop new perceptions and ideas about things that you are unfamiliar with. To illustrate, if I have used a dishwasher my whole life to wash dishes, and my wife makes me learn to wash dishes by hand, I would evaluate what I know about how the dishwasher washes dishes. I would consider the facts that the dishwasher uses soap, sprays jets of water on the dishes, rinses after washing, and then drys the dishes. Based on this schema, I would then assume that in order for me to wash dishes by hand, I will have to learn to perform those same steps. In this instance, I am using a predefined schema to learn a new information and skills.

Week 5-Meaningful Learning: How can learning be best effectuated by a teacher/trainer

2009-09-23T21:35:00.001-07:00

A teacher should constantly be making connections between students' existing knowledge and the knowledge needed to learn something new. A teacher can do so by learning as much as possible about what each student already knows and has experienced. Instruction should then be adjusted accordingly in order to make meaningful connections between existing knowledge and new knowledge. Once these connections are made, the teacher should allow the student to use these connections in a number of different learning contexts. For example, if I want to teach my students time management and organizational skills for school, I need to find out what experiences my students have had in the past in managing or organizing something. Most students have had to clean or organize their room at home. Using this knowledge, I can make a connection of how organizing a room can be similar to organizing and managing school work, projects, and activities. I can then expose my students to different situations, where they can practice using what they have learned about time management and organizational skills. Examples of such situations could include having them create a calender of their upcoming week at school or creating a plan breaking down a big project into tasks and setting due dates for each task.

Week 5-Meaningful Learning: What is Learning?

2009-09-23T21:21:00.000-07:00

After studying the theory of Meaningful learning, I would say that this theory supports my original idea of learning. I have always believed that learning is connecting existing knowledge with new knowledge, and I might add to that definition, the idea that learning being able to use these connections in different contexts leads to a higher level of learning such as mastery. To illustate, if a car mechanic knows how to replace a clutch in a car that has five gears, and he is able to connect that knowledge with how to replace a clutch in a truck with six gears, he has learned a new skill that he did not know before. If he takes that new skill in a new context such as replacing the clutch in a big tanker with seven or more gears, he is moving towards mastering the skill of replacing a clutch in any type of vehicle.

Monday, August 31, 2009 How can learning be best effectuated by a teacher/trainer

2009-09-09T13:08:00.000-07:00

As a teacher, I am constantly asking myself how I can get more of my students to succeed in my classes. I have many students who do well naturally. They work hard, turn their work on time, and they seem to enjoy being in class. Among those students, I have others who really struggle throughout the whole school year. These students have difficulty getting motivated to even start on their course work. I find that these are the students who are usually late to class, and who have a hard time staying on task. I teach classes in a computer lab, and this alone creates a lot of challenges. Some students would rather play on the internet than learn with the rest of the class. Those who struggle are often on my mind. After studying Behavior analysis this week, I realize that I have been focusing on negative behaviors of these students, while I should be focusing on teaching them productive behaviors for my classroom. Maybe there are some of them who have never been taught how to succeed or get things done, and this is why they exhibit behaviors that appear to be negative. While I teach them positive behaviors, I can reward them when they exhibit these behaviors. By doing so, I may eventually be able to replace those negative behaviors with positive behaviors. This would in turn lead to these students learning, and being a productive part of the classroom.

I still am asking myself, how I can effectively recognize and reward good behavior in my students. Verbal praise is an option, but will that be enough? What other rewards systems could I implement? Anyone have any ideas?

What is Learning-Week 3 Behavior Analysis

2009-09-09T11:52:00.000-07:00

After studying behavior analysis this week, I would add to my definition of learning by presenting the idea that learning is refinement of your thinking, attitudes, and behaviors. We should all be striving to better ourselves each day and try to become valuable and productive members of our community and society. Our thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors determine who we are and we should be evaluating those constantly to see if they are inline with what we see ourselves being in the future.

In the few years that I have worked with teenagers in the classroom, I have noticed that those who struggle with school and with life in general are those who don't know who they are, who they want to be, and they aren't able to recognize that their current ways of thinking are holding them back. Those students who do know who they are and what they want to become also seem to understand what personal attributes, such as behaviors, they need to develop in order to be successful. Book smarts are important, but if a student doesn't know how to interact and work with others, or how to get things done on time, they may not be very successful. I would say learning these type of behaviors and attitudes are just as important as learning what's in the books or the curriculum.

How can learning be best effectuated by a teacher/trainer (be specific/give examples)?-Week2-Behaviorism

2009-08-31T21:16:00.000-07:00

As teachers we are constantly trying to teach our students new behaviors in thinking, learning, and reacting in an educational environment. We try to instill in them how to behave generally in the classroom, with their peers, and in settings where they are faced with taking a test, writing a paper, or working on a group project. As teachers we can effectuate this by creating stimuli that will effectively reinforce desired behavior. We also need to make clear to our students what the consequences will be based upon their actions. These consequences should be both negative and positive depending on the situation.

I had an experience with this in my classroom today. I want my students to display good citizenship and attentiveness in my classroom. I have a rule in my classroom that if a student leaves the classroom without my permission for any reason, I mark them absent, which in turn results in a call to their parents. I had two students leave early without my permission and I marked them absent. These students' parents had seen that they were marked absent, and the students were negatively reinforced for their actions. These students were aware of this consequence, they chose to react and test it out, and they received the consequence that was expected. I hope that I effectuated learning of classroom citizenship in the situation and that these two students will learn a new behavior that will be desirable for our classroom environment.

What is Learning?-Week 2-Behaviorism

2009-08-31T20:52:00.000-07:00

In my post from week one, I discussed how learning is the connection of prior knowledge and skills with new knowledge and skills. After reading and contemplating the topic of behaviorism, I have come to the realization that learning would also involve the connection of existing behaviors and attitudes with ones that are foreign or new to us. As teachers, we are constantly trying to teach our students new behaviors and expose them to new ideas and perspectives in hopes of developing their attitudes of people, places, and ideas. We try to accomplish this by considering what stimuli our students may have been exposed to in the past and how they may have responded to that stimuli. Based on this information, we can create effective stimuli that will result our students learning and developing new desired behaviors and attitudes.

How can learning be best effectuated by a teacher/trainer (be specific/give examples)?

2009-08-26T18:54:00.000-07:00

A teacher can effectuate learning best by simply being there for the students. "Being there" would include providing unique learning opportunities, constantly evaluating the students, providing feedback, and guiding the students to their end goal. For example, I teach multimedia classes and often have certain projects for my students to complete. If I am going to be there for my students, I need to provide them with a unique project that will allow them the opportunity to use prior knowledge to discover new information or to develop a new skill. As they are working on this project, I need to evaluate the progress of each student and provide them with feedback where necessary. By doing so, hopefully I can successfully guide them to the end goal in mind. If I omit any of the above mentioned elements of my "being there, " my students may not be able to connect the beginning with the end and could easily get off course from getting to that goal.

What is learning?

2009-08-24T21:41:00.001-07:00

I define learning as a process where existing knowledge is met with new information to create further understanding of an idea, concept, or skill.