The Need For Technology
Greetings parents!
The Faculty Technology Committee has recruited the PTA to help fundraise in an effort to purchase more computers and other forms of technology for the classroom. The committee and the PTA feel that the additional technology in the classroom can help our students learn more efficiently and effectively. Please join with your PTA to help in these fundraising efforts.
Many parents feel the use of technology in the classroom will only distract and take away from the lesson. We understand your concern, but also feel, when used correctly, technology gives our children an enhanced learning experience. Programs such as tutorials and the Internet can help your children expand their critical thinking skills and motivate them to continue to apply classroom lessons to a successful future in the job force.
According to the Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology, technology can:
· Influence student academic performance.
· Develop higher order thinking and problem solving
· Improve student motivation, attitude, and interest in learning.
· Help prepare students for the workforce.
· Address the needs of low-performing and at-risk students and those with learning handicaps (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, pp.15)
There are two learning theories we utilize in the classroom, constructivist and directed. Both can be integrated into a technology savvy classroom. Examples of each learning concept as defined by a historical theorist are presented below:
· B.F Skinner developed what was defined as a Behaviorist theory, which falls under the directed learning theory used in classrooms. Skinner utilized Pavlov’s classical conditional theory and built upon it. Positive and negative reinforcements increase behaviors, while punishment decreases them. This was used to program learning techniques for training and instructions, and later develops a mastery learning concept.
o “Students had to pass tests on each objective to demonstrate they had mastered a skill before proceeding to the next one.” (Robyler & Doering, 2010, pp.36)
o For more information on this theory you visit the article Personality Theories: B.F. Skinner
o This theory supported the teaching directed teaching method,
o “…learning was most efficient when it was supported by a carefully designed system of instruction.” (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, pp.37)
· The social activism theory by John Dewey encompassed the idea of constructivist learning theories. He defined it, as “Learning is individual growth that comes about through social experiences.” (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, pp.39)
· He believed educational growth was fostered through hands-on activities that could be connected to real life issues and problems. He believed school curriculum should be centered around student’s interests and taught through “integrated topics, rather than as isolated skills.” (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, pp.39)
o You can learn more about his theory by visiting this article: John Dewey and His Impact on Education
Among our wish list for updated technology in the classroom, we have listed:
· An LCD projector and hook-up for the computer:
this will allow for the teacher to lead a lecture while utilizing a power point presentation with key concepts and vocabulary words for students to take notes on. This can hold their attention an ensure students are absorbing the concepts they need for tests, quizzes, and finals. It also allows the teacher to use media and music in the lecture.
o This is a directed learning theory approach, providing students with a teacher- directed lecture that includes information that students will be tested on later to prove they have mastered the concepts.
· Four computers with office software and Internet access:
o Student’s can use the office software in my health class for writing reports about drugs, alcohol, or abstinence. Access to the Internet will help provide them with the most current information about these topics and centers for help with STD’s or teens who are pregnant.
o This is a constructivist and directed approach. A project such as this can link students to real- life issues, but can also involve a test on the chapter involving the information being presented. This type of a project also allows students to become more involved in their educational experience, centering on their interests and issues affecting them outside the classroom.
§ “They learn by fitting the new experiences into the existing view of the world or by changing their views of the world to incorporate the new experiences.” (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, pp.40)
A video camera with hook up for the classroom television or computer:
o This can be useful in a physical education classroom by allowing students to video themselves performing certain skills, or participating in games. When learning a new skill, sometimes students learn better by seeing what they are doing wrong, rather than having a teacher continually tell them what to change.
o This is a directed learning approach, involving students proving a level of mastery for that skill, and allowing the teacher to incorporate a test to ensure students understanding of the skills.
o However, this can be connected to a constructivist learning approach, as students are given an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of a skill or game by the experiences they encounter while mastering this skill.
§ “Constructivist methods are designed to make learning more visual and experiential and to allow students more flexibility in how they learn and demonstrate competence.” (Roblyer & Doering, 2010, pp.41)
Technology is a way of life inside and outside the classroom, and when utilized in an effective manner, they can be instrumental in your kids learning experience. Linking past, traditional learning theories to new forms of technology demonstrate how the use of these tools in the classroom can be more beneficial than distracting for students. Parents are encouraged to become involved in the upcoming fundraisers created by the PTA, as well as post comments and questions about this topic to the blog.
References
Boeree, Dr. C. George. (2006). B.f. skinner. Retrieved from http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/skinner.html
Malone, Dr. Violet. (1999, November 23). John Dewey and his impact on education. Retrieved from http://www.ac.wwu.edu/~sibrown/johndewey.htm
Roblyer, M., & Doering, Aaron. (2010). Integrating educational technology into teaching. Boston, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
DISCLAIMER: This blog is an assignment for an educational technology course at National University. It is not a real fundraising blog.
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