EDUC6711- CourseReflection

At the beginning of this course, in application week one, I said that the teacher is the individual who is in charge to transfer the knowledge to the learners, therefore , it is very important for us educators to implement the appropriate learning style that suites our students minds to ensure success for all learners. I also said that because I work in a diverse community, and most of the students are bilingual. For this reason, I need to incorporate all the learning styles in the lessons because those who do not speak English well, learning through aural or reading/writing learning styles would be ineffective. Thus, I will not change my teaching philosophy; however, I will improve my teaching style with the new instructional strategies I learned throughout this course. Moreover, I would always teach my lessons based on my students’ learning styles.
Throughout this course, I learned many instructional strategies that will benefit my students. I have learned about many tools that I never heard of or used before. One of these tools is the c-map tool. It is an advanced organizer, which will help my students focus their learning better on the lessons. Another technology tool is the voice thread, which I believe will enhance my students learning.
My two long-term goal changes that I would like to make to my instructional practice is I would like to use the nonlinguistic representation strategy because I believe it will help my bilingual students learn better. Moreover, to enhance my students’ achievement, I will provide them with immediate feedback.
In fact, this course has provided me with many strategies and technology tools that can benefit my students’ learning as well as me.

Voice Thread

Here is the link for my voice thread http://voicethread.com/share/530469/ please let me know if did not work.

Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

Cooperative learning as stated by (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007) “focuses on having students interact with each other in groups in ways that enhance their learning.” (p.139) Dr. Orey also emphasized that context and culture are critical in constructing knowledge and understanding of the world around us. Cooperative learning is an essential part of learning. Learning through the cooperative strategy, helps students make sense and construct meaning of what they are learning. Collaborating occurs in many ways, it occurs through technology, and technology plays an important role in cooperative learning. As (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007) stated, “Technology can play a unique and vital role in cooperative learning by facilitating group collaboration, providing structure for group tasks, and allowing members of groups to communicate even if they are not working face to face.” (p.140)

Technology provides many tools that facilitate cooperative learning among students. Web 2.0 like blogs, wikis, voice threads, etc. can make it possible for learning to occur anywhere across the globe. Through technology, collaborative learning takes place anytime and anywhere. Moreover, building a website can enhance collaborative experience as pointed out by (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007)

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program Eight. Social Learning Theories. [Motion Picture]. Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Baltimore: Author.