This week’s strategies that were discussed were social learning techniques and technology resources. Social learning is the idea that people learn best by being actively engaged. Students learn best by interacting with their peers instead of trying to complete an assignment alone. One strategy that was discussed this week was how to incorporate techniques into the classroom. Group activities require students to be responsible for their learning. It is best to assign each student in the group with a role so that they are responsible for a specific portion and so that everyone in the group participates.
Another strategy I found useful is web quest. Using web quest allows students to interact with students all over the world to create projects. That excites me too! It encourages collaboration and problem solving which will benefit our students as they enter the world after high school. I can only imagine how much my fifth graders will experience by the time they graduate.
Technology has opened so many amazing opportunities to learn from that I cannot imagine how boring life would be without it. I am so excited about all the new technology strategies I have learn this far. I cannot wait to see what’s next.
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Gayla
ReplyDeleteI agree we live in exciting times. We are so fortunate to be a part of the ever changing technology rich world.
The technologies available to aid our teaching are motivating and engaging.
Cooperative learning should be used at every grade level. Students working together is a skill they will need to be successful in the workforce.
I also love WebQuests. They are a perfect way to engage students in collaborating and communicating. This year I am going to have my students create some Webquest for their other classes. Have you ever considered having your students create Webquests or Virtuak Feild Trips?
Joy
Gayla,
ReplyDeleteI think that incorporating group work into class activities is a great way for students to be actively engaged in the content area. I think that web quests are a great idea in that they are able to interact with students from all over the world. It encourages cooperation and problem solving with students that might not have the same educational background. It is something that will allow for those students that are going into business to already have some knowledge on interacting with people all over the world, so that when it comes to doing a business deal with someone then they will feel comfortable with it.
Joy and Desiree,
ReplyDeleteI haven't used web quests yet, but I certainly plan on using them next year. I like that they allow students to interact with other students from around the world. What a great way for them to learn different cultures. I am also excited about the using Voice Threads too.
You said that you couldn't imagine how boring life could be without technology? I imagine that is what our students say when they get to school. They live in a society rich with "get it now" technology and information. When they come to a school filled with paper and pencil, textbook, lecture instruction, many are turned off. I agree that Webquests are useful. For those that coach and are happily married (if there are any, ha ha), when do you find the time to create and/or research such wonderful online tools? Without courses like these, I would be a lost sheep looking for his shepherd. You like that reference? me neither.
ReplyDeleteGayla,
ReplyDeleteOne of the aspects of the social learning approach that I valued the most was making sure to assign your students a certain duty/position while working collaboratively with others. This helps them to maintain focus and gives everyone a specific job to complete throughout the project process. This also helps the students hold each other accountable for completing their portion of the group work.