Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology Reflection

Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology together makes for great teaching in a classroom. When a teacher uses technology in the classroom, it allows the students to be open minded and more motivated to learn. Taking courses about technology has only helped me to become a better teacher. I have been taught new ideas and given resources to use to enhance the learning of all students in my class.

After looking back at my Personal Learning Theory, I would say that for the most part I have not made any major changes to my theory. My thoughts about all students can and will learn to the best of their ability remains the same, I just have more support from this class. I still think that using different learning styles and Gardner's Multiple Intelligences is also very important so that you reach each child and their learning styles. Gardner's theory is explained as all children learn differently and by different approaches so they all need to be taught differently so that each student learns just as much as the others.

Immediate adjustments that I would make would be to use technology as much as possible on a daily basis. I would have students doing webquests, using computer programs to complete daily tasks, completing virtual fieldtrips, and using voicethreads to present information. All these resources allow students to be creative and also motivates them to learn. Technology also helps students be more accountable for their work so that the work is more meaningful to them.

Having goals is important for teachers and students. Teachers need to have short and long term goals to reflect on so that they can be better teachers. A teacher should be a life long learner so that they can provide the best education possible to all students. Two goals that I have set for myself for this class is to use technology on a daily basis and to continue to learn all that I can about technology so that I have all the resources needed to pass along to the students in my class. For goal number 1, I will write lessons that includes technology and also allows the students to use technology to its fullest capacity. Goal number 2 will be reached by continuing my education with my Masters and Specialist degree. I will also take courses through the county I am employed with and any other possibilities that arise.

This class has been very beneficial to me as a teacher and a learner. I have learned new things and been reminded of old resources that are wonderful to use in the classroom. This upcoming school year will definitely be a learning year and an experimental year for my classroom.