Educators have many tools at their disposal that can enhance learning theory and provide meaningful experience. In this week's resources we looked at cues, questions and advance organizers along with summarizing and note taking. the use of computers as a cognitive tool gives the learner the opportunity to think about instead of reproducing and/or recalling it (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K., 2007).
The use of cues and questions correlates with the principals of cognitive learning theory by helping students focus on learning. Cues and questions help students make connections to prior knowledge and use higher order thinking skills. Advance organizers such as rubrics prepare students to apply their abilities and develop critical thinking skills (Pitler, et al 2007).
The use of multimedia helps to integrate multiple senses therefore improve learning by supporting dual coding where images are stored along with accompanying text. By incorporating technology in this manner students learn with computers instead of from computers. Students use the computer to research, present, organize, integrate, and generate knowledge.
Note taking such as combination notes which employ outlining webbing and pictographs in addition to words. Students therefore make more connection to concepts taking advantage of the network model of memory. Another interesting use technology is the use of an auto summarizing tool in Microsoft Word. This tool can be used to teach students how to summarize effectively by highlighting key points nad eliminating unnecessary or redundant information. Students can first create their own summaries and then compare to the summaries created by the auto summarizing tool. Students can organize their information anf effectively make meaningful connections.
The last of the tools that we were asked to look at, were virtual field trips and concept mapping. Both tools support dual coding and help the learner organize and visualize information. With all the budget concerns that educational districts are experiencing, these tools are perfect for today's classroom. Some place are way to far to visit or just to expensive too visit for student s and their families. Virtual field trips allow students to create episodic memories by giving them the "experience" of being there by "going" where they can't physically go (Laureate, 2008b). Concept mapping tools model the network model of memory by visually creating the connections between ideas (Laureate, 2008a).
All of the tools presented take advantage of the way that people think and learn to make learning meaningful. By incorporating these tools along with many others in our bag of tricks our students will make connections to their learning that will last a lifetime.
References
Laureate Education Inc. (Producer). (2008a). Program five. Cognitive Learning Theory [Motion Picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Laureate Education Inc. (Producer). (2008b). Program six.Spotlight on Technology: Virtual Field Trips [Motion Picture]. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Novak, J. D. & Cañas, A. J. (2008). The theory underling concept maps and how to construct and use them, Technical Report IHMC CmapTools 2006-01 Rev 01-2008. Retrieved from the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition Website: http://cmap.ihmc.us/Publications/ResearchPapers/TheoryUnderlyingConceptMaps.pdf
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K.(2007) Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, Va. ASCD
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7 comments:
I like your idea utilizing the Auto Summarize tool in Microsoft word. I thought your idea of having a student summarize and article and Word summarize the same article was great. I had not thought of doing that, I had thought about students comparing their note taking work with each other but had not given much thought to the other feature. My one question is which summary would be “best” or “correct”? Perhaps the programmed black and white teacher in me needs a right and wrong, I probably will have to let go of this internal programming and ask Why questions.
Jennifer
Hi Luis,
I also like your idea. I have already planned on using auto-summarize in my classroom, and this gives me another aspect to consider.
Thanks,
Allan
Jennifer it is hard to change sometimes isn't it. I think in the case of the summaries just as students are different some summaries are better for some students than others. Whatever works best for them
Allan, so many students do not know how to summarize or take notes. These tools could be very useful in the classroom. Good luck.
Supporting dual coding is an important part of using technology-based cognitive tools. This is one of the biggest things that I have taken away from this week’s learning resources. I agree that using technology this way will help “students learn with computers instead of students learning from computers”. Software such as Inspiration will be very beneficial in achieving this goal. In my high school U.S. History classes I plan on using these tools to help my students learn the different vocabulary that is associated with each unit. Are you planning on using this technology in your classroom, and if so, how? Go Steelers! and Broncos!
Cameron
Cameron, thank you for your comments. I do plan on using virtual field trips and wikis with my students. The students that I have do not have to chance to travel to many places. I want to give the experience.
Good win for the Broncos. Darn Bengals!
I agree that concept mapping and virtual field trips have increased the retention of the lessons more than before when it was just paper and pencil. The ability to have students see what another county looks like in pictures can bring a lesson to life in a way that a lecture cannot. I believe that the use of technology in the classroom will only grow in the upcoming years.
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