Reflection

I feel that my theory of learning has not really changed since the start of this course. Rather, I believe in my theory of teaching more. I am able to see more clearly the reasons and benefits behind the way that I teach.

I have several short term goals for intergrating technology into my classroom. Immedietly, I would like to explore the new SMARTboard software that was pushed through to us this week. There are so many more ways that I can use my board than just reading and calendar. I have slowly started using it for my math lessons and would like to start using it daily to enhance learning. Another strategy that I would like to implemnet would be the online content mapping. My students will be able to use this to think through the information they learned in a topic. Of course we will need to do this whole group, but it will be a way of introducing them to something they will later do on their own.

Long term goals include getting a voice thread account for each of my students. I would love to use this technology as an assessment for a unit. My students are still learning to write, but would have a lot to say. This would let them tell me what they know without writing ability hindering their voice. I would also like to finish completing my class website by adding a page that would be a link to a blog for parents to interact with each other and myself. These two strategies most likely will be worked on during summer break when I have more time to explore and learn.

Talking with other teachers and sharing ideas has empowered me to try new things....even with first graders. I am excited and very ready for summer break so that I can get started.

Voice thread

This is a link to my voice thread. Enjoy!

https://voicethread.com/#u749326.b898077.i4784749

Cooperative or Social Learning

I believe if used correctly, putting learners into cooperative/social groups to work together is a fantastic idea. I have seen the benefits in my own classroom. There is so much bonding taking place and children feel safe with their peers to share their thoughts and ideas.

The biggest concern is whether this is THEE way. There is no real one way. However, I do believe that a teacher willing to give cooperative learning a try will see the benefits out weigh the "benefits" of paper and pencil type activities. For some, school is the one place where their voice can be heard and appreciated. I love that each child has something to offer and at times the unexpected child is the one that wows me when I listen in on conversations as they work together.

They, the students, have unique ways to teach each other. Why not let them work together? This week I introduced a new step in our Writer's Workshop....peer editing. My little first graders were so excited to wear the teacher hat and help their peers. They took their jobs seriously and did a super job.

Maybe those that buck at this type of learning or teaching do so because they do not start off explaining the boundaries and the objectives clearly. As a group, we had a discussion on the purpose for peer editing and how it works if done one way and how it can go wrong very quickly if not done correctly. When they are working in their groups, I am still right there listening in and adding my two cents. I do not sit at my desk and correct papers. I am still facilitating learning.

I strongly believe in cooperative learning!