As I look back on the learning theories as presented in my class, I focused on the combination of the behaviorist theory as well as the cognitivist theory. The behaviorist theory focuses on learning is influenced by external stimuli while the cognitivist theory is based on learning occurring through different intelligence or talents. (Lever_Duffy & McDonald, 2008) My style of teaching continues to reflect more of the cognitivist point of view though I now see ways in which I can incorporate other learning styles into my teaching.

My New Year's resolution is to implement more learning activities that incorporate project-based activities which promote a more student centered learning environment and artifact creation. In this way, I hope to guide rather than instruct my students to build and increase their knowledge while creating a concrete artifact in which the student can use as a reference. I also intend to incorporate more concept mapping activities. Concept mapping allows for students to explore key concepts and how they relate to each other. Students will be able to use software programs, such as Kidspiration, to work individually or collaboratively, creating graphic organizers.

This course has shown me many ways in which technology can be used to combine learning theory with instruction. By recognizing the different ways in which we learn and assimilate knowledge, as educators, we can utilize new technology tools to enhance learning.

Link to my Voice Thread

http://voicethread.com/share/778568/

Social Learning and Technology

Our world has become so much smaller with the advancements of technology. We can instantly know about disasters that happen on the other side of the globe. We are able to correspond with the person sitting next to us (instant messaging) or talk with our colleague a continent away (skype). Information is at our finger tips.

I first went to Disney World in Orlando about 20 years ago. I remember riding Spaceship Earth at Epcot and as the ride progresses through the ages, how inventions helped to change the world we lived in. From the creation of roads in the Roman Empire, hand copied books by monks in the Middle Ages to the invention of electricity and space travel, our world changed. One of the last visions on the ride was of an American boy(?) talking via computer with an Asian girl. I remember thinking, "Wow! Wouldn't that be something if we could see and talk to a friend on the other side of the world; that they could hear and see us and we could hear and see them. " Today, that type of communication is not only possible, but it is no longer a novelty; it happens all the time!

We are currently in an era where we can share and give feedback instantly. Collaboration and working with others via technology allows us to gather, synthesize and reflect information faster than we ever have. This sharing of information allows us to broaden our knowledge base and share that knowledge with others . When I was in elementary school, it was a BIG deal when my parents bought the World Book Encyclopedia. The information and pictures were wonderful! The information however, was "old news". Today, we have hand-held gadgets that access sites like Wikipedia, that enable us to share our thoughts and knowledge while learnig from others.

Our world and the information in it continues to expand. We are able to give and receive, share and exchange information with anyone and everyone in the world. The ability to learn is only a button click away. To coin an old phrase, "We've come a long way, baby".