Hello and welcome!
I am so glad you have taken time to visit this blog. I appreciate your parental participation in this joint venture that we are taking to give your children the highest quality education available. An important part of their education involves the equipment they use now and will be expected to use once they are out “in the real world”. Technology is everywhere and I venture to say that we do not believe it is going to go away. However, most technology is not free. Therefore, I hope you will join us in raising the necessary funds to give our children the best that they deserve.
I understand that there may be concerns about technology not being used in an appropriate, educational way. Our school’s computer labs are set up with security measures to prevent students from accessing websites that are not approved, including video gaming sights. Additionally, having regular access to computers, the Internet, and appropriate software, students will gain valuable knowledge and experience with the technological equipment exposure.
I would like to explain the two leading theories of how people learn.
Directionists (aka Objectivists):
• Knowledge is a separate entity from the person
• Knowledge is outside the human mind
• Humans learn when the knowledge is transmitted to them
• Traditional learning
Constructivists:
• Humans have knowledge in their minds that can be enhanced by experiences
• Participation in activities constructs the knowledge that existed
• Humans learn when they construct mechanisms for learning and combine that with their experience and background
• Nontraditional learning
(Roblyer and Doering 2010, p.35)
To learn more information about these two theories, please click here
I am so glad you have taken time to visit this blog. I appreciate your parental participation in this joint venture that we are taking to give your children the highest quality education available. An important part of their education involves the equipment they use now and will be expected to use once they are out “in the real world”. Technology is everywhere and I venture to say that we do not believe it is going to go away. However, most technology is not free. Therefore, I hope you will join us in raising the necessary funds to give our children the best that they deserve.
I understand that there may be concerns about technology not being used in an appropriate, educational way. Our school’s computer labs are set up with security measures to prevent students from accessing websites that are not approved, including video gaming sights. Additionally, having regular access to computers, the Internet, and appropriate software, students will gain valuable knowledge and experience with the technological equipment exposure.
I would like to explain the two leading theories of how people learn.
Directionists (aka Objectivists):
• Knowledge is a separate entity from the person
• Knowledge is outside the human mind
• Humans learn when the knowledge is transmitted to them
• Traditional learning
Constructivists:
• Humans have knowledge in their minds that can be enhanced by experiences
• Participation in activities constructs the knowledge that existed
• Humans learn when they construct mechanisms for learning and combine that with their experience and background
• Nontraditional learning
(Roblyer and Doering 2010, p.35)
To learn more information about these two theories, please click here
Our wish list:
1. Classroom set of computers
By having an entire set of computers, each student will be able to have more access to this amazing technology. There are countless free websites that give deeper meaning and understanding to scientific topics from the organelles of the cell to the fast changing world of genetics and DNA. These computers will be connected to the Internet but will be secure from inappropriate websites.
2. SMARTboard
The SMARTboard looks like just a projector screen but it is so much more. This piece of technology allows students to interact with the screen though touch. Students are able to move words and pictures by dragging objects across the screen. Also, students can use four different colored “pens” to add the element of color to the various presentations. To learn more about this amazing technology, please visit the SMARTboard Wikipedia page.
1. Classroom set of computers
By having an entire set of computers, each student will be able to have more access to this amazing technology. There are countless free websites that give deeper meaning and understanding to scientific topics from the organelles of the cell to the fast changing world of genetics and DNA. These computers will be connected to the Internet but will be secure from inappropriate websites.
2. SMARTboard
The SMARTboard looks like just a projector screen but it is so much more. This piece of technology allows students to interact with the screen though touch. Students are able to move words and pictures by dragging objects across the screen. Also, students can use four different colored “pens” to add the element of color to the various presentations. To learn more about this amazing technology, please visit the SMARTboard Wikipedia page.
3. Scanner
This piece of technology would allow students to scan pictures, documents, or projects into their computers. After downloading the articles, students would be able to incorporate them into other projects or burn them to DVDs.
I believe that both theories of learning listed above, directionists and constructivists, have valid applications to the classroom. For example, students come to class with differing levels of computer knowledge. By giving students step-by-step instructions on the proper use of computers, I will be using directionist teaching. On the other hand, when the time comes for the students to apply that knowledge and do Internet research, they will be creating new experiences through constuctivists teaching.
For further information about the application and research based support of both theories, please read Plugged Into Reading and Learning and Teaching.
I am excited and energized about the prospect of what we can do when we work together. By giving our students the opportunity to compete with the global market with technology that they will most likely use after graduation, we are offering our best for their best interests.
I encourage you to blog questions, ideas, suggestions, concerns, and anything else I may have missed. I believe that this collaboration will accomplish many great things.
References
Constructivist and Directionist Theory. Retrieved January 9, 2010 from
http://www.learningandteaching.info/learning/piaget.htm
http://www.pluggedintoreading.com/teacher-directed-instruction.html
http://www.teachingexpertise.com/articles/objectivist-constructivist-265
Roblyer, M. D. and Doering, A. (2010). Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching.
SMARTboard. Retrieved January 9, 2010 from
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMART_Board_interactive_whiteboard
DISCLAIMER: This blog is an assignment for an educational technology course at National University. It is not a real fundraising blog.
DISCLAIMER: This blog is an assignment for an educational technology course at National University. It is not a real fundraising blog.
