Module 4 - Technology and modeling
As we continue on through module four we discuss chapters 9, 10, and 11. Within these chapters the topics of complex cognitive processes, constructivism and designing learning environments, and the social cognitive views of learning and motivation. Three key areas that really struck a chord with me among these topics were: teaching for complex learning and robust knowledge (p.372-374); designing learning environments in a digital world (p. 410-418); and modeling (p.429-433).
In talking about robust knowledge there are three areas that we need to understand. Robust knowledge is deep, it allows us to understand underlying principles and apply them to seemingly different problems. Many separate bits of information are also connected across different disciplines and domains. Lastly, robust knowledge is consistent and not contradictory. As a future teacher this is the type of knowledge I want to develop in my students. The texts introduces this concept in the context of a novice verses someone more experienced and having robust knowledge. The novice focuses on surface details, relying primarily on working memory and general strategies, which makes their knowledge very inflexible. This reminded me of some students I had on the boat. They were intelligent mechanics but inexperienced. In replacing a relief valve they had successfully remove the old valve but couldn’t progress any further because the new valve “didn’t fit.” They had worked at it for about two hours before asking for help. While they had all of the right parts and pieces they hadn’t accounted for pipe strain and thus were unable to install the valve. Being able to connect that the piping had shifted due to the pressure on the submerged vessel may have helped them in solving their problem. After explaining what had happened and offering a few strategies to compensate for it they finished the install action in about 5 minutes. (Hoy, 2019, p. 372-373)
They next area I found of interest was technology in education. I think this is relevant for two major reasons. First the technology today is always advancing and as educators we need to understand that these devices are very popular among our students. Just thinking back to when I first experienced computers in school with the old floppy disks to today when I just talk and Alexa tells me what I need to know is pretty impressive. And with all of these applications that have been designed to make our lives easier there is also a whole host of educational programs. In going through the adult studies program here at Trinity we have been exposed to many different options. Educational Technology was very enlightening for me, especially not being in a classroom yet. The different tools that have been created beyond the basics of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel that I was used to have me much more interest in the presentation of my ideas. The second reason why I think technology in education is important is classes like this one. I think that the primary and secondary schools that use them to control the workflow of the classroom have the potential to become incredibly streamlined. There are very versatile virtual learning environments that can supplement in class activities as I have seen with Google Classroom or makes face to face contact completely unnecessary as in our class now. I am very excited to see what possibilities technology can open up for education and learning in the future. (Hoy, 2019, p. 411-412)
My final focus area is modeling. This is something that I have thought about in my own learning and especially now that I want to become an educator. I know that I have worked to model some of the behaviors of my mentors over the years and as educators we need to be cognizant that we may have that same effect on our students. Young children especially learn by watching and emulating others. So we can show them how to do something well or poorly, show enthusiasm for a new activity or disdain, and in doing so start to shape their understanding in the same way. (Hoy, 2019, p. 432-433)
References:
Hoy, A. W. (2019). Educational psychology. NY, NY: Pearson
In talking about robust knowledge there are three areas that we need to understand. Robust knowledge is deep, it allows us to understand underlying principles and apply them to seemingly different problems. Many separate bits of information are also connected across different disciplines and domains. Lastly, robust knowledge is consistent and not contradictory. As a future teacher this is the type of knowledge I want to develop in my students. The texts introduces this concept in the context of a novice verses someone more experienced and having robust knowledge. The novice focuses on surface details, relying primarily on working memory and general strategies, which makes their knowledge very inflexible. This reminded me of some students I had on the boat. They were intelligent mechanics but inexperienced. In replacing a relief valve they had successfully remove the old valve but couldn’t progress any further because the new valve “didn’t fit.” They had worked at it for about two hours before asking for help. While they had all of the right parts and pieces they hadn’t accounted for pipe strain and thus were unable to install the valve. Being able to connect that the piping had shifted due to the pressure on the submerged vessel may have helped them in solving their problem. After explaining what had happened and offering a few strategies to compensate for it they finished the install action in about 5 minutes. (Hoy, 2019, p. 372-373)
They next area I found of interest was technology in education. I think this is relevant for two major reasons. First the technology today is always advancing and as educators we need to understand that these devices are very popular among our students. Just thinking back to when I first experienced computers in school with the old floppy disks to today when I just talk and Alexa tells me what I need to know is pretty impressive. And with all of these applications that have been designed to make our lives easier there is also a whole host of educational programs. In going through the adult studies program here at Trinity we have been exposed to many different options. Educational Technology was very enlightening for me, especially not being in a classroom yet. The different tools that have been created beyond the basics of Word, PowerPoint, and Excel that I was used to have me much more interest in the presentation of my ideas. The second reason why I think technology in education is important is classes like this one. I think that the primary and secondary schools that use them to control the workflow of the classroom have the potential to become incredibly streamlined. There are very versatile virtual learning environments that can supplement in class activities as I have seen with Google Classroom or makes face to face contact completely unnecessary as in our class now. I am very excited to see what possibilities technology can open up for education and learning in the future. (Hoy, 2019, p. 411-412)
My final focus area is modeling. This is something that I have thought about in my own learning and especially now that I want to become an educator. I know that I have worked to model some of the behaviors of my mentors over the years and as educators we need to be cognizant that we may have that same effect on our students. Young children especially learn by watching and emulating others. So we can show them how to do something well or poorly, show enthusiasm for a new activity or disdain, and in doing so start to shape their understanding in the same way. (Hoy, 2019, p. 432-433)
References:
Hoy, A. W. (2019). Educational psychology. NY, NY: Pearson
James,
ReplyDeleteI thoroughly enjoyed reading your post. One of the topics in your post that stood out the most was about technology in education. When I became a paraprofessional, I was taken back by how much technology not only has advanced in general, but in schools! The school where I currently work, each student had their own Ipad. I became overwhelmed at first because of how many programs the students were using on a daily basis, but working side by side with the students, I was able to learn how to navigate the new programs. There is a program for every subject. My students use IXL for math, Read Naturally for reading, and Kahoot for assessments. There are also programs for high schools to take their CUA's which are unit exams. Google classroom has been a favorite educational tool of mine. During the "Cold" days, my district turned on of the days into a digital learning day. Teachers posted assignments on google classroom. The students then had to spend 30 minutes for each class period they have to complete the assignments. I am very impressed with how technology can replace snow days without the students having to make up a day in school. I too can not wait to implement educational technology into my future classroom!