The examples mentioned in the resources this week, are excellent ways to use technology and also bridge learning from conceptual one to reality. As Dr. Orey stated in the Laureate DVD, integrating multiple senses in a presentation improves learning. I try to engage the learner by utilizing multiple methodologies and also incorporate ways to aid the various learning styles in front of me. I have found my freshman need to use graphic organizers more in the beginning of the year to organize various amounts data. The students need to "map" out the concept to organize their thoughts and the connections between the various material. Concept maps support dual coding and support the connections between the ideas (Laurate, 2008). As the year progresses, they adapt to the various amounts of information presented and am able to integrate other Web 2.0 technologies and various other methodologies to support student learning.
Virtual field trips are another excellent way to increase student learning especially in a science classroom. Students can see and interact in a reality that can be dangerous without ever leaving the classroom. I am currently looking at new virtual lab software to aid absent students and those oposed to animal disection. This allows the students to "do" the lab and learn content without ever coming in contact with and organism. I am also looking into this for the Chemistry sections of my Physical Science classes. This will allow for greater understanding of volital elements & materials without having them in the building or disposing of them.
Reference
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Posts
Mrs. C,
ReplyDeleteI have known about virtual field trips for quite some time, but have never used one with my class. I am excited to try visiting one.
Your comment about being able to do the lab without coming into contact with the organism is exactly what I need to do with my 5th graders. We just started a science unit dealing with cells and the systems within the human body. Do you have any suggested sites for this?
Thanks
Travis
Travis~
ReplyDeleteThere are so many free sites that will help you! Let me know what organisms you need, I might have some bookmarked already!
~Michele
Mrs. C-
ReplyDeleteI am excited to use virtual field trips in my classroom as well. It sounds like your science project for organisms will be a wonderful lesson for students. If you do come across anything for language arts I would appreciate it if you send it my way!
Good luck! Keep us posted on how your project goes.
-Meghan
Meghan~
ReplyDeleteNo problem!
~Michele
Michele,
ReplyDeleteVirtual field trips are a great way to expose students to a new level of content without needing permission slips or worrying about student privacy issues. As you mentioned, being able to show your students true volitale chemical reactions without risking injury is a great asset. I am looking forward to 'taking' my students on a virtual field trip.
Courtney
Courtney~
ReplyDeleteI have used the virtual fiend trips with my classes and I want to expand my content base. I also am having the students find more sites for us to use. I want them to have a vested interest in what we are studying so I want to have them involved as much as possible.