Learning Beliefs Statement
I have developed a mind map (Inspiration Document) (PNG) reflecting my views of teaching, meaningful learning, and technology.
I believe technology provides unique instructional opportunities.
The use of technology enables activities that would not be possible without it (O'Bannon, 2007). For example, using a video game to teach physics can create avenues of exploration that would not be possible otherwise, either due to safety issues or financial issues. Video games provide simulations that can be powerful learning tools, which is why I chose to use a video game to teach students about range when I created my technology integrated learning plan (or TILP).
Technology has also enabled individuals to create media using techniques that would only have been possible for large organizations a few years before. Media can also be used to generate interest in students and communicate information in interesting ways. Along these lines, I created a video that showed the basics of the scientific method. It's also important for my students (and future teachers) to be aware of these possibilities, so one assignment I require is the creation of a podcast, which is later published through the iTunes store via a website.
I believe collaborative learning is meaningful and necessary.
Collaboration is a necessary skill for any human being to have in order to live successful lives. As humans are social beings, greater interaction can create meaningful learning experiences (Jonassen, 2008). I have facilitated this in the classroom by requiring multiple group projects, among which was a podcast. My students were split into groups of four, and then worked together to produce a 5 minute podcast, which would be distributed through the iTunes Music Store. Collaboration can be gained in other ways as well. Discussions can be a great form of collaboration, and along these lines, I held an open discussion board via YouTube for the class (and anyone else who wanted to participate). Social Networking sites, like YouTube, and Facebook, can be utilized to create meaningful learning experiences.
Collaboration should not be limited to the students in the classroom. As a teacher, I continue to collaborate with colleagues both electronically, though blog participation, social networks, and attending conferences. For the last three years, I have given a presentation at the local TechNet conference, which brings local teachers together to talk about how they are using technology in education.
I believe education should be reflective, evidence based, and experimental.
It is tempting to use technology simply because of the "awe" factor. While this can be helpful in creating meaningful learning experiences, it doesn't necessarily lead to meaningful learning. In everything I use in the classroom, I need to be constantly asking "what evidence is there that this works?" or "What is the evidence that this is working now?" Evidence may come from peer-reviewed research, anecdotes from colleagues, personal experience, or students' assessments and feedback (Mills 2007). In my own teaching, I am continuously experimenting with different ways of teaching and learning. When the class grew frustrated with the BlackBoard Discussion Board, I began investigating alternatives and decided to have one discussion board completely on YouTube.
Another example is a new assignment I added to the class I teach that was not in other sections taught by others. I was faced with two problems that I wanted to solve: how to expose my students to the maximum number of web resources, and how to get them teaching with technology experience. I solved this by creating a web application presentation. Each student would choose one web application to teach the class how to use. This would give them teaching experience, and also give all the students exposure to a much wider range of web applications than would be possible otherwise.
References
O'Bannon, B. and Puckett, K. (2007). Preparing to Use Technology: A Practical Guide to Curriculum Integration. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.
Jonassen, D., Howland, J., Marra, R, & Crismond, D. (2008). Meaningful Learning With Technology. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.
Mills, G. (2007). Action Research: A Guide for the Teacher Researcher. New Jersey: Pearson Education, Inc.