Using technology, teachers can become more effective educators and convey ideas more accurately and effectively to students by using cognitive learning strategies. This idea is quite beneficial to all teachers, and can be adapted for any lesson or concept.
One of the most effective tools that I have used recently to build on student’s knowledge about the biomes of the world is the use of wikis to act as a virtual field trip around the world. Each group is given a biome, and must present basic information about the biome, its climate, animals, and plants. This way students can learn the basic information, and store it in their declarative memory and be able to recall it when necessary (Laureate Education Inc, 2009a). After doing this type of activity for several years, I have seen that it is quite effective and the students enjoy it because it not only helps them remember the material longer (which is needed for their SOL test in 8th grade), but also allows them to work on their 21st century skills that include skills such as collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.
Another aspect of the technology that I really think is beneficial is the ability to take virtual field trips within the confines of the classroom. My school is fortunate because it is located in the Washington D.C. suburbs, and have a wide variety of resources available to us as a result, however, it is not something everyone has access to nationwide. Using virtual fieldtrips are quite beneficial in that they help students see and experience things they normally would not be able to. Case in point, students learning about the assassination of President Lincoln may not be able to visit Ford’s theater, but they can see the setup and pictures from the theater from their classroom using computers. This way they still can make a connection with the events that occurred there, but did not actually visit it. By creating connections, students can store the information they gained through episodic memory, and have a better chance of recalling it later, and generating opinions and views on the history being taught (Laureate Education Inc, 2009b).
The cognitive learning theory is something that is quite beneficial in the education system, and is crucial to strengthening student’s knowledge and learning skills. Regardless of the strategy being used, students gain more knowledge, experiences and critical thinking skills from using technology to strengthen cognitive learning, ultimately making it a more enjoyable lesson for the students, and the teacher as well.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009a). Program five. Cognitive Learning Theories. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009b). Program six. Spotlight on Technology: Virtual Field Trips. Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.
Travis,
ReplyDeleteI agree that the cognitive learning theory is very beneficial for teachers to learn how students process information. The different strategies we learned in our resources shows us that not all students learn the same. It is so great to see a student be happy and excited about learning. While doing research, I came across this quote by an unknown author. It says: "If you study to remember, you will forget, But if you study to understand, you will remember." I think this learning theory is just that. We are all learning for a better understanding.
Hope you had a great week!
I agree, that is a very good quote, and I think it is something I will share with my students. As we get closer to the end of the year, their head's are focused more on the summer than they are the school year.
ReplyDeleteUsing a wiki page as a teaching tool for biomes is very creative. I like the way you stated that the students are creating their own virtual field trip to a biome through their wiki page. By presenting the information and creating the information about the biome, the students are making several connections which will lead to the information becoming part of the long term memory. Also by having the students creating the wiki page, they must develop an understanding about their biome. This is a great activity.
ReplyDeleteHi Travis
ReplyDeleteWhen you teach wikis, do you find it is more time consuming to teach the wiki than to teach the lesson? We have a technology class in our school but it is only as an elective. If I did a lesson like this, I would have to first teach the technology before I could work on content. I tried Power Point presentations this year and it about killed me having so few know how to create a presentation or download pictures. I agree that using technology and 21st Century skills is a great way, as you said, "...to strengthen cognitive learning..." I just wish I didn't have to teach two different lessons just to get one taught.