Learning in a Digital World
Reflecting on my learning and teaching experiences, I believe that teachers need to use the behavioral approach at the early years and low cognitive levels. This will build the knowledge foundation to incorporate the cognitive and constructivist approaches in later years and high cognitive levels. Teachers need to adapt the best of each approach and implement them according to the students’ needs (Kapp, 2007). Teachers need to model the final product and make connections to real-life situations. Moreover, teachers need to know and understand their students to create meaningful and relevant learning activities according to the students’ cognitive levels. At the same time, teachers need to create an inviting learning environment where students actively participate without any fear.
Teachers need to prepare students for their future. They need to incorporate the available technologies into their curricula to engage students in the learning experiences. In this way, teachers are becoming lifelong learners in order to keep up with technology, so they can transfer the current technological skills to their students. Teachers need to understand technology and how they are going to integrate to capitalize students’ achievement (Siemens, 2006, p. 41). Moreover, teachers need to prepare students to manage their time, become responsible of their own learning, and work collaboratively with other for their own wellbeing and society.
References:
Kapp, K. (2007, January 2). Out and about: Discussion on educational schools of thought [Web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.kaplaneduneering.com/kappnotes/index.php/2007/01/out-and-about-discussion-on-educational/
Siemens, G. (2006). Knowing Knowledge. Retrieved from http://sylvan.live.ecollege.com/ec/courses/72030/CRS -WUEDUC8812-5701377/siemensknowingknowledge.pdf
As we have moved through this course and learned about different theories and how they apply to educational technologies, I have felt the same as you: teachers should take the best parts of each approach and apply those to meet the needs of our students. As experienced teachers, we know that what we do one year isn't necessarily going to work the following year. Taking time to get to know our students and their learning styles will help us to create a positive learning environment.
ReplyDeleteJennifer
Hello Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteAs educators, we need to become lifelong learners to meet the need of our students. At the same time, we need to understand our students, so we can help them achieve success and prepare them for their future.
Andres Anzaldua
I enjoyed reading your post and agree with you on quite a few points. First and foremost, I agree that students must be responsible for their own learning. I think sometimes administrators and parents forget this one. We can be as creative and imaginative as we want in order to provide profound learning experiences for our students, but if they don't care and are not engaged, then we have failed as teachers. I have experienced in my own classroom where 90% of students are engaged and working and one or two other students are not and will try to ruin the experience or admin will want 100% engagement, which is next to impossible.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that teachers are life-long learners. I hear teachers complain about going to workshops, in-service days or taking classes, but in the end, it is imperative to do so in order to keep up with the best practices.
Great post.
Hello Amanda,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comments. I do believe that educators need to become lifelong learners. This will show students that education is important and valuable in our society.
Andres Anzaldua