This week I
learned about a lot of different instructional strategies involving technology
in the book Using Technology with
Classroom Instruction Works, 2nd edition. I also had the opportunity to explore
some educational websites. I can see how
a lot of these resources correlate directly with the principles of the
behaviorist learning theory.
In chapter two
of Using Technology with Classroom
Instruction that Works, there were several ideas for using technology as a
way for positive reinforcement.
Technology enhances the practice of positive reinforcement because you
can take the recognition to a whole different level than you could without
technology. “With technology, teachers
can easily make exemplary work available for the appreciation of peers,
parents, and professionals across the world” (Pitler, H., Hubbell, E.R., &
Kuhn, M. 2012). Classroom websites,
blogs and student portfolios are a few examples of ways that student work can
be displayed for people outside of the classroom to view. Evernote (https://evernote.com) is a free and easy way to create a free student portfolio by
uploading pictures of student work.
Another way
that technology can correlate to the principles of behaviorist learning theory
is by providing a way to for students to practice and do homework. Homework provides students the opportunity to
“familiarize themselves with new concepts” (Pitler et. al 2012). Computer-assisted instruction is useful for
students because it provides frequent feedback, is motivational, and allows
students to move at their own pace. At
my school, we use Think Through Math (http://lms.thinkthroughmath.com/users/sign_in), a web-based program as a way for students to practice
independently at home or at school. This
program provides individual tutoring as needed, as well as incentives for
students to do well. This program is a
perfect example of how technology can be used in the classroom as a behaviorist
strategy.
References
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using
technology with classroom instruction that works (2nd ed.).
Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Hi Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of having students use Evernote to upload their work to a portfolio. I'm curious how you've used that in your school-- would you have students upload their own work, or would you suggest having the teacher run that portion of it? How have you made Evernote portfolios viewable by the students in the class? I love this idea and would love your thoughts on what works best. Thank you!
Sarah Dean
Hello Jessica,
ReplyDeleteI had no idea that Evernote held the opportunity to act as a virtual portfolio of student work. I remember perusing it as a means for note-taking in the Research Paper unit for my classes. This possibility intrigues me since my students are expected to maintain a portfolio throughout the year. The idea of an online portfolio appeals to me since all of my students' papers are housed in an archive on Turnitin.com and could easily be uploaded simultaneously to an online portfolio such as Evernote. Is Evernote a free service? Thanks you for the ideas.
Dina Fleming
Sarah and Dina,
ReplyDeleteYes Evernote is a free service. I found the idea while doing an Internet search for free student portfolio ideas. I didn't start the research until the very end of the school year so I haven't actually used this idea in the classroom yet, but I plan on trying it out next school year. There are a lot of search results out there, and there is even a blog on the Evernote website about how to do this. In a nutshell, students create free Evernote accounts, and take snapshots of their work within the app which get saved as notes in their account. They have the option to share the posts too!
Jessica
Hi Jess,
ReplyDeleteI teach high school math and wanted to look into more of your link of Think through Math to see if it is something I can integrate into my classroom. However, I went to the site and it asks for a email and log it. I also wanted to know if this was a free source and if there was a way for me to create a log in.
As a math teacher, there a plethora of prerequisite skills that students need. If homework is not completed or students using online resources to try to complete homework more accurately than the information is less likely to be remembered and learned. Also, time is never on my side so having students using an online source to practice and reteach prerequisite skills outside of the classroom is a very valuable tool. Thank you for you resourceful links and response.
~Nicole
Hi Nicole,
DeleteThink Through Math is a paid service. I do think they offer a 14-day free trial. It really is a great program!
Jessica