Final Blog Posting

My personal theory of how students learn is most related to constructionism. This theory focuses on getting the learner to build something and the act of building something impacts how they understand and store information (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). Students learn best when they are immersed in learning, engaged in learning, and are active in learning (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). For this to happen, students must find learning important to them to help them stay motivated to continue to learn. I structure my physical education classes so that students are engaged in learning that is meaningful to them and they build on their experiences as they learn. For example, students in first grade learn how to throw a ball and by the time they reach fifth grade they are able to play a game of basketball because they have spent years building on previous learning experiences.

Two immediate adjustments I will make to my instructional practice involve integrating technology tools to enhance my students’ learning. I like the idea of students recording their perceived effort on an excel spreadsheet and then seeing the correlation of their perceived achievement. This could help students realize that the more effort they put forth, then the more they will learn and achieve. Another piece of technology I would like to integrate is the use of pedometers. These devices allow students to count the amount of steps taken and they can provide information like how far a student has traveled as well. This technology is a fun way to motivate students to exercise.

Two long term goal changes I would like to make to my instructional practice regarding technology integration would be to use excel spreadsheet to record students’ fitness data. Instead of using paper, students could record their results on the spreadsheet which would be saved and viewed throughout the year to easily show data on their fitness levels to show improvement or need for improvement. When students can actually see results, then it may help motivate them to continue to make healthy choices. Another long term goal would be to continue to enhance my classroom website to include a place where students could record the fitness activities they do at home and allow them to keep track of it. This could promote physical fitness and health outside of the classroom and perhaps involve not only students, but their families and others in the community as well.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Connectivism and Social Learning in Practice

The instructional strategies described in the resources explored this week correlate with the principles of social learning theories. The definition of social learning theory is students actively engage in constructing artifacts and conversing with others (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). When students work together they can confirm, encourage, and question each other's learning. Technology can be used to conduct research on internet, create power point presentation, handouts, statistics on a spreadsheet, and picture slideshows (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). Technology can also be used to create websites, multimedia, and webquests (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). When students work in cooperative groups, it can help them make sense of new information by interacting with others (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). All of the strategies described in the resources this week help students work together cooperatively.

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Author.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Voice Thread

Students in our school district only have physical education class for one hour per week. More time is needed to help keep students healthy. I want students to think about activities that they can do at home with their families and friends to help keep them active and healthy. Click on the link below to visit the voice thread that I have created.

http://voicethread.com/share/528945/