Discussion Comments for Learning Theories and Technology

• I agree with you that the project approach is a great way to use social constructivism. The students can work together to deepen their knowledge of topics. I think Regio Emilio is also an approach in which you would see social constructivism implemented.
• I'm confused about the project, as I think many of us are. I thought for the first project we were supposed to discuss all of the readings, not just the one we're doing our lesson plan on. This way every one would have an equal amount of work. Please reread the assignment and let me know what you think.
• I agree that a lot of this would be easier to do if we met in person or knew eachother. I always think online classes will be easier or the same workload, but they always seem to be harder because of communication issues!
• The draft is due on our group space April 2nd and the final one is due on the class discussion board April 5th.
• Constructivism is a unique learning theory to use when teaching students about technology. Originally I thought that it would not be a good approach to use when teaching students to work with technology, especially computer related. There are so many things that need to be taught explicitly, such as how to use specific programs and Internet searches. If you don't use these things correctly you risk harming the computer. After reading the articles I realized that although some things do need to be taught explicitly, construcitivism can work for other technology lessons. One great way is to have children do research on the computer. They will have to find the correct sources and apply the information (This only works if it's open ended. You can't assign sites for them to visit.) I think this would work best for older grades. It's nice to know that constructivism can be properly applied to technology!
• I used starfall.com in my first grade classroom last year. In the beginning I assigned stories to read, but as the year progressed I let students pick their own stories and activities. They were able to construct meaning at their ability level and based on what was important. Some chidren still chose phonics books, while others moved onto fairy tales. They needed to be scaffolded in the beginning, but after they were shown the basics of the program constructivism and technology could be used in lower grades. (It is MUCH easier in higher grade levels though.)
• I like the metapor in this learning theory relating the mind to a computer. As you stated, sometimes children that have disabilities "have a broken computer" according to this theory. I think that this is a great use of when technology can help "fix the computer." There is so much assistive technology for students with special needs, such as hearing aids, pecs software programs, etc., that help students with special needs to be successful in a regular education classroom that can often use cognitivism.
• I like the metapor in this learning theory relating the mind to a computer. As you stated, sometimes children that have disabilities "have a broken computer" according to this theory. I think that this is a great use of when technology can help "fix the computer." There is so much assistive technology for students with special needs, such as hearing aids, pecs software programs, etc., that help students with special needs to be successful in a regular education classroom that can often use cognitivism.
• Is it something that's stated in her IEP? If not, make sure it gets added for next year. That way they will have to provide it.
  
• Very, very sad! That is why the teacher often has to be the advocate for the child when the parent can't.
• When I think of behaviorism I immediately think of Pavlov and Skinner and their theories of operant and classical conditioning. I think behaviorism is a major part of schools, whether we like it or not. It's very significant in our classroom management, which as an early childhood teacher plays a major role in computer/technology use in my classroom. I have to start out the beginning of the year teaching my expectations for computer use. The children learn that if they misbehave they will lose their computer privileges and that students who are responsible will get extra time or choices on the computer. They are essentially conditioned to behave as I expect (and all 2nd graders do this b/c they love the computer!) This example of behaviorism related to the computer is one that I think all teachers unknowingly use. Does anyone have any other examples of behaviorism and technology, such as lesson ideas?
• That makes me think of Alfie Kohn and his thought that children should not receive any reward, not even praise. It would be interesting to be in a school that followed this philosophy and to see the difference between it and a typical school.
• I agree. It sounds interesting, but it's not me. I guess that's why most schools aren't this way!
• Thanks for the idea! That opens up the door to a lot of lessons in which the students advance to levels based on their success or are punished and must stay on that level because of poor results. Another example would be Batter Up.
  
• The format definitely makes it easy to read and can clearly visualize our thoughts.
• Looks like a great start! I'll keep checking back to see it with our discussions added. I don't know if it's just b/c I have Office 2007, but some of the titles are cut in half. Maybe we could hyphenate them or change the font size so they all fit on one line. (It may just be my software!)