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There are many different ways to learn content material but when we are given an opportunity to interact with the material we are trying to digest we tend to be able to draw on the experience of learning as well as the process itself. As an instructor, I can lecture to my students and have them take notes on the content material. I may be very good at commanding the attention of most of the class, but there will be those who just tune out and write the notes without much of it sinking in. The experience is what their minds make it, some will be able to gain knowledge from the information, but for the most part it will require more on task time with a notebook and possibly flashcards or some sort of strategy to memorize the content material.
Using technology to interact with the material will peak their interest, stimulate their minds, and provide a visual montage to keep their brain engaged. Using concept maps provide a way to organize a lesson around the subject material and perhaps even permits collaboration with group interaction. With the different sites available today, teachers have a much broader toolbox to implement their objectives. So many of the sites are interactive and permit the user to convey their interpretation of the topic or subject material. Students are able to create projects such as creating animated snapshots they can set to music, PowerPoint presentations, stationary cartoons, review games, and now I am working on a new site that permits students to create their own animated cartoons with a multitude of characters. The possibilities seem endless for the creative instructor. However, I must confess that I am a better thief than an innovator and because of my being a digital immigrant; I tend to be behind the curve a bit.
Lastly, one of the interesting things about introducing concept mapping, virtual field trips and other visuals, is that it gives the students more control of the content material and permits them to think about it while they are thinking about how to share it with everyone else (and their teacher). Again it provides a skill that will be used beyond the classroom as well, that is to say, more authentic than just reading it from the text, or listening to a lecture.
Seven Mind Mapping Tools to Try This Year
2 years ago
Virg,
ReplyDeleteI have to admit that I too am a better thief than innovator...or inventor. The thing is, there are so many wonderful lessons, ideas, and projects out there. Unfortunately, I wasn't aware of these resources until recently. Now, I'm taking a look at units that I've taught for years and thinking about how I can change them to make them better and more beneficial for my students. I agree with you that virtual field trips and concept maps are a wonderful way to get the students to comprehend the curriculum on a deeper level.
When I was in high school, I remember most teachers standing at the board lecturing and giving notes. I think I had one computer class and virtually no technology used in the classroom. The classes that I remember most are the ones in which I was actively involved: Chemistry, Physics, Conputer Design. I agree with you that students need to be a part of each lesson.
ReplyDeleteI too am a thief when it comes to technology integration. I am constantly finding new ideas and using them in the classoom. Students are now learning more authentically in my classroom. I do not have much experience with concept mapping and virtual field trips. Hopefully, I can incorporate them more into my classroom in the future.
I was always the student who talked during lectures because I could not focus on what my teachers were trying to teach me. By the time I graduated I was disgusted at the thought of picking up a pen and taking notes for an hour at a time. The people who could do that and absorb the information used to make me so mad because I was not one of them. I usually zoned out or talked and got in trouble for it. I wish that I could go back and have the opportunity that those in school right now have. It is so true what you said about technology. It would have been a perfect learning tool for me. I might of actually enjoyed learning when I was younger.
ReplyDeleteHi Virgil,
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your blog. More and more I come to realize that there is power in technology. I teach younger children but with the proper training as I am getting now, I would love to do so much more. What is the site that makes animated cartoons? We could possibly create something as a class rather than individually. We must "crawl before we walk." Thanks for your help.
Sonya