Class Participation Activity 1
Directed Technology Integration
strategies Theoretical Base (World Cafe)
1. Behaviorist theory
Measures observable behaviours produced by a learner’s response to stimuli. The behaviourist is not concerned with how or why knowledge is obtained rather if the correct response is given.
Example
- Rote Memorization
- Computer games
2. Information-processing theory
It is a study of cognitive development where the human mind is like computer, it stores information. There are 3 different storages:
1. Sensory (information sensed through receptors)
2. Short-term (information that is not lost in few seconds)
3. Long-term (information that is processed)
Example
-Teaching children how to use the computer. To explore, constantly expose and reinforce (repetition), further activities of different level, children’s interest (by making it attractive and memorable for them).
3. Cognitive-behavioral theory
The study of human psychology that deals with a persons behavior is referred to as cognitive behavioral theory.
Cognitive behavioral theory deals with many aspects of psychology of the human mind. This theory is concentrated around what people think, how they react to stimulation and their perception through vision and hearing.
Example:
Using a talking approach to try to resolve the problems associated with emotional dysfunctions. Counselling/speaking to children about their behaviors.
4. Systems theory and systematic instruction design
- Instructional task analysis
- Systematic methods of designing training programs
- Combining the above two mentioned definitions, it results in system approach to instructional design, or systematic instructional design
Lesson examples:
a) Instructional Activity: Complete workbook pages from the basal reading series or math program that correlates with the lesson that is taught
b) Technology Activity: Use a PowerPoint presentation to introduce meanings to new vocabulary words. Images, cliparts, and other
5. Social activism theory
Believes in hands on and experiential learning through social interaction
Example:
Working together on tasks of their interests.
Incorporating
- Interactive whiteboards (games and activities for group sharing)
- Wii games (educational) that promote teamwork and develop motor skills
6. Scaffolding theory
Focuses on the zone of proximal development and the learning processes that are tailored to meet the needs of students. For example, instructions are catered to each child’s development level
Example:
Teacher to provide appropriate assistance : The wearing of clothes.
To help the child achieve the task, once the student is able to master the task, scaffolding will be removed so that the student will be able to complete the same task on their own in the future.
The teacher can show videos of children wearing clothes on their own
Play games (eg. What types of clothes : different races/ regions of the world)
7. Child development theory
Children’s cognitive growth develops through 4 stages as they interact with the environment.
1. Sensorimotor (birth to 2 years)
2. Pre-operational (2 to 6 or 7 years)
3. Concrete operational (6/7 to 11/12 years)
4. Formal operational (11/12 to adult)
Example: Provide activities according to children’s level of readiness and stage of development. If child is in the sensorimotor stage of development, provide activities which allow them to explore with their 5 senses.
Assimilation+Accomodation=Adaptation
8. Discovery learning
An inquiry based and constructivist approach which is not teacher directed. It encourages active learning and allows students to experience and explore first hand experiences. It usually happens when a structured type of learning is 1st given to the learners. Thus, children will be able to process, comprehend, understand and remember what they have learnt better as they discover knowledge themselves. After doing so, children will be able to test out their new found knowledge.
Example:
Garden Trip
- Children discover that leaves do not need to be or are always green and that the fact that they come in many shapes, sizes, colours and textures
Simulation Games
- Use imagery from the internet and allow children to use the internet for research
9. Multiple intelligences theories
The theory of Multiple Intelligences was first introduced by Harvard Psychologist Howard Gardner in his 1983 book, Frames of Mind. Prior to Gardner's work it was thought that there were only two intelligences: verbal/linguistic and logical/mathematical. Only these two areas were covered in intelligence testing as they were relatively easy to measure. Through Project Zero at Harvard, seven intelligences were identified (Gardner, 1985). In 1998, and eighth intelligence was added . The intelligences are tools for learning and are cross-cultural in nature in that all people possess different degrees of each intelligence.
Gardner describes eight different kinds of intelligence:
- Visual: Good with art and design
- Linguistic: Good with words
- Logical: Good with numbers and math
- Bodily: Good at action, movement and sports
- Musical: Good with music, tone and rhythm
- Interpersonal: Good at communicating with others
- Intrapersonal: Good at self-reflection
- Naturalistic: Good at appreciating the world and nature
Example:
Differentiate class activities and plan them according to the teacher's knowledge of the children's strengths. For example, if a child is a visual learner, teachers can make use of images, videos, and text from the internet to help him/her master certain concepts.
10. Gagne’s theory of instruction
Different optimal conditions needed for effective learning to take place.
How children learn:
Example:
Children learning more when the teacher attracts their attention
to attract children’s attention using IT. (for e.g. pictures, videos, slideshows, online softwares)
Class Participation Activity 2
Technology integration planning(TIP) in relation to journal
1.Reflect on technological pedagogical content
The journal article discusses the issue revolving around poor mastery of basic arithmetic skills in lower primary, and focuses on addition and subtraction within 10.
The pedagogy used is through electronic worksheets with immediate response.
2.Determine relative advantage
- Computer is a powerful tool for improving student achievement (Bahr & Rieth, 1989;Bangert-Drowns, 1985).
- Computers can help develop various aspects in young children, including fine motor skills, recognition of letters in the alphabet, mathematical skills, self-esteem and more (Clements & Natasi, 1993).
- Young users of computer able to learn better and surpass in terms of school readiness when compared to their peers
- Computer-based learning software also gives pupils the opportunity to learn using a more interactive and engaging medium compared to traditional methods
- Young children are greatly motivated to learn in such stimulating environment.
3.Decide on objective and assessment
Objective
To find out if there is a significant difference in the ability to complete arithmetic sums involving addition and subtraction within 10 with speed and accuracy between a group of Primary One pupils using MCS and another group using traditional paper-and-pencil worksheets as practice tools
Assessment
-Testing speed and accuracy between the 2 groups of sample, one using MCS, and one using traditional paper-and-pencil worksheets as practice tools
-Computer-Assisted Learning (CAL)
-Authentic assessment
4.Design integration technology
The instruments of the study contained three MCS practice worksheets with randomized items that give instant feedback. Using excel, the electronic worksheet contain three practice sets on addition and subtraction within 10. MCS is created and crafted by teachers. These items are further examined by eight Primary One teachers, the Head of Department for Mathematics and Infocomm Technology Department of the school
5.Prepare the instructional environment
- According to Hart and Walker (1993), students' learning ability and attitude is based on classroom dynamics and instruction
- Prepare enough computers for individual/group work
- Quite conducive / safe
- Prepare proper instructions and repeat them
6.Evaluate and revise integration strategies
- Usage of computer technology can be a good strategy to develop number combination skills (but not many studies are done in this area)
- Using MCS software
- Insufficient orientation of MCS and computer motor skills: There is only one introductory lesson to orientate children on use of keyboard and mouse, children need longer time to be familiar to MCS
- Induction-
- How to use computer?
- How to press keys/buttons?
- Why is the speed so slow?
- Longer intervention period testing the usability of MCS for other topics and subjects
- Find out which topics and subjects MCS can help in learning.
- Include a short reflection journal at the end of each intervention session to let students record the concepts or misconceptions that they have learnt - good avenue for teachers to ensure that the students have good understanding of skills and help clarify their mistakes.
- Find out how CAL affects motivation by putting MCS online, available for pupils to do independent practice.
- School leaders and educators need to consistently look into the different factors to improve and enrich the learning experience of the young children
Class Participation 3
(Refer to in-class powerpoint presentation)
Class Participation 4
Exploring websites
Discuss how and area it helped in the child’s development:
Subject area: Science
The website allows children to explore different types of animals and learn facts about them. It provides opportunities for both independent and cooperative learning through a variety of interactive games, images and videos.
Age group: 5 to 12 years old
Learning theory: Information-processing theory
Evaluation of the website:
- Can be used in the childcare centre with teacher’s guidance
- Can be used to enhance the learning process of students as it provide different domains/ subjects learning materials and support. For example: Children will be able to refer to the pictures (animals) available on the website after a field trip to the Zoo)
- Can also be used as a website for children to rely on when researching on a certain topic
- Provides a vast amount of information that interest and appeal to children
Role of the teacher in sustaining the use of ICT in teaching and learning:
-Knowing limits
