Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology

Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology
(EDUC - 6711I - 1)
Instructor: Kathryn Arnold

Week 1: Understanding Learning

Classroom Learning and Instruction Theories

I have been teaching for eighteen years, during this time my teaching practices have changed along with the way students learn. My classroom instruction is eclectic strategies established by my knowledge of theories, best practices and most importantly my students’ interest, learning style and readiness level. I have learned a key factor in instruction is flexibility, what works with a class or a student may not work for others. Being knowledgeable of current research, teaching strategies and technology helps me develop an effective learning environment to meet the needs of my students.

Dr. Michael Orey explains the difference between learning and instructional theories. Learning Theory is the inspection of what is going on in the learners mind during the learning process. Instructional Theory scrutinizes strategies for changing the learning environment to guide the learning. (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). Simply put, learning theory is what is happening in the learners mind, this allows us to structure the learning. Instructional theory is what I do to ensure mastery of the skills being taught.

I incorporate parts of following theories, either overtly or covertly, into my teaching practices: Behaviorist, Cognivist, Constructivist, and Social Learning. (Laureate Education, Inc., 2009). The usage depends on the objective being taught, the desired learning outcome and the students’ needs.

When designing lessons for my students I include the following information: State Standards, Learning Objectives, Pre-Assessment, Levels of Blooms, Key Vocabulary, Anticipatory Set, Scaffolding and Chunking, Lesson Delivery, Assessment, and Closure (formative assessment). I also incorporate strategies to be used to: Ensure active student engagement, comprehension input, and student motivation. Various grouping and cooperative learning activities are present in lessons.

Differentiated Instruction is infused into my lessons. To reach my students I need to know them, their learning style and readiness level. My digital literacy class is student centered with students working at their own pace move along at their ability level. I encourage and support students to reach for a higher level of learning. Students collaborate and work cooperatively to learn and embed the skills need for the digital world.

The students learn keyboarding skills along with basic digital literacy skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Outlook. Students communicate with others in different countries thru e-pals. Students will be participating in a Skype Night. We will be using a Web Cam to communicate visually and verbally.

The Arizona Technology Literacy Assessment has been give to fifth and eighth grade students since 2004. My students have the highest scores in the state. 94% are at or above the state’s proficiency level. I take great pride in being able to instruct the skills need for their future in the digital world.

I love teaching my students digital literacy skills preparing them for the future. I am fortunate to be able to offer my students an opportunity to earn a world recognized certification of digital literacy. Since my students come to the class at different technological levels I must have a wide variety of strategies based upon theory and experiences to facilitate their learning.