The cognitive theory relates to how the students learn and store information. The cognitive learning theory is made up of several components: elaboration, dual coding, network model of memory, and working memory (Laureate Education, Inc., 2007). Integrating technology into the classroom can help teachers enhance student learning and address these components of the cognitive learning theory.
After reading several chapters from the book Using Technology with Classroom Instruction the Works. I found several technology resources that would correlate with the cognitive learning theory. The one that I think is the most influential is using concept maps. I think that these maps would be a great resource to the students in my classroom. The maps would help them make connections to their learning and elaborate on prior knowledge. I think that concept maps can be used at any grade level and across all subject areas. I also think that using the Internet to go on virtual field trips correlates to the cognitive learning theory. I teach social studies and there are a lot of places I would like to be able to go to with my students. The Internet allows me to "take" my students to these places. By going on virtual field trips we are able to explore and learn about these places using informational images and text. The students are able to make connections between what we are learning in class to the images they view on the virtual field trip.
I think there is a place for cognitive learning theories in the classroom and I believe that there is technology available that correlates to this learning theory. If the technology is used effectively it will enhance the instruction and student learning.
Webspiration is a great website to use to create a concept map. The map can be shared with colleagues and there isn't a limit to the number of maps you create. You will have to create an account, but it's free!
The Underground Railroad is a good virtual field trip to take. My students enjoy listening to the story read aloud. They are also able to make choices along the way to freedom. The interesting thing is that the story doesn't always end the same way. I recommend using this with an upper elementary classroom. It allows for the hardships the slaves faced come to life for the students.
Resources
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2008). Program five. Cognitive Learning Theory [Motion picture]. 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.
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Oracy: What & How
8 hours ago
The Underground Railroad was always a very powerful story. I remember reading it while I was in school. Having the virtual experience would add even more to the effects, and also may make another connection.
ReplyDeleteI also joined Webspiration. It seems very easy to create and the final products look great.
Are you going to have your students make their own concept maps for the Underground Railroad or are you going to have already made one and have them complete the web as they watch the field trip?
The first few times I use concept maps, I plan to give them a map. After the students feel comfortable using the map and understand how it is organized then I will allow them to create their own.
ReplyDeleteI have several computers in my classroom where my students can work to create their own concept maps. I think that the students would really enjoy working with the program to create a tool they can use or share with a classmate.
That sounds like a great idea. Maybe you can tell your students they need to use your form until they understand how it works, then they can have a contest to see who can make the best concept map! Who ever are the top few winners, you can maybe use their map to teach the next chapter (idea) and the students need to fill in the information being taught/learned to the student-made map!
ReplyDeleteYou never know, with their powerful minds, they may organize the informaion in a way we never thought!
I think this is a great idea! I often let my students make up test questions and they always love it. I even use some of their questions on my tests. I didn't think about using the concept maps in a similar way, by allowing them to make the tool then share it with the class. I think the students would try to make the map that I would choose to use with the whole class.
ReplyDeleteAshley,
ReplyDeleteI also agree that concept maps can be beneficial for students in order for them to see the connections. I have done a couple of concept maps with my students for stories that we have read. They were much more engaged by being able to go on the computer to create their map. Many of them told me that they enjoyed it. The understanding of the story also increases because the connections and pictures will help them to remember the information later on.
I had never heard of virtual field trips before but could not believe how many are out there. I spent a lot of time just searching for different field trips that would match the curriculum that I teach. I found many different ones and am excited to be able to show them. We are only allowed two field trips per year and because of that, we cannot go everywhere I would like to. These virtual field trips are a great way for students to see things, and not just hear about them in textbooks. I think that the virtual field trip that you mentioned dealing with the Underground Railroad will be very beneficial for your students. Thanks for sharing!
Elizabeth
Mrs. Rogus,
ReplyDeleteI am glad that concept maps have been effective in your classroom. I plan to implement them into my classroom.
My school also only allows us to take two field trips a year. I don’t like this rule but I understand that with the economic situation and pressure to teach the standards it is a reality. I plan to use more virtual field trips to help expand student knowledge.
Ashley