CEDO 525 Enhancing Learning Materials through Technology Week one

I really liked the quote

"Learning results from what the student does and thinks and only from what the student does and thinks. The teacher can advance learning only by influencing what the student does to learn."

Herbert Simon

A good thing to keep in mind when setting up your class for next year. The articles we read this week discussed using more quantitative analysis when looking at both the use of technology and educational practice overall. The School District of Waukesha has been focusing on best practices which for the most part means Practices that have been analyzed and effectiveness demonstrated. As a science teacher I would strongly agree to this approach.

Week one Article Summary
Enhancing learning week one Terry Johnson

Learning results from what the student does and thinks and only from what the student does and thinks. The teacher can advance learning only by influencing what the student does to learn.

Herbert Simon

learning principles

prior knowledge
Motivation
organization of knowledge
meaningful engagement
goal directed and targeted feedback
Metacognitive

Teaching principles

1. teaching students not content
2. aligning learning objectives, assessments, and instructional activities
3. clear expectations and objectives
4. Prioritize the knowledge and skills we choose to teach
5. effective teaching role
6. improve our course through experience

Meta-analyses and scientifically determining the effectiveness of technology on learning.

Summary

Technologies change and are very different today than 10 years ago or even 5 years ago. In addition teachers experience or expertise in using technology has increased at a rapid rate as well. Therefore the measurements from available studies may not be reflective of the true effectiveness.

In addition some studies indicate that technology can increase the student-centered classroom approach where students work cooperatively, and have a more active role in their learning.


The results of this quantitative synthesis show a modest, positive effect of teaching and learning with technology on student outcomes.
Waxman, H. C., Meng-Fen, L., & Michko, G. M. (2003). A meta-analysis of the effectiveness of

teaching and learning with technology on student outcomes. Retrieved June 27, 2009, from

Learning Point Associates Web site: http://www.ncrel.org/tech/effects2/waxman.pdf


The Text looks to be a very good resource for implementation of technologies in the classroom and I have started to book mark some of the resources listed as possible useful applications.