Cognitivism in Practice
In
the book Using Technology with Classroom
Instruction that Works, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Pitler (2012) explain how cues,
questions, and advance organizers enhance student’s ability to retrieve, use, and
organize information about a topic. Cues
are defined as hints, and questions trigger students to access previously
learned information (Hubbell,
Kuhn, Pitler, 2012).
Advance organizers aid students to focus on important points (Hubbell, Kuhn, Pitler, 2012).
In
my classroom on a weekly basis, my students use a graphic organizer called a
flow map to organize their ideas for writing. The flow map includes an opening
sentence, three big ideas, details for each big idea, and a closing sentence. In the video segment Cognitive Learning
Theories, Dr. Orey (Laureate
Education, Inc. 2011) discussed how images are powerful tools
for students to use in the classroom. Concept
mapping is a great example of cognitive
learning theory. In order to integrate
technology into my writing lesson, I plan to implement a computer program
called Kidspiration (Inspiration software Inc. 2010).
Students will still be able to incorporate all the items that are on the
flow map. In addition, Kidspiration students
will also able to add images and create a concept map that is designed specifically
for them (Inspiration software Inc. 2010).
The images and their unique concept map will help create those strong
connections needed for students to be able to commit this new information into their
long term memory and be able to retrieve this information for future use.
Kidspiration
(2010) is also a great cognitive tool for summarizing and note taking.
Kidspiration (2010) has a rapid fire tool specifically designed for quick texting.
Another great cognitive
learning tool is virtual field trip. A virtual
field trip allows you to go outside the four walls without really leaving the
classroom. During a social studies lesson on community, students who knew their
home address we were able to type it into Google Earth (2010). Using satellite technology Google Earth (2010) would
bring up a real picture of the student’s house and front yard. Needless to say, all the students who didn’t know
their address knew it the very next day.
References:
Google. (2010) Google Earth (Version
6) [Computer program]. Available at
http://www.google.com/earth/download/ge/… (Accessed 17 July 2013)
http://www.google.com/earth/download/ge/… (Accessed 17 July 2013)
Source(s):
http://lrweb.beds.ac.uk/help/guide-to-re…
Inspiration
software Inc. (2010). Retrieved from phttp://www.inspiration.com/Kidspiration
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011).
Program five: Cognitive learning theory [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved
from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011).
Program six: Spotlight on technology: Virtual field trips [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and
technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Pitler,
H., Hubbell, E. R., & Kuhn, M. (2012). Using technology with classroom instruction
that works (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: ASCD.
Val,
ReplyDeleteI think that your addition of graphics and technology to the flow map will greatly enhance its effects on your students’ abilities to understand and retain the information, by meeting a variety of learning preferences. As you mentioned these graphics can help students make strong connections. Orey (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011a) has found that if teachers want their students to remember and understand something, they need to help their students make as many connections as possible. I believe that the use of graphics in the Kidspiration computer program will also help to make the assignment more fun and engaging for your students, and in return motivate them try their best.
Virtual field trips are also great cognitive tools to use in the classroom. According to Orey (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011b) virtual field trips provide students with the opportunity to virtually travel where they may never be able to travel to in real life and also help them establish a better understanding of a topic. In your example of using Google Earth to identify each student’s community, the ability to see the entire community from an overhead perspective truly allows for a more in depth understanding of the size of their communities, and the components within them.
References
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011a). Program five: Cognitive learning theory [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011b). Program six: Spotlight on technology: Virtual field trips [Video webcast]. Bridging learning theory, instruction and technology. Retrieved from http://laureate.ecollege.com/ec/crs/default.learn?CourseID=5700267&CPURL=laureate.ecollege.com&Survey=1&47=2594577&ClientNodeID=984650&coursenav=0&bhcp=1
Val,
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that you already use the advance organizer in your classroom on a weekly basis. I wondered what type of media besides text your students use to create their flow maps, but then I read on to your plans with Kidspiration. You will have to let us know how this enhanced your students flow maps, with the ability to use more than just text with this program.
Jessica
Hi Jessica,
ReplyDeleteFor the flow map, I was talking about adding images to their sentences. They would also have the ability to add a link to another website, or any information that would add more information to their story. I also meant much in the same way that we created our concept maps this week for our virtual field trips. For my virtual field trip about sharks, each section contains an image as well as a link to other websites with more information.
Thanks for asking,
Val