This week we reviewed cognitive learning theories. The four components of these theories are: 1) students have limited short term/working memory, 2) elaboration is the primary mechanism for storing information into long term memory, 3) dual code hypothesis says people remember images much more than text, and 4) network model of memory says that we need to build numerous connections to stored information (Laureate, 2009). Keeping these components in mind, we reviewed the instructional strategies of "cues, questions, and advance organizers" and "summarizing and note taking" as well as concept maps and virtual field trips (Pitler etal, 2007).
I tend to use many different software applications with my students across the curriculum. However, when reading about the tools available, I was struck by how inefficiently I use the word processing applications and Kidspiration/Inspiration. Currently my third graders use the word processor to type stories but I never utilized the AutoSummarize tool which can help teach students to summarize text or help students by checking to see if they conveyed the main ideas in their own writing (Pitler, 2007). I have only used Kidspiration to create brainstorming webs for story writing. This concept mapping tool can be applied to new concepts across the curriculum. Students can create concept maps to link information, terms, etc. By including instructional images on the webs, the students will better remember the information and develop more connections to recall it later.
Exploring virtual field trips was very interesting. I have used these types of sites but in viewing the resources, I realized that to effectively take a virtual trip, teachers must really research and plan the site(s) to use. Many of the websites I visited were either no longer available or a little boring. On some, the text was hard to read or the students could easily hyper link themselves away from the focus of the trip. The most interesting sites incorporated video clips and an interactive section. YouTube has many great video clips to support instruction but again the teacher must check those out in advance. This year I used several video clips to demonstrate how canal locks work prior to a field trip to a woodworking museum where students built their own canal boats and then sailed them through a lock system made out of gutters. This was only a part of our study of waterway communitiesbut it was the most memorable part of the unit because of the many images and the hands on experience with locks.
Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
Laureate, Education, Inc. (Producer). (2009). Cognitive Learning Theories. [DVD]. Baltimore, MD.
Christina, I too was impressed with the word processing features like AutoSummarize that I did not even know existed! I will have to explore that with my 4th graders next school year. I am curious to see just how well it summarizes...the book didn't mention that it was difficult to do. Our text did mention that at first, students do have difficulty with concept maps because they are not use to making creative associations to ideas. I have never used a digital concept map, only paper-pencil ones, but look forward to using it because of its special features (i.e. pics, links, video-clips).
ReplyDeleteYes, I think some authors confuse informative sites with virtual field trips (VFT). I too found that so called VFT were nothing more than text and a picture or two. Especially for difficult concepts, VFT should be interactive, inviting, and as close to real as possible. That is great that you use YouTube for instruction. Have you ever tried United Streaming or PrainPop? These sites offer fantastic video clips and pictures and for United Streaming you can search content by grade level. It's a great tool for me that expands learning.
I had some similar experiences with the virtual field trips that you had. There were many sites for history, science, physical education, but I had a very challenging time finding anything for math. The ones I did find for math was just like a book online. There was not much going on in the site other than lecturing students and having them read through the material. It was very frustrating for me, because I found this to be an excellent tool for students. I think they would be very engaged and would create an experience to help them remember the information they had received.
ReplyDeleteChristina,
ReplyDeleteI like all the great ideas for the virtual field trips. I agree that there are many sites that say they cover the topic but are not always appropriate or even working. As a middle school math teacher I find it hard to find virtual field trips to meet the curriculum. I site that I do use a lot is brain pop and YouTube. Like all sites though we have to filter through to find the quality materials.
With auto summarize I almost wish I taught English. It looks like it would be a very useful tool. I think I might start trying it on my own papers.
Jonas
Christina,
ReplyDeleteI, too, realized this week that I was not taking full advantage of word processing features, such as Auto Summarize. I think this could be a great tool for students as they practice writing concisely and staying on topic.
I have recently started using concept maps with my 4th graders. Depending on the theme, most students were able to scale down the theme into the main points and sub-points and complete a well-organized concept web. However, some students had difficulty sorting the information and would end up with way too many nodes or sub-nodes. To help these students, I either placed a maximum number on them (i.e., no more than 4 main nodes and 10 sub nodes) or worked with them to select the main points to be included on the web. In addition, some students benefited from completing a partially filled out concept web, which gave them an encouraging start and increased their focus on the task.
Virtual field trips have been a wonderful asset to my classroom. I have never really taken advantage of many of the websites, such as the links that are posted in our technology resources. I have, however, used iTunes. As crazy as it seems, but Apple has some pretty fantastic educational tools. iTunes has something called iTunes U and has some really great tours and videos of famous places and events from all through the world and history. If you have an iTunes acount, I suggest you look into it. My students always love going on those virtual video tours.
ReplyDeleteMatthew,
ReplyDeleteI have explored iTunes for iTouch classroom applications but not for virtual field trips. Thanks for the tip!