A Technology-Infused Classroom

I had the pleasure of working with kindergarteners, first graders, and fourth graders yesterday. We focused on learning how to use the AverPens, but incorporated a math lesson in the AverPen training lesson. The students first practiced using the pens to write their names. The teachers were learning right along with the students. This was a very funny experience for me to watch. It typically takes at least twice as long for the teachers to learn as the students. (That's because we weren't born into the digital age)

This lesson focus was subtraction. Here is a few photo of the students using the AverPens.

This new math program lends itself to a technology-rich environment, because the entire program is available online as well as printed text.

Module 4 TEC 538

Visual Learning in a Virtual Environment

Students are "plugged in" when they reach our classrooms. It is my desire that not one student has to "unplug" to be in my classroom. I would, rather, want to come into their worlds, collaborate with them, and learn from them. In a constructivist classroom, students should be the center, and the teacher should serve as the facilitator.

As for how the Internet can increase literacy, it lends itself to that, just by the mere fact that the Internet encompasses all forms of media. Visual learners' styles are addressed, just as auditory learners' styles are.

Students are comfortable using the Internet, therefore, we should embrace that and integrate it in the classroom, just as they do in their everyday lives.

Module 2 Assignment

There are many benefits to using the constructivist approach in preparing our 21st century learners. The constructivist approach allows students to participate in collaborative learning environments, create or "construct" their learning paths, assess their learning, and facilitate others' learning. This, in my opinion, is what we desire as educators. For our students to be life-long learners is the goal in a constructivist environment.

It takes a great facilitator to work with students in this type of learning environment. Not just anyone can pull it off. Teachers who are reluctant to "let go of the wheel" find this type of learning environment extremely difficult. Fortunately, that type of teacher is becoming farther and farther removed. School districts are providing better professional development, and I believe that universities are providing better opportunities for pre-service teachers to learn how to develop curriculum that lends itself to this type of learning.

Technology is very easy to integrate in a constructivist approach, because the students can participate in all sorts of collaborative communities, such as blogs, wikis, e-pen pals, video conferences, and many other electronic and social learning environments. Project-based activities, such as creating presentations, web pages, and even commenting on blogs are ways that students can participate in a constructivist environment.