What are your initial reactions to this theory/model? What are barriers to its use? What benefits might be expected for those who overcome the barriers?
Learning objects are pretty much what they sound like- objects used for learning. I think it is a very common practice for teachers to gather together learning objects from different sources for instruction. (How many times are teachers told to "beg, borrow, or steal" ideas for their classroom?) It was interesting to think about the possibility of having an more organized system of storing these digital learning objects online for easy access and use. I think that's the main barrier to using LO- taking the time to locate appropriate resources. If you do find that perfect object (video, lecture, interactive, podcast, etc.) it can really help students understand a concept and keep you from "reinventing the wheel" when the resource is already out there.
Would you attempt to use this theory/model with the students you are currently teaching or hope to teach in the future? Why or why not? Could elements of the theory/model be modified so that it would work with your current/future students?
I do pull learning objects from a variety of sources for my elementary classroom. Some of them are more structured sites- like TeacherTube, Learn360, and Math Interactive. I'm constantly finding resources from other places as well- sometimes just by googling "science interactives" or "fraction videos." Kids love using any learning object that's not in a textbook or practice book, so it's time well-spent searching!
Since we're taking learning theories/models that were not necessarily created with the Web in mind and turning them into Web modules, what Web-based tools or resources could be leveraged to carry out this learning theory/model online?
The internet really makes the organization of learning objects possible. Many sites (like the ones I've mentioned above) are already putting together some of these resources- but they usually are only focused on one element- like just videos or only podcasts. It seems like this is field where there is a great deal of opporunity for expansion right now.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Reflection on Cognitive Flexibility Theory
What are your initial reactions to this theory/model? What are barriers to its use? What benefits might be expected for those who overcome the barriers?
This theory definitely has some similarities to Case Based Learning. I think the main difference I see is that CFT is more concerned with how students actually process and organize the information in the their memories so they can apply it in a variety of ways. I think this is a great idea, but the whole "ill-structured" thing concerns me a little. It seems like it might be easy for there to be gaps in what students are learning if instruction is not planned very clearly.
Would you attempt to use this theory/model with the students you are currently teaching or hope to teach in the future? Why or why not? Could elements of the theory/model be modified so that it would work with your current/future students?
Like case based learning, I don't see this as an appropriate model for teaching elementary school students on a regular basis because of the less structured nature of this theory. I think elements of this theory could be integrated into other teaching methods for younger students though. It's important to illustrate different examples of how information can be used in the world and have students identify and practice using content and skills in different lights.
Since we're taking learning theories/models that were not necessarily created with the Web in mind and turning them into Web modules, what Web-based tools or resources could be leveraged to carry out this learning theory/model online?
Since this theory hinges on having access to examples and resources available to students, several Web 2.0 tools are appropriate for bringing CFT online. Ning (obviously- since we're using it this week) is a great way for students to access online materials and share with each other. Other social networks such as facebook could work as well.
This theory definitely has some similarities to Case Based Learning. I think the main difference I see is that CFT is more concerned with how students actually process and organize the information in the their memories so they can apply it in a variety of ways. I think this is a great idea, but the whole "ill-structured" thing concerns me a little. It seems like it might be easy for there to be gaps in what students are learning if instruction is not planned very clearly.
Would you attempt to use this theory/model with the students you are currently teaching or hope to teach in the future? Why or why not? Could elements of the theory/model be modified so that it would work with your current/future students?
Like case based learning, I don't see this as an appropriate model for teaching elementary school students on a regular basis because of the less structured nature of this theory. I think elements of this theory could be integrated into other teaching methods for younger students though. It's important to illustrate different examples of how information can be used in the world and have students identify and practice using content and skills in different lights.
Since we're taking learning theories/models that were not necessarily created with the Web in mind and turning them into Web modules, what Web-based tools or resources could be leveraged to carry out this learning theory/model online?
Since this theory hinges on having access to examples and resources available to students, several Web 2.0 tools are appropriate for bringing CFT online. Ning (obviously- since we're using it this week) is a great way for students to access online materials and share with each other. Other social networks such as facebook could work as well.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Reflection on Case Based Learning
What are your initial reactions to this theory/model? What are barriers to its use? What benefits might be expected for those who overcome the barriers?
When I first heard "Case Based Learning," I immediately thought of law school. (Actually I thought of Legally Blonde- the setting of which was law school.) I see Case Based Learning as a valuable learning method for adult learners in many different occupations- lawyers, doctors, teachers, nurses, plumbers, electricians, etc. Basically, the way most people operate on a day to day basis is case-based. You encounter a situation at work or at home (struggling student, leaky faucet, bumpy rash, etc.) and you use your knowledge from previous situations (cases) to decide the best solution.
A barrier I see is that without at least a certain level of pre-requisite information, case based learning just seems like guess and check. I think, however, that cases paired with other teaching methods could provide a valuable way for learners to apply and practice new skills and knowledge.
Would you attempt to use this theory/model with the students you are currently teaching or hope to teach in the future? Why or why not? Could elements of the theory/model be modified so that it would work with your current/future students?
I don't really see me formally using case based learning with my elementary school students. For the most part, I think this method is a little too complex for younger students to benefit from it. It might be too difficult to translate knowledge from one case to an entirely different one without a great deal of teacher support.
That being said, I think it is important to include some elements of this type of learning in elementary instruction. Students do need to understand that other people have solved problems in different ways in the past and consider how how those solutions can help them figure out new scenerios. Students should also reflect back on their own cases (past experiments, problem solving strategies, trials and errors) to make decisions about what methods to use in the present.
Since we're taking learning theories/models that were not necessarily created with the Web in mind and turning them into Web modules, what Web-based tools or resources could be leveraged to carry out this learning theory/model online?
Online databases are an excellent way to store collections of cases for specific occupations and situations, since these databases are accessible to all and searchable by a variety of factors. I have loved looking through the Knowledge Innovation for Technology in Education (KITE) case database. I had no idea something like this existed and plan on continuing to search this resource when planning technology integration for my classroom. Cases could also be shared using video on sites such as YouTube or Google Video.
When I first heard "Case Based Learning," I immediately thought of law school. (Actually I thought of Legally Blonde- the setting of which was law school.) I see Case Based Learning as a valuable learning method for adult learners in many different occupations- lawyers, doctors, teachers, nurses, plumbers, electricians, etc. Basically, the way most people operate on a day to day basis is case-based. You encounter a situation at work or at home (struggling student, leaky faucet, bumpy rash, etc.) and you use your knowledge from previous situations (cases) to decide the best solution.
A barrier I see is that without at least a certain level of pre-requisite information, case based learning just seems like guess and check. I think, however, that cases paired with other teaching methods could provide a valuable way for learners to apply and practice new skills and knowledge.
Would you attempt to use this theory/model with the students you are currently teaching or hope to teach in the future? Why or why not? Could elements of the theory/model be modified so that it would work with your current/future students?
I don't really see me formally using case based learning with my elementary school students. For the most part, I think this method is a little too complex for younger students to benefit from it. It might be too difficult to translate knowledge from one case to an entirely different one without a great deal of teacher support.
That being said, I think it is important to include some elements of this type of learning in elementary instruction. Students do need to understand that other people have solved problems in different ways in the past and consider how how those solutions can help them figure out new scenerios. Students should also reflect back on their own cases (past experiments, problem solving strategies, trials and errors) to make decisions about what methods to use in the present.
Since we're taking learning theories/models that were not necessarily created with the Web in mind and turning them into Web modules, what Web-based tools or resources could be leveraged to carry out this learning theory/model online?
Online databases are an excellent way to store collections of cases for specific occupations and situations, since these databases are accessible to all and searchable by a variety of factors. I have loved looking through the Knowledge Innovation for Technology in Education (KITE) case database. I had no idea something like this existed and plan on continuing to search this resource when planning technology integration for my classroom. Cases could also be shared using video on sites such as YouTube or Google Video.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)