Reflection

Before I even looked back at my week 1 paper, I knew that most of my paper would be about the social learning theory.  This theory plays such a vital role in a physical education environment.  As we have learned the social learning theory goes hand in hand with cooperative learning.  Student collaboration and student interaction are promoted in the majority of PE lessons.   As we have discovered, all students have different learning styles so incorporating various learning theories and strategies is also important.

This course has taught me what a critical role technology can play as a learning tool.  When I think of technology the first thing that comes to mind is an interactive white board.  This can be a great instructional tool, but if it is only used as another device for teachers to lecture students, then it loses its instructional capabilities. The use of technologies such as the VoiceThread can add meaning to lesson and increase the chances of students being active learners. 

A goal of mine is to find creative ways to introduce various technologies as learning tools in a physical education setting.  The challenge behind this goal is to incorporate these tools, but still make sure the students are getting their necessary physical activity in every class.  The use of pedometers, and heart-rate monitors is a step in the right direction, but having students present course material via a VoiceThread can be extremely beneficial.  My next goal will be to get my colleagues on board with the use of technology. We have discussed the benefits of using technology but we are still not utilizing this enough  as a department. I think getting things started in my classes and making mydepartment aware of the many benefits technology presents as a learning tool is a step in the right direction.

Voice Thread

Link to my voice thread: http://voicethread.com/?#u2128201

Connectivism and Social Learning Theory

We have learned that the social learning theory is built around the premise that students must be actively engaged in conversation to build upon what they are trying to learn (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011).  This goes hand in hand with cooperative learning which focuses on interaction amongst group members to enhance student learning (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007).  Student interaction can help build confidence, and create an environment where critical thinking is the norm.  As most teachers view cooperative learning in a positive light, the strategy behind how we decide to group our students may be just as important as using the strategy itself.  When you consider the criteria to group students for cooperative learning, group size, students’ abilities, and how often groupings are used should all be considered (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007).  Students should be aware that expectations are that all group members participate and that each group works in a positive manner.
In terms of technology, a common practice with cooperative learning is creating a video that captures student performances or student teachings. I have incorporated this into my lessons by taping students who are teaching a particular skill or strategy.   Creating the video  can be a challenging task that requires many student roles and responsibilities (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007).  Students often find great meaning in this type of project which increases student motivation and participation.

References:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program 5: Social learning theories [Motion Picture].     
           Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore, MD: Author.


Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007), Using technology with                
             classroom instructionthat works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Constructivism in Practice

This week we have learned about the “Generating and Testing Hypothesis” and how this instructional strategy aligns with constructivism.  It appears that even though we think of Generating and Testing Hypothesis as a Science based strategy, it can be utilized in all content areas (Pittler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007, p.202).  I agree with this sentiment, as I feel that we should be engaging students in critical thinking processes, and interpretation of class materials or class results in all subject areas.   We must encourage and motivate our students to explain their hypothesis and how they have reached certain conclusions (2007, p.202).  

Two tasks that I utilize to help students generate and test hypothesis are problem solving and decision making.  My students are expected to learn certain skills and strategies, and have an understanding of when and why they should use these skills.  When we gather data in class (fitness scores, win/loss record, successful attempts, etc.) we always explore and discuss these outcomes to determine the strategies that will produce the best results.

Pitler H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Cognitive Learning Theory

This week we explored instructional strategies that correlate with the cognitive learning theory.  In this week’s videos Dr. Orey discusses how we must limit the amount of information our students can process at a time (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). Additionally we must connect new ideas to previously learned ideas to help process the new information (Laureate Education, Inc., 2011). Cues, questions, and advance organizers are instructional strategies that help students focus on the most important information and help trigger students prior knowledge on a particular topic (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007, p 74).

The use of an essential question is a great way to get students to think critically about important lesson or unit information. Revisiting the essential question throughout a unit will help students understand why learning the important concepts are crucial.  Cues and lesson questions should be aligned in a strategic format that helps students build on their prior knowledge.

During closure of most lessons students are asked to summarize the key concepts that were covered during class. This process requires the students to recall the key information that was learned throughout the class (p. 119).  Note taking is not a strategy often utilized in physical education; however important cues and concepts are often discussed during class and viewable on a white board to also give students a visual. 

Technological support is also provided to help students organize key concepts. Additional technologies will hopefully be integrated into future physical education classes to help motivate students to think critically about class concepts and not just view PE as a time to have fun.

References

Laureate Education, Inc. (Producer). (2011). Program four: Behaviorist 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

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD

Behaviorist Learning Theory

The behaviorist learning theory is such an integral part of my teaching strategy.   In physical education we are constantly reinforcing positive behaviors and quality effort.   Many of my students come in with the attitude that they are not good at or skilled enough for certain activities. It can be hard at times to motivate students to try to put effort into improving when they do not see instant gratification in what they are trying to accomplish.  This is why it is imperative to acknowledge any signs of improvement that students are able to achieve. 

A teaching philosophy that I have is getting students to understand the importance of being active and living an active lifestyle.  We want students to find activities that they enjoy and have these activities carry over into their life outside of school staying with them throughout their adult years. Our student’s homework tends not be written assignments, but we do encourage them to participate in a variety of activities when they are away from school that will increase their heart rates. This is why it is important to introduce students to a wide variety of activities during class and make their experience with these activities as positive as we can. 

Technology has played a significant role in increasing our student’s fitness awareness and motivation to become fit.  We use heart rate monitors and pedometers to track our workout intensity.  These devices have encouraged students to increase their intensity levels during class activities.  Many of our students have taken home a heart rate monitor or pedometer to track their activity when they are participating in events away from school.   

Reflection Paper

This course has been an eye opener in terms of the various technologies that are available to us to incorporate into our teaching instruction.  Before this course began, I had participated in blogs, and was familiar with podcasts and wikis.  These web 2.0 tools have now been formally introduced through class participation and it is quite clear how they can be beneficial to enhance student performance. The consensus from the various students I interviewed on the podcast assignment was that technology use in school was exciting and enhanced productivity in the classroom. They also anticipate teachers finding more creative ways to integrate technology into future classes.    

Participating in this course has also expanded my knowledge of the 21^st century skills that our students are expected to develop to experience success in school and beyond.  Skills such as collaboration, communication, and critical thinking are just a few that have been identified as competencies that we should be focusing on in classroom instruction.  

 Our teaching methods to educate our students of 21^st century learning have also changed. The traditional teacher- centered learning classroom should soon be replaced with a student-centered learning environment.  This environment will give teachers an opportunity to assume a role more as a facilitator than the traditional role of standing up in front of class lecturing students.   Students will have the opportunity to use their critical thinking skills and creativity along with teacher guidance to learn and participate in class.

I think to expand my knowledge of teaching to the 21^st century learner and to continue to integrate technology into my lessons I will have to use resources such as the partnership for 21^st century skills website and our district technology liaisons.  Getting to know my students and understanding their strengths and weaknesses has always been a goal of mine.  I feel that including technology into my lessons will help increase student participation and motivation for many of my students.

Moving forward I will look for new ways to integrate technology into the classroom and transform my learning environment to a student-centered learning atmosphere.   I think to truly incorporate this into our curriculum it is imperative to get my physical education colleagues on board with the transformation.  To do this, I must continue to demonstrate or present the many positives to them of setting up our teaching environment in this fashion.  We are starting to incorporate more team or group oriented projects into our classes giving our students an opportunity to use their teams or groups to help enhance their learning.  Class lecture time will need to be reduced and classroom interaction to discuss essential questions or various skills and strategies will need to increase. 

Student Podcast

http://rvstats.podomatic.com/entry/2011-07-28T17_43_41-07_00

Partnership For 21st Century Skills

This website takes aim at providing our students of today with the necessary skills to take on the challenges they will face in the ever changing 21 century workforce. It combines the knowledge of many of the leading business organizations across the country with educational organizations that are looking to provide our students with 21st century skills. The collaboration between all of these organizations will work as a catalyst to all of our future employees to see what it takes to experience success as a worker in the 21st century. This website not only explains to students what is expected of  them to experience future success but it also provides the necessary tools or resources to lead them down the correct path.

It is extremely helpful to have many of the powerful organizations across the country on board to help our future employees of tomorrow. There are numerous states who are already involved with this skill development, however many of the powerful states across the country still have not signed on.  To make this a national goal for all of our students it is imperative to have all states involved in this development.  My state (New York) is still not a part of this coalition so it has not been made a priority to teach the skills recommended for student success on this website.

Even though the push for 21st century skills has not been made a priority in New York State many of the key components are taught in our every day lessons.  This website provides us with the necessary tools or resources to move us in a direction that teaches students the skills employers will be looking for.  The chart that discusses the 3 R's and the 4 C's is a great visual to help teachers get started. There are lessons or materials provided that will help students start to gain the skills discussed throughout the site. As time goes on I am sure this site will be updated with opportunities to discuss different technologies that will help address the skills that students will need to continue to develop.

Blogging in Phys Ed

I have numerous ideas for the use of a blog in my middle school physical education classes. One idea I have is using the blog as an extension of what we are covering in class activities. The blog can showcase classroom activities with pictures and descriptions of students participating in class. It can also be used to increase parents and students awareness of each units learning objectives, what classroom expectations are, and what we will be covering throughout the school year. I will have the opportunity to post my Physical Education students of the month and keep parents informed of all of the positive experiences we have in class. My students can make suggestions for daily warm-ups and explain why they feel that their particular warm-up would be good for our class. I feel that this blog can be used as another resource to increase student interaction and keep them motivated to keep up the good work!

Mike's first blog!

It's official! I am in the blogging world. I will have the opportunity to talk about two exciting things. Physical education and the technological advancements in the educational world. What an exciting time it is to be a student. Stand by as more will be soon to come!