2nd Assignment:: Chapter 2

This was an interesting chapter because it integrated two vastly different philosophies together to utilize technology. Learning is categorized into two different strategies. The Objectivist and The Contructivist Learning Theories. I truly believe that we construct our own knowledge through our experiences. I know I figured out ways to understand information on my own and in my own way as I was growing up. I was frustrated by teachers who kept preaching the information and using drill and practice. I obtained the information when I was ready and in my way. However I do believe teachers need to present information to students and to allow them to assimilate the information by making it their own. As we know through Howard Gardner's work of multiple intelligences children learn in vastly different ways. It is the teacher's role to present information in a variety of ways and allow children to acquire the information through their individual learning style.
This chapter helped me to understand the objectivist and contructivist learning theories play an important role in the integration of technology. The Technology Integration Planning (TIP) Model integrates these two philosophies together to create a logical way of using technology in the classroom. The diagram on page 48 figure 2.9 illustrates how the two come together to utilize both models using technology instruction in the classroom. Another element in this chapter I will use is the technology integration planning checklist on page 63. I believe this is a valuable tool and it combines the objectivist and contructivist models well. These tools in this chapter will help me to better plan and implement the use of technology in my classroom.
I have a Promethean Board (smart board) in my classroom. I just acquired internet capability at the first of the year. The capabilities and information I have access to are endless. However I need to take the time to plan and implement lessons which will benefit the students the most. This board allows me to make flipcharts or I can access already made ones on line at Prometheanplanet.com. These flipcharts allow me to introduce a skill, allows students to practice the skill and then assess. This tool is engaging and allows all students to participate. It can be used whole group, or small group and it utilizes many learning styles. I will use the checklist to help implement this tool in my classroom and to benefit all my students.