Computers have changed so much in education; they have even changed education itself. Why learn and recite facts on a test when you can always look them up in a few seconds? The last time you actually performed long division was in what decade?
When we decide to use computers as tools for learning in the classroom, we can provide our students with valuable opportunities to construct knowledge for themselves and for others in unique ways. "(T)he computer can be seen as a cognitive tool to learn 'with' as opposed to learn 'from'". (Robertson, Elliot, & Robinson, 2007) Add in the ability to connect this learning to concrete experiences and the requirement of self-reflection about students' learning and the results can be powerful.
Given the right resources, students can use computers to collect data, retreive data from others' work, sort data, and present data. Information on the entire world is available online today on the internet. Any 'artifact' or project they create from this information forces students to think about the information they are choosing to include, assign it significance, and relate it to other facts. Beyond research online, students can use other computer applications to analyze their findings. They can create projects to present what they've found beyond the limits of their memory or communication skills, beyond their capability to spell or calculate, and beyond their talents of drawing, graphing or even organizing. The process of creating can completely engage the learner.
Reference:
Robertson, B., Elliot, L., & Robinson, D. (2007). Cognitive tools. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved October 1, 2009 from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/
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Hi Christine,
ReplyDeleteOver and over I see proof that the process of creating can completely engage the learner. Where I see it most dramatically is with those students that can't be engaged otherwise. So many times I can reach those students that struggle using technology based projects. Seeing that is what made me pursue this particular Masters Degree to begin with. It still amazes me just how much is out there that I never knew about. It seems like every time I turn around there is a new type of technology just waiting for me to discover it and use it in the classroom. Projects that I have done forever come alive even more when I add the technology aspect.
Christine,
ReplyDeleteI never thought about how a computer gives students the ability to work beyond their skill level. The tools it provides allows them to complete work they would have never thought they could. Excellent point.
What are some of your favorite "artifacts" your students have produced in your classroom?
Thanks for your comments. First I'll share that my son in second grade made it a goal to create a powerpoint presentation. Mixing photos with text facts was fun for him...so even younger students are eager to construct artifacts that teach others.
ReplyDeleteIn the general science course that I teach my students have created many projects. The most memorable are ten foot long bulletin board displays on global warming for their high school peers to read, non-fiction books about water resources for second graders in the school next door to read, posters tracing their footprint showing the amount of their actual carbon footprints and their plan to reduce it in some way, powerpoint presentations to run museum style during a district wide staff development day on sustainability. Each student also brings in and demonstrates a neat science trick or effect using common household items (one student per day-- on average) Roughly 1/4 of my students are identified special ed resource students. They take advantage of technology tools like spell check and word formatting to 'polish up' their finished projects.
Christine,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post. I really enjoyed reading your post this week. I think the ability for students to expand there knowledge base and convey information is a great point you made. I think the biggest thing I liked about your post was how you mentioned it can propel students beyond their level of achievement. This is a foreward thought process that I really haven't thought about in detail.
Jeroud
Christine (repost):
ReplyDeletei think your quote is significant. We use many tools in our classroom and our students might think they are learning from these tools but the more important word is learning "with" these tools. Great quote and I think it is something to keep in mind as we chose words carefully and how powerful the thought process can be when we adjust our thinking slightly in a different or more direct direction. Take care.