Technology survey

Friday, March 19, 2010

Cognitism and technology

There are several ways that technology can be used to emphasize the cognitive theory of development. The cognitivist persepective states that learning is a mental operation that takes place when information enters the senses and then undergoes mental manipulation and then stored and eventually used(Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J.,2008). There are many ways in the learning resources that showed how this can occur. One way is with Word processing programs. This includes graphic organizers to help organize information in which a student can organize their reading or notes. They can use KWL charts to help establish what they know, what they want to know and what they learn. Using mutlimedia can help to activiate prior knowledge. Students can then use this information to help them to understand the new information they receive.

One area that my students struggle with is summarizing information they have learned. They give me a look that says, "How do you do that". A graphic organizer would help them to do this but computers are not always available to do this. I feel this would be a very beneficial way for my students to be able to summarize the information they are given. I am fortunate that I have a least three computers in my room but ideally I would love to have a computer for each student.

I would really love to be able to use wikis and blogs with my students. Unfortunately most of them are blocked by our school or my students do not have internet access at home. I will continue to do what I can with the technology that is available to me and hope that one day I can have laptops for all my students.


•Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Theoretical Foundations (Laureate Education, Inc., custom ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
•Chapter 1: Theoretical Foundations, pp. 2–35

4 comments:

  1. Hi Laura!
    My students also struggle with summarizing. Recently, I provided them with a graphic organizer which involved writing the main idea and two details from a paragraph. This really helped them organize their thoughts.

    I also would love for all of my students to have a computer in the classroom. My school does have access to a class set of mobile labtops that we can check out when needed. We are very fortunate. We also have two computer labs that we visit once a week. Do you have a computer lab at your school? Do you have a technology specialist or are you responsibile for developing all of the lessons that include technology? I would love to hear your thoughts. Have a great weekend!
    Angie

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  2. Hi Laura
    My 3rd graders also have a difficult time summarizing. For the next book we read I plan on implementing a graphic organizer.

    Along with you, sites at my school are blocked which is very frustrating when trying to implement fun interactive tools to the content areas. Many of my students do not have computer access at home so once again a dead end with implementing technological tools.

    Good Blogging with you! Enjoy the weekend

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  3. Angie,

    I usually incorporate the technology in our lessons although we do have a technology specialist if I need her and she has been very helpful with websites I could use.

    We have 4 labs available unfortunately when you have a student body of over 1500 students they tend to get signed up for rather quickly.

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  4. Hi Laura! I completely agree. The labs at my school fill up rather quickly as well.I hope that the schools continue to have access to more classroom computers.

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