To facilitate learning, we as educators have to provide episodic experiences in order for students to learn and be connected to the material. The effective usage of Power Point as suggested in the reference materials this week provides the visual representation that correlates with principles of the cognitive learning theory. This type of multimedia can establish prior knowledge that can allow students to process the information. I could create a Power Point presentation that would be an instructional cognitive tool about Power Point and the various tools and features. My students would then have a frame of reference to connect to that will aid them in the creation of their own Power Point presentation.
Another tool mentioned in the references this week was “brainstorming software.” This is another instructional strategy that correlates with the cognitive learning theory because not only can it be used as a tool for activating prior knowledge but can also be utilized as a way to organize information that has been learned. Graphic organizers will enhance Internet research and webquest projects that I assign. Students will be more connected to the material in addition to being able to identify key ideas and concepts of their research.
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Working with kindergartners and first graders everyday means having a new way of teaching at your fingertips. They love routine but get bored easily. I can always be confident that a lesson will be well received if I take out my laptop and projector and teach using those tools. Then at a later time, when I least expect it, my students will make a connection to a current study with that of a previous lesson we did on the computer. They will recall everything with very specific details as if I just showed thme yesterday.
ReplyDeleteHaving student's make their own PowerPoints is a great way for them to connect to prior knowledge. The experience is memorable for them and they love to use the technology. I have run into the problem that students will spend more time trying to make the PowerPoint aesthetically pleasing instead of working on the actual content. Just something to remember when having students create their own PowerPoint.
ReplyDeleteHi Susan - virtual field trips is another way to create and episodic memory! I am excited to try that this week. I think when I get familiar with it, I will definitely have the students try either a concept map, or a Powerpoint presentation. Perhaps maybe brainstorming what we know, then possible do the Powerpoint about what we learned.
ReplyDeleteJill,
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of following up the virtual field trip with either a concept map or a Powerpoint presentation. It is a great way for students to illustrate what they have learned. I woud like to suggest that if you do choose to do a Powerpoint that you do a concept map first because I think it would be easier for the students to organize their ideas.
Scott,
ReplyDeleteI too have run into the problem of the students adding all of the "bells and whistles" before completing the content in the slides. I do remind the students how the information comes prior to adding other features and circulate the room to make sure these instructions are being followed. I reiterate how the aesthetics are only a portion of the grade and mean nothing if the content is not informative.
I think that your kindergarteners are making the connections to prior computer lessons because they are concrete learners at that age. The technology is something that tangible and real to them.
ReplyDeleteGraphic organizers are a great way to organize information so the students can see the connections related to the given topic. I use graphic organizers in my Reading and English class and the students seem to enjoy using them. They are able to activate their prior knowledge as well as adding new information they learn from the lesson.
ReplyDeleteWe use student made Powerpoints throughout our curriculum. I generally provide my third grades with a skeleton template of the rubric requirements. This is helpful for my ESL and resource students. It also helps guide those that become so creative that they forget the rubric. Our rule is no fancy clothes until the bones are covered.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree about how PowerPoint is a great tool for cognitive learning. My middle schoolers are used to the procedure and I use the presentations to introduce Key Learning and the essentials. At the start of a new unit I sometimes use brainstorming software such as Inspiration where we can rapid fire things that they already know about the subject. All of these things help reinforce those neurological pathways or start a new one that will need additional reinforcement.
ReplyDeleteI wish to emphasised the importance of graphic organizers as a tool for generating ideas through brainstorming. Students usually have a wealth of ideas on many of the topics they are studying in class. Graphic organizer are creative techniques that teachers can use to bring out these ideas and structure the lesson around them.
ReplyDelete@Phil,
ReplyDeleteGreat point! Children have a vast array of knowledge and it just takes a little probing from teachers to get the students to connect prior experiences to new concepts. Graphic organizers and KWL charts are great tools in acheiving these goals.
Susan,
ReplyDeleteThe publishers of my textbook create PowerPoints, online tutorials, and lesson plans for each section. This is very helpful and helps me save time. Check to see if your textbook publisher offers these tools. This will save you a lot of time.
Maya,
ReplyDeleteCould you tell me who are the publishers of your textbooks because I actually do not have any actual textbooks.
Thanks!