This week, we learned about a variety of technology that would support this dual coding and elaboration inside of the brain. For example, the use of concept mapping can help students to focus on the important information in the midst of a massive amount of facts, or can help them determine what they know versus what they don't. According to Novak and Canas, "every concept map responds to a focus question, and a good focus question can lead to a much richer concept map" (2007, p. 11). Using these concept maps with a quality focus question in tandem with a virtual fieldtrip, according to Dr. Orey, is another way to "create episodes." Any time that we can make the experience feel as though the student is immersed in the experience, we tap into the brain with an episodic memory. Making these kinds of connections will help students to be able to understand, retain, and then recall longer.
The use of power point, spread sheets, pamphlets, and other creative uses with Microsoft office also support this type of learning. Helping students take the information, connect to it in a viable and memorable way, will ensure that the learning will store in the brain better. I cannot wait to try some of these new ideas in my classroom as well.
References:
Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009). Bridging learning theory, instruction, and technology. Baltimore: Orey.
Novak, J. D. & Cañas, A. J. (2008). The theory underlying concept maps and how to construct and use them, Technical Report IHMC CmapTools 2006-01 Rev 01-2008.
I cannot wait to try some of these new ideas in my classroom as well. I like the idea of having students use a concept mapping tool after a virtual field trip to map out key concepts that they have learned. I am planning to try this with my classes soon, using Inspiration. I didn't see the significance of these tools until I actually had to use it myself.
ReplyDeleteMary, I completely agree with you. Having to try these tools out, I now have a better idea of how they work, and have great ideas as to how to use them in the classroom. I personally did not find too many virtual field trips that I would take my students on, so I thought that I could use the concept map as a guide to the internet. This would be my own way of making a virtual field trip.
ReplyDeleteKimberley,
ReplyDeleteYou make a great point...hopefully, information gets stored in long-term memory if enough connections are made. This is something that all educators face because of pacing guides. So many, myself included, have felt the pressure of teaching what you need to teach in the given time (not long enough) and then moving on. When this is done, students are not being given enough time to grasp and practice what they are learning and not storing the information in long-term memory. This is something I have been working on more so that students are retaining the information being taught. I also think it is important to provide students with as many visual cues as possible.
It is always important for students to make a connection to what they are learning. This way a student is able to recall the information much easier because of the connection they have made in their long-term memory.
I really enjoyed working on my concept map this week and look forward to speaking with our principal to see if we can get Kidspiration installed on computers at our school for students and teachers to incorporate into lessons.
Amy, I do think that the standardized tests do not match the type of learning that needs to occur inside of the classroom. In order to prepare the students for these "tests" we need to cover a lot of material, yet do we truly teach it with enough depth and with enough connections so that they will do well. It is a shame that we need to cover so much, rather than do a great job with what is important. You are so right. I guess we need to do what we can until all facets of the education process get on the same page.
ReplyDeleteTo All,
ReplyDeleteI actually had the opportunity to use concept mapping with my Algebra I class on Friday for the first time. Most of my class had never used this type of tool, and were very impressed with the possibilities. They could see using it for other classes as well, and loved how they could organize their thoughts and ideas visually, and then could print it out in outline form as well. As far as using it for my math activity, it helped me see what connections my students did have, and which ones that I needed to make more clear. It was fun and a different way to teach the vocabulary and concepts to my students. Hopefully, it will help them remember these connections better.
Kim,
ReplyDeleteI really like your idea of using a concept map to teach vocabulary. Many times students memorize and forget vocabulary, and we know how important it is. Especially in math where there is very content specific vocabulary that students really need to know. I think I am going to use a concept map or some sort of other visual organizer at the beginning of next year to help my students learn essential vocabulary for fourth grade math.