Reflection

 As I reflect upon my personal theory of learning, I am came to realize that in my instructional practices rely more on the differing  instructional strategies I have chosen for an activity than the theory behind learning. In week one, I identified the learning theory that I have subscribes to  intertwines with the Constructivist’s view on student learning. The Constructivist theory on student learning utilizes the student’s prior knowledge to explore new information to create new learning experiences (Kim, 2012). The purpose of learning is not simply to regurgitate facts or information, but rather the purpose of learning is to be able to apply the knowledge appropriately. In addition to drawing on experiences, Constructivist has established that trial and error is essential for the student to experience both the positive and negative outcomes in learning. In my philosophy, implementing the ideas of the spiral curriculum is an opportunity to revisit the skills and ideas to apply the skills towards a new concept (Kim, 2012).

In week, one I stated that my approach to the Foreign Language Standards allows concepts to be mastered and then revisited throughout the course. For example, not only must students exhibit the ability to translate numbers zero through one hundred in Spanish, but students must also illustrate the capability to apply this information in a variety of scenarios. It is essential that students are able to delve deeper into their understanding as they are attempting to transfer their existing knowledge to a new learning experiences.  Although I was able to gain a variety of new ideas regarding various learning theories, I have found that fundamentally my ideals and views towards learning has remained the same.  What has changed for me is a more deliberate intent to select instructional strategies that will gain the highest yield and benefit for my students. 

In reflecting upon the technology tools, the two that I have begun to incorporate more into my instruction has been Voice threads and virtual field trips. The field trips in particular have allowed my students to explore Latin culture in a way that was not feasible in a traditional classroom.  I also have begun to incorporate more graphic organizers that are constructed in a virtual environment to help student’s synthesis and organize information. What I have gained from this class in terms of my understanding and application of technology is how to take tools that were originally conducted paper and pencil and convert them to a virtual environ. This leap has greatly enhanced my students understanding and allowed me to be a better educator

Two goals I have for myself in relation to integrating technology into my instructions  are to ensure the 1) technology is integrated into my lesson planning in a meaningful and intentional manner. In essence when I incorporate a piece of technology it is not for the sake of simply ensuring I have technology is a part of my instruction. More that the technology tool enhance student learning and helps them to develop a deeper understanding of the content. My second goal is 2) implement technology on a consistent basis. Overall I want to ensure that the tools I have gained through this class are not merely applied during the course work but become part of my teaching repertoire. In order to accomplish this, I need hold myself accountable and continue to reflect upon my instructional practices. 

References

Constructivism. (n.d.). Funderstanding: Education, Curriculum, and Learning Resources. Retrieved March 3, 2012, from http://www.funderstanding.com/content/constructivism

Constructivist Theory." Instructional Design. Retrieved September 08, 2012.

<http://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/constructivist.html>.

Kim, B. (2001). Social Constructivism. In M. Orey (Ed.), Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved September 6, 2012 from

http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/