In this post I would like to write a reflection on George Siemens' article about "Connectivism: A Learning Theory for the Digital Age" and write about other learning theories Constructivism, Cognitivism and Behaviorism which stand behind using technologies in Teaching and learning from my own practice.
In my early years of teaching around 2010, technology was not developed that well and was not used widely in Education. Only sending emails was popular at that time but was not the main way of communication at schools and universities. We used to have journals of Attendance, marking on the notebooks and writing on the whiteboards. These were all tiring for the teacher, because you need to have enough time to check and mark everyone’s homework and you need to make sure that everyone can see the notes on whiteboard well.
But nowadays, as technology has
rapidly developed and has become essential part of our everyday life, we know
what knowledge can be found where and when. I agree with Siemens when he says in his
article about Connectivism: “Knowledge that resides in a database needs to be
connected with the right people in the right context in order to be classified
as learning.”
If I look at my typical day at
work now, I can spend my whole day teaching without using a pen, paper and
whiteboards at all. I start my day with taking attendance on computer on Alma,
I search for good ideas for my Phonics and Math sessions on Pinterest, I use
Interactive whiteboard to let my students watch and do morning exercise from
YouTube, I use class Ipad to take photos for Learning journal in Tapestry and
for the posts in Class Dojo. I clearly know how and from where to get
information and through which sources to stay connected during my workday.
“The constructivist theory is based around the idea that learners are active participants in their learning journey; knowledge is constructed based on experiences. As events occur, each person reflects on their experience and incorporates the new ideas with their prior knowledge” (Kurt, 2021).
As an Early Years Educator I
believe that learning is an active process and the children in my class
construct their knowledge on what they already have in their minds. They construct
their knowledge through interactive and engaging activities.
One of the interesting
activities we do in the class is playing Online Phonics and Math games on
Topmarks.co.uk and Busythings.co.uk. After an introduction of the new letter
sound, students in my class enjoy playing “Balloon Phonics” and “Phonics Bloom”
games by taking turns. In these games students should identify initial, middle
or last sound of the word and blend them together.
To practice our students’ Counting and number recognition skills we play “Teddy Bears” and “Underwater Counting” games. Students enjoy finding numbers and counting using their number knowledge.
These kinds of
Interactive games help my students construct their Phonics and Math knowledge.
“Knowing in what ways technology can impact cognitive development in early childhood education will give early childhood educators a better understanding of how to incorporate different types of technology into early childhood education and what outcomes early childhood educators should expect to see”, (Danovitch, J. H., 2019).
We use Ipads
in the class for various activities to improve our students cognitive
development. They play different maths and phonics games together with their
friends. We use only one Ipad per class, so the students learn how to take
turns in playing their favourite games. we have observed good progress in our students literacy and Maths skills after applying
Another way of
improving students’ cognitive development through technology in the class is
STEM (Science Technology Education and Mathematics). If school has the right
resources for STEM activities, then it is another useful and effective way of
teaching in early years. For example, providing students with Robotics kit will
take learning to a new and exciting step. However, not all the schools can
provide these kits.
Whenever a
student is getting a point, it adds on what they already have and shows the
total number. It encourages competition between peers.
Word Count: 816
References
Janssen, K. (2021). Ways
Technology Impact Cognitive Development in Early Childhood Environment. Graduate
Teacher Education. Available from https://digitalcommons.csp.edu/teacher-education_masters/52/
[Accessed 5 April 2022].
Kurt, S. (2021).
Constructivist Learning Theory. Educational Technology. Available from https://educationaltechnology.net/constructivist-learning-theory/#:~:text=The%20constructivist%20theory%20is%20based.
Very insightful post.
ReplyDeleteI was wondering about this particular point: "Another way we encourage and motivate learning is when they complete a particular task on the game, it says "Great job!", "Brilliant!" or "Excellent!"."
With the use of positive reinforcement, desired behaviour can be achieved. However, when students have "points of improvement", this strategy may fall slightly short, since commenting on a student's unwanted behaviour with positive reinforcement may lead to the student continuing behaviour that is unwanted.
I would ask, what do you think can be done, especially on Online platforms where other students can view your comments/feedback - how to provide feedback on behaviour you want changed, not reinforced?
As I work with young learners, I say or send a voice message, depends on which app I am giving feedback, I can say "Good try but next time you can do it better". But I always try to point out any small positive element first then let them know how I want it changed.
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DeleteHi Dilfuza, can you provide the link to the sources you have used in your blog for readers' convenience? It is great when you do not have to Google those sources on your own.
ReplyDeleteIf you need my help with citations in your post, I am always open.
DeleteThank you, Kamola. After your presentation of "My Bib", now it is much easier for me to provide sources to my citations.
DeleteSuch a variety of useful tools!) I would have definitely liked to be your student))) If you needed to tell in per cents, what is the percentage of teaching and learning with technology and without it during your lesson?
ReplyDeleteIt depends on the session but usually it is 50/50.
DeleteWow, very engaging activities. it is impressive that online learning with kids may be so much fun !
ReplyDeleteEarly Years aim is "learning through play".
ReplyDelete