Virtual field trips impressed me the most of all the cognitive instructional tools. According to Orey's video, virtual field trips incorporate both constructionist and cognitive learning theories. Cognitively, virtual field trips induce what Orey described episodic learning where learning takes place through experience. With virtual field trips, students experience "traveling" to places that they physically can not go. In addition to the virtual field trip, he suggests having the students to create a type of artifact, model or report associated with the experience of the trip. I've used virtual field trips in the past, but I did not think of adding an additional project such as having the kids create artifacts, make a model, complete a concept map, or write a report associated with the experience. This weeks activity demonstrates to me that concept mapping after a virtual field trip provides a way of connecting ideas that I experienced. I found that these tools can be used along with other teaching strategies as extensions to learning. Visual learners can appreciate text place in a format work for them as well.
Furthermore, according to Using Technology with Classroom Instructions that Works, authors recommends teachers use strategies such as Advanced Organizers help ability to recall, use as well as organize information about what they learn. Using and creating spreadsheets, word processing, and brainstorming are deeply rooted in the cognitive process. Using these technologies help me get students responses and organize their responses. With each new lesson, I try to focus my student on the concept by offering them a higher-level" as well.
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I have never been very good at generating spreadsheets in order to extend my lessons. However, even though the skill is something I am trying to develop, there is help in the virtual world. Google Docs has an interesting application that permits surveys to be taken and as people vote they are instantly compiled on a spread sheet or they can easily be placed in one. In keeping with what Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, an dMalenoski reveal on hypothesis, I have my students use online surveys to generate data to integrate into their Sociology paper (p.216). I have the students generate 5 questions pertaining to their research topics, then we have another teacher's classes take the surveys. It provides them with instant feedback on their topics, such as cyber bulling, but it also places their findings in a spreadsheet or makes it very easy to do so. I plan to use that particular strategy more often when the material lends itself to it.
ReplyDeleteResources:Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
Valery -
ReplyDeleteI like the idea you mentioned of creating a mind map from a virtual field trip. I tend to have my kids make mind maps for vocabulary words and chapter reading. I think that your idea could be an interesting twist. It would certainly help them sort out everything they saw, did, and explored on the virtual field trip.
Thanks for the idea. Nicole