Week 1 Session 2

Week 1, session 2

Class Participation Activity 1:

 Directed technology Integration Strategies Theoretical Base

1. Behaviorist theory

• Appropriate behaviors = (+) reinforcement: Tend to enforce more of such behaviors. [E.g. stickers, praises, smiles and free play]
• Inappropriate behaviors = (-)reinforcement : [E.g. scolding and punishment]
• Based on operant conditioning
• Based on observations and reinforcements (goals: increase desired behaviors with rewards)

Example: Role memorization, computer games.

2. Information-processing theory

Human mind is like computer, it stores information. There are 3 different storage: Sensory (Info sense through receptors), short term (Info that is lost in few sec) and long term(Info that is processed)

Example: Teaching children how to use the computer. (Explore, constantly expose and reinforce: Repetition, further activities of different levels, children's interest (make it attractive and memorable for them)

3. Systems theory and systematic instruction design

• Instructional task analysis
• Systematic methods of designing training programs
• When the above 2 are combined, it results in system approach to instructional design, or systematic instructional design

Example 1 (Instructional activity): Complete workbook pages from the basal reading series or math program that correlates with the lesson being taught.

Example 2 (Technology activity): Use a power point presentation to introduce meanings to new vocabulary words. Power point could include images, dip arts and other visual aids.

4. Social activism theory

Believes in hands on and experiential learning through social interactions.

Incorporating IT: Interactive whiteboards, Wii games (educational) that promote teamwork and develop motor skills.

Example: Working together on tasks of their interests.

5. Scaffolding theory

• Zone of proximal development
• Learning process: trained to meet the needs of students (instructions given should be at child's level)
• Children learn best through interacting with the surroundings
• Socio- cultural approach to cognitive development

Example: Teacher to provide appropriate assistance (scaffolding) on wearing clothes. Teachers can show videos to help children and slowly remove assistance.

6. Child development theory

• Children's cognitive growth develops through 4 stages as they interact with the environment: (Sensorimotor, pre operational, concrete operational and formal operations)
• Assimilation + Accommodation = Adaptation

Example: Provide activities according to children's level of readiness and stage of development. If child is in the sensorimotor stage, provide activities which allows them to explore with their 5 senses.

7. Discovery learning

Inquiry based & constructivist approach. Not teacher directed. Active learning and allows students to experience and explore first hand. Children will remember things better when they discover things themselves. At the same time, they are able to test out their new knowledge as they learn.

Example: Games (use imagery from internet and allow children  to use the internet for research) 

8. Multiple intelligences and technology
• Multiple intelligence : Linguistic, naturalist, interpersonal, intrapersonal, kinesthetic, logical, visual and musical
• How does MI connect to it: online games, WII, Google, Online E books, E.g. Playing piano using computer
• How can children use it: Provide computers in the classroom, learning math concept using computer

9.  Objectivism constructivism

Objectivism :

• Teacher directed (E.g. Question is put to student)
• Student is told if answer is right
• Knowledge is transmitted (E.g. I tell you step by step, you listen)
• Technology applications (Limited) E.g. MOE 2008

Constructivism:

•  Student centered (E.g. Active learning)
•  Self directed exploration
• Knowledge is constructed (E.g. I give you a head start, you explore and continue yourself
• Technology apps (exploration) E.g. Web based games.

10. Gagne's theory of instruction

Different optimal conditions needed for effective learning to take place.

Example: When children's attention is gained, they can learn more (gain attention using IT: Pictures, videos, online games)

Class Participation Activity 2:

 TIP in relation to journal 

1.Reflect on technological pedagogical content

To develop or reinforce simple arithmetic skills such as addition and subtraction for children entering primary schools. Researchers wants to ensure that children build a strong foundation before proceeding to secondary school. Electronic worksheets with immediate response required was used. 

2.Determine relative advantage

There is an immediate response which is more encouraging. In addition, it works as a reward system. 

3.Decide on objective and assessment

- To test if MCS improves the learning abilities of students

- Experiential design: Controlled and experiment

- To assess both speed and accuracy 

4.Design integration technology

It uses electronic worksheet using excel workbooks

5.Prepare the instructional environment

- It should be quiet and conducive 

- Age appropriate

- Sufficient computers

- Clear and consistent instructions

6.Evaluate and revise integration strategies

Children should be inducted on how to use the computers

Quality of software: Worksheets should be in higher order form such that children are challenged. 

Zone of Proximal Development: To observe and decide if the child is ready for the next level or if assistance is needed. 

Class Participation Activity 4: Evaluating a website

Website evaluated: www.starfall.com 

Discuss how and area it helped in the child’s development.

After visiting the website, I think it focuses on helping children's language development. A small segment of math such as colour and numbers are also included. 

Age group for the site

Ages 2 and a half years to 6 years old.

What kind of software?

Online storybooks, music and flash images were used.

Learning theory it uses?

Social Activism and Multiple Intelligence theory as the website is interactive and allows children to experiment and choose the type of activities they want to be involved in. For example for a 5 year old child, he/she may want to listen to stories instead of learning how to read. Children are given a choice as to which they prefer. 

Evaluate website 

It is an interactive website that allows children to listen to the sounds of the letters and provides visual examples of how the letter, for example 'A' (upper and lowercase) looks like. It also has pictures that matches the letter. [A for apple <<< picture of an apple] However, the website did not include how the letter is being formed. Children who are learning to write may not know how to create the letters. 

They have a variety of areas they touched on but focuses on language development. The online storybooks are an interesting touch as some pictures are animated with sounds. 

It is generally a good website as it is easy to navigate with different activities. It covers from reading of letters to recognition of sight words and reading books.