10/21

We began our discussion of WebQuests today, mainly focusing on what is expected and what the ultimate goal of the project is. While the project does seem to loom overhead, I feel more comfortable beginning the process now than I did at the beginning of the class.

While looking at previously submitted WebQuests I noticed a common theme: students are expected to create something. I need to take time to think about this in the context of my topic, but it is certainly my main goal when developing my WebQuest. I want the students to be able to create something digitally, not just explore digitally. While both are important and relevant skills, I think the entire project will become more engaging and exciting if the students are actively involved in the process of making something.

I also want to try and challenge myself to create a WebQuest that is accessible on mobile devices because many elementary classes are using iPads more frequently.

Theories of Learning - 10/7/15

Today's discussion on learning theories put into perspective all of the different strategies that are currently being pushed in schools. There has recently been a movement to increase student reflection. Students are being asked to reflect on what they learned, what they did well, and what they need to work on more frequently. Often through the use of a rubric. While this strategy might seem superfluous, it makes a lot of sense when you consider a learning theory such as constructivism that suggests that the learning process is a continuous process of experience and reflection. Another example is the Common Core Math standards. Common Core asks students to explain how they arrived at their answers, and not just by showing their work, but by writing a sentence or two to explain the concepts behind the math. It's difficult for me to do because I was never asked, as a student, to learn the why's, only the how's. Math becomes less of a recall process and more about constructing meaning behind concepts. It takes learning to a higher order of thinking. Education is a constant source of debate and discussion and whenever there is a large change in our students' expectations there is always concern and criticism, and rightfully so. It is important to question the credibility of practices. However, today's discussion helped me to think about these new expectations in a new light: theories of learning.