Technology Opens the World to Everyone....

Our kids nowadays are dealing with technology on a daily basis (e.g., cell phones, laptops, Internet, iPod, handheld games, etc). They will thrive in their education and be prepare for their future careers by incorporating technology in the classrooms.

There are two very interesting learning theories in which technology could be emphasized in teaching and learning.  In the Cognitive-behavioral theory, learning is shaped by a sequence of instructional events appropriate for the type of learning (Roblyer, p. 36).  Computers could provide consistent sequences of activities and students would work at their own pace.

One of the Constructivist methods uses the approach to make learning more visual, experiential, and allows more flexibility in how they learn (Roblyer, p.41).  When teachers use computers in the classroom, students can have more hand-on and visual activities, which helps them see how concepts apply to real-world problems and issues (Roblyer, p. 42).

You can find more information on these two learning theories at http://tiger.towson.edu/~gstiff1/theory.htm.

For my Spanish class I would like to get a digital projector, a computer with Microsoft Office and Microsoft Internet Explorer.
There are several reasons why using technology in my Spanish class would be very useful and beneficial.  They could practice their vocabulary with online drills to demonstrate and improve their skills (Direct Learning Theory).

They could work on a collaborative project in small groups and reseach a Latin country.  They could take a virtual tour to their chosen country via Google Earth and explore it.  Additionally, they could share with the whole class their final project using the digital projector. When learning another language students need to have different opportunities to learn about the language and culture (Constructivist Learning Theory).

 Nowadays, using visual and interactive demonstrations, having access to vast information via the Internet, engaging and motivating students are essential to learn a foreign language.

By incorporating technology in my curriculum, students would be more motivated and engaged to learn a foreign language.  They would see relevance to real-world situations in other Spanish countries, connect with other audiences, work on collaborative activities, obtain access to unique information, sources and populations, and learn in a self-paced manner (Roblyer, p. 15).

Please feel free to post your questions, comments, or ideas about this topic.

References
Roblyer, M.D., & Doering, A.H. (2010). Integrating educational technology into teaching. (5th ed.). Boston: Allen and Bacon/Pearson

Stiffler, G. (2005) Overview of Directed and Constructivist Models of Learning Theories.
Retrieved February 4, 2010 from http://tiger.towson.edu/~gstiff1/theory.htm

DISCLAIMER:  This blog is an assignment for an education technology course at National University.  It is not a real fundraising blog.