End of Course Reflections Final Thoughts Ideas Generated Selected Contributions Leslie Pirtle Foundations of Instructional Technology INST 509 Bridgewater State University Professor Thanh Nguyen December 6, 2011
Final requirement for INST 509, Foundations of Instructional Technology, Bridgewater State University Fall 2011
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1. End of Course ReflectionsFinal Thoughts Ideas Generated
Selected Contributions Leslie Pirtle Foundations of Instructional
Technology INST 509 Bridgewater State University Professor Thanh
Nguyen December 6, 2011
2. Preface Taken as a whole, this class has been of tremendous
value to me. It has opened my eyes to new ways of viewing things,
validated what Ive already learned and put into practice, and
afforded me many opportunities to fill in the gaps where practical
application or theoretical study was needed. For this final
reflection upon my INST 509 journey, I have chosen to revisit each
weeks learning experience with a brief reflection on the assignment
and the material as well as a acknowledge a fellow learners
contribution. The Selected Contributions, were chosen for their
relevance to my personal situation as a grades 4-8 technology
teacher and are not intended as a judgment on my part of their
overall merits as compared to the class as a whole. 12/6/2011
2
3. Introductory Module Blackboard Netiquette and Academic
Integrity Introduction and Home Page Collaborative Learning
Agreement Checklist12/6/2011 3
4. Blackboard Reflections Given the minimal changes in BB since
the late 90s I would like to see it: Update the look and feel Add
the ability to sort posts by student, date and number of listings
Allow for embedded media in posts Add a built-in html generator
Include emoticons in its toolbar Remove the Go button next to
Select All because it doesnt go anywhere!12/6/2011 4
5. Netiquette Reflections The most helpful take away from this
material for me was the reminder to use a more pointed subject line
rather than simply saying help! or hello I have been making this
effort and striving to use a subject that would be easily
searchable as well Netiquette has not been a problem with my online
University of Phoenix (U of Px) students, but it is a very
important topic for my primary students12/6/2011 5
6. Academic Integrity Reflections Academic Integrity, Student
Tutorial is an excellent resource that I will return to frequently
The You write Is it plagiarism? format is an outstanding way of
helping learners to sort through the thorny issues and gray areas
of what and when to cite (Colorado Community Colleges Online,
n.d.)12/6/2011 6
7. Academic Integrity Selected Contribution This idea is would
be an inspired addition to my research unit for grades 6, 7, and 8!
I really enjoyed reading Marys contributions What I do in my class
is I simply have them go out to a website and construct a couple of
paragraphs about what they have learned. I then put a few up on the
smartboard - items that they believe are their own thoughts and
ideas... I then highlight what I as a teacher am suspicious of and
google their exact words. Often times I am lead to directly the
website were on and to the very sentence that they have
"borrowed"... it really drives the point home to them that I dont
even have to do that much work to check their writing. It sends
them a pretty clear message, when they watch how easy it is for me
to question their credibilty. I tell them as quickly as they were
able to borrow or cut and paste that item into their paper, I can
just as easily catch them doing it! It makes for an interesting day
in the classroom. Lots of arguments, but a good learning
experience.! --Mary Ryan, September 29, 2011 (Ryan, 2011)12/6/2011
7
8. Introduction and Home Page Reflections Our cohort is
comprised of a rich tapestry of learners Yet, our shared
similarities made me feel very much at home. Commonalities for me
included being a: South Shore resident Silver Lake HS alum
Bridgewater alum Classroom teacher Technology teacher Former
college administrator12/6/2011 8
9. Collaborative Learning Agreement Checklist Reflections I
didnt like this system at the beginning but tried to approach it
with an open mind. After long and careful consideration, I
concluded that as a matter of teaching style, I would be unlikely
to use this with my online classes I prefer the tracking of posts
to be automated. I think learners time is better spent working with
the subject matter rather than these housekeeping functions I worry
that this system could actually serve to limit conversationif the
student is only required to interact with four people in a given
week, where is the incentive to read all of the posts? I appreciate
that the underlying rationale is to ensure that no student is
ignored. I just prefer to do this on a case-by-case basis through
my facilitation. (Perhaps this makes me a control freak?)12/6/2011
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10. Module 1: Foundations of Instructional Technology12/6/2011
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11. Assigned Videos Reflections The videos Offered definitions
of instructional technology Portrayed where we are, where we come
from and where we are going in terms of the use of technology in
learning While it is hard to fathom a setting in which the teachers
I work with would find time to sit through a one plus hour long
video, I have exposed them to powerful yet much briefer, Did You
Know? (McLeod, Fisch & Brenman, 2008) The Myers (2009) video
caused me to consider that while we are putting a lot of effort
into understanding the digital natives, perhaps we should help them
appreciate where we are coming from as well For example, I think it
would be enriching to have students create a footnote on an old
manual typewriter or get out of the chair to change the television
channel.12/6/2011 11
12. Learning Theories in Education, Reflections I was pleased
to learn that we will be examining educational theories in greater
depth next semester. Because I was not an education major, all of
what I know has been acquired from reading and attending workshops.
Behaviorism As a dog training competitor, I have attended seminars
by some top animal behaviorists who ascribe to this theory.
Interestingly, much of what they teach can be applied in the human
classroom. I find behaviorism to be straightforward although
limited when compared to subsequently introduced theories.
Cognitivism To me this theory is an enhancement, as it acknowledges
a more active role of the learner, by suggesting that knowledge is
generated both externally and internally Constructivism I believe
this theory to also be a further enhancement, as it sets the
learner in an even more active role in which he or she is actually
building knowledge in a unique way based upon existing knowledge
and personal experiencesframework provided by instructor Zone of
Proximal Development Introduced on the final night of class, theory
helps to explain how we benefit from learning in collaborative
groups.12/6/2011 12
13. Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants, Reflections I first
encountered these terms in graduate school when our professor
determined that ours would be her first digital cohort I feel that
this line will blur as technology becomes a way of life for some
Digital Immigrants. Just as there are differences between those
newly arrived to a country and those well established in the ex-pat
community, we already have some people in the older generations who
have had far more exposure to technology than their younger
counterparts.12/6/2011 13
14. Connectivism I feel this theory is ideal for describing
todays Digital Native learner The best definition of Connectivism,
in my opinion is the original one, cited in Jonassen (p. 186):
Papert, (1990) coined the term to describe the theory that
knowledge is built by the learner, not supplied by the teacher, and
that this happens especially felicitously when the learner is
engaged in the construction of something external or atleast
sharablea sand castle, a machine, a computer program, a
book.(p3)12/6/2011 14
15. Module 1 Selected ContributionThis student, in relating his
own recent secondary schoolexperience, articulates the pervasive
attitude that many ofus, as technology coordinators are faced with
whenconfronting typical digital immigrant teachers: Getting Digital
Immigrants to fully accept online material will obviously not be
easy. I used to have some teachers in high school who did not trust
internet sources. One of them even went as far as to say you can
only use one online source in your paper, and the rest had to be
books. Her only reason for this was that "books are more reliable."
Yes, there is a great deal of junk on the internet, but I think she
took that mindset too far.teachers to all at least feel comfortable
with technology? --Christian Paris, October 6, 2011 (Paris,
2011)12/6/2011 15
16. Module 2: Spreadsheets as a Mindtool12/6/2011 16
17. Module 2-1: Spreadsheets as a Mindtool Assignment Create a
Spreadsheet for Grades or a Poster OR Create a hyperlinked game
using a spreadsheet OR Create a spreadsheet that promotes higher
order thinking with the If then Else statement12/6/2011 17
18. Module 2-1 Reflections This module demonstrated how
spreadsheets can be used to promote higher order thinking by
enabling students to: Graphically represent their learning Quantify
and manipulate their discoveries Apply and extrapolate what they
learn After going through this material, it became evident to me
that I need to a much stronger proficiency with spreadsheets I was
able to apply what I learned the next week at school when a teacher
asked me to make a banner to hang in the hall. It was fun being
able to use Excel creatively.12/6/2011 18
19. Module 2-1 Selected Contribution I was amazed at how many
different possibilities there are for aspreadsheet. In my role, the
count and average functions workedamazingly well. In a job where we
have to constantly be checking forunderstanding and seeing what
else needs to be worked on, creatingthis spreadsheet has allowed me
the opportunity to see what specifictopics individuals need work on
as well as what the class as a wholecould use a little bit more
time with. Shawn Avery, October 9, 2011 (Avery, 2011)12/6/2011
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20. Module 2-2: Spreadsheets as Mindtool Assignment1. How
spreadsheets can be used as : a) Computation, Analysis, and
Reasoning, b) Mathematic comprehension c) Visualization d)
Simulation modeling.2. "Coaching Construction of Spreadsheets
(Jonassen, 2006) a) Example of a 6 Step Lesson Plan with
Spreadsheets3. Develop Lesson Plan a) Use Lesson Plan Generator b)
Create Rubric12/6/2011 20
21. Module 2-2 Selected Contribution Grocery Shopping
Spreadsheet Students create a family food budget Students use
netgrocer.com to deduct purchases Students collaborate to organize
a party with their budgets Students compare each familys list
Cheryl Gleason October 16, 2011 I would use this lesson in my own
lab. I like that is has real world application and incrementally
moves its way up Blooms pyramid12/6/2011 21
22. Module 2-2 Reflections The introduction of Jonassens (2006)
6 steps, the Web Lesson Plan Generator and the required rubric
added structure and consistency to my classroom planning This
template ensures that the teacher will cover all important aspects
of planning a lesson. In my case, it brought to light my
shortcomings in addressing differentiation. It seemed to me that
most of my classmates seemed to gloss over this topic as well. I am
looking forward to addressing this issue in my Spring semester
studies.12/6/2011 22
23. Module 3: Concept Mapping as a Mindtool12/6/2011 23
24. Module 3-1 Assignment Create a Concept Map Using
Kidspiration Grades K-5 OR Create a Concept Map Using Inspiration
Grades 6-Adult12/6/2011 24
25. Module 3-1 Reflections The introduction to Kidspiration was
very useful as this is a resource our school has paid for, so I
plan too find ways in which to incorporate it. After exploring both
Kidspiration and Inspiration, if the purchase decision were to have
been mine, I would have opted for Inspiration instead12/6/2011
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26. Module 3-1 Selected Contribution This concept map using
Inspiration is an excellent depiction of the various uses of the
world wide web. It would be very useful for teaching internet
basics to digital natives or immigrants. 12/6/2011 Christian Paris,
October 22, 2011 (Paris, 2011) 26
27. Module 3-2 Assignment1. "Semantic networking engages
learners in an analysis of content domains that helps them organize
their knowledge for better comprehension and retention." (Jonassen,
2006) Do you agree or disagree with this statement?2. Coaching
Construction of Concept Maps (Jonassen, p. 106-110) a) Example of a
6 Step Lesson Plan with Spreadsheets3. Develop Lesson Plan a) Use
Lesson Plan Generator b) Create Rubric12/6/2011 27
28. Module 3-2 Selected Contribution Halloween Sounds Dan
Chases concept mapping exercise addressed the Mass Science
Framework, Recognize that sound is produced by vibrating objects
and requires a medium through which to travel. Relate the rate of
vibration to the pitch of the sound This project was conceived to
creatively engage students to learn somewhat dry science topic by
having them brainstorm a list of Halloween noises and then evaluate
them for pitch, volume and source. This project would utilize the
multi media capabilities of Kidspiration12/6/2011 28
29. Module 3-2 Reflections I often use concept mapping for my
own thoughts and plans. I do not know why it had never occurred to
me to ask my students to employ it. I can see concept mapping
helping my students to: Make connections between concepts Planning,
organizing and constructing knowledge I really found this
suggestion helpful: scaffolding concept mapping by providing blank
nodes and links resulted in higher scores on a post test Than
providing feedback during concept mapping. (Jonassen, p. 107) A new
requirement at U of Px teachers is that we are to assign a team
project for each week. I can require teams to map their research
strategies using http://mind42.com/ (IRIAN Solutions Software,
2008)12/6/2011 29
30. Module 4: Hypermedia as a Mindtool12/6/2011 30
32. Module 4-1 Reflections I chose to investigate hypermedia
applications that were new to me The number and quality of
hypermedia teaching applications is astounding These tools can be
used not only engage learners but to allow them more choice in the
how, what and when then learn. Later in the week, when I attended a
training meeting at my Towns Emergency Operations Center, I was
able to assist the trainer who had attempted to create a PowerPoint
jeopardy on radiationa very dull topic that we are forced to review
on an annual basis12/6/2011 32
33. Module 4-1 Selected Contribution I was highly impressed
with Slides, Flips, and Turns A Winter Story, on Mr. Averys
Classroom Blog. (Avery, 2010) This Prezi presentation fuses a
traditional low-tech drawing assignment with high tech application,
it recognizes students contributions and allows each student to go
through and review concepts at his or her own pace. Outstanding use
of hypermedia to engage the learner.12/6/2011 33
34. Module 4-2 Assignment1. Discuss advantages and
disadvantages of hypermedia2. Example of a 6 Step Lesson Plan with
Hypermedia3. Develop Lesson Plan a) Use Lesson Plan Generator b)
Create Rubric12/6/2011 34
35. Module 4-2 Reflections Building multimedia and hypermedia
presentations orients teachers and students away from the notions
that knowledge is information and that the teachers role is
transmitter of it. (Jonassen, p. 191) In facilitating adult
education, Ive been trained to be the guide on the side rather than
the sage on the stage, so Im very comfortable wit this concept.
Yet, I hadnt contemplated the implications for the role of
technology in this. While both the text and discussion board
threads have pointed out the notion that students may become
distracted by the decorative aspects of hypermedia projects, I have
discovered that with proper planning, this is easily managed by
chunking the project into progressively more creative
stages.12/6/2011 35
36. Module 4-2 Selected Contribution Class will collaborate to
create a multimedia PowerPoint presentation aimed at presenting
Spanish vocabulary (numbers, colors, words, phrases, food) to 2nd
graders in the school. Lisa Norton, November 13, 2011 (Norton,
2011) This lesson could be easily adapted to my schools 4th or 5th
grade Portuguese class. I like how Lisa has included a concept
mapping exercise using Kidspiration as a lead in to the core
assignment12/6/2011 36
37. Module 5AssignmentNETS for Teachers & Students1. Review
Standards For Global Learning In The Digital Age and then discuss
the four points listed in the Education Must Change section as well
as explain why educators need to transform learning environments
with technology.2. For each standard of NETS-Teachers and
NETS-Students, provide an example and then explain how teachers can
demonstrate their competencies of NETS standards for teachers and
what they should do to help their students meet NETS standards for
students. Also give a description of why you feel/think these
examples/standards are important.12/6/2011 37
38. Module 5 Reflections When I worked for multiple schools, I
mapped every standard to every activity I developed for grades K-8
in each school posted here: http://gnbces-2011.wikispaces.com/
While the teachers I trained are repeating those tech projects this
year, they make no effort to learn new technologies or apply what
theyve learned to different activities! The NETS standards are
ideals that we should be striving for, but classroom teachers must
be willing to embrace them and this will only happen when they are
offered time and compensation to do so12/6/2011 38
39. Module 5 Selected Contribution The contribution below
resonated with me because while, science and technology should go
hand in hand, in my experience, its been the science teachers who
have been the most resistant to using technology. I think I can
present to teachers how to acquire benefits from the internet in
science, where they can find a lot of good resources and which can
help to maximize the content of learning in that subject. Gaby
Velasco-Hurtado November 27, 201112/6/2011 39
40. Last Night of Class Reflections The final night of class
was so beneficial! I gained some great ideas for class activities,
but the most sage advice came from the professor: Speak to their
hearts, when working with teachers resistant to technology. I
thought and thought about how I could apply this advice and came up
with a plan for the next day. I approached our oldest most
curmudgeonly teacher and offered to give his class a presentation
on my overseas teaching experience. I was so surprised to see how
excited he became! Now have a toe in the door.12/6/2011 40
41. Instructional technology requires a melding of studied
theory and thoughtful practice. This quote states it
beautifully:There are two kinds of truth; the truth that lights the
way and the truththat warms the heart. The first of these is
science, and the second is art....Without art science would be as
useless as a pair of high forceps in thehands of a plumber. Without
science art would become a crude mess offolklore and emotional
quackery. (Chandler, 1976) 12/6/2011 41
42. ClosureIn closing, INST 509 helped to identify two specific
gaps in my professionalknowledge and practice: 1) learning how to
work with differentiation and 2) creatingand interpreting
assessments. I realize that these were not the focus of this
surveycourse, and I look forward to tackling them in the upcoming
semesters. Afterfun, stressful, whirlwind 12 weeks, I leave this
class a better organized, better preparedteaching professional.
While many of the applications reviewed were not new to me, Igained
wealth of new ways to use them from the selected readings and
videos as wellas from my classmates. I am excited to apply and
expand upon all that I havelearned! 12/6/2011 42
43. SourcesAvery, S. (2011, October 9). Module 2 -1 -
spreadsheets practice [Online forum comment]. Retrieved from
http://plato.bridgew.edu/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_7642_1Avery,
S. (2010, December 29). Slides, flips, and turns a winter story.
Retrieved from
http://mravery.edublogs.org/2010/12/29/awinterstory/)Chase, D.
(2011, October 29) Module 3-2 Concept maps as mindtool [Online
forum comment]. Retrieved from
http://plato.bridgew.edu/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_7642_1Colorado
Community Colleges Online. (n.d.). Academic integrity student
tutorial. Retrieved from
http://www.ctdlc.org/Members/Hot_Topics/AcademicIntegrity/Students/CaseD.htmlGleason,
C. (2011, October 16). Module 2-2 Spreadsheet as a Mindtool [Online
forum comment]. Retrieved from
http://plato.bridgew.edu/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_7642_1IRIAN
Solutions Software. (2008). Collaborative mind mapping in your
browser. Retrieved from http://mind42.com/Jonassen, D. H. (2006).
Modeling with technology, mindtools for conceptual change. Upper
Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.McLeod, S. (Writer), Fisch, K.
(Writer), & Brenman, J. (2008). Did you know? shift happens
[DVD]. Available from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cL9Wu2kWwSY
12/6/2011 43
44. Meditation PowerPoint template. (2011). [Web Graphic].
Retrieved from http://www.templateswise.com/detail/link-
183.htmlMyers, G. (2009). Instructional Technology - A Glimpse at
History [Video file]. Retrieved from Vimio website:
http://vimeo.com/9991922Norton, L. (2011, November 14). Module 4-2
Hypermedia as mindtools [Online forum comment]. Retrieved from
http://plato.bridgew.edu/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_7642_1Paris,
C. (2011, October 6). Module 1 - foundation of instructional
[Online forum comment]. Retrieved from
http://plato.bridgew.edu/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_7642_1Pirtle,
L. (2011, June). Technology showcase. Retrieved from
http://gnbces-2011.wikispaces.com/Roos,ASCAP, E. & Schreer, S.
(Composers). (n.d.). My tears. [Song]. Retrieved from
http://freeplaymusic.com/search/keyword_search.phpRyan, M. (2011,
September 29). Int (b) netiquette & academic integrity [Online
forum comment]. Retrieved from
http://plato.bridgew.edu/bin/common/course.pl?course_id=_7642_1There_are_two_kinds_of_truth_the_truth.
(n.d.). Columbia World of Quotations. Retrieved December 08, 2011,
from Dictionary.com website:
http://quotes.dictionary.com/There_are_two_kinds_of_truth_the_truth
12/6/2011 44