Persoanl Learning Theory Reflections

After re-read and reflecting on my “Personal Theory of Learning” I must say that I feel that I did a pretty good job. My theory revolved around the idea that students learn best when they are placed in an environment that is stimulating and immerses them in the curriculum. I also stated that I felt my style of instruction was must closely linked with social constructivism, which I still feel to be true. I believe that my students have the best chance to learn when they are socially constructing artifacts that show their learning. Overall, I believe that my Personal Learning theory was and is very close to what I believe, but there are areas that I would change.

An immediate adjustment that I would make to my Personal Learning Theory would be to incorporate more technology and different learning styles. Throughout this class I have been introduced to many new forms of instructional strategies and technologies that I believe would truly help my students learn. I would like to start by using more types of technology in different ways. During this class I set up an online blog for both of my classes and I now use these sites for many forms of instruction and learning. I would also say that I would like to include the social learning theory in my class on a more regular basis. I believe that my students would benefit form differentiated instruction out side of constructivism. I also would like to start using more organizing and brainstorming forms of technology like Microsoft Visio to promote student learning in my classroom. My instructional skills have vastly improved because I know have a greater understanding of multiple style of instruction and different forms of technology that work with them. I know try to constantly change my instructional strategies to best serve my students and their diverse needs.

I would like to make two long term changes within my classroom involving technology and my instructional practice. First, I would like to incorporate more technology within my classroom that promotes social networking. Starting next year I would like to have each of my students start their own blog. This would be easy to implement using Google blogs and it would help the students to communicate socially using technology. I could assign discussion topics and have my students post and comment on each others blogs in a similar style to what they will see in college and the work place. Secondly, I would like to work towards having my students use more web based projects. I could accomplish this by removing some of my lectures and replacing them with web-quests and other online tutorials. This would give my students the opportunity to take responsibility for their own learning and accomplish their goals. I would like to remove myself, as often as possible, from the role of instructor and place that responsibility on the students.

After reviewing and reflecting on my Personal Theory of Learning I feel confident in moving forward in the future. This class has given me the tools necessary for success when working with technology and my students.