Thinking out of the box
Today's class focused on all of the different tools that Jonassen considers "Mindtools." I could see the far away looks in everyone's eyes as they waited (politely) for me to wind down so they could get to the really important stuff--building their web pages.
As usual, I am most concerned with the higher order thinking but the class stays focused on the "product." Fortunately, Debbie came today to reinforce that you can surface after the class and decide maybe this isn't just something to do to get the 3 credits.
posted by Pat at 9:27 PM
5 Comments:
I think the need to provide opportunities for higher order thinking has been well emphasized and we were all conscious of this when we started devising our projects. In fact, Barb and I found when we were asked to make our web of what had been covered so far, that there was more emphasis on h.o.t. than on the use of technology. Most likely that was because we didn't have many actual examples of available mindtools at that point. I found myself asking "Ok, so computer applications need to be used to aid the thinking process and not just to turn out the final product - but what exactly do we have available in our classrooms that can be used in this way" Maybe the central chapters in the book should be covered earlier and explained in layman's terms as was done yesterday, so that we are clear in our minds about what we already have that can be used in this way (Inspiration, Excel and Access) and what is freely available on the web, BEFORE we start on our projects. Just a suggestion.
Joan
7:24 AM
Although I do feel a little overwhelmed by everything we are learning, I am really pleased by how far I have come since we began class. I realize I am somewhat focused on the project right now, but I am finding myself approaching the glitches I am encountering in the technology in an entirely new way (in the past, I got up from the computer and had my husband take over--I know--wimpy--I was a little techno-phobic). Now I just want to work it through myself. My confidence in the technical aspects has increased immensely. Conceptually, I know where I'm headed, but I've hit a few road blocks with the higher order thinking! I do see changes in the way I will use technology next year and am looking forward to trying what we are learning with my kids. I know they will embrace it all . . .
8:28 AM
While this class has been a challenge I feel I have grown. I am now making connections between the mindtools and how to use them to foster higher order thinking in my students. I now know and am becoming more comfortable with many tools I really had never explored before. For example; concept maps for reorganizing our information, and databases to compile and catagorize a finished piece of research.
4:19 PM
I think we are all excited to build our web pages because we can see how we are going to use them in our classroom. In addition, I also just learned how to use Dreamweaver. Everytime I use that program I learn a little more...and what can I say I'm a geek for learning.
I am confident that this class is not only about the 3 credits. I have learned so much in this short time period. The short time period may also be why I found a gray hair today- although that's not at all relevant.
10:57 PM
As I continue to construct something in which I have a lot of pride already, I remember how much I love trhe actual interaction aspect of teaching. On the surface, these projects for the most part seem to have less time "teaching" and more time "facilitating". Not so. The "teaching" that will end up occurring as a result of these enriching activities will be of a much higher quality in and of themselves.
1:11 PM
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