Pech Kutcha Presentation November 21, 2019
Introduction:
Designing Web-Based Learning is defined as a course to assist in the “development and delivery of online learning activities.” I am currently a Literacy Support Teacher working to improve the reading comprehension skills of junior high students by providing instructional support in a small-group setting. Therefore, e-learning does not have a prominent place in my reading lessons. However, the journey of EDUC5105 clearly offered me the possibility to explore new learning opportunities to improve my own teaching practices. Unit 1 offered me the chance to take a reflective road trip to reexamine learning theories and learning styles that shape my personal teaching practices. My approach to literacy support arrives from an outlook, like many teachers, that combines ideas from multiple learning theories. I have highlighted a piece from each learning theory that directly connects to my position and the work I engage in with the students:
Designing Web-Based Learning is defined as a course to assist in the “development and delivery of online learning activities.” I am currently a Literacy Support Teacher working to improve the reading comprehension skills of junior high students by providing instructional support in a small-group setting. Therefore, e-learning does not have a prominent place in my reading lessons. However, the journey of EDUC5105 clearly offered me the possibility to explore new learning opportunities to improve my own teaching practices. Unit 1 offered me the chance to take a reflective road trip to reexamine learning theories and learning styles that shape my personal teaching practices. My approach to literacy support arrives from an outlook, like many teachers, that combines ideas from multiple learning theories. I have highlighted a piece from each learning theory that directly connects to my position and the work I engage in with the students:
- Social Constructivism has an “emphasis on the collaborative nature of learning and the importance of cultural and social context.” I place an emphasis on culturally relevant pedagogy and practices when selecting fiction and non-fiction texts to read with my students.
- Like a tangled web of wires, Connectivism offers the “ability to see connections between fields, ideas, and concepts is a core skill.” I am attempting to provide students with reading skills and critical thinking skills that transfer across all subject areas.
- Constructivism shows that “learning is perceived as an active, not a passive process, where knowledge is constructed, not acquired” much like the rising sun is active. I focus on challenging students with their reading as engaging in active reading is a challenging process that can produce great results. My students need to continually construct knowledge related to reading to build 21st century critical thinking skills.
Reflection:
Designing Web-Based Learning is a course that showed me the importance of meaningful, memorable and motivational context. This three word phrase will stick with me as it perfectly sums up what a learning experience must capture, whether it’s an online course, or in the traditional classroom setting. Learning experiences that lack meaningful, memorable and motivational context will fall flat with learners and students deserve the chance to be actively engaged in their learning to successfully achieve their learning goals through a variety of tools.
Designing Web-Based Learning is a course that showed me the importance of meaningful, memorable and motivational context. This three word phrase will stick with me as it perfectly sums up what a learning experience must capture, whether it’s an online course, or in the traditional classroom setting. Learning experiences that lack meaningful, memorable and motivational context will fall flat with learners and students deserve the chance to be actively engaged in their learning to successfully achieve their learning goals through a variety of tools.