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Methodology
Using
Technology in the Classroom:
The Road towards a Successful Learning Environment
A report by Michelle Freddolino, Sandy Lawton,
Mery Molenaar, and Karen Rosen, educational web consultants
December 2000
Methodology
In David's (1994) article 'Realizing the Promise of Technology: The Need for Systematic Education Reform', she states that "the primary reason technology has failed to live up to its promise lies in the fact that it has been viewed as an answer to the wrong question". Based on McGaan's (2000) 'Rational Model of Persuasion', we will attempt to change the committee's attitude as set out in the Purpose of this report, by adjusting their beliefs and values.
To achieve this goal, we propose a combined methodology. To change the committee's beliefs, we will use case-based learning to provide clear counter evidence in support of technology in the schools. Altering their values will be best accomplished by anchored instruction. This methodology will be used to introduce a new value: use technology wisely, realizing that computers themselves are not a panacea to an improved learning environment, but that appropriate software, teacher education, and sufficient technical support are the driving forces behind a successfully implemented program. The proposed website will emphasize the importance of educating the committee on appropriate uses of technology within a classroom.
The website will provide an opportunity for visitors to experience successful learning with technology and to make sure they personally understand what it is. Upon entering the website's home page, the visitor is greeted by a photo of a building that resembles a welcoming community center. The doorway of the building is the dominant feature on the screen and features two very handsome but separate doors, presumably leading into the building. The two doors are labeled: "About Learning with Technology" and "Learning with Technology" (henceforth referred to as "About Learning" and "Learning"). Clicking on each door leads to a different path, representing different ways of knowing and learning about the subject at hand.
The "About Learning" Path (based on
principles of Constructivism)
Clicking on About Learning leads to a wealth of information and examples
about learning with technology. This case-based environment is designed
to expose the strengths and weaknesses of technology integration. This
section will also provide (1) examples of how schools have overcome various
concerns (as expressed in the Purpose section of this reprt) and (2) examples
of the concerns/problems the committe will still have to address.
The case-based learning methodology provides the interaction necessary for the committee members to filter their own beliefs and values. The case studies provided will educate and persuade the committee as well as demonstrate this instructional methodology as a successful learning tool. The examples of case-based learning allow the committee members and other interested parties to divert their beliefs as they explore the learning process and change their preconceived notion about this learning process.
The "Learning" Path (based on principles
of Situated Cognition)
Clicking on Learning immerses the visitor in a simulated environment in
which he/she will interact. The general goal is to develop an understanding
of how people learn with technology by experiencing learning with technology.
The visitor will have opportunities to challenge and confirm current beliefs
about technology's role in the schools and transform their own values
and beliefs, thereby changing their attitudes.
Situated Cognition/Anchored Instruction allows us to appeal to the logical, reasonable nature of the committee members as well as their emotional side. By navigating the macrocontext, the committee and other interested parties explore what technology in the classroom is all about. Throughout this macrocontext, anchored instruction will provide the framework needed to effectively persuade the committee members and will also demonstrate the significant benefits to learning provided by the use of this methodology.
Ideally, by using both anchored instruction and case-based learning methodologies, the committee members will realize the benefits of restructuring the educational system and including these instructional methodologies to improve student learning.
Home | Purpose | Methodology | Strategies | Interactions | Conclusion | References
Using Technology in the Classroom
This site was developed by Michelle Freddolino, Sandy
Lawton, Mery Molenaar, and Karen Rosen as part of the online certification
program Designing
and Implementing Web-based Learning Environments
Design by Mery Molenaar ([email protected])
December 2000
URL: http://www.geocities.com/mery_molenaar/go_for_technology.html