Learning by Exploring with Technology
Learning by Visualizing with Technology: Recording Realities with Video
(ch. 2)
The Internet is a fantastic tool for fostering children�s learning. Not only does the Internet allow students to find enormous amount of information, but it also allows the students to �engage in active, constructive, intentional, authentic, and cooperative learning.� The students can take more control in their learning, therefore showing ownership in the knowledge that they obtain. In chapter 2, there were several cases in how the students took control of their learning. One case, a class of third graders did a scientific study on Monarch butterflies. They received the eggs and made observations on the butterflies. They used the Internet to email students from another state who were doing the same project for comparisons and they created a web site on all of the fascinating things they learned. This type of assignment allows for open-ended research projects. One site to go to is (http://www.seaworld.org/).
(ch. 3)
There are two ways that students can learn using visual technology. They are broadcast television (learning from) and video taping (learning with). Broadcasting is when the students watch educational television programs. Some examples of the educational shows are Sesame Street, 3-2-1 Contact, and The Magic School Bus. Teachers use these type of shows in their classrooms to help the students make connections to what they are learning in class. This is how students learn with visual technology.
Learning from technology is a lot more complicated, but beneficial to the students. There is great cost for this type of learning. The proper equipment must be purchased. There is a need for video cameras, monitors/televisions, and microphones, etc. Students really get to show ownership of their learning by producing videos. They become the actors, directors, producers, camera operators, and set designers. This type of learning allows children to learn how to work together in a group. �They construct their own understanding for ideas by representing them to others through this familiar medium.� Using videos, students can create a TV news broadcast, write a script and then perform it on tape, make student talk shows, and create documentaries on various topics.
Using video and the Internet are valuable tools for learning. Teachers can really help their students become creative and have ownership of their learning. In turn the students will really begin to understand what the teachers are trying to tell them.
