A Missing Piece to Cognitivism

Students come with different make-ups and experiences, trying to take on so much material in chunks and pieces. It is like dumping out a puzzle on the floor and having your class put the puzzle together. They will take different approaches in putting the pieces together. Dr. Orey describes the cognitive learning theory as a way to go from sensory memory to long term memory. He believes that the more network models used, will create more connections toward a whole picture (Laureate Ed., 2009). As teachers we are all trying to see that those pieces fit, so the puzzles can be solved. Technology is a tool that brings assistance in creating connections toward student's brains for deeper learning.

"Cognitive style refers to how one thinks", and its' characteristics can influence how they learn best (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008). Our students today are already immersed in this digital world. Using cues, questions, and advances organizers with technology can create the very beginning of those first puzzle pieces. Plugging in Images helps students by enhancing their ability to retrieve, use, and and organize information (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Digital tools create engaging experiences where students can take part in multimedia activities rather than pushing pencil and paper.

When reading further into this weeks assignments I see summarizing and note taking as a continued cognitive approach through technology. After students create some background knowledge through cues and organizers, they can use computers and software programs to hold and share ideas, thoughts, and content. Mr. Hernandez uses an Inspiration program for students to use with a video. He created a template to guide students to information, while allowing them a chance to make additions to their work. In his class they can share with a partner and submit the work for a grade (Pitler, et. al, 2007).

Teachers with the aide of technology can create so many worthwhile learning environments for their students. Students today can watch video clips to create concept maps to fill in organizers. They can share their products with partners to develop problem solving and communication skills. Programs also offer supplemental activities and quizzes for follow up to help with recall and retaining what they saw and worked on in class. I just worked a concept map with my classes today from a BrainPop video on the court system. They typed in notes, shared their work, and submitted the product for evaluation. It created higher level questions afterward about court cases, and they took a quiz from the program to help build on their connections. Technology is a piece to help aid teachers in cognitive learning. Dr Orey discusses how students can get to the piece of information, but it is finding a way to help them get to the piece (Laureate, Ed., 2009). Digital tools help pieces stick together so you can look at the whole puzzle.

Resources:

Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2009) Cognitive learning theories. Baltimore: Author.

Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Teaching and learning with technology (3rd ed. pp. 2–35). Boston: Pearson.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using Technology with Classroom Instruction That Works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.