Reflection for Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology

“Instructional Theory vs. Learning Theory” by Dr. Orey describes how learning theories can inform technology integration in the classroom. The Learning Theory examines what goes on in the learners mind during the learning process. Instructional Theory is when strategies for changing the learning environment to facilitate learning. When I think of these two theories I find myself using both. One feeds into the other.
What I have learned is that the theory of Multiple Intelligences would best describe my personal theory on how students learn. With teacher-centered activities I understand that learning is personal to each child. The use of many ways to teach the same information is a great way to ensure that my first grade has a good understanding of the curriculum. When we create a lesson to meet the needs of our students we need to understand that each student has a different learning style. The environment in which we teach information can also vary. (Orey, 2001)
With this in mind when I teach I try to use not just pencil and paper. I have an ELMO to show students many things for modeling. I also have access to the computer lab one to two times per week for instruction. Another good resource that I use is SafariMontage. Our county has many instructional and promethean interactive movie clips for many different subject areas. I do not have a board in my class yet. I have been told that it is coming. Additionally I have been told that I will have laptop to accompany that. I will keep my fingers crossed and continue to save lessons on my computer for use with the new board.
One long-term goal that I have is to get my students into the computer lab two times per week to work one day for math and another for reading. Currently we are there once or twice a month and it does not seem to correlate with our curriculum. Along with the computer practice I would like to have my first grade class work on a class blog together about what they are learning each week. I want to feature a few students each week.
Another thing to remember from Dr. Wolfe is that we are not teaching for the test or for school. We are teaching for life.

Laureate Education, Inc. (2009) Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology. Instructional Theory vs. Learning Theory.
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2001). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://projects.coe.uga.edu/epltt/ Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles.