The cognitive learning process focuses on processing information. In today’s classroom, teachers are using technology as a cognitive learning tool to help students retain and understand information. Technology is being used to not only retain information but it is also being used to process information as well. When information is processed it goes through the stages of input, short term memory, and long term memory. As discussed in this week’s learning resources information is stored not only as text, but also as images. The advantage of using technology is that it gives students the opportunity to see, practice, and demonstrate what they have learned.
In our textbook there are two strategies that are normally associated with technology; cues, questions, and advance organizers and summarizing and note taking. These strategies can also be used to demonstrate the cognitive learning theories. Cues and questions are used to retrieve information, while teachers provide students with graphic organizers to organize and store information. In the video resource this week Dr. Orey discussed how we do not forget information, we simply loose the connection to information that has been stored in our memory. When this happens to our students we give them cues or ask them leading questions to help them find the connection that is temporarily lost. If our cues and questions are not helping then the can refer to the information in their graphic organizers. The wonderful thing about technology is that there are thousands of graphic organizers available online that can be used depending on the subject matter and content.
Summarizing and note taking are used in the classroom by focusing on how to understand, process, retain, and use information. During lecturing or discussion, we summarize information by highlighting the important material, substitute information by providing examples for our students and analyze how this information can be used. During note taking is it important to summarize information because we want our students to organize the information so it is easier for them to understand. Because each student processes information differently, it is helpful to use advance organizer to allow students to structure their own notes in their own way so they can retain and learn information. Summarizing and note taking, as well as cues, questions, and organizers, can all be effective learning tools when used properly.
Resources:
Pitler H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD
Technology certainly does give students an opportunity to practice and demostrate their knowledge in new and innovative ways. Using cues and guiding questions along with summarizing and note taking as teaching strategies, students begin to follow the path of learning. I think the graphic organizer takes the learning experience to another level in that now students can see the connections, add to them, and decide what is not important. Through the use of the numerous resource tools found on line, students can even use the graphic organizers for aspects of their lives outside of the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI am just now beginning to teach my fourth graders how to take notes. It seems like such an easy task, but they really struggle with organizing the notes into meaning something meaningful so that it is not just a list that must be read a few times. Graphic organizers are very helpful in teaching note taking skills.
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