Integrating Technology: Mindtools Approach

1. Integrating Technology: Mindtools Approach INTC 5330 Summer 2011

2. Questions What do you believe is the single most important benefit of using computers in the classroom? What is the single most important thing to learn about computers? Why are you taking this course?

3. Introduction Computers have been used in education since the 1970s Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) programs Drill and practice Computer-based Tutorials Present – Response - Feedback Intelligent Tutoring Systems Present expert models Used behaviorist reward/cognitive processing Focus was on learning from computers

4. Introduction Traditional computer approaches work for lower order outcomes Factual recall Memorization Procedural thinking However, costly and time consuming to create, and often poorly designed Can achieve same results without computers

5. Introduction In the 1980s, Computer Literacy became the goal Learning definitions of computer parts Emphasis on learning the tool (computer and software packages) and not on the content Assumption that computers were difficult to learn and utilize Emphasis was learning about computers

6. Introduction Has led to computer labs vs. machines in the classroom Emphasis on tool, not what can be accomplished with the computer Takes computers out of context Teaches computers as the “end” not the “means”

7. Introduction Mindtools Constructivist perspective of computers Harnesses the power of the computer Support: Knowledge construction Exploration Learning by doing Learning by dialogue/conversation Computers as intellectual partners Focus is learning with computers

8. Your Challenge To create useful, inexpensive ways to enhance student achievement, particularly of higher-order outcomes by employing a Mindtools approach To go beyond the “learning from” or “learning about” computers approaches as much as possible To learn by engaging yourself in learning all you can in this course

9. My Challenge To support you in meeting the challenges of learning not only the software but also how to integrate it into your teaching To model the Mindtools approach To help you find ways to create meaningful projects for you to take into your classrooms

10. What You Will Do in this Course Create meaningful educational activities using Mindtools Spreadsheets and databases Concept maps Multimedia presentations Web pages and the Internet Learn some basic skills Learn about new developments in educational technologies Learn from each other as well as from the readings and assignments

11. Defining Mindtools Easy to learn Amplify thinking by: Communicating ideas Managing information Reorganize knowledge Assist reflection Build knowledge vs. Use Information

12. Examples of Mindtools Gathering and Organization tools Web Searches Concept Maps Wikis Spreadsheets Reflective Tools Interactive Whiteboards Blogs Knowledge Construction tools Visuals Multimedia Podcasting

13. Reasons for Mindtools Active – learners interpret and manipulate phenomena Constructive – create mental models of the world Intentional – reflective and metacognitive Authentic – learning tasks are meaningful to the learner Cooperative – learners learn from one another

14. Practical Reasons for Mindtools Lack of software Costs of computing Efficiency of costs vs. use

15. Critical Thinking Critical Thinking – objective judgment Evaluating Analyzing Connecting

16. Creative Thinking Creating new knowledge based on personal understandings Synthesizing Imagining Elaborating

17. Complex Thinking Complex thinking Problem solving Designing Decision making

18. Summary Mindtools seek to harness more of the computers power than traditional approaches Computers are tools for thinking Mindtools are easy to learn yet powerful in application