I was very interested when I saw the title of the chapter was "Modeling with Technologies" because I just finished making a model for our science class and so I was wondering what this was talking about. It talked about modeling in a way that I don't normally use the word - students are modeling the knowledge that they know. I quite frequently hear that we need to model learning strategies, comprehension strategies, etc... for our students, but students modeling their knowledge is a new idea to me.
Once again, the question is brought up about whether technology is "teaching" the students or whether it is a tool to help them learn. I think we have all established that technology should be a tool to help students learn, rather than "teach" them. The book put it in an interesting way - why have students do what computers do best and computers do what students/teachers do best?! I think that gets the point across very well.
I think it is very important for students to model their knowledge, but I'm not sure how I would use some of the ideas suggested in Elementary school. I do like the use of modeling knowledge with concept maps. We have done a lot with concept maps in the past week and I have seen how great they can be and what a helpful tool they can be in the classroom. I would use this in an elementary classroom to see what they know about a given subject. I think that the idea of having students construct a concept map throughout the semester/year on what they are learning throughout the whole year is a great idea. It will help them remember what they have learned (the main, important points), and help them see how it all connects.
I am a little confused as to what exactly systems dynamics tools such as Stella, VenSim, and Power Sim are. I tried to download some of the sample models from Stella, but for some reason couldn't read them/open them. One website that I came across that did answer some questions and clear it up a little for me on what system dynamics is, is http://www.systemdynamics.org/what_is_system_dynamics.html From what I could get from it, it seems like it could be a useful technology, I'm just not sure about using it in the elementary classroom. I guess maybe if I had a clearer understanding if what these are, I might be saying something different! System dynamics programs just seem like more than I would want to or need to use in an elementary classroom.
Spreadsheets can be used in multiple different ways. I mostly think of using them in science and math for graphing, computing, etc... I think this is a great model of learning for students to use. I would probably use this in like 4th or 5th grade math and science to analyze data and graph it, etc...
Expert systems is another way of modeling thinking that I don't think I would use in the classroom. I don't really think that it would be an effective way for elementary students to model their knowledge. I am still unclear on exactly what expert systems is - it seems like a computer programmed to do human work. I think there are better, more grade appropriate activities/technologies that can be used for elementary grades. I could not find any websites on using expert systems in the elementary classroom.
Databases are very useful in the classroom. We use databases without even realizing it some of the time, or without thinking about it. For example, I use the library database quite often, and I know that I am using the database, but I never think about what it is and how convenient it is to have information organized like that for me to use! It is a very valuable resource that students should utilize. I'm not exactly sure how students could use databases to model their knowledge - I see it more as a resource to use in the classroom.
Overall, modeling with technology is a great way for students to express what they have learned. I will definitely be utilizing some of these ideas in my future classroom.
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I agree, after reading the chapter I was still a little unclear of how I can use expert systems or systems dynamics tools in my elementary classroom. I checked out the link you added about the systems dynamics and found it to clear a little more of my confusion. After talking about all these uses for modeling, I have to say the concept map is by far the most beneficial tool that we can use as future teachers. Not only can they be applied to almost every subject but they can be used for assessment as well. I think modeling knowledge through the use of concept maps is important because it also helps organize the concepts that are floating around in the student's minds.
ReplyDeleteSarah,
ReplyDeleteYour reflection was very intersting and I enjoyed reading your thoughts on the chapter. I agree with what you said about modeling being an effective tool for elementary schools. And I also agree that many of the tools presented in this chapter would be hard to use for elementary students.
I liked the link you posted as well. It helped a little, though I am still somewhat unclear as to what exactly they help with. I also agree with your statement on databases. We do use them all of the time, whether simple or complex, and sometimes without even thinking about it.
ReplyDeleteYour reflection was interesting to read. I would have to agree with you that letting students expree what they have learned is an awesome thought. When students can do this with technology it makes it even better. Although this chapter was informative, I don't think I will use some of the models mentioned as well.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to see that I'm not the only one who wonders how much of this chaper will apply in a classroom with the students. Most of these tools are great for adults, tho.
ReplyDeleteIt's exciting to be presenting tomorrow.