3. What strategies and methods in educational technology have you used to maximize student learning? Please provide examples for your recent teaching experiences.

            As is apparent in the Authoring Cycle, a style of curriculum development that I use, engagement is vital to get students to buy into the concept that you are teaching (Short and Burke, 1991).  One example of using technology to engage learners is using ethics lesson plan in which I incorporate a Web page that appeals to youth (see Appendix I).    In addition, engaging students through virtual learning communities is also another method of increasing student interest (Bers, 2006).  My use of Building Homes of Our Own and Choices software programs allows for students to work on higher order thinking skills through project based learning and also research skills.

In addition, as mentioned in my online learning topic paper (see Appendix J), students like to learn tools, therefore, I have been experimenting with online courses for several years and I have found my students to be quite successful.  For the most part online courses are flexible and convenient, important facets in working with the population of students that I do.  The youth in my program are selected based on the fact that they are from a low income household.  Their schedules are busy with caring for siblings and other younger relatives; some possibly work an afterschool job; while others play sports and do other extracurricular activities.  My program operates in the non-school hours, so students are doing this in addition to their school day, making it important that I create a flexible and convenient program.

            In addition, I have used online learning with alternative school students during the school day, and I have found that they had a good rate of participation (see Appendix K).  As Chou and Liu (2005) point out, some students learn better using e-learning tools because it allows for them to process their comments and have a more interactive role in discussions.  In addition, the study found that students’ performance was consistent over a period of time, whereas students in a non-e-learning environment might have grades drop after several months in class.

            While creating their Success Plans students are using Inspiration, and when they make their portfolio demonstration, they are using PowerPoint.  Another example of students using PowerPoint, is through advocating o the community what they are learning and also what their learning needs are.  Last year, several students compiled data regarding youth using the local CT Works Centers and presented a PowerPoint slide show that they had created with adults to the Youth Council of the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board.  As a result of their efforts, the group was able to supply funding for a pilot project.  These tools are effective for brainstorming, concept mapping and demonstrating understanding of concepts (Juniu, 2006).  By incorporating technology tools into my curriculum I am able to enrich my philosophy of project based learning and self-efficacy of students.

Bers, M. (2006).  The role of technologies to foster positive youth development.  Applied Developmental Science, 10(4), pp. 200-219.

Chou, S. and Lin, C. (2005).  Learning effectiveness in a web-based virtual learning environment: a learner control perspective.  Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 21, pp. 65-76.

Juniu, S. (2006).  Use of technology for constructivist learning in a performance assessment class.  Measurement in Physical Education and Exercise Science, 10(1), pp. 67-79.

Short, Kathy and Burke, Carolyn (1991).  Creating Curriculum: Teachers and Students as a Community of Learners.  Portsmouth, NH:  Heinemann Educational Books, Inc.