Cognitivism in Practice

Everyone learns differently and uses different types of strategies to help them understand new concepts. In the book, Theoretical Foundations, the authors suggests that, "Learning is a complex activity that can be explained differently depending on one's perspective on how and why people do what they do," (Lever-Duffy & McDonald, 2008, pg. 10). As a special education teacher I find myself integrating cognitive learning theories often into my lessons. My students respond well to lessons that allow them to integrate multiple sensory approaches to their learning.

One technological program that I like to use in the classroom that promotes cognitive thinking is Kidspiration and Inspiration. Both of these programs can be used during instruction as well as a note taking and graphic organizer tool for students. In my fifth grade social studies class I recently had students create a concept web using Kidspiration that dealt with the Civil War. They were able to use words and pictures to describe certain vocabulary words such as tariff, sectionalism, and state's rights. One aspect of these programs that is really helpful is that when you click on a picture or clipart it says the word aloud for the students. This is especially helpful for my special education students who may need this extra guidance when browsing through clipart. This program also has an option where you can narrow the search for clipart to limit the number of choices for students. "The technology, in turn, provides you with editable visual aids and multimedia resources that appeal to a number of learning styles," (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, Malenoski, 2007, pg. 79).

Furthermore, there are many technological programs available for students to take notes during classroom instruction. I particularly like the combination notes that allows students to use key words, pictures, and sentences when describing a topic. "A format that has a strong impact is combination notes, which employ outlining, webbing, and pictographs in addition to words," (pg. 124). I often find myself being a more visual learner and when I look back at my own notes I tend to understand the information more when I provided a visual representation.

I recently attended a Web 2.0 Workshop in my school district. One program that I was introduced to that is a great for note taking is the etherpad. The etherpad is a public pad that allows different people on different computers to all contribute to the same note pad at the same time. Each person writing on the pad is assigned a different color that allows the learners to distinguish the difference between the writers. We used this tool at the workshop and were able to print the notes at the end of the workshop for everyone to keep. The notes can also be stored and saved on the computer. This tool allows students to work collaboratively with one another and allows learners to organize information that is essential for their learning.

Technology and cognitive thinking are linked together in many ways. Lessons can be created that allow students to use a multi-sensory approach to learning.

References:

Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Teaching and learning with technology (3rd ed. pp. 2–35). Boston: Pearson.

Pitler, H., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.