The Coginitive learning theory works best in a constructivst classroom, which is the focus of this weeks homework. I believe that this type of learning will prepare the students for the 21st Century. The following are examples of learned skills that are necessary in the 21st century: Information seeking, Information presentation, Knowledge organization, Knowledge integration, and Knowledge generation (liyoshi et al, 2005). Each one of these techniques focus on higher level thinking or problem solving, by utilizing technology. In chapter four from Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works, knowledge is referred to as cues, another name is schema. This is a great way to engage your learner. I have used a KWL chart and do not have a lot success with the "W," What would you like to learn. I usually use "K," for the students prior knowledge and "L," for learned information. Does anyone have any suggestion on how to successfully teach the students to write questions for the what section on the chart. In a constructivist classroom, students are expected to use thinking tools to help them create or solve. A few examples from Chapter four Cues, Questions, and Advance Organizers are creating a spreadsheet to organize ideas, numbers etc., an advance organizer that focuses on answering an essential quesion, multimedia as a advance organizer or final product. In chapter six Summarizing and Note Taking, the students learn how to summarize using technology to help provide support for this extremely necessary skill. A specific feature on Word called AutoSummarize highlights areas on the document that can be altered, or activate the Track Changes on Word to show how the writing was altered. Both would be a great teaching tool for the students. Another great tool to use is Summary Frames where the teacher can ask questions.

I must say that the the suggestion from the authors to have each student download the software to his/her laptop is presumptious. My school has one computer lab for 1,300 students, no laptops. The other suggestion that I disagree with is the students should take notes as the movie plays.

I love constructivist teaching. Even before the dawn of technology, I have used cognitive tools in the classroom. I use Gardner's multiple intelligences, which lend themselves to this style of teaching. Technology allows students to continue to rich for the stars, just in different solar systems than in the past.
Cathy