It is highly important that digital technologies are integral to learning. This is why this unit ICT tools are purposefully planned, so students can enhance, extend and transform learning.
The learning theory behind this unit is cognitivism theory. This theory explains the importance of understanding a student's brain to unlock the power of knowledge. It is extremely important for students to take information from their sensory memory and place it in their long term memory. This prevents the saying, "in one ear, out the other". I have also used the social constructivism theory and tried to give the students every possible chance to work as a group. As Vygotsky (1962) contend that social interaction has a large influence on learning. He maintained that individuals learn within a zone of proximal development. He maintained that learners move beyond what is already known through the support of others, to construct new knowledge. .
I have used the 5 Es of engage, explore, explain elaborate, evaluate as the main framework, but have also incorporated Bloom's Taxonomy and the TPACK frameworks.
The 5Es set out a set learning sequence when planning a unit of work with 5 simple Es to follow. These are engage, explore, explain, and elaborate. Engage - Create interest and stimulate curiosity. Set learning within a meaningful context. Raise questions for inquiry. Reveal students’ ideas and beliefs, compare students’ ideas. Explore - Provide experience of the phenomenon or concept. Explore and inquire into students’ questions and test their ideas. Investigate and solve problems. Explain - Introduce conceptual tools that can be used to interpret the evidence and construct explanations of the phenomenon. Construct multi-modal explanations and justify claims in terms of the evidence gathered. Compare explanations generated by different students/groups. Consider current scientific explanations. Elaborate- Use and apply concepts and explanations in new contexts to test their general applicability. Reconstruct and extend explanations and understanding using and integrating different modes, such as written language, diagrammatic and graphic modes, and mathematics. Evaluate - Provide an opportunity for students to review and reflect on their own learning and new understanding and skills. Provide evidence for changes to students’ understanding, beliefs and skills. (Primary connections)
Bloom's Taxonomy specifies the importance of having students practice in the art of higher order thinking. Bloom's have set out a list of action words that I have used throughout the unit, so students engage in higher order thinking It is very important that when students are learning the information that it reaches their long term memory. With Bloom's Taxonomy it makes it possible. It also fits well with the 5Es and poses effective questions so students learn successfully.
The TPACK framework is the final framework I have incorporated into the unit. This framework states the importance of technology, pedagogy, content and knowledge fitting seamlessly together. This framework stresses the importance of using technology in an appropriate and resourceful form so students can learn successfully. In the unit overview, I have shown which ICT tools are used and why they are relevant, this was also a way to make sure I did not incorporate any irrelevant information.
These frameworks scaffold students learning so their education is authentic, learner centered and valued by the learner. Which in turn, each student will learn successfully and information is placed in their long term memory for them to use throughout their lives.
The learning theory behind this unit is cognitivism theory. This theory explains the importance of understanding a student's brain to unlock the power of knowledge. It is extremely important for students to take information from their sensory memory and place it in their long term memory. This prevents the saying, "in one ear, out the other". I have also used the social constructivism theory and tried to give the students every possible chance to work as a group. As Vygotsky (1962) contend that social interaction has a large influence on learning. He maintained that individuals learn within a zone of proximal development. He maintained that learners move beyond what is already known through the support of others, to construct new knowledge. .
I have used the 5 Es of engage, explore, explain elaborate, evaluate as the main framework, but have also incorporated Bloom's Taxonomy and the TPACK frameworks.
The 5Es set out a set learning sequence when planning a unit of work with 5 simple Es to follow. These are engage, explore, explain, and elaborate. Engage - Create interest and stimulate curiosity. Set learning within a meaningful context. Raise questions for inquiry. Reveal students’ ideas and beliefs, compare students’ ideas. Explore - Provide experience of the phenomenon or concept. Explore and inquire into students’ questions and test their ideas. Investigate and solve problems. Explain - Introduce conceptual tools that can be used to interpret the evidence and construct explanations of the phenomenon. Construct multi-modal explanations and justify claims in terms of the evidence gathered. Compare explanations generated by different students/groups. Consider current scientific explanations. Elaborate- Use and apply concepts and explanations in new contexts to test their general applicability. Reconstruct and extend explanations and understanding using and integrating different modes, such as written language, diagrammatic and graphic modes, and mathematics. Evaluate - Provide an opportunity for students to review and reflect on their own learning and new understanding and skills. Provide evidence for changes to students’ understanding, beliefs and skills. (Primary connections)
Bloom's Taxonomy specifies the importance of having students practice in the art of higher order thinking. Bloom's have set out a list of action words that I have used throughout the unit, so students engage in higher order thinking It is very important that when students are learning the information that it reaches their long term memory. With Bloom's Taxonomy it makes it possible. It also fits well with the 5Es and poses effective questions so students learn successfully.
The TPACK framework is the final framework I have incorporated into the unit. This framework states the importance of technology, pedagogy, content and knowledge fitting seamlessly together. This framework stresses the importance of using technology in an appropriate and resourceful form so students can learn successfully. In the unit overview, I have shown which ICT tools are used and why they are relevant, this was also a way to make sure I did not incorporate any irrelevant information.
These frameworks scaffold students learning so their education is authentic, learner centered and valued by the learner. Which in turn, each student will learn successfully and information is placed in their long term memory for them to use throughout their lives.
Authentic Learning
Authentic learning has been used throughout this unit. The student's need to relate to a subject and not feel it is something they don't need to know . Each topic is based on a real world events, such as the Bundaberg floods or shows why it is important to know their environment and that if they don't act now it won't be there for them to enjoy. Student's who can relate to subjects and feel it has an importance to them will larn more successfully and overall have a higher chance of the information going into their long term memory.