Module Four:
Cognitive Learning Theory, Graphic Organizers, and Virtual Field Trips
Kelly Kern
Master of Science in Education, Walden University
Mrs. Kathryn Arnold
EDUC 6771: Bridging Learning Theory, Instruction, and Technology
December 2, 2020
The cognitive learning theory works together with graphic organizers and virtual field trips to support student learning. According to Walden, "The cognitive learning theory explains how we process information and stories it into our memory (Laureate Education, 2015a). By learning more about this theory, I will be able to understand this process with the use of technology in my classroom. I will also be able to connect prior knowledge to students when they learn new information to reach mastery.
Graphic organizers are an excellent tool to help students process information, breaking information into steps. I use many concept mapping techniques to introduce topics and connect students' prior knowledge in order for them to correlate the new information to what they already know. Concept maps are graphical tools for organizing and representing knowledge. They include concepts, usually enclosed in circles or boxes of some type, and relationships between concepts indicated by a connecting line linking two concepts (Schrock, K. (2016a).) The central idea goes in the center and allows students thinking to be broken down by steps. This graphic organizer can be based upon the students' readiness and breaking down the new information that is giving in a simple way.
Graphic organizers work well with virtual field trips as a technology tool. This is an excellent tool for students, so they will be able to visit places and experience looking at artifacts as if they were really at the scene. Students will remember the images versus the text. According to Dr. Orey, "the visual experience is the basis where they can create artifacts". Essentially, this idea ties into what students already learned. Virtual field trips create episodes for students, a rich experience that can be foundational in their network of ideas. Students curate information from the digital resources using a graphic organizer that demonstrate meaningful connections and conclusions (ITSE,2016)
When starting a new unit, I always try to create a graphic organizer or a video picture to Activate student's prior knowledge. When beginning the lesson, I created a virtual field trip of the American revolution. This creates background knowledge to relate to other connections that students will study throughout the year. And this virtual field trip, students will identify the main events that led to the American revolutionary war. This learning to target, will help Activate students knowledge and thinking. Before viewing the virtual field trip, I had students take notes in their interactive notebooks and I had them fill out a graphic organizer. The interactive notebook helps students take notes and use them as a resource for additional help.
I love the idea of Genius hour because it is student-centered. Students will be fully engaged, and because they get to pick their event that led to the American Revolutionary War, they will be able to take control of their learning. By using the Virtual Field Trip and graphic organizer, students will be able to process information learned in a way to where they will remember. Instructional strategies like notetaking and concept mapping will help students in a school environment and help them learn in real-world situations.
References
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International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (2016). Standards for students. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/standards/for-students-2016.
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). (2008). Standards for students. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/standards/standards/standards-for-teachers.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2015a). Cognitive learning theories [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2015b). Spotlight on technology: Virtual field trips [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Orey, M. (Ed.). (2010). Emerging perspectives on learning, teaching, and technology. Retrieved from http://textbookequity.org/Textbooks/Orey_Emergin_Perspectives_Learning.pdf.
Schrock, K. (2016a). Concept mapping in the classroom. Retrieved
http://www.schrockguide.net/concept-mapping.htmo
Appendix
Appendix
1. Graphic organizer with essential question embedded (student work sample)
2. Concept Map URL: https://connected-mind.appspot.com/
3. Virtual Field Trip URL: https://www.amrevmuseum.org/learn-and-explore/for-students-and educators/beyond-the-battlefield-a-virtual-field-trip
4. Blog URL:
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