Modeling+with+Technologies

=**Modeling with Technologies** =

==**What does the author mean by technologies that are** //**learner-proof**//  **and** //**teacher-proof**// **? How does this relate to the technology integration?** ==

Technology being perceived as learner- proof and teacher-proof is in an inaccurate statement. Humans and technology offer many different techniques. What a good teacher does and a computer do are very similar, however can students only learn from a computer? Integrating technology into the classroom is very important, but teachers must know where to draw the line. Computers are very smart tools, however when teaching students they are only allowing the students to memorize and recall information. A good teacher makes his/her students develop more advanced skills then memorizing and recalling.

* When teachers use technology in the classroom they need to make sure that they teach using this technology. Technology should never teach the students.

==**What are** //**Mindtools**//  **and what is the power of** //**concept mapping software**//  **in the thinking and problem solving process?** ==

//Mindtools// are tools used to help students with problem solving. The power of concept mapping software allows students to organize their thoughts and ideas, which in turn can help them problem solve. Where can students use concept mapping? Students can use concept mapping in the classroom to help develop new ideas, answer questions, and even expand upon the ideas they already have. How can teachers us concept mapping? Teachers can use concept mapping in the classroom to allow students to identify important concepts and relationships. Concept mapping is a great tool to implement into the classroom, because they are used effectively to model the semantic organization of systems, problems, stories, or thinking processes of students.  According to our textbook, "concept maps are spatial representations of concepts and their interrelationships that stimulate the knowledge structures that humans store in their mind" (p. 84). Concept mapping is especially beneficial for students with special needs. Concept mapping helps these students with their problem solving. When students are able to write out their thoughts and see them on paper, it is easier to connect different thoughts and concepts. Concept maps provide a visual aid for students to look at when they are writing a paper or studying for a test that show how concepts map together. ==**How are** //**spreadsheets**// <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> **used as Mindtools?** == <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Our textbook//, Meaningful Learning with Technology// <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> claims "Building spreadsheet models engages a variety of mental processes that require learners to use existing rules, generate new rules describing relationships and describing those relationships in terms of higher order rules" (p.89). Spreadsheets support higher order quantitative thinking. They can be used in a variety of ways such as computational reasoning tools, mathematics comprehension, visualization and simulation modeling tools. Spreadsheets allow individuals to create relationships between objects which can help expand their thinking process. How are spreadsheets used as mindtools? According to our textbook an example of one Mindtool could be a spreadsheet because they help you stay organized. You can use spreadsheets in almost every aspect of your life. “Spreadsheets are computerized record keeping systems”(p. 88).

==<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 18pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">**How does building models enhance learning?** ==

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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; font-family: Arial; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">According to our textbook, model building is a natural cognitive process. When humans encounter a problem they do not know, they naturally construct personal theories that can be represented by models. Modeling also supports hypothesis testing, conjecturing, inferring, and other cognitive skills. Our textbook states,“When students construct models, they own knowledge. Students ownership is important to meaning making and knowledge construction.” ( Jonassen, Howland, Marra, p.96) “Students may externalize their internal mental models using a variety of computer-based Mindtools including databases, concept mapping, spreadsheets, microworlds, systems modeling tools, expert systems, hypermedia construction tools, constraint-based discussion boards, and visualization tools, for constructing models of things that students are studying” (p. 83) Building models reflects the learner’s internal mental modes. It allows students to construct their own knowledge and form an interpretation of meaning from what they have learned. Building models enhances learning because it gives individuals the opportunity to organize and visualize the information they are learning. Models help students to expand their thinking process which can help make learning more meaningful. ===== = =