Week 2 Application

Reinforcing Effort:
Reinforcing Effort directly correlates to the behaviorist theory. Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, and Malenoski stress to teach students to put forth effort for high achievement (2007). I believe if you are teaching one behavior to reinforce another, you are using the behaviorist theory. You are reinforcing a good behavior (effort). A way in which we can teach effort by using technology is to use an Effort Rubric. There is an example of an Effort Rubric on page 157 in Using Technology with Classroom Instruction that Works. I really like this chart. It takes into account all of the various areas students are responsible for when it comes to school and being responsible. Maybe my students could rate themselves once a month and we can also make a semi-journal to keep track of our efforts. This would be typed and saved on the computer, of course. What do you guys think of that? We could even set goals to focus on our weaknesses!
With this chart, as they show on the next few pages, we can take class summaries and turn them into a data chart. With this type of activity we are incorporating english, math, and responsibility.
http://www.freeprintablebehaviorcharts.com/ here is a link to a lot of different charts. They are printable paper charts, but there are a few cool ones. I did want to stay with technology, but maybe use the paper charts for monthly class progressions.

Homework and Practice:
The book states, "Having students practice a skill or concept enhances their ability to reach the expected level of proficiency" (Pitler, Hubbell, Kuhn, & Malenoski, 2007). Encouraging homework and practice is using the behavioristic theory. Once again, we are shaping our students' way of doing things, which relates to their behavior.
Using spreadsheets, as suggested in the book, is a great way for students to keep track of their grades, homework handed in, and possibly attendance. With the charts, teachers can also show how to quickly calculate for averages, percentages, etc. Once again, this is including math!
What I noticed with my high school students is that they love to have technology projects/assignments. Many of my students know the basics, but surprisingly I still need to teach the basics to a few students. I feel in class we need to teach the basics, but then for homework let our students explore with the various options and colors, making their project their own! Creativity is also a very important thing to teach. All of the data charts did not hold my attention because I am not much of a 'math person' but I really did like the battle graph game! This would be perfect when learning points on a graph, but games such as these can be used in every class! Did anyone use games like this before? I used jeopardy many times. But this would be a great test review assignment for our students. They should create a review game with questions, answers, and links. Then, instead of playing a game as an entire class, they can get in small groups and play their games!
There are so many ways to incorporate technology in our world today. I am so excited I am finally learning about the possibilities and how I can make them happen!

Reference:
Pitler, P., Hubbell, E., Kuhn, M., & Malenoski, K. (2007). Using technology with classroom instruction that works. Virginia: ASCD.