“New technologies offer wonderful promises for a better, brighter tomorrow” (Sapp). This statement holds true in every aspect of the learning process. Worldwide technologies are meant to be used to enhance the learning process and should be used inside of the classroom when appropriate; however, some educators and students are resistance to using them. As a computer teacher [Business Education], I am always incorporating some new technological advancement inside of my classroom. However, my students do you always utilize the technologies to their fullest potential. For example, there is a free software available that will create outlines for the students. The website is www.mywebspiration.com. Once they create the outline, the software automatically turns it into a diagram that I suggested that they study from. It is so much savvier than studying from the book or an outline. The kids HATE it! The do not utilize it correctly, they would rather write out the outline than type it. It is hard for me to understand simply because they are in a computer lab, who wants to write until their hand is sore, and it is a GREAT study tool once printed off. The students demonstrated behaviors such as frustration and unmotivated.
Using ARCS model, I think that I could change the motivation of my students to encourage success by changing the material that they outline. Every now and then I can have them outline their lives, or create a diagram of their favorite novel, hero, or actor/actress. This will allow them to get more comfortable with the software. I could also change my behavior as a teacher and no assume that because it is a computer class everyone will know how to use every software. A majority of the students are probably less motivated to complete the outlines and diagrams because they simply do not know how to use it. Using one of the categories of the ARCS model, relevance, I can demonstrate to the students the relevance of using a student friendly outline creator. When they have to outline a research paper for English, or outline the events leading up to the Civil War for History could be my examples to them to show them that it is relevant to others core classes.
Reference
Sapp, S. G. (n.d.). Diffusion of Innovations: Part 2. Retrieved December 26, 2009, from The Sociology of Technology: http://www.soc.iastate.edu/sapp/soc415Diffusion2.html
http://www.arcsmodel.com/Mot%20dsgn%20A%20prcss.htm
You have uncovered a powerful tool to use when teaching new technology gadgets or software...the student. When I teach Powerpoint to my 2nd graders it is always about them. It takes the frustration out of the project when they don't have to worry about the topic.
ReplyDeleteHi KCDavis,
ReplyDeleteI read that you're having some trouble motivating your students to use Webspiration to outline and diagram study tools. Though we don't have many Webspiration examples available on our website just yet, the Inspiration examples and lesson plans can be used in similar ways online. These examples can be found at http://www.inspiration.com/Examples/Inspiration.
In addition, we have an Inspired Learning Community where teachers have shared lesson ideas and examples for free. The examples on the site may strongly support your ARCS model efforts. In the past, teachers have asked students to create visual diagrams about their hobbies, families, interests, favorite books, etc. on Inspiration and Kidspiration. The Inspired Learning Community can be found at http://www.inspiration.com/community/.
As we enter fall, stay posted on updates that we have about Webspiration Classroom at http://www.inspiration.com/WebspirationClassroom.
Please let us know if we can help you find additional ways to motivate students with lesson plans and ideas.
Thanks for sharing your experience,
Sarah Cargill, Inspiration Software
@InspirationSW, facebook.com/InspirationSoftware
I think it is very important to get the students to buy in to the program first before expecting them to use it in a regular basis. The students are stuck in what they are used to doing because other teachers are still using old methods. Maybe if other teachers use they program the students will buy in.
ReplyDeleteInspiration is a wonderful tool to use; however, I have seen the difficulty that you are having with students before. I like the way you have decided to apply Keller's ARCS model to motivate your students into using the website. Sometimes it takes making the students feel "safe" before they are willing to utilize new applications even if it will help them in the long run. It kind of sounds like we are attempting to make them eat broccoli, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteHi, I like the way you would have them do activities first that are practical themselves in order to gain interest in a software that I also think is very powerful, saves time and looks better :). I also think inclusion of how they could use the software to support their core classes. Have you been able to communicate to their core teachers in order to get their thoughts on how your class could support them?
ReplyDelete