Types of technology that are relevant to each model:
Behavioral (BM): PowerPoint presentation
Information-Processing (IPM): WIP, WebQuest, Web Bits, Mind mapping: Inspiration software
Social-interactive (SIM): wiki, social networks, WebQuests (with group project)
Personal (PM): WebQuests, WIP, Web Bits
The Information-Processing/Inquiry and Social Interactive classroom is student centered. I think these models are not used as frequently as the Behavioral Model/Direct Instruction models because teachers are scared to give up control. Also we are most comfortable teaching the way we were taught and most of us were taught in a direct instruction model. In an indirect model teachers are not directing the classroom, which gives children more creative freedom, but it can be an uneasy feeling for teachers because their day is unpredictable.
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Maureen, I hate to say it but, I do agree with you about the Direct Instruction being the more dominant teaching strategy in our classrooms today. Why?, simply because we have "NCLB" and "Teach to the Test". Teachers are held accountable more now than ever. Teaching professionals first and foremost have to follow local district standards and state standards. This leaves very little time for creativity and dabbling into other teaching strategies where the teacher can be the guide on the side. Also, research has proven that the best method to teach Special Needs pupils is direct instruction. I can see when children reach the higher grade levels and focus is not so much on teaching for tests and teaching direct instruction for students with IEP's -- this is the time where teachers can utilize other teaching strategies and introduce more technology into the teaching and learning environment.
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