Session 11: MOST Environments

This weeks reading was about the MOST environment learning model.  This model is designed to support literacy, and the abilities to read, write, speak, listen omputer, thick critically and learn on one's on.

What are your initial reactions to this theory/model? What are barriers to its use? What benefits might be expected for those who overcome the barriers?

As I was reading about this week's model, I really liked the concepts and theories behind the MOST environment.  This model is designed to help at-risk learners or students with different linguistic and conceptual development interact with, teach and learn from other students who may or may not be more advanced in these areas.  I especially like the fact that this model helps teachers to use a "new attitude" toward at-risk students and how they learn.  Some of the barriers I see to this model are:  1) students are at different ability and learning levels, so the teacher has to structure the lessons individually to the classroom; 2) for young children, the sessions need to be short so as to help them process the learning;  3) keeping the attention span of middle school and high school students; and 4) viable sources of video may not always be available in the proper context or age level.  The benefits of this model will definitely help students to gain valuable information; and help them to become more literate; and possibly develop life long learning skills.

Would you attempt to use this theory/model with the students you are currently teaching or hope to teach in the future? Why or why not? Could elements of the theory/model be modified so that it would work with your current/future students?

I currently use some elements of this method in my current curriculum.  Teaching business classes, especially classes that deal with the US economy, I use multimedia to help students grasp concepts they might not otherwise grasp from a class lecture.  For example, when I am teaching about the freedom of the US, I use instructional videos that showcase life in other countries.  When I teach the banking unit, and am explaining how a bank works, I show the movie, "Its a Wonderful Life."  There is an excellent speech from George during the bank run scene that explains how the bank really operates.  The kids love it, and "get it."

Since we're taking learning theories/models that were not necessarily created with the Web in mind and turning them into Web modules, what Web-based tools or resources could be leveraged to carry out this learning theory/model online?

Uploading multimedia clips; and how to clips, similiar to what we do in our Web Based modules for this class, are prime examples of helping students to develop literacy.  In fact, today's students are digital natives, so even the most at-risk learner may benefit from a web based instructional unit.