Julia Chaffin

Zawlocki

EDUCA-2220-NET01

24 July 2017

Professional Reading #3: Self-Regulated Learning and Technology-Enhanced Classrooms

Scott, Ruth McQuirter, & Meeussen, Nancy (2017). Self-Regulated Learning: A

Touchstone for Technology-Enhanced Classrooms. Reading Teacher 70(6) 659-666.

There is evidence that students who are self-regulated are more effective

learners. In fact, childrens early self-regulation and attention skills are among the

strongest predictors of academic success, (Scott and Meeussen 2017). Self-regulated

learners are students who have the ability to stay on task and know what to do in any

situation. These students can encounter a problem, and immediately engineer a solution.

When it comes to work, they would complete it in ample time, and after receiving

feedback, they would reconstruct or make adjustments. Some other self-regulation

characteristics include setting ones own individual goals and monitoring progress toward

achieving them, seeking clarification or assistance when needed, assessing and reflecting

on ones own strengths, needs, and interests, and persevering and making an effort when

responding to challenges (Scott and Meeussen 2017). This article includes a vast amount

of information pertaining to self-regulated learners and delves more into how students are

able to become better self-regulated learners in technology-enhanced classrooms.

 The biggest way to foster self-regulated learning in the classroom is to act, as the

teacher, in a way that will encourage self-directed learners development. Some ways to

encourage development include positive teacher-child interactions, longer and sustained

interventions by teachers, small-group learning and the teaching of collaborative skills,

strong motivation for the learning task, high level classroom organization, and training in

metacognitive strategies (Scott and Meeussen 2017). These key aspects in promoting

self-regulation can apply equally to effective use of technology. Collaboration in using

technology for learning requires students to communicate respectfully and assist each

other quietly and efficiently. Goal setting is important to self-regulation in that students

can create their own goal, such as staying on task, and record their goal so they may

reflect on their progress. Students need to be given some control over their learning to

become self-regulated learners, (Scott and Meeusen 2017). Students must have the

opportunity to make their own decisions in ways like choosing their own book to read

and write a report on.

It can be challenging to move from a traditional classroom in which the teachers

control the learning, to a technology-enhanced classroom where students take more

control. However, in utilizing self-regulated learning, it is possible to combine familiar

classroom practices with technology to create the type of classroom environment that

supports the needs of todays learners. Some teachers fear relinquishing control and

allowing their students freedom however, limiting technology and keeping students

from exploring their potential is a denial of reality. By identifying appropriate learning

skills that promote self-regulated learning, reinforcing these skills, building student goal

setting into daily routines, and capitalizing on the technical expertise of students, it is
more than possible to create a classroom environment that honors everyone as a learner,

including the teacher.

This article is very appropriate for teachers to read. I found it intriguing and quite

surprising. The article is well written, precise, engaging, and provides many examples of

classroom techniques and successful experiences, as well as confirmed facts. In this

article, the writers are pushing for technology-enhanced classrooms by way of not only

integrating technology, but also integrating technology in a way that supports and

encourages self-regulation skills. The article discusses much about how technology acts

as a tool in childrens development of self-regulation skills. I enjoyed reading this article,

as I myself am learning more about technology integration in classrooms. I am always

hearing mixed comments about technology acting as both an aid and as a difficult tool in

the classroom this article proves to me that technology can truly be a useful tool in

encouraging development in our children. I am no longer on the fence about technology

integration in classrooms, but rather a strong supporter of tech tools that will create a

classroom which honors students in todays technological age.