Reflective Synopsis

The following Blog is a Reflective Synopsis of the technologies and learning approaches I have investigated over the past 8 weeks. The basis for my Reflective Synopsis is the conceptual frameworks I have encountered throughout the duration of ICTs for Learning Design.

I believe embedding Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) into the classroom is vital for the survival of the 21st Century Teacher. My Blog on 21st Century Teachers compared the difference to 20th Century Teachers, as it outlines the importance of integrating technology into current classrooms as a way to engage students, enhance Mode 2 Knowledge and provide students with authentic learning experiences. Dale's Cone is a prime example as to why we should embed ICTs into all areas of the curriculum. Through creating authentic learning experiences we can utilise technology as a mechanism to transfer learning from teacher-centred to student-centred. This is achievable through incorporating more practical activities, such as Blogging, investigation/ research and application (creating and effectively using Wiki’s to collaborate and complete assessment tasks). All of these forms of digital pedagogies enhance higher order thinking.

The embedding of ICTs also supports learning outside of the classroom. The integration of ICTs and effective digital pedagogies throughout the curriculum encourages learning to take place regardless of differing learning styles, location, emotional intelligence, multiple intelligence or academic ability. The theory of Relate, Create, Donate, suggests that Problem Based Learning and authentic learning environments are effective methods to engage students and enhance participation in 21st century classrooms, however, students require their learning to be purposeful, thus they need to Donate their ideas back to society.

Outlined below are the digital pedagogies I would embed into my ICTs program, as a mechanism to enhance the efficiency of my teaching. I have summarised the ways in which I would use these different forms of technology to enhance the quality of students learning through utilising aspects of engagement theory.

Blogs

I would apply Blogs into my classroom to enhance student learning. I would embed Blogs into all KLA’s. For example, embedding Blogs into an English lesson will allow students to participate in reflective journaling and creative writing online. This in turn creates an online record of their progress throughout the Unit of Work, in addition to highlighting progression throughout their schooling. Students also have the ability to use their Blogs to share interesting articles and to submit assignments. For instance, I might ask my class to research planet Earth and write a report on their Blog. I would instruct students to then provide their reference list as hyperlinks throughout their report, rather than a long list at the end of their page.

Additionally, I would encourage Blogging in the classroom in order for students to enhance their collaboration skills by; sharing notes, ideas and information. Allowing students to Blog develops connectivism and enhancing their opportunities to build networks and partnerships through adding links, sharing videos and engaging in professional discourse by placing relevant points of view on their peers Blogs. This link offers a deeper insight into the effectiveness of Blogs in 21st century education.

Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeder

As indicated in my Blog, I am enthusiastic about incorporating the use of RSS feeders into my classroom, to coincide with the use of blogs and Wiki’s. In my class, the RSS feeder’s will be used to inform students when new information has been added to Blogs, Wiki’s or school portals (such as Blackboard or Moodle). RSS feeders can then be used to follow topics on the current Unit of Work, thus providing instant notification of changes to important information for teachers and students alike.

Wiki’s

Wiki’s are a great tool to engage students in learning as they take a constructivist approach. Allowing students to create their own webpage and mandate the information and data, permits active student learning, thus students take greater pride in their work. As discussed in my post, I would utilise the extensive benefits that Wiki’s can provide learners through incorporating Wiki’s as tool for students to use when completing group assignments. Wiki’s allow for the collection and collaboration of information all in one location.

Through implementing Wiki’s in the classroom, students reduce their time spent on individual group emails, phone calls and text messages as a way to collect and collaborate information. Wiki’s provide students with a sense of ownership as all participants have an opportunity for equal input. As a teacher I would place assignments, projects and the resources students need on a Wiki, therefore creating an authentic learning experience outside the classroom.

e.Portfolio

My Mahara post outlines all aspects where I would incorporate the use of Mahara into the classroom to enhance student learning and make my teaching more efficient. I would use Mahara in the classroom to enhance student learning by encouraging students to store all their schooling information in one location, from P-12. This would allow students to monitor their progression throughout their schooling career and have the ability to reflect on their own work. Furthermore, I would implement Mahara into my teaching practices to enhance efficiency when planning. I would use Mahara as a storage device and a resource to network with other teachers. My blog emphasised that primary school teachers are seen as having a ‘generalist role’, thus we have to be experts in every Key Learning Area. Through utilising Mahara, teachers can network with one another, in order to share resources, such as lesson plans, ideas, and professional opinions and to seek advice.

Voki Avatars

I would implement Voki’s in my classroom to engage students with Reading Difficulties. Voki’s can be presented as another way to demonstrate speech. For example, I would use a Voki to demonstrate to the class how fluent reading would sound. I would also use a Voki as a ‘hook’ when introducing a new topic to the class, in order to engage the students. Here is an example of how I would effectively implement a Voki.

PowerPoint/ SlideShare

In my classroom PowerPoint would be used as a visual aid to accompany a presentation. As outlined in my Blog I use PowerPoint when introducing a new Unit of Work or concept. I would use it as the focus point to engage students within a subject area that they may be experiencing particular issues with. Likewise, I would use SlideShare to embed PowerPoint presentations into my Blogs (and teach the students how they too can add presentations to their Blogs). I would also use SlideShare as a resource to access relevant PowerPoint presentations that I might be able to use or adapt in the classroom, to save time.

You Tube, Teacher Tube and Video

My Blog on You Tube is a fantastic example of how I would use You Tube (or Teacher Tube) in my classroom to engage students and encourage learning. I would use Video at the beginning of a lesson as a ‘hook’ and show snippets at the end of the lesson to reiterate what we had learnt during the lesson.

Google Earth

I received positive feedback regarding how I would implement Google Earth into my classroom. Joe Wood’s Blog gave me insightful ways as to how I would effectively use Google Earth in the classroom to engage students and enhance their higher order thinking.

I would use Google Earth as a way of creating a virtual tour around the planet. I would allow students to create their own tours, fitting with different topics. For interesting and engaging ways as to how I would implement Google Earth into my classroom please click here.

Wikipedia

Wikipedia is a great way to make teaching more efficient, as outlined in my Blog. Being an online encyclopedia, all information is available free at the click of a button. I would use Wikipedia as starting point for all researched based assignments and any general information students require on a particular topic. Wikipedia is an easy and effective way to get relevant and factual information all in the one location. This saves time and frustration when researching for assessment tasks. Likewise, as learning managers, we can encourage students to start their research process by using Wikipedia as their first port of call for finding information about their desired topic. Through allowing students to use Wikipedia, we can encourage exceptional research skills and stop procrastination through offering them an abundance of knowledge in one vicinity, without the need to go to the library.

Outlined above are only a few examples of digital pedagogies I would implement into my classroom and teaching practices. Throughout the course I also blogged about the effective ways to implement Flickr and Picnik and SMS. However, it is imperative to remember that all students have preferred learning styles and not all students will engage with every digital pedagogy that is implemented into the classroom.

Professional Discourse

http://www.scribd.com/doc/30793586/Records-of-Professional-Discourse-ICTs

SlideShare and Using Music on the Web

Hi All,

I have already experimented with SlideShare when I used it to upload my ‘Time Management’ PowerPoint onto my blog a couple of weeks ago. I didn’t have the opportunity to add audio to my PowerPoint presentation when I was constructing it, as I didn’t have access to the relevant resources to make that a possibility (and I still do not have access to a computer with a microphone to make that possible now). However, I do see the benefits of adding audio to a slideshow presentation. By adding audio to a presentation you have the ability to present the same presentation when relevant. This in turn saves time and resources as the lecture (or presentation) to accompany the slideshow has already been presented (thus reducing the need for someone to present the same content time after time). Through adding audio, thus having the opportunity to re-use the same presentation it provides consistency to allows people to feel better engaged than simply just looking at the PowerPoint itself (for example distance education students may find a Podcast to accompany a PowerPoint presentation more insightful than simply just reading the limited information that is presented on the slides).

Again, I do not have access to the technology to download music and save it to my computer (as I am using a public computer). However, I can see how adding music to your pedagogical strategy can enhance the engagement of children with a particular topic. Music could be used to introduce a topic or motivate children to learn (or used to help children remember something). The most prime example of using music in the classroom would be the rhyme used to teach children how to say the alphabet. Moreover, a previous post is also a wonderful example of how music could be successfully implemented into to classroom to assist students with their learning. The You Tube clip featured a song about nouns. The way the song was presented, it allowed children a opportunity to remember and interpret what a noun is.

I would appreciate any feedback from any of my blogs.

Regards

Chloe

Wikipedia

Wikipedia is a great starting point for all researched based assignments and any general information you require about any possible topic. Wikipedia is a great starting point as it has strict guidelines for who can place information on the webpage and is constantly monitored by professionals in relevant fields.

Wikipedia also provides an extensive reference list to the information that has been used as the focus point for each topic area. This is due to the source being provided as a link to each topic area. Wikipedia is an easy and effective way to get relevant and factual information all in the one location. This saves time and frustration when researching for assessment tasks. Likewise, as learning managers, we can encourage students to start their research process by using Wikipedia as their first port of call for finding information about their desired topic. Through allowing students to use Wikipedia, we can encourage exceptional research skills and stop procrastination through offering them an abundance of knowledge in one vicinity.

Wikipedia is also a great starting point due to it's convenience. No longer do students need to go to the library and seek encyclopaedias in which they are not allowed to take home, they can access all the relevant information they require in one convenient location, thus meaning that students are able to study in their own way, at any time that best suits their schedule.

You can access Wikipedia by clicking here.

Regards
Chloe

Google Earth

Hi All,

I think that Google Earth is a wonderful tool that can be implemented into the classroom in so many imaginative ways I never would have thought possible before reading Joe Wood’s Blog.

I have learned that Google Earth can be used as a way of creating a virtual tour around the planet. Students can create their own tour for wherever they wish to visit. From reading the posts to Joe’s Blog, Google Earth can be used as an educational tool that can help to enhance a student’s understanding of places and spaces.

Google Earth can be implemented into a classroom in the following ways (as adapted from Joe Wood’s blog):

• Arts and Literature;
• Social Studies;
• Mathematics and
• Science.

Arts and Literature
 Create a virtual tour of Shakespeare’s life, including where he was born, where he grew up, where the ‘Globe’ is situated and where many of his plays took place and the places in which his plays were based on (ie. Shakespeare’s Hamlet was based in Denmark).

Social Studies
 Students could create a virtual tour of the places where Ned Kelly visited during his most infamous time.
 Students could also make a tour of the places that were most famous in the Eureka Stockade. Students could make a comparison of the places now, to how the think they would have looked at the time of the gold rush.

Mathematics
 Students could use Google Earth to conduct real life Maths lessons. This can be done through measuring areas of countries, perimeters and other lessons that incorporate the longitude and latitude of countries.

Science
 Use Google Earth to create and monitor temperature trends, patterns in the moon and sun, examine areas where earthquakes have struck, etc.

Above are only a few examples of the ways Google Earth can be implemented into the classroom, however, if you would like more examples of effective ways to use Google Earth in your classroom, I suggest you visit Joe’s Blog.

Regards

Chloe

You Tube

Hi All,

I never really used You Tube before I started this course. I never understood the hype of how people could ‘waste hours on end’ playing around with You Tube. Now, I think You Tube is fantastic. There is something for everyone on You Tube. There is educational videos, funny comedy clips, How To Clips, you name it, You Tube has it.
Below is a clip I would definitely use in my classroom. The other day in class we were actually doing activities on nouns and the students couldn’t understand and comprehend what a noun was. I think this clip is extrememly catchy and would engage the students to help the remember exactly what a noun is. I would show this clip at the beginning of a lesson so that students could remember the catch phrase used throughout the clip ‘a noun is a person, place or thing’. The tune is stuck in my head and I would hope that students would be the same.

Enjoy the Clip



Chloe.

Flickr & Picnik

Hi All,

At first I had a few issues creating a Flickr account; however, once that issue was sorted I had a great play around and explored all the amazing resources that Flickr had to offer. I found Flickr to be very similar to that of searching ‘Google Images’. I was interested in seeing if people in Rockhampton (or people that had a particular interest in Rockhampton) used Flickr. I was delighted to see some beautiful images of the area, places and people in Rockhampton being posted on Flickr.

The following is my favourite image from Flickr of Rockhampton. It is the wonderful Customs House.




At first I thought I would allow the students in my classroom to use Flickr when completing assignments (practically if they had to create a PowerPoint presentation, the quality of some of these images could really enrich the quality of their assignments). However, I was curious to know how safe students would be when using Flickr (I would not like to be teaching a lesson where my students could readily access pornography and other sexual images). Through searching a few ‘key words’ I discovered that Flickr was tasteful in their approach, however some images left little to the imagination and posed many different connotations. I personally would be reluctant to allow my students to use Flickr in the classroom to complete assignments; however I would encourage them to use images for their assignments when assessment is completed at home. Moreover, Flickr could be used as a tool for sharing images that were taken in the classroom by students for an assessment item or for sharing images from an excursion.

Picnik is another imaging tool that could be implemented into the classroom. Picnik is an easy to use photo editing tool. I found Picnik very simplistic and self explanatory. Picnik is very similar to the Microsoft imaging tool I already currently use. I would use Picnik in the classroom to edit photos that were taken on school excursions and to highlight the main features of an image. Below is the Customs House photo I found on Flickr. I have edited this image using Picnik. As you can see the before and after photos are very different from one another.




Customs House after being edited using Picnik.

Chloe

PowerPoint

Hi All,
I have created a PowerPoint presentation this week. I have used PowerPoint several times in the past, therefore I didn’t face any new challenges when creating this PowerPoint. However, I look forward to implanting audio and visual aspects to my next PowerPoint presentation.

I personally think PowerPoint is a fantastic teaching tool as it provides the visual aid to accompany the presentation. PowerPoint, when used effectively can provide a greater understand of the concept, as it can embed important and relevant key words, through visual representation, that the speaker is focusing on.

I would implement PowerPoint into my classroom when introducing a new Unit of Work or any other interesting topic. It can also be used as a focus point to engage students within a subject area that they may be experiencing particular issues with.

Below I have created a small PowerPoint presentation, for the purpose of ICTs for Learning Design. I enjoyed playing with PowerPoint, as I haven’t created a PowerPoint presentation for a while. The focus of this PowerPoint was time management. It is important that all students have a concept of time management and have their own routines that work effectively for themselves, as we all live busy lives. Through creating awareness of time management and educating students on how they too, can have good time management, I would hope to see an increase in class participation, homework being completed as well as other extra curricular activities that occur in the home.

G:\Time Management

View more presentations from clopo.

(I am very proud of myself for incorporating new technology with SlideShare. I worked out all by myself how to embed a slideshow into my blog and I now have yet another great technology tool I can use in my classroom).

Regards
Chloe.