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
Saturday, 1 May 2010
Monday, 26 April 2010
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.
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.
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
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
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
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.
(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.
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.
Monday, 19 April 2010
Mahara.
Hi All,
I haven’t been able to journal for a while as I have had a few internet issues, which isn’t the best thing when you are studying an ICTs course. I have been looking at Mahara over the past few weeks and every time I go to write about it, I seem to get writer block!
After thinking about Mahara and contemplating if I would ever use it beyond the scope of this course, I have concluded I would. Mahara is a sensational tool that almost anyone anywhere can use; including the students we are going to teach. From my perspective, I will use Mahara as a storage place for all of my course work I have completed during the GDLT. Moreover, I think it is a fantastic way to network with other teachers. For primary school teachers, teaching is seen as a ‘generalist role’, thus we have to be experts in every area- Maths, English, Science, HPE and the Arts to name a few. The reality is, we are not all experts at everything, in fact some will naturally be able to design lesson plans that flow and incorporate all the necessary elements in the Essential Learnings without difficulty for HPE. On the other hand, others who are more musically talented may struggle when designing HPE lessons and vice versa. Therefore, through networking with other learning managers on a website, such as Mahara, we are able to share lesson plan, ideas, professional opinions and seek advice.
Additionally, I see Mahara as a working portfolio. Mahara is a place where all assignments, lesson plans, feed back and any journal articles of relevance that have been collected throughout the years, can be stored in one handy location and without any trouble, can be located and accessed. The use of key words when storing materials, makes accessing all information easy and effective. Likewise, our students are able to do the same with any of their electronic work. I think it would be amazing for a student to be able to collect and store all of their work throughout the years in one location, from P-12. This would mean that if a student was to change schools, teachers would be able to assess their level of work and be alluded to potential learning difficulties well before it is to late. Moreover, students themselves are able to see their progression throughout their schooling career and have the ability to reflect on their own work. Parents and careers will also have the ability to see more of their child’s work because access to Mahara can also be done at home.
Overall, I think Mahara is an exceptional educational tool and I will be using it as a working portfolio and will be encouraging other teachers to do the same. It is not often that you can have access to all your study materials, assignment, lesson plans, resources and peer feedback at the click of a button.
Regards
Chloe.
I haven’t been able to journal for a while as I have had a few internet issues, which isn’t the best thing when you are studying an ICTs course. I have been looking at Mahara over the past few weeks and every time I go to write about it, I seem to get writer block!
After thinking about Mahara and contemplating if I would ever use it beyond the scope of this course, I have concluded I would. Mahara is a sensational tool that almost anyone anywhere can use; including the students we are going to teach. From my perspective, I will use Mahara as a storage place for all of my course work I have completed during the GDLT. Moreover, I think it is a fantastic way to network with other teachers. For primary school teachers, teaching is seen as a ‘generalist role’, thus we have to be experts in every area- Maths, English, Science, HPE and the Arts to name a few. The reality is, we are not all experts at everything, in fact some will naturally be able to design lesson plans that flow and incorporate all the necessary elements in the Essential Learnings without difficulty for HPE. On the other hand, others who are more musically talented may struggle when designing HPE lessons and vice versa. Therefore, through networking with other learning managers on a website, such as Mahara, we are able to share lesson plan, ideas, professional opinions and seek advice.
Additionally, I see Mahara as a working portfolio. Mahara is a place where all assignments, lesson plans, feed back and any journal articles of relevance that have been collected throughout the years, can be stored in one handy location and without any trouble, can be located and accessed. The use of key words when storing materials, makes accessing all information easy and effective. Likewise, our students are able to do the same with any of their electronic work. I think it would be amazing for a student to be able to collect and store all of their work throughout the years in one location, from P-12. This would mean that if a student was to change schools, teachers would be able to assess their level of work and be alluded to potential learning difficulties well before it is to late. Moreover, students themselves are able to see their progression throughout their schooling career and have the ability to reflect on their own work. Parents and careers will also have the ability to see more of their child’s work because access to Mahara can also be done at home.
Overall, I think Mahara is an exceptional educational tool and I will be using it as a working portfolio and will be encouraging other teachers to do the same. It is not often that you can have access to all your study materials, assignment, lesson plans, resources and peer feedback at the click of a button.
Regards
Chloe.
Where would you use a VOKI?
Hi All,
I have already embedded a Voki in a previous post and talked about how I would use them to help 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 they should be reading and use it to demonstrate how a 'good' running record would sound, through including fluent reading and demonstrations of self correction.
Additionally, I would use a Voki as a ‘hook’ when introducing a new topic to the class. Voki’s are a fantastic way to engage the students. For example, this term my class is doing a Unit of Work titled ‘What on Earth?’ It is all about natural disasters and Earth. I would use a Voki to introduce this topic in the following way…
Get a Voki now!
I would like to know how anyone else would use a Voki and if you have any other examples to share?
Regards
Chloe.
I have already embedded a Voki in a previous post and talked about how I would use them to help 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 they should be reading and use it to demonstrate how a 'good' running record would sound, through including fluent reading and demonstrations of self correction.
Additionally, I would use a Voki as a ‘hook’ when introducing a new topic to the class. Voki’s are a fantastic way to engage the students. For example, this term my class is doing a Unit of Work titled ‘What on Earth?’ It is all about natural disasters and Earth. I would use a Voki to introduce this topic in the following way…
Get a Voki now!
I would like to know how anyone else would use a Voki and if you have any other examples to share?
Regards
Chloe.
Monday, 29 March 2010
Wiki's, Blogs, RSS Readers, Voki's and Engagement Theory!
Hello All,
I hope you will take pleasure in reading yet another post for my Blog. I am enjoying Blogging the more I do it. Everyday I am thinking of new ways to integrate technology into the classroom. I am becoming more open minded about the positive effects ICTs can have on 21st century education.
This week I have enjoyed creating a Wiki. I can see how beneficial a Wiki can be to a learner, it gives the students a sense of responsibility, as they are in control of the information and data that is placed on their page. Moreover, I see Wiki’s being a great tool for group assignments as it allows for the collection and collaboration of information all in one location, on the Internet. In my undergraduate degree I did a lot of group work assessment tasks, I wish our group would have been introduced to Wiki’s. Using a Wiki is a lot easier then individual group emails, phone calls and text messages. All information is provided on one page and every student has the opportunity for equal input. Wiki’s are a great tool to engage students in learning as they are able to take on the constructivist approach. Wiki’s permit for active student learning, moreover, it allows teachers to place assignments, projects and the resources students need all in the one place, in order to create a successful learning experience. I think Wiki’s are not only great to use in education, but in all areas of life, from sporting teams, family events and organising rosters for a business.
Below is an interesting clip about why schools should introduce Wiki’s into student learning.
This week is our first official introduction to Web Logs, or Blogs as we call them. This course has pushed me to explore with technology I never previously felt the need to interact with. As I have Blogged in previous posts I am becoming addicted to this technology and I am enjoying exploring its added benefits to my own university studies. I am going to continue to use a Blog after the completion of ICTs for Learning Design. I am now discovering that a Blog is a great way to keep a professional journal. I love that I am able to engage in professional discourse electronically with my peers. I have used examples of other students Blogs in conversations I have had. I was debating about how often ICTs should be used within a classroom and if schools embraced the power of using ICTs, with a fellow student. He directed me to a peer Blog he had read. Due to this technology I was then able to engage further in the conversation with a third party. This amazing technology is allowing students and teachers in the 21st century to embrace connectivism and build networks and partnerships.
Having seen first hand the positive effects this Blog is having on my education and learning process (as I am excited to write on here, add links, share videos and respond to posts), I cannot wait to integrate this technology into different KLAs.
RSS READER
I was apprehensive about setting up an RSS Reader for my Blog. I was nervous I would not be able to use the technology and I thought that going to each Blog individually would be just as easy. I was wrong! Using the RSS Reader has made following my peers Blogs so easy. Every time I log onto Google Reader it automatically highlights who has posted an update to their Blog and with just one click I am able to read the post.
RSS Readers are a fantastic tool and I will incorporate the use of them into my classroom. Using an RSS Reader with your class has endless possibilities. An RSS Reader could be used to inform students when you have added new homework for them to complete (to a sight much like Moodle). Using an RSS Reader can also inform students, parents and teachers when a new Blog has been posted. Additionally, RSS Readers can be used to follow topics for a current Unit of Work, thus allowing the teacher and students to see if an update has been made to a website about a particular topic they are following (ie. The Australian Government- follow news sites regarding decisions made in Parliament).
This week I also created several Voki’s. Voki’s are brilliant tools to use in the classroom. The following film clip demonstrates how students use technology to create a Voki.
Saturday, 27 March 2010
ICTs- 10 out of 10
Okay,
I am seeing how students become addicted to this technology and how it would make them learn and be engaged. It is 1.30am on a Saturday morning and I am up playing with my blog, created a Voki and looking on youtube (things I have never done before). All of these things are beneficial to my course, but most importantly I am enjoying myself as I learn. I think it is fantastic to be exposed to the types of ICTs used in schools today. I am learning first hand the ICTs we are expected to use in classrooms and developing a passion for the pedagogy I am going to teach. I can defiantly see how student-centric learning will enhance students’ grades, motivation and engagement with the curriculum. 10 out of 10 for integrating Information and Communication Technologies into 21st century education.
Chloe :)
I am seeing how students become addicted to this technology and how it would make them learn and be engaged. It is 1.30am on a Saturday morning and I am up playing with my blog, created a Voki and looking on youtube (things I have never done before). All of these things are beneficial to my course, but most importantly I am enjoying myself as I learn. I think it is fantastic to be exposed to the types of ICTs used in schools today. I am learning first hand the ICTs we are expected to use in classrooms and developing a passion for the pedagogy I am going to teach. I can defiantly see how student-centric learning will enhance students’ grades, motivation and engagement with the curriculum. 10 out of 10 for integrating Information and Communication Technologies into 21st century education.
Chloe :)
Lets get creative!
Wow I just went to the Beyond School Blog and was amazed to scroll down and see a ‘youtube’ link to The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. I was lucky enough to see a taping of Craig’s show in December last year. I was in L.A standing on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a gentleman gave us free tickets to go to the tapping. I was concerned because I had never heard of him, so we asked a few locals and they were like ‘he is okay’! Sooooo we went along. We waited 2 hours to see him, hesitant if we would even get in the studio (its tiny). We made the cut off by two people and in we went. We were unsure what we were going to see, thinking maybe he was like Rove or David Letterman, we waited with anticipation… Well this guy was hilarious!
I guess what this Blog is trying to say is, the youth (not only in America, but in Australia) as so consumed with ‘stuff’. They want it all, the fancy clothes, the flash mobile phones, the top shelf sneakers. They aren’t concerned with their education; they are concerned with their image and reputation. I think if someone like Craig (who is well know in USA) can help the youth understand that education is important, that we all grow up and can no longer rely on ‘we didn’t know better’ then it may help to emphasise the importance of learning. However, we as teachers should recognise what these children are reacting to and how powerful advertising is and bottle it and use it as a mechanism to enhance learning in our classrooms.
If the youth are reacting to television shows, use this form of media to teach them. Use shows that have morals and lessons to teach them about the world (ie. Civics or SOSE). If they are spending their spare time on the Internet, get them to use social networking sites (appropriately, such as blogs) to express their feelings about learning and use it as a learning tool. Set up times to go on the Internet and have conferences and group discussions.
I think that teaching in the 21st century isn’t a profession it is an art. We as Learning Managers need to master the ‘art’ of education. We need to find new and innovative ways to interact with our students and encourage them to perform. I believe if students do not know they are learning, they will be happy to learn, we just need to be creative about how we go about it.
Below is the Craig Ferguson clip I am referring to for anyone that has not seen it.
I guess what this Blog is trying to say is, the youth (not only in America, but in Australia) as so consumed with ‘stuff’. They want it all, the fancy clothes, the flash mobile phones, the top shelf sneakers. They aren’t concerned with their education; they are concerned with their image and reputation. I think if someone like Craig (who is well know in USA) can help the youth understand that education is important, that we all grow up and can no longer rely on ‘we didn’t know better’ then it may help to emphasise the importance of learning. However, we as teachers should recognise what these children are reacting to and how powerful advertising is and bottle it and use it as a mechanism to enhance learning in our classrooms.
If the youth are reacting to television shows, use this form of media to teach them. Use shows that have morals and lessons to teach them about the world (ie. Civics or SOSE). If they are spending their spare time on the Internet, get them to use social networking sites (appropriately, such as blogs) to express their feelings about learning and use it as a learning tool. Set up times to go on the Internet and have conferences and group discussions.
I think that teaching in the 21st century isn’t a profession it is an art. We as Learning Managers need to master the ‘art’ of education. We need to find new and innovative ways to interact with our students and encourage them to perform. I believe if students do not know they are learning, they will be happy to learn, we just need to be creative about how we go about it.
Below is the Craig Ferguson clip I am referring to for anyone that has not seen it.
Which style would you prefer?
Hi All,
Was just wondering which style of teaching you would prefer? I am all for integrating ICTs into the classroom and using it throughout all KLAs, not just to teach Information and Communication Technologies. However, I personally like a little "chalk and talk". I like to listen and write things down. It is how I feel I best learn, odd as it may seem, considering I went to school for the most part of the 21st Century.
I would love to hear how much ICT you think there should be in our classrooms and when you feel using them would be most appropriate.
Chloe :)
Was just wondering which style of teaching you would prefer? I am all for integrating ICTs into the classroom and using it throughout all KLAs, not just to teach Information and Communication Technologies. However, I personally like a little "chalk and talk". I like to listen and write things down. It is how I feel I best learn, odd as it may seem, considering I went to school for the most part of the 21st Century.
I would love to hear how much ICT you think there should be in our classrooms and when you feel using them would be most appropriate.
Chloe :)
Friday, 26 March 2010
Pedagogical Change Through ICTs
Hi All,
Just thought this was an interesting video about the effective use of ICTs in classrooms. It talks about making pedagogical change through the use of ICTs and how technology can be used in delivering content, peer assessment and motivation.
ENJOY!
Chloe
Just thought this was an interesting video about the effective use of ICTs in classrooms. It talks about making pedagogical change through the use of ICTs and how technology can be used in delivering content, peer assessment and motivation.
ENJOY!
Chloe
Sunday, 21 March 2010
ADHD... A Learning Difficulty or just bad teaching?
Multiple Intelligence
After watching the video on the courseware about by Sir Ken Robinson I felt moved. It is interesting to see how society as a whole has shifted. I think it is important to embrace all children’s individual differences and use their diversity to create more amazing things and develop innovative ideas, which have not been previously welcomed in the public school system. I found it extraordinary to think about the number of people that have been diagnosed with ADHD in our society, that may have been able to flourish elsewhere, much like Gillian Lynne, if they too have had to opportunity to nurture their talents, instead of it being ‘educated out of them’.
During my childhood a main role model in my life was illiterate. He had never been given the opportunity to attend school past Grade 4 and as a consequence could not read and write as an adult. During his adult years, he approached many different educational institution to help develop his reading and writing skills, however, not for lack of determination and desire to learn he was unable to master the everyday skills we take for grated, such as reading, writing, recording telephone numbers, ordering food off a menu and typing on a computer. However, he has lead an amazing life and has skills that could put any educated man to shame. He is a Master Farrier by trade, in addition to being a horse trainer and is exceptional at his job. He has acquired the skills and knowledge through applying different learning techniques (though incorporating audio and visual learning, such as watching demonstrations and then replicating what he has been taught and putting it into practice).
Therefore I have a strong desire to help students in similar situations and I can only hope that I, as a learning manager have to opportunity to help students who have learning difficulties realise their true calling and utilise what we now know about different learning styles and multiple intelligences to enhance their unique talents.
Somethings I picked up from Week 2!
Things I have Learnt this Week
- Use any form of media to engage the students. It is not important the method you use to teach, it is important what you are teaching is reaching the students on an intellectual level.
- From this weeks readings, I have found it important to ensure when creating learning experiences (lesson plans) that I do not just talk to the students about the content or make them read specific pages in the text book and get them to complete the follow on questions. I understand that my job as a learning manager is to enhance student learning, by making it student-centred learning. That is learning that is purposeful and relates to aspects of everyday life.
- All students belong in the classroom, regardless of their level of achievement.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
The Knowledge Economy
Week Ones content for ICTs related to the shift in the worlds economy. In previous economies the most sort after resources were agriculture and natural resources. Now, an economic shift to a knowledge based economy, has put education in its most significant position to date.
The weekly readings highlight the importance of learning and the role a Learning Manager can play in enhancing the skills of students that are required in 21st century employment. The knowledge economy is vital for Australia to embrace. From the readings, I have learnt that knowledge as a resource cannot be exhausted but can be repeatedly used, as it is not destroyed in consumption. Moreover, I discovered that the implementation and awareness of Mode 2 knowledge is vital for Learning Managers to exploit, as it is much more likely to typify ways of operating in the new knowledge industry than mode 1. Thus, as a Learning Manager in this era, it is of vital importance to enhance the skills of students in all Key Learning Areas, to ensure their survival for now and well past the era of the knowledge economy.
The weekly readings highlight the importance of learning and the role a Learning Manager can play in enhancing the skills of students that are required in 21st century employment. The knowledge economy is vital for Australia to embrace. From the readings, I have learnt that knowledge as a resource cannot be exhausted but can be repeatedly used, as it is not destroyed in consumption. Moreover, I discovered that the implementation and awareness of Mode 2 knowledge is vital for Learning Managers to exploit, as it is much more likely to typify ways of operating in the new knowledge industry than mode 1. Thus, as a Learning Manager in this era, it is of vital importance to enhance the skills of students in all Key Learning Areas, to ensure their survival for now and well past the era of the knowledge economy.
Something To Think About!
Hi all,
So we don’t actually have to start officially using our Blogs until next week, however I thought that I might get myself a little familiar with how to use it before we start to be assessed. I find this all a little bit daunting. I have used Blogs in previous courses I have studied at CQUni, however, we were never required to use them outside posting assessment and the depth in which they were used by all student (mainly due to the lack of feedback) was relatively poor. However, I am excited to use this technology in my further studies, as it seems to be the way of the future. I think it is fantastic Scot has made this apart of the courseware. I think it is important that us, as soon to be educators have the ability to connect with our students on their level. It seems youth of today enjoy using technology and I think if we can use it as a tool to help our learners achieve and stimulate their minds then why not!
Throughout this course I have been reading widely. On thing that has stuck in my mind was to use SMS and other interactive technologies as a way to communicate with students and stimulate them to learn. I am not sure if any of you are Simpsons fans, but if you are you may recall a lesson where Lisa falls in love with the substitute teacher, he represents everything she has hoped for in a teacher. He brought a new sense of life to the class; he was fun, creative and connected with the class on their level. He gave them all ‘cell phones’ to communicate with him and the class enjoyed doing ‘pop quizzes’ because he would text them the question and they had to text the answer back to him. It seems to me that The Simpsons have well and truly hit the nail on the head as to where education is heading and is even giving teachers of our generation new and innovative ideas to capture the attention of the students in ways that have previously been seen as unorthodox.
Just something to think about… I would love to hear any feedback and look forward to following all of your Blogs.
Warm Regards
Chloe
So we don’t actually have to start officially using our Blogs until next week, however I thought that I might get myself a little familiar with how to use it before we start to be assessed. I find this all a little bit daunting. I have used Blogs in previous courses I have studied at CQUni, however, we were never required to use them outside posting assessment and the depth in which they were used by all student (mainly due to the lack of feedback) was relatively poor. However, I am excited to use this technology in my further studies, as it seems to be the way of the future. I think it is fantastic Scot has made this apart of the courseware. I think it is important that us, as soon to be educators have the ability to connect with our students on their level. It seems youth of today enjoy using technology and I think if we can use it as a tool to help our learners achieve and stimulate their minds then why not!
Throughout this course I have been reading widely. On thing that has stuck in my mind was to use SMS and other interactive technologies as a way to communicate with students and stimulate them to learn. I am not sure if any of you are Simpsons fans, but if you are you may recall a lesson where Lisa falls in love with the substitute teacher, he represents everything she has hoped for in a teacher. He brought a new sense of life to the class; he was fun, creative and connected with the class on their level. He gave them all ‘cell phones’ to communicate with him and the class enjoyed doing ‘pop quizzes’ because he would text them the question and they had to text the answer back to him. It seems to me that The Simpsons have well and truly hit the nail on the head as to where education is heading and is even giving teachers of our generation new and innovative ideas to capture the attention of the students in ways that have previously been seen as unorthodox.
Just something to think about… I would love to hear any feedback and look forward to following all of your Blogs.
Warm Regards
Chloe
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