In an everchanging world, time is of the essence. Therefore it is vitally important that time is not wasted. Technology has been developed in order for mankind to save time.
Introducing technology, e-learning tools and teaching methodologies should be properly researched, explored and tested before being introduced into today’s classroom. Time is needed to research and develop these tools. Over the past six weeks I have dedicated some of my time to researching a small number of tools that could be utilised in the classroom. I have experienced the highs of being so deeply engaged in what I was doing, that I completely forgot I was learning something new and exciting. I have also experienced the lows of being so terribly frustrated because technology was working against me and not with me and I just felt like I was wasting my time.
As Prensky (2005) states, engage or enrage. As a future Learning Manager it is important to ensure that students are engaged with the learning. Through the use of e-learning technology students can engage with learning using a meaningful application. The active process of learning occurs when prior knowledge is linked with new knowledge to construct meaning (Marzano and Pickering, 1997, p. 51). Therefore it is important when considering the use of e-learning tools that they meet these requirements.
Wikis are an e-learning tool that I would use in my classroom to facilitate group work. Secondary students lead a busy lifestyle as they are required to meet with the demands of school, work, sport and social commitments and it is difficult to find a mutually convenient time to meet in order to complete group work assignments. Wikis negate this issue as the students can leave their input on the Wiki page whenever the occasion arises. The work is then available for the other students in the group to interact with, add to and process. Also the work can never be lost or eaten by the dog. Group work that is well designed will develop cognitive and social skills (McInerney and McInerney, 2006, p. 293).
Voki Avatars is another e-learning tool that I will endeavour to use in my classroom. Voki Avatars introduce another character into the classroom and can deliver information in a more engaging manner. I thought it would be a great idea to use Avatars to introduce the weekly spelling list, however upon discussion with a fellow future Learning Manager it was suggested he could use Avatars in his Woodwork classroom to issue safety warnings. Avatars could also be used to ask quiz type questions or to simply deliver information. Whilst they are not interactive (unless you have the students create one) they introduce another dimension into the classroom environment and students are able to refocus their attention to this new character.
It is logical to me that Video and Digital Storytelling go hand in hand, but can also be used in isolation of one another. As a future English Learning Manager I believe these two e-learning tools compliment the broad spectrum of learning options within the English subject area. Topics that can easily be covered when using Video and Digital Storytelling include, but are not limited to, speech, language selection, writing styles and drafts and are important components of the Essential Learnings (QSA, 2002) that must be addressed throughout the curriculum.
PowerPoint is already a valuable tool that is used in many of today’s classrooms. However it has the capability to be so much more. Due to the time that is required to create a PowerPoint presentation, many teachers tend not to explore the different options that PowerPoint has to offer. For example creating a PowerPoint Quiz to present information could be utilised to establish current knowledge and then make links to new knowledge. This would also prompt classroom discussions surrounding the topic. HotPotato is a website that offers a number of quizzes which can be easily used within the classroom. I found many applications for these quizzes within my English and PE Theory classrooms that related to the students building on their foundation of knowledge.
Blogs are a great journaling tool that students can use to share ideas. I would also use Blogs as a training tool for netiquette. Ensuring students understood the protocols of remaining respectful and professional when interacting on the World Wide Web. I believe the subject of netiquette is an essential skill for life that should be addressed in any lesson that includes e-learning. Touch typing is another skill that seems to have been overlooked within the classroom. In order for students to be engaged with e-learning, they must also have the essential skills to operate the tools.
File storage could be used in a variety of ways in a classroom environment. I would include two methods in particular within my classroom. One method is to use file storage to provide exam material for the class and the second method would be to make extra topical information available to those students who wish to extend their knowledge or for those that a curious. Both of these methods will assist the student to be better organised and to gain control of their learning, also known as self management (Woolfolk, 1998, p. 231). Another reason for using file storage is the low impact on the environment. Also there would be no excuses such as ‘I lost the handout’.
I attended school during the era of ‘chalk and talk’ and through this method of teaching I have gained the attitude that learning is for life. I was also able to gain some knowledge along the way. However the world has grown and changed and this style of teaching is not as effective. It is now imperative that as Learning Managers we develop a style of teaching that is relevant to the needs of today’s youth and relevant to the society in which we live. The use of technology within the classroom is necessary if our students are to survive in the urban jungle. As a future Learning Manager I will ensure that students gain the necessary skills to interact with all forms of technology and I hope that they adopt the same attitude, ‘Learning is for life’.
Reference list
Prensky. (2005). Cited on Moodle site FAHE11001 Managing E-Learning, T3, 2009. Retreived December16, 2009 from http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=18264
Marzono R.J., & Pickering D.J. (1997). Dimensions of Learning (2nd ed.). Aurora, Colorado: McRel.
McInerney, D.M., & McInerney, V. (2006). Educational Psychology (4th ed.). Frenchs Forest, NSW, Australia: Pearson Education Australia.
Queensland Studies Authority (QSA). (2002). English: Year 9 syllabus. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Author.
Woolfolk, A.E., (1998). Educational Psychology (7th ed.) Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
ENGAGE OR ENRAGE
Prensky (2001) states that young people will be enraged if they are not engaged in education.
I found myself rather enraged a number of times when trying to engage with some of the learning tools prescribed during my E-Learning course at CQUniversity. I agree whole heartedly with Prensky and because I was not able to engage with these tools I did become enraged and unfortunately it that I will not return at a later date and make another attempt at engaging with these tools.
I had difficulty engaging with Picnik, TeacherTube, iTunes and Powepoint Quiz. I know I am partly to blame for some of the frustration, I have little patience, knowledge and confidence when dealing with technology and so this does not help me. But I do value my time and if ICT will save me time then I will persevere.
Problems with:
Picnik - I just counld not get past the first two pages. For 20 minutes I just kept going between the two pages. I needed to do something with the Adobe settings and I was pressing all the buttons I was prompted to press. But to no avail, I was lost in ICT space.
TeacherTube - I attempted to enter TeacherTube from the moodle website and a message popped up telling me I needed to be invited to join. I would really like to learn more about TeacherTube as I have been lead to beleive it is a great source of resources for teachers. So if anyone can help me here please do.
iTunes - Was very confusing, the instructions on the moodle site were not accurate. That was until several days later when an email arrived thanking me for downloading iTunes. Then everything fell into place. Intially felt like I was wasting my time, however I think I need to investigate iTunes just a bit more and I might get the hang of it.
Powerpoint Quiz - Again the moodle instructions were inaccurate. Perhaps this is due to me using the updated version of Powerpoint. Again I lost time and this enraged me as I value my time very much.
Overall I will investigate most of these tools further to see if I can use them in the classroom.
I found myself rather enraged a number of times when trying to engage with some of the learning tools prescribed during my E-Learning course at CQUniversity. I agree whole heartedly with Prensky and because I was not able to engage with these tools I did become enraged and unfortunately it that I will not return at a later date and make another attempt at engaging with these tools.
I had difficulty engaging with Picnik, TeacherTube, iTunes and Powepoint Quiz. I know I am partly to blame for some of the frustration, I have little patience, knowledge and confidence when dealing with technology and so this does not help me. But I do value my time and if ICT will save me time then I will persevere.
Problems with:
Picnik - I just counld not get past the first two pages. For 20 minutes I just kept going between the two pages. I needed to do something with the Adobe settings and I was pressing all the buttons I was prompted to press. But to no avail, I was lost in ICT space.
TeacherTube - I attempted to enter TeacherTube from the moodle website and a message popped up telling me I needed to be invited to join. I would really like to learn more about TeacherTube as I have been lead to beleive it is a great source of resources for teachers. So if anyone can help me here please do.
iTunes - Was very confusing, the instructions on the moodle site were not accurate. That was until several days later when an email arrived thanking me for downloading iTunes. Then everything fell into place. Intially felt like I was wasting my time, however I think I need to investigate iTunes just a bit more and I might get the hang of it.
Powerpoint Quiz - Again the moodle instructions were inaccurate. Perhaps this is due to me using the updated version of Powerpoint. Again I lost time and this enraged me as I value my time very much.
Overall I will investigate most of these tools further to see if I can use them in the classroom.
Wikis
Are a fabulous, interactive tool that engages students to be creative while deepening their knowledge with a topic that they are engaging with.
I am looking forward to implementing Wikis into my classroom. My ideas for my Englsih classroom include: writing a newspaper article, creating an advertisement or home page for a charity organisation. This would require the learners to engage in real world situations within their community and therefore develop an understanding of what is going on in their negihbourhood. It would highlight any problem areas and the learners would need to offer soluitons to these problems.
In my PE theory classroom it would be a textbook or paper regarding different bodily functions or systems. You could swithc topics every copule of weeks so that by the end of the year you had a complete classroom encylopedia. The learners could then use these to study for up coming exams.
The ICT Learning Design Model (Adapted from Oliver, 1999) is evident when using Wiki as a tool in the classroom. 1. Learning Tasks - should be broad enough to enage students with the key content areas. This section of the model relies on the teacher selecting something of real world value for the student to engage with and can be achieved by chosing something that is relevant to the child or the community. 2. Learning Resources - Wiki as a resource ensures that the learners can be creatively engaged. 3. Learning Supports - If the goal is for the learner to gather information that can later be used for a exam review then this can also be achieved using Wiki as it becomes a permanent record for the learner to refer to many times over.
I am looking forward to implementing Wikis into my classroom. My ideas for my Englsih classroom include: writing a newspaper article, creating an advertisement or home page for a charity organisation. This would require the learners to engage in real world situations within their community and therefore develop an understanding of what is going on in their negihbourhood. It would highlight any problem areas and the learners would need to offer soluitons to these problems.
In my PE theory classroom it would be a textbook or paper regarding different bodily functions or systems. You could swithc topics every copule of weeks so that by the end of the year you had a complete classroom encylopedia. The learners could then use these to study for up coming exams.
The ICT Learning Design Model (Adapted from Oliver, 1999) is evident when using Wiki as a tool in the classroom. 1. Learning Tasks - should be broad enough to enage students with the key content areas. This section of the model relies on the teacher selecting something of real world value for the student to engage with and can be achieved by chosing something that is relevant to the child or the community. 2. Learning Resources - Wiki as a resource ensures that the learners can be creatively engaged. 3. Learning Supports - If the goal is for the learner to gather information that can later be used for a exam review then this can also be achieved using Wiki as it becomes a permanent record for the learner to refer to many times over.
Quizzes
Unfortunately I was not able to use this fantastic tool on any students as school has now finished for the year. However I was able to think of how I could use this tool in the classroom when I am out on Prac next year.
The Hot Potatoes web site has a number of quizzes that I could create for multiple uses and that could be reused many times over. Here are my suggestions:
Gap-Fill Quiz - Your basic quiz that requires the student to fill in the gap.
When I first introduce this quiz it would be something that I have created, therefore setting an example for the students. They would need to read the sentences and research in order to fill in the gaps. However the next introduction of this quiz would be for the learners to create a quiz, therefore requiring them to research, create and them have their peers complete the quiz.
Crossword - Another basic quiz of creating a crossword. What a great way to learn this weeks spelling words. Have the students create the crossword and use the meanings of the words.
Jumbled sentence - Simply rearrange the words to make a sentence. This would assist the learners in sentence structure. When they are creating this quiz, they would need to include verbs, nouns and would therefore need to know what these words looked like.
Jumbled Word - Simply rearrange the letters to form a word. Another great way to learn words from the weekly spelling list.
Ordering - This quiz asks you to put the list of items in a particular order. I would use this in a PE Theory lesson. For example the order of organs a piece of food would travel through the digestive system.
Matching - Simply match the would with the picture. Again I would use this in a PE Theory class, simply match the function with the organ.
Overall a very engaging tool as the teacher can create a quiz and set an example for the students. The students are then able to create their own quiz. These quizzes can then be used for exam preparation and the students can create it for themselves, knowing what their needs are.
This tool fits in perfectly with the Dimension of learning as the students Acquire and integrate the knowledge and then are able to use it meaningfully (Marzono and Pickering).
The Hot Potatoes web site has a number of quizzes that I could create for multiple uses and that could be reused many times over. Here are my suggestions:
Gap-Fill Quiz - Your basic quiz that requires the student to fill in the gap.
When I first introduce this quiz it would be something that I have created, therefore setting an example for the students. They would need to read the sentences and research in order to fill in the gaps. However the next introduction of this quiz would be for the learners to create a quiz, therefore requiring them to research, create and them have their peers complete the quiz.
Crossword - Another basic quiz of creating a crossword. What a great way to learn this weeks spelling words. Have the students create the crossword and use the meanings of the words.
Jumbled sentence - Simply rearrange the words to make a sentence. This would assist the learners in sentence structure. When they are creating this quiz, they would need to include verbs, nouns and would therefore need to know what these words looked like.
Jumbled Word - Simply rearrange the letters to form a word. Another great way to learn words from the weekly spelling list.
Ordering - This quiz asks you to put the list of items in a particular order. I would use this in a PE Theory lesson. For example the order of organs a piece of food would travel through the digestive system.
Matching - Simply match the would with the picture. Again I would use this in a PE Theory class, simply match the function with the organ.
Overall a very engaging tool as the teacher can create a quiz and set an example for the students. The students are then able to create their own quiz. These quizzes can then be used for exam preparation and the students can create it for themselves, knowing what their needs are.
This tool fits in perfectly with the Dimension of learning as the students Acquire and integrate the knowledge and then are able to use it meaningfully (Marzono and Pickering).
Digital Storytelling
Digital Storytelling is as the title suggests. A person telling their story using current digital technology. Storytelling is an expression of one's experiences. Creating your story using multimedia tools simply adds to the creativity and expression. As a future English teacher I can see that Digital Storytelling could be an entire unit plan, that can then be broken down into specific subject areas. Such as writing the narrative or script, drafting many copies, oral speech presentation and then of course there is the interaction with technology which is essential in today's classroom.
Kearley and Shneiderman (1998) affirms that learners need to interact with ICT's for them to be truly engaged in learning. Digital storytelling can achieve that goal of engagement with learning through ICT's and the best thing is that the students probably won't even realise that they are in deed learning.
Kearley and Shneiderman (1998) affirms that learners need to interact with ICT's for them to be truly engaged in learning. Digital storytelling can achieve that goal of engagement with learning through ICT's and the best thing is that the students probably won't even realise that they are in deed learning.
PowerPoint Quiz
This was a fun and creative way of learning information and research.
This tool would be very engaging for students as they could include all of their fav things like, music, pics and be very creative. All this while they are learning. You just got to love it.
Check out the very small powerpoint quiz that I created, I hope you don't get caught out.
http://www.mediafire.com/myfiles.php
This tool would be very engaging for students as they could include all of their fav things like, music, pics and be very creative. All this while they are learning. You just got to love it.
Check out the very small powerpoint quiz that I created, I hope you don't get caught out.
http://www.mediafire.com/myfiles.php
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Blogs
I think Blogs are a fantastic journalling tool for anyone.
It can also be used as a great discussion starter.
I have already planned to use Blogs in my future classroom, that is why I have signed on as Mrsb, therefore retaining a level of professionalism for the students.
Jounalling is a good way for students to organise their thoughts. It is also a good reflection tool as students can look back and see just how far they have come.
Blogs are also a great source of information. When reading other peoples blogs you are able to look at the same topic using different eyes and therefore you get a different perseptive on things.
Keep on Blogging.....
It can also be used as a great discussion starter.
I have already planned to use Blogs in my future classroom, that is why I have signed on as Mrsb, therefore retaining a level of professionalism for the students.
Jounalling is a good way for students to organise their thoughts. It is also a good reflection tool as students can look back and see just how far they have come.
Blogs are also a great source of information. When reading other peoples blogs you are able to look at the same topic using different eyes and therefore you get a different perseptive on things.
Keep on Blogging.....
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Voice Thread
Voice Thread could be used in subjects such as, Drama and Dance. However as a future English teacher I would use it regularly. Simply select a piece of music and give the students 3 items they must include in their narrative. They will learn how to put their feelings into words and align them to a topic or a subject.
Sit down in my classroom for a moment, listen to the piece of music I have selected (unfortunately it kept coming up with an error message, that's technology for you). Recall the feelings you felt during the music and use it in a narrative. Your story must include a ball, a person and a tree, it must be 600 words long.
This will be your first draft. We will work on proof reading and producing a final draft. You will also focus on grammar, spelling, punction, paragraph structure and yes the list goes on and on. All of this from a simple piece of music.
Or you could combine the music with a power point presentation of the story you have just written.
Creative, learning.
What more could a teacher ask for?
File Storage
This is a great concept for those who would like to share their results with family around the world or maybe for teachers to compare students work.
It could also be used as an extra resource tool. For example if the teacher had more notes to share but did not want to print out copies (because most students either don't read them of just lose them). This would be good for creating an opportunity for students to explore. Another valuable tool for the educator.
It could also be used as an extra resource tool. For example if the teacher had more notes to share but did not want to print out copies (because most students either don't read them of just lose them). This would be good for creating an opportunity for students to explore. Another valuable tool for the educator.
Slideshare
At first glance, the instructions located on our course website, appeared to be a little toooo much for me. However it is obvious the end result is worth the effort.
Students who have missed a class no longer need to miss out or try too hard to play catch up. Also students who are absent due to sproting duties can actually study at a time suitable to their schedule as all they need is access to a computer and the internet. This is a great time saving device for both the student and the teacher.
Students who have missed a class no longer need to miss out or try too hard to play catch up. Also students who are absent due to sproting duties can actually study at a time suitable to their schedule as all they need is access to a computer and the internet. This is a great time saving device for both the student and the teacher.
Wikipedia
Many lecturers will warn you against using Wikipedia as a resource for research, so I was very intrigued to see it as part of the E-Learning course.
I would certainly encourage students to use Wikipedia as a first port of call when researching any topic. It gives students are broad range of information and also makes good suggestions regarding related information. This can be very useful when conducting research using google or databases. It is also effective in creating conceptual thinkers as students make links to other information. This simply adds to their knowledge base and let's face it as educators we are trying to increase a students knowledge.
I would certainly encourage students to use Wikipedia as a first port of call when researching any topic. It gives students are broad range of information and also makes good suggestions regarding related information. This can be very useful when conducting research using google or databases. It is also effective in creating conceptual thinkers as students make links to other information. This simply adds to their knowledge base and let's face it as educators we are trying to increase a students knowledge.
To Quest or not to Quest?
Can you afford not to?
As teachers a necessary part of our role is to engage students in learning. In order to do this you need to step into their world, the technology world.
Webquests combine the required knowledge with current technology and create a learning tool that is a force to be reckoned with. March (2004) states WebQuests aren't anything new except that they provide a way to integrate sound learning strategies with effective use of the Web.
March (2004) also expresses concern for Web based activities as opposed to real WebQuests, in that they look similar but have completely different outcomes.
A teacher would understandbly baulk at the amount of time that is required to set up a quality WebQuest, however it could be used more than once and cover many classes. The outcomes achieved by the students would also be worth the effort.
http://tommarch.com/writings/wq_power.php
As teachers a necessary part of our role is to engage students in learning. In order to do this you need to step into their world, the technology world.
Webquests combine the required knowledge with current technology and create a learning tool that is a force to be reckoned with. March (2004) states WebQuests aren't anything new except that they provide a way to integrate sound learning strategies with effective use of the Web.
March (2004) also expresses concern for Web based activities as opposed to real WebQuests, in that they look similar but have completely different outcomes.
A teacher would understandbly baulk at the amount of time that is required to set up a quality WebQuest, however it could be used more than once and cover many classes. The outcomes achieved by the students would also be worth the effort.
http://tommarch.com/writings/wq_power.php
Where on Earth? Google Earth!
That is where!
Just recently I had to complete a university assignment that asked us to 'Using a detached, journalistic style, describe a street that you know well....'
It would have been awesome to include a google earth presentation along side the street description.
I can see this tool would be used as an accessory type tool. This would be a great accompaniment to almost any english essay or assignment. It could also be a good research tool for history or any topic that related to historic landmarks. Giving students the ability to actually view the subject in real time, rather than relying on an outdated photo in a textbook.
It could also be used for the tourism students as a tour guide type of tool or assignment.
Google Earth is a very versatile tool and the teacher and learner is only limited by their own imagination in its use.
Just recently I had to complete a university assignment that asked us to 'Using a detached, journalistic style, describe a street that you know well....'
It would have been awesome to include a google earth presentation along side the street description.
I can see this tool would be used as an accessory type tool. This would be a great accompaniment to almost any english essay or assignment. It could also be a good research tool for history or any topic that related to historic landmarks. Giving students the ability to actually view the subject in real time, rather than relying on an outdated photo in a textbook.
It could also be used for the tourism students as a tour guide type of tool or assignment.
Google Earth is a very versatile tool and the teacher and learner is only limited by their own imagination in its use.
Podcasting
I was not able to access iTunes as I am limited to only using the CQUniversity computers. However I do have an iPhone and have played a little with the pod cast application on the phone.
I often check out the iTunes U section, which contains podcasts from Universties throughout Australia and the world. Suddenly I am a global student.
As Spender and Stewart (2002) states 'We need imaginative solutions to ensure that everyone has access to online delivery of learning anywhere, anytime and any place'.
I have been able to achieve this via my new iPhone.
As a busy mother of 4, I find myself constantly in the car and waiting for the kids to finish their training sessions for their various sports. I use this time to listen to the pod casts of other universities. Unfortunately I am not able to view or listen to the lectures produced in the courses that I have undertaken at CQU. It is a technological gliche.
Spender & Stewart, (2002). Embracing e learning in Australian Schools cited on moodle site FAHE11001 Managing E-Learning, viewed December 17, 2009
I often check out the iTunes U section, which contains podcasts from Universties throughout Australia and the world. Suddenly I am a global student.
As Spender and Stewart (2002) states 'We need imaginative solutions to ensure that everyone has access to online delivery of learning anywhere, anytime and any place'.
I have been able to achieve this via my new iPhone.
As a busy mother of 4, I find myself constantly in the car and waiting for the kids to finish their training sessions for their various sports. I use this time to listen to the pod casts of other universities. Unfortunately I am not able to view or listen to the lectures produced in the courses that I have undertaken at CQU. It is a technological gliche.
Spender & Stewart, (2002). Embracing e learning in Australian Schools cited on moodle site FAHE11001 Managing E-Learning, viewed December 17, 2009
YouTube
I value this tool as a great resource.
Recently I completed my first prac in a private p to 12 school. The students did not have access to YouTube, however the teachers did. I was given the opportunity to teach the English Communications class to year 12 students. They were all boys and so keeping them engaged was always going to be difficult. Their future assignment was to give a 5 minute 'how to' presentation.
So sticking with this theme I used YouTube to locate some video presentations that set good and bad examples. We explored presentations that focused on certain themes, such as the use of signs, voice volume, clarity of instructions, boring or engaging.
This was so much fun. I selected a YouTube video that explained 'how to do the moonwalk'. I chose this as the school formal was just around the corner and the video also focused on other parts of speech presentation that were important for the class to experience in order for them to acheive a good result.
I didn't attend the formal, however I did hear that the boys made a galant attempt at the moonwalk.
You can give it a go yourself by checking out the instructions on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EEynvjfljU
Have fun and let me know how you go.
Recently I completed my first prac in a private p to 12 school. The students did not have access to YouTube, however the teachers did. I was given the opportunity to teach the English Communications class to year 12 students. They were all boys and so keeping them engaged was always going to be difficult. Their future assignment was to give a 5 minute 'how to' presentation.
So sticking with this theme I used YouTube to locate some video presentations that set good and bad examples. We explored presentations that focused on certain themes, such as the use of signs, voice volume, clarity of instructions, boring or engaging.
This was so much fun. I selected a YouTube video that explained 'how to do the moonwalk'. I chose this as the school formal was just around the corner and the video also focused on other parts of speech presentation that were important for the class to experience in order for them to acheive a good result.
I didn't attend the formal, however I did hear that the boys made a galant attempt at the moonwalk.
You can give it a go yourself by checking out the instructions on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EEynvjfljU
Have fun and let me know how you go.
Class Marker
This would be a great tool in the first weeks of school. It could be used to establish students current knowledge on a topic, establish learners needs, establish what the students hope to achieve.
It can be utilised as an information gathering tool.
It could also be utilised as an assessment tool.
I found this to be a very simple tool to use and easy to establish. It could be used for a variety of methods and cover a large number of classes and subjects.
This too will also save time (something we all need) as there is no need for the teacher spend lots of time and work on the set up. It will also negate the need for paper based tests, that can easily be misplaced by students and teachers. The quizzes can be taken at a suitable time, i.e lunchtime on the computer library or if the student is away for personal reasons they only need access to a computer and they are still progressing with the rest of the class.
Wonderful tool.
It can be utilised as an information gathering tool.
It could also be utilised as an assessment tool.
I found this to be a very simple tool to use and easy to establish. It could be used for a variety of methods and cover a large number of classes and subjects.
This too will also save time (something we all need) as there is no need for the teacher spend lots of time and work on the set up. It will also negate the need for paper based tests, that can easily be misplaced by students and teachers. The quizzes can be taken at a suitable time, i.e lunchtime on the computer library or if the student is away for personal reasons they only need access to a computer and they are still progressing with the rest of the class.
Wonderful tool.
Flickr
This was very easy to set up and download pics.
This could be a great place for students to store pics from a school events such as 'sports day', camp.
As an english teacher I would then have the students write stories with differing points of view according to the selected photo. Because we all know a picture tells a thousand words. But perhaps this could be an opportunity to see it through someone elses eyes by using their photos.
Another use would be to take a series of photos that pertained to one theme. Then I could have the students write a creative story using only the pics and their own imagination. This would be great as while they are using technology and being creative they will also learn the structure of a story, grammar, language selection, OMG the list is endless. How exciting.
This could be a great place for students to store pics from a school events such as 'sports day', camp.
As an english teacher I would then have the students write stories with differing points of view according to the selected photo. Because we all know a picture tells a thousand words. But perhaps this could be an opportunity to see it through someone elses eyes by using their photos.
Another use would be to take a series of photos that pertained to one theme. Then I could have the students write a creative story using only the pics and their own imagination. This would be great as while they are using technology and being creative they will also learn the structure of a story, grammar, language selection, OMG the list is endless. How exciting.
Video
Video is a great tool for giving students examples or instructions. I recently completed my first prac in a private school. I utilised youtube to give students good and bad examples of public speaking. These were easy to locate and gave the students very clear examples of what to do and what not to do. The school captain was in the class and he really found these examples to be extrememly helpful. You could really see the difference in his next speech at the school assembly.
As a P. E teacher I could also use video to tape students technique and then replay it for them in the classroom. This would help them to refine their technique in their chosen sport. It would also assist in identifying the muscles utilised during the activity. This could then be used during the anatomy or theory lessons.
As a P. E teacher I could also use video to tape students technique and then replay it for them in the classroom. This would help them to refine their technique in their chosen sport. It would also assist in identifying the muscles utilised during the activity. This could then be used during the anatomy or theory lessons.
Power Point
I really like power point. It is an oldie but a goodie.
It is a great way to present information and can transform a very boring topic into something interesting.
It can also be used as a research tool if you encourage students to use the power point as a tool to present their work. This allows the students to get very creative and therefore they own it. This is very important as once the students invest a piece of themselves they are more likely to engage with the technology and the information. Therefore increasing their knowledge base.
The website that was provided on the moodle site was very easy to follow. It was also very engaging and entertaining. Which set a very good example of our this very powerful tool could be utilised.
Overall I would recommend power point as both a learning and a teaching tool.
It is a great way to present information and can transform a very boring topic into something interesting.
It can also be used as a research tool if you encourage students to use the power point as a tool to present their work. This allows the students to get very creative and therefore they own it. This is very important as once the students invest a piece of themselves they are more likely to engage with the technology and the information. Therefore increasing their knowledge base.
The website that was provided on the moodle site was very easy to follow. It was also very engaging and entertaining. Which set a very good example of our this very powerful tool could be utilised.
Overall I would recommend power point as both a learning and a teaching tool.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Interactive Whiteboards
What an amazing tool. This technology has potential in any classroom. I know of a couple of schools here in Bundaberg that have these, unfortunately not all schools have them. This raises the issue of availability, consistency and equality for all students. technology is available to us as teachers we are limited in the resources that the schools can afford.
Voki Avatars Again
After discussing with a fellow student the ease of creating an avatar, we then discussed some of the uses. He suggested he could use it in the Manual Arts classroom as the safety inspector guy, who gives the students the safety tips. Great work
Voki Avatars
This was just way toooooo easy and way tooooo much fun. I would use this in the classroom as an alternative teaching tool. Students get bored of listening to the same teacher day in and day out. This would generate some interest and you could use a different character each time. My guy has been used to do the weekly spelling list. How cool is that? Of course I would need to work out how to slow him down so that it would be an effective learning tool. But overall a great educational tool. If used as a spelling tool then you could also make this available on your mahara page alongside the weekly homework task. I like that the different technologies are bringing everything together.
Mahara
This was very easy to set up, which is always a bonus for the technolgy challenged people of this world. I have attempted to spend time to try and navigate my way around this site but unfortunately this is where the user friendliness seems to end. Perhaps it is me being one of the challenged. I am not sure of the purpose of Mahara. However if I could get school approval (hah) I would certainly use it as a homework tool. I would set homework tasks and allow access to both students and parents. So when a student is absent they can access that days homework and not be left behind. A parent could then access what homework the student is expected to complete and assist to keep the student on task.
It would be easy for a teacher to manage multiple numbers of classes and would negate the issue of lugging around a mountain of paperwork. Making it environmentally friendly.
It would be easy for a teacher to manage multiple numbers of classes and would negate the issue of lugging around a mountain of paperwork. Making it environmentally friendly.
Internet Safety
This is a big issue for educators, students and parents. As Scot Aldred suggests in his blog postings (march 2009) many public schools have gone into overkill and students are restricted in what they can access. Unfortunately this issue is also common in the private schooling sector. I recently attended prac at a private school and students were not able to access sport websites due to their advertising content. These were Health and Physical Education students doing research for their school assignment. It was a complete waste of classroom and computer time as they were given access to very few websites.
Scot also mentioned the release of the Apple iphone 3gs (June 2009) and I happen to agree, this is a marvleous piece of technology but the education system needs to catch up to this little piece of technology. I purchased the iphone in order to download and watch university lectures. Unfortunately the lectures are not saved in the correct format and I am unable to even view them on the iphone. I found this to be very dissappointing and I am sure there would be many students througout the education system that would be dissappointed to have this new technology only to discover their schooling instution is not able to support such technology.
I have used my iphone during lectures to quickly access powerpoints and other significant pieces of information. One lecturer was very pleased to be able to confirm via my iphone that the set of powerpoints we we currently viewing were actually available on Blackboard.
So technology certainly has a place in the classroom, we just need to find the middle ground where everyone has access and the institutions can support the technology. Oh and the teachers aren't afraid to give it a go.
Scot also mentioned the release of the Apple iphone 3gs (June 2009) and I happen to agree, this is a marvleous piece of technology but the education system needs to catch up to this little piece of technology. I purchased the iphone in order to download and watch university lectures. Unfortunately the lectures are not saved in the correct format and I am unable to even view them on the iphone. I found this to be very dissappointing and I am sure there would be many students througout the education system that would be dissappointed to have this new technology only to discover their schooling instution is not able to support such technology.
I have used my iphone during lectures to quickly access powerpoints and other significant pieces of information. One lecturer was very pleased to be able to confirm via my iphone that the set of powerpoints we we currently viewing were actually available on Blackboard.
So technology certainly has a place in the classroom, we just need to find the middle ground where everyone has access and the institutions can support the technology. Oh and the teachers aren't afraid to give it a go.
Learning Theory
Can be broken down into three main parts.
1. Behaviourist - believe that human behaviour is explained in terms of cause and effect or actions have consequences, so change the action to get the desired result.
2. Cognitive - learners who develop meaning and understanding through experience and problem solving.
3. Humanist - learners of free will who choose what, how and when they will learn.
Of course there are many other theories out there, however the above seemed to have lasted for quite some time and have proven to contain some accuracy.
Reading all of these theories gets me questioning 'Where do I fit?' and 'Where do I want to fit?' also 'Which one will make the best learner in my classroom?'
I am not sure that I will have these questions answered before I step into a classroom of my own, but one thing is for sure it will certainly help me to stay one step ahead.
1. Behaviourist - believe that human behaviour is explained in terms of cause and effect or actions have consequences, so change the action to get the desired result.
2. Cognitive - learners who develop meaning and understanding through experience and problem solving.
3. Humanist - learners of free will who choose what, how and when they will learn.
Of course there are many other theories out there, however the above seemed to have lasted for quite some time and have proven to contain some accuracy.
Reading all of these theories gets me questioning 'Where do I fit?' and 'Where do I want to fit?' also 'Which one will make the best learner in my classroom?'
I am not sure that I will have these questions answered before I step into a classroom of my own, but one thing is for sure it will certainly help me to stay one step ahead.
Learning Styles
This I found to be very fascinating.
During 2008 I took a Preparatory course through University and the first thing we did was The Keirsey Temperament Sorter and a Learning Styles questionaire by Barbara Soloman. Both sent chills up and down my spine at how close they were to descibing me. But yet they could also been seen as very general responses.
The results for the Keirsey Temperament Sorter were ESTJ (Supervisor). I enjoy a step-by-step approach and a quiet, orderly classroom. So I find learning on line or by flex to be fantastic if the instructions are clear. Because I set up how I learn best. After reading the results I was intrigued by this information and wanted to know more. I read the Keirsey website (www.keirsey.com) I was totally freaked out by how acurate this description was. It contained information about the types of roles that an ESTJ - Supervisor would take and I was already involved with several of the positions that were suggested.
The questionaire by Barbara Soloman resulted in me being an Active, Intuitve Verbal/Visual, Global Learner. It also gave me several tips on how to be a better learner. For example as a Verbal learner I learn more when I do the explaining.
Knowing this type of information about yourself will definitely help you to be a better learner. But knowing this type of information about your students will go a long way to making you a better teacher. For example once you have this knowledge you can then cater to the learners needs and therefore engage them much easier.
So exciting and you don't have to be a psycologist to work it out.
During 2008 I took a Preparatory course through University and the first thing we did was The Keirsey Temperament Sorter and a Learning Styles questionaire by Barbara Soloman. Both sent chills up and down my spine at how close they were to descibing me. But yet they could also been seen as very general responses.
The results for the Keirsey Temperament Sorter were ESTJ (Supervisor). I enjoy a step-by-step approach and a quiet, orderly classroom. So I find learning on line or by flex to be fantastic if the instructions are clear. Because I set up how I learn best. After reading the results I was intrigued by this information and wanted to know more. I read the Keirsey website (www.keirsey.com) I was totally freaked out by how acurate this description was. It contained information about the types of roles that an ESTJ - Supervisor would take and I was already involved with several of the positions that were suggested.
The questionaire by Barbara Soloman resulted in me being an Active, Intuitve Verbal/Visual, Global Learner. It also gave me several tips on how to be a better learner. For example as a Verbal learner I learn more when I do the explaining.
Knowing this type of information about yourself will definitely help you to be a better learner. But knowing this type of information about your students will go a long way to making you a better teacher. For example once you have this knowledge you can then cater to the learners needs and therefore engage them much easier.
So exciting and you don't have to be a psycologist to work it out.
Active Learning
Overall I agree with Kearsley and Shneiderman (4/5/1999), learners do need to be engaged with meaningful learning activities. Keeping both their minds and bodies active.
But it does lead me to ask the question
'At what point does the learner begin to value the education?'
Shouldn't they already have a healthy apetite for learning. An attiude that values education because it will make them a better person or lead to improved oportunities to gain highly paid employment which will then lead to an improved lifestyle.
It is too late to start to develop this type of attitude when the learner begins school. This attitude needs to start at home.
Many Asian countires value education and put a lot of pressure on their children to perform well in their studies. We only need to see the amazing technology that is being produced out of these countries to see that this is working for them.
However compare that to the Aussie culture. Each generation has certainly left their mark and passed somehting onto the next generation. Is this why we now have Generation Y, recognised as the selfish generation because of their 'it is all about me' attitude.
I think when you look at the generation debate and combine it with the words of wisdom from Kearsley and Shneiderman you do end up with a society that does not value education.
It also highlights the fact that teachers and parents need to form a partnership and work together to improve and educate a child.
I know I want to make a difference as a High school teacher, but I also need the student to step up to the plate and be accountable. Perhaps then it would be less about Behaviour management and more about engaging and worthwhile learning.
But it does lead me to ask the question
'At what point does the learner begin to value the education?'
Shouldn't they already have a healthy apetite for learning. An attiude that values education because it will make them a better person or lead to improved oportunities to gain highly paid employment which will then lead to an improved lifestyle.
It is too late to start to develop this type of attitude when the learner begins school. This attitude needs to start at home.
Many Asian countires value education and put a lot of pressure on their children to perform well in their studies. We only need to see the amazing technology that is being produced out of these countries to see that this is working for them.
However compare that to the Aussie culture. Each generation has certainly left their mark and passed somehting onto the next generation. Is this why we now have Generation Y, recognised as the selfish generation because of their 'it is all about me' attitude.
I think when you look at the generation debate and combine it with the words of wisdom from Kearsley and Shneiderman you do end up with a society that does not value education.
It also highlights the fact that teachers and parents need to form a partnership and work together to improve and educate a child.
I know I want to make a difference as a High school teacher, but I also need the student to step up to the plate and be accountable. Perhaps then it would be less about Behaviour management and more about engaging and worthwhile learning.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wiki Pages
I have just created a Wiki page via wetpaint.com and I found it to be a very easy process. There was nothing scary about it. I would happily reccommend this process to anybody, especially those that do not have a lot of technology experience.
This would be a great tool to use for group work. We live in such a busy society and this would be the ideal tool for people to come together at a suitable time to them. The information remains constantly in one place. What a great idea for those disorganised teenagers.
Also a great way for a coach to update an athlete or a team on what is required, especially those teams that contain athletes from different locations. For example the Wide Bay Netball team would include players from, Kingaroy, Hervey Bay, Nanango and Bundaberg. Travelling becomes and issue and training sessions would be kept to a minimum. so the wiki page would be a great way to come together. Unfortunately the coach would not truely know if the athlete has done any physical training.
You are welcome to check out the wiki page and include any information, just go to www.upthecreek-withmrsb.wetpaint.com
This would be a great tool to use for group work. We live in such a busy society and this would be the ideal tool for people to come together at a suitable time to them. The information remains constantly in one place. What a great idea for those disorganised teenagers.
Also a great way for a coach to update an athlete or a team on what is required, especially those teams that contain athletes from different locations. For example the Wide Bay Netball team would include players from, Kingaroy, Hervey Bay, Nanango and Bundaberg. Travelling becomes and issue and training sessions would be kept to a minimum. so the wiki page would be a great way to come together. Unfortunately the coach would not truely know if the athlete has done any physical training.
You are welcome to check out the wiki page and include any information, just go to www.upthecreek-withmrsb.wetpaint.com
Monday, November 16, 2009
Hi Bloggers,
Well I have just followed the very easy steps to setting up an RSS aggregator.
'What is that?' I hear you ask.
Well an RSS aggregator is an easy way of monitoring other blogs and websites.
But you know what, I am not really sure of how it all works, I simply have blind faith that it will happen.
At this point I have simply followed the instructions and not really understood what it is that I have just done. I really think I need to engage with this technology more to have a deeper understanding of it's role and whether it will be a value tool for me in the class room as a teacher or as a student.
This means spending/wasting more time with the technology and becoming fully engaged with the technology. However this is not likely to happen due to the rather hectic lifestyle that I lead.
I know I sound horribly negative towards this entire process and I fear that this may result in a poor mark for me, however I really feel that it is necessary to be completely honest when reveiwing these items.
If I receive emails advising me that a new posting has just been made on one of the many blogs I am following then it will be of benefit to me, however I don't think this is the case.
My understanding is that all of the new posts will now appear in one place. However if I only veiw new postings in this format I will then miss out on the creativity that appears on the actual blog.
mmmmmmm decisions, decisions. View everyones blog and marvel at their creativity or view each new posting in one boring and very wordy format?????
Being a visual learner means that I will probably view each blog, which I know will take up more of my very valueable and precious time, however I think it is worth it.
Until next time, keep on paddling up the creek.
Well I have just followed the very easy steps to setting up an RSS aggregator.
'What is that?' I hear you ask.
Well an RSS aggregator is an easy way of monitoring other blogs and websites.
But you know what, I am not really sure of how it all works, I simply have blind faith that it will happen.
At this point I have simply followed the instructions and not really understood what it is that I have just done. I really think I need to engage with this technology more to have a deeper understanding of it's role and whether it will be a value tool for me in the class room as a teacher or as a student.
This means spending/wasting more time with the technology and becoming fully engaged with the technology. However this is not likely to happen due to the rather hectic lifestyle that I lead.
I know I sound horribly negative towards this entire process and I fear that this may result in a poor mark for me, however I really feel that it is necessary to be completely honest when reveiwing these items.
If I receive emails advising me that a new posting has just been made on one of the many blogs I am following then it will be of benefit to me, however I don't think this is the case.
My understanding is that all of the new posts will now appear in one place. However if I only veiw new postings in this format I will then miss out on the creativity that appears on the actual blog.
mmmmmmm decisions, decisions. View everyones blog and marvel at their creativity or view each new posting in one boring and very wordy format?????
Being a visual learner means that I will probably view each blog, which I know will take up more of my very valueable and precious time, however I think it is worth it.
Until next time, keep on paddling up the creek.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Welcome
Hello and welcome to my blog.
This site has been created as part of a University assignment. I appreciate and welcome any comments and feedback that you may have regarding this blog.
This site has been created as part of a University assignment. I appreciate and welcome any comments and feedback that you may have regarding this blog.
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