Reflective Synopsis

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.