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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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