Comments on others blogs:
Kyah (http://kyah-brooke.blogspot.com/2010/07/power-points.html)
Elaborating on ideas and thought in this blog posting about the uses of powerpoint to engagae learners.
Lachlan (http://lachywalker.blogspot.com/2010/07/wikis.html)
Examining some of the detrimental factors associated with wiki spaces
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Reflective synopsis
E-learning is a fundamental process in furthering students learning capabilities. The concept of E-Learning is the combining of modern and innovative technologies into the learning design process. In today’s society technologies are becoming more advanced and more readily used by everyday people and students are no different. In a classroom you can be guaranteed that your students will own a mobile phone, an iPod, an mp3 player or a digital camera. Many students will not only own some or all of these items but are able to do creative and marveling things with them (Education, 2009). So why not make technology an integral part of learning if it is so readily available to us (Newhouse, 2002). In many of today’s high school classrooms ICT is already being used at a minimal level. Some deterring factors for the use of ICT in planning lessons is that in some schools computers and other ICT equipment is not readily available (Education, 2009). Computers may be limited in their use or they may be delegated throughout the school. Teachers must stay current in how to use and manage operating systems in order for them to be confident in teaching students how to use these programs and ICT tools (Newhouse, 2002). If a teacher is not confident in using the technology effective teaching and learning will not take place (Education, 2009). Some ICT tools such as wiki spaces can be useful as a learning centre in which all students can collaborate and draw information from but it can also be detrimental for some if not monitored.
Technology has made the process of gaining and distributing knowledge so much simpler in the way that large amounts of information can be stored, sent or received. ICT in a classroom also opens up the argument that teaching becomes technology based rather than students centered (Newhouse, 2002). Others also argue that the use of educational technology is not detrimental but in fact a positive teaching strategy (Education, 2009). When used correctly educational technology should influence educational outcomes. If the most appropriate educational technology is selected by a teacher then student learning could be optimized and enhanced. Teachers must follow some important steps to ensure that using ICT in a classroom is in fact helpful in maximising learning (Newhouse, 2002). Before implementing computer applications in a learning environment it is necessary to decide what a student, teacher or school wants to achieve. By deciding what is needed to achieve these goals teachers are able to use technology productively.
ICT in a classroom opens up a whole new area of learning. In most learning environments computers are mainly used for assignments and are rarely used for anything else. Students are designated assignment time on the computers to discover resources online. Microsoft office programs such as word and excel are being used at a basic level to deliver assignments. Student email is used minimally and sporadically when students are sending or receiving information from their home computers. Many high school students have the ability to design, implement and structure ideas and thoughts in many more creative ways other than handing in an assignment in a blank word document.
In the synopsis I have chosen to talk about 4 of the ICT tools studied in the course. These tools are wiki spaces, online blogs, YouTube and online forums. The use of wiki spaces as a learning place in which students can add or retract or synthesis ideas allow a much broader teaching range than simple classroom discussion. The use of a personal blog from students can allow teachers to follow a student’s train of thought and gain valuable feedback from lessons (Culatta, 2010). The possibilities for ICT in a high school classroom are endless. For e.g. in a senior English lesson the students may be asked to complete a reflective journal whist undertaking an assignment. This journal is to reflect the students learning journey and is to inform the teacher on the student’s progress throughout the task. When using ICT this concept could grow. Online blogging using blog sites such as blogger can allow the student to journal online. This also allows the teacher to regularly check updates and thoughts at any point in time. Comparing this method to the old method of the student writing their thoughts out on paper gives the teacher the ability to check when the thoughts are being made and allows them to continuously comment on a student’s thoughts (Culatta, 2010). The online blog also allows for peer teaching and tutoring in that all other students following that persons blog can see what he/she is doing and having trouble with and may be able to help (Culatta, 2010). Using online forums can also advance a students learning in that you can discuss topics and information with anyone around the world. Students have the ability with online forums to ask an expert a question or discuss a situation with people who are relevant. For e.g. in a geography lesson students are learning about the dramatic changes in temperature in a country 6000km away. The students are able to search online to find an expert or person living in that country and ask directly for their thoughts. YouTube can be used to find clips relating to any specific topic being studied. Blogging and Wiki spaces have been elaborated on in more detail in my blog found at http://courtneyblm1991.blogspot.com/.
Many frameworks for teachers are available in today’s learning environments. Dimensions of learning, the big 6, productive pedagogies and blooms taxonomy name a few of these extensive frameworks. I have chosen to look into the TPAK framework which directly links technology into the learning environment (Koeler & Punya, 2010). TPAK integrates all aspects of technology and places it fully into pedagogical practice (Culatta, 2010). The QCAR framework and many other government educational frameworks have identified that ICT is an essential curriculum element of learning (Koeler & Punya, 2010).
References:
Culatta. (2010). TPAK. Retrieved August 25, 2010, from Innovative Learning: http://www.innovativelearning.com/instructional_technology/tpck.html
Culatta, R. (2010). Blogs. Retrieved August 25, 2010, from Innovative Learning: http://www.innovativelearning.com/instructional_technology/blogs.html
Education, T. o. (2009). The importance of ICT. Retrieved august 24, 2010, from Ofsted: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Publications-and-research/Browse-all-by/Documents-by-type/Thematic-reports/The-importance-of-ICT-information-and-communication-technology-in-primary-and-secondary-schools-2005-2008
Koeler, M., & Punya, M. (2010, June). TPAK. Retrieved August 24, 2010, from http://www.tpck.org/tpck/index.php?title=Main_Page
Newhouse, P. (2002, December). The impact of ICT on learning and teaching. Retrieved auguat 24, 2010, from Western Australian department of education: https://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/eval/downloads/pd/impactreview.pdf
Technology has made the process of gaining and distributing knowledge so much simpler in the way that large amounts of information can be stored, sent or received. ICT in a classroom also opens up the argument that teaching becomes technology based rather than students centered (Newhouse, 2002). Others also argue that the use of educational technology is not detrimental but in fact a positive teaching strategy (Education, 2009). When used correctly educational technology should influence educational outcomes. If the most appropriate educational technology is selected by a teacher then student learning could be optimized and enhanced. Teachers must follow some important steps to ensure that using ICT in a classroom is in fact helpful in maximising learning (Newhouse, 2002). Before implementing computer applications in a learning environment it is necessary to decide what a student, teacher or school wants to achieve. By deciding what is needed to achieve these goals teachers are able to use technology productively.
ICT in a classroom opens up a whole new area of learning. In most learning environments computers are mainly used for assignments and are rarely used for anything else. Students are designated assignment time on the computers to discover resources online. Microsoft office programs such as word and excel are being used at a basic level to deliver assignments. Student email is used minimally and sporadically when students are sending or receiving information from their home computers. Many high school students have the ability to design, implement and structure ideas and thoughts in many more creative ways other than handing in an assignment in a blank word document.
In the synopsis I have chosen to talk about 4 of the ICT tools studied in the course. These tools are wiki spaces, online blogs, YouTube and online forums. The use of wiki spaces as a learning place in which students can add or retract or synthesis ideas allow a much broader teaching range than simple classroom discussion. The use of a personal blog from students can allow teachers to follow a student’s train of thought and gain valuable feedback from lessons (Culatta, 2010). The possibilities for ICT in a high school classroom are endless. For e.g. in a senior English lesson the students may be asked to complete a reflective journal whist undertaking an assignment. This journal is to reflect the students learning journey and is to inform the teacher on the student’s progress throughout the task. When using ICT this concept could grow. Online blogging using blog sites such as blogger can allow the student to journal online. This also allows the teacher to regularly check updates and thoughts at any point in time. Comparing this method to the old method of the student writing their thoughts out on paper gives the teacher the ability to check when the thoughts are being made and allows them to continuously comment on a student’s thoughts (Culatta, 2010). The online blog also allows for peer teaching and tutoring in that all other students following that persons blog can see what he/she is doing and having trouble with and may be able to help (Culatta, 2010). Using online forums can also advance a students learning in that you can discuss topics and information with anyone around the world. Students have the ability with online forums to ask an expert a question or discuss a situation with people who are relevant. For e.g. in a geography lesson students are learning about the dramatic changes in temperature in a country 6000km away. The students are able to search online to find an expert or person living in that country and ask directly for their thoughts. YouTube can be used to find clips relating to any specific topic being studied. Blogging and Wiki spaces have been elaborated on in more detail in my blog found at http://courtneyblm1991.blogspot.com/.
Many frameworks for teachers are available in today’s learning environments. Dimensions of learning, the big 6, productive pedagogies and blooms taxonomy name a few of these extensive frameworks. I have chosen to look into the TPAK framework which directly links technology into the learning environment (Koeler & Punya, 2010). TPAK integrates all aspects of technology and places it fully into pedagogical practice (Culatta, 2010). The QCAR framework and many other government educational frameworks have identified that ICT is an essential curriculum element of learning (Koeler & Punya, 2010).
References:
Culatta. (2010). TPAK. Retrieved August 25, 2010, from Innovative Learning: http://www.innovativelearning.com/instructional_technology/tpck.html
Culatta, R. (2010). Blogs. Retrieved August 25, 2010, from Innovative Learning: http://www.innovativelearning.com/instructional_technology/blogs.html
Education, T. o. (2009). The importance of ICT. Retrieved august 24, 2010, from Ofsted: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Publications-and-research/Browse-all-by/Documents-by-type/Thematic-reports/The-importance-of-ICT-information-and-communication-technology-in-primary-and-secondary-schools-2005-2008
Koeler, M., & Punya, M. (2010, June). TPAK. Retrieved August 24, 2010, from http://www.tpck.org/tpck/index.php?title=Main_Page
Newhouse, P. (2002, December). The impact of ICT on learning and teaching. Retrieved auguat 24, 2010, from Western Australian department of education: https://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/eval/downloads/pd/impactreview.pdf
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
photographs
This image could be used in a classroom for any mapping exercises of Australia. This image gives the students a blank canvas in which to work with and also gives the teacher the ability to change and tweak activities that could use this blank map. Using images in a classroom can stimulate many students to think beyond their usual comprehension. The image can inspire students to be creative or show them something that others would not gather from the image.
In a geography lesson you could give each student a map of the world and show them which countries go where. Or in a lesson where mapping is involved you could set up an interactive white board and use Google maps to give your students a more in depth look at countries, distance and land mass.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
powerpoint
PowerPoint has a number of uses which can be used by students and in a classroom. You can edit images in power point by changing shapes and colours. You can create a sideshow that can showcase information found in assignments. You can use a sideshow as a backing for a speech in which images flutter across the screen whilst you say your speech. Power point can also be used as a mind mapping page. Simply by adding shapes and lines onto a document in power point will allow you to create a mind map?
In my experience in a school students have been using PowerPoint in music lesson. You may be wondering how PowerPoint can be used in a music lesson of all lessons. Well in this lesson they have to create an animation using PowerPoint and then after it is created they must then make the sound effects to go with their slideshow. Many of the students are enjoying the hands on feel of using a computer in a music lesson and many spend their free time in class on the computers making their slideshows more entertaining. This new and innovative way of adding ICT into a lesson that would not normally use computers has helped motivate the students to want to create and learn in class.
In my experience in a school students have been using PowerPoint in music lesson. You may be wondering how PowerPoint can be used in a music lesson of all lessons. Well in this lesson they have to create an animation using PowerPoint and then after it is created they must then make the sound effects to go with their slideshow. Many of the students are enjoying the hands on feel of using a computer in a music lesson and many spend their free time in class on the computers making their slideshows more entertaining. This new and innovative way of adding ICT into a lesson that would not normally use computers has helped motivate the students to want to create and learn in class.
Weebly
Weebly is a website in which you can create your own web page. In a classroom you can create an assignment in which student have to create and design their own web page on any topic in which they choose. Creating your own website can be a daunting challenge for some students but for others it can be an opportunity to explore their ICT skills and create a page that is individual. Many students relish the opportunity to use computers in a classroom environment. It breaks up the day to day workings of using textbooks and being talked at by teachers. In creating an activity or assignment that allows the students to contribute their individual thoughts and ideas into the creation of a webpage will enhance their learning.
My weebly page can be found at courtneys weebly
My weebly page can be found at courtneys weebly
Wikispaces
In this lesson we created a Wiki space. To me a wiki space is like an online forum mixed with a website. I can upload all my thoughts and information I wish to share onto my wiki but it can also be edited and changed by people viewing it. Wikipedia is a massive online wiki space in which online information is added and continually updated by users around the globe. A wiki is different to a blog in that a blog is your own individual learning and thoughts while a wiki space can be updated and changed by multiple users.
You can view my wiki space at Courtneys Wiki
Using wiki spaces in a classroom can help motivate students to investigate topics. By creating their own wiki in their own personal style the student is able to set out their work in a way that suits their learning style. The students work can then reflect what they have learnt on a topic and also delve into what they would like to learn from topics studied.
Students collaborate online to get eefective learning results. they are able to comment and collaborate on any thought posted onto the wikispace. students enjoy any activities in which they are able to collaboarte and gain feedback from their peers.
You can view my wiki space at Courtneys Wiki
Using wiki spaces in a classroom can help motivate students to investigate topics. By creating their own wiki in their own personal style the student is able to set out their work in a way that suits their learning style. The students work can then reflect what they have learnt on a topic and also delve into what they would like to learn from topics studied.
Students collaborate online to get eefective learning results. they are able to comment and collaborate on any thought posted onto the wikispace. students enjoy any activities in which they are able to collaboarte and gain feedback from their peers.
the Big6
Basically the Big6 is a model in which the thinking of people of all ages is broken down into 6 stages which 2 sub levels per stage.
In a learning environment the Big6 or elements of the big6 is used in every problem and every activity a student is given. Every assignment at school requires you to define the problem and identify what information you will need to continue on in solving the problem. All activities will require you to find sources for the information needed in problem solving. Engaging of information is needed to continue in the problem solving process. Presenting the information found is used not only in English and Sose assignment but also in the setting out of problems in maths. Evaluation of all problems and assignments is necessary.
The Big6 thinking process is used in everyday thinking process of everyone.
I found all this information on the Big6 at Big6™ Skills Overview
functionality of a blog
In the first lesson of term we discussed the concept of blogging. To me blogging is simply writing a journal online. It is an easy and useful method of making notations of your thoughts that can be used again for future reference. I have always had trouble recounting and analysing past things that I have done so blogging and journaling is a new concept for me but I admit there is a magnitude of uses in which online journaling can be helpful to teachers.
When getting students to journal their work you are allowing them the opportunity to reflect back on what they have previously learnt. This will help the information learnt pass from short term memory to long term memory storage. Blogging also helps student think more critically about the work they are undertaking and gives them the opportunity both be responsible for their own thoughts and work.
Blogs also allow students the chance to be individual and make their work completely relate to themselves. Online bloggers can change the fonts of texts, the size and also the colour of chosen texts. Students can add background pictures or artwork and change the layout of their chosen blogs.
Blogging as an online tool helps students gain many ICT skills. Students will have to create log in and passwords, will be able to change settings and also can learn to format in HTML.
Cheers, Courtney
When getting students to journal their work you are allowing them the opportunity to reflect back on what they have previously learnt. This will help the information learnt pass from short term memory to long term memory storage. Blogging also helps student think more critically about the work they are undertaking and gives them the opportunity both be responsible for their own thoughts and work.
Blogs also allow students the chance to be individual and make their work completely relate to themselves. Online bloggers can change the fonts of texts, the size and also the colour of chosen texts. Students can add background pictures or artwork and change the layout of their chosen blogs.
Blogging as an online tool helps students gain many ICT skills. Students will have to create log in and passwords, will be able to change settings and also can learn to format in HTML.
Cheers, Courtney
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Managing E-Learning
Lesson 1 with Wendy Fasso
To start the room was freezing and i'm definitely going to bring a jumper from now on.
Notes:
To start the room was freezing and i'm definitely going to bring a jumper from now on.
Notes:
- Wiki space used for this course is http://today5.wikispaces.com/
- Online bookmarking site so that you will never loose your bookmarks even whilst on different computers = http://delicious.com
- Mind mapping website = bubbl.us
- create a blog and regularly update it in and out of class using blogger
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