Assessment 1, Reflective Synopsis

Reflective Synopsis

Source: http://www.voki.com/

Transcript: Welcome to my reflective synopsis. This Synopsis will be a reflection of my understanding and knowledge that I have gained about the importance of e-learning and how it is used in the classroom to enhance, transform, facilitate and support student learning. 

 

It is important for teachers to understand the important impact e-learning has on education today. E-learning is the combination of electronic resources coming together to support teaching and learning. Mirtschin (2011) discusses that, “Technology has the power to transform education. It is essential to bring it into the classroom to empower learning.”

Throughout the course of ‘Managing e-learning’ there has been a vast range of digital technologies that have been reflected upon. Each individual technology has its own way of impacting student engagement in the classroom. I have learnt about a range of different technologies that will benefit my teaching and students learning within the classroom. Some of the Digital technologies reviewed in this course, I have had previous experience with, such as Weeblys, PowerPoints, Photo editing and re-sizing tools and the use of apps on iPhones, iPads and iPod touches. Although I had prior knowledge of these elements, I was able to gain a more professional understanding of how to embed these digital tools into a classroom environment effectively. While there were a number of digital resources I was familiar with, there were also a number I had no prior experience with. I am privileged to have increased my professional understanding on a number of valuable digital tools such as, Wikis, video recording devices, podcasting, Glogsters, Prezis, QR codes and of course BLOGS- Plus so much more.

 

It is important for teachers to be aware of the different safety implications when working with digital technologies. It is important that when using digital technologies to not only make sure that you are using them legally, but both safely and ethically as well. The department of Education and Early childhood Development state that, “Schools need to use Information and Communications Technologies (ICT) as an integral component of their teaching and learning programs safely and responsibly.” It is vital that teachers understand the risks involved with digital technologies, including privacy and unsafe conduct such as cyber bullying. Smart Schools (2010) discuss the risk students could be faced with when using digital technologies, “Young people are at risk of unsafe, abusive, or aggressive behaviour online and through mobile phones such as: cyber bullying, sexual predation, stalking, accessing inappropriate content, sending sexually suggestive images and identity fraud.” It is essential to be aware of current policies in place and to teach students the importance of conducting safe practices when online and ensuring that these practices are ethical and following school procedures.

A great advantage of using digital technologies in the classroom is the collaborative construction of knowledge, which facilitates the engagement of collaborative learning. There are many different online digital resources that promote this. These are often referred to as Web 2.0 sites, such as Blogs, Wikis and Websites. This was analysed deeply in Reflection 2, Week 3, see Appendix 1. These kinds of sites are known as ‘read-write’ sites, which allow users to acknowledge their view and allows them to engage and interact with a variety of opinions, ideas, resources and perspectives of other users.

 

 

It is essential for teachers to have pedagogical knowledge but also have an immense knowledge of digital pedagogies. This is defined clearly in the TPACK Framework, which is an outline of the three main essentials to being a successful teacher; Technological, Pedagogical And Content Knowledge. This was discussed in Reflection 1, Week 2, see Appendix 2. This framework supports Digital technologies while promoting higher order and creative thinking, which relates back to Blooms Taxonomy (Appendix 2). I learnt the value of Blooms Taxonomy and how embedding ICTs help to promote and ensure students are succeeding at their highest potential.

 

 

 

In conclusion, I have benefitted a great amount from engaging in these weekly blog posts. I have learnt about the importance of digital technologies. Digital technologies can be embedded into all curriculum areas (English, Mathematics, Science, History, Art, music and special education) and digital pedagogies can enhance teaching and learning while promoting Blooms Taxonomy of higher order thinking.

I have learnt a significant amount of new knowledge and I look forward to putting it into practice by ensuring and being aware of students safety when using digital technologies while promoting higher order thinking for my students to be successful learners.  

 

 

 

References

 

Department of Education and Early Childhood Development. (2012). Using Technology to Support Teaching. Retrieved from http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/principals/spag/curriculum/pages/techsupport.aspx

Images sourced from: https://www.google.com.au/imghp?hl=en&tab=ii&authuser=0

 Mirtschin, A. (2011). On an e-Journey with Generation Y: 10 reasons why e-learning is essential for students. Retrieved from http://murcha.wordpress.com/2011/01/05/why-elearning-is-essential-for-students/

Oddcast Inc. (2013). Voki. Retrieved from http://www.voki.com/

Smart schools. (2010). Cyber-risks. Retrieved from https://www.esmartschools.org.au/cyber_risks/Pages/default.aspx

 

 

 



Assignment 1, Reflection 5, Week 6

Digital Technologies

• Mobile phones

• iPod Touch

• iPads

 

Every teacher wants to engage there students in the classroom the best way possible.



Source: Google Images

Mobile phones in the classroom?

There has been recent debates about whether or not mobile phones should or should not be used in the classroom. John Eyles discusses in his video his view on mobile phones the advantages and disadvantages of using them in the classroom. Eyles mentions how incredible they are, "Social network in your hand. Personal learning network that amplifies its power and potential." Although he also stresses on the negative aspect of how people can easily become 'obsessed' with their mobile phone.

Mobile phones have the potential to change the way schools work while relating to people and educational content. But should mobile phones be introduced into the classroom? Mobiles phones, as we all know, are very important to everyone in our day-to-day lives. So the suggestion has been made that is we introduce mobile phones into the classroom there is potential on them being very relevant and also engaging.

On a negative spin, if we were to introduce mobile phones into our classrooms, would that mean they would take the place of laptops? Discussion by Eyles was had, that perhaps if mobiles were introduced they would take over the current schooling budget and even replace laptops all together. Although mobile phones are engaging and a very useful communication tool, they cannot replace the use of laptops. Laptops are so important for student learning- they are a large tool and easy for students to display their learning on. There is also the risk of cyber bullying made easier in the classroom with just the push of a button if mobile phones are introduced.

In conclusion, mobile phones could be placed into classrooms under the correct supervision, but they cannot take over current technologies.

Source: Google Images 

iPods touches and iPads in the classroom

 

 

Source: Google Images

 

 

"All the worlds learning in it, at your fingertips opens up new doors to new knowledge, it transforms you" - JoAnne Boyle.

 

 

iPod touches and iPads both have very similar aspects- the size of  them is really the major difference.

 

I personally think the use of iPads in the classroom would be more effective than iPod touches because their size- easier to read and manipulate information. Although for those student who don't have access to an iPad at home could easily interact with their iPod touch.

 

 

iPads promote: Enthusiasm, Excitement, Engagement and Interest!

 

Source: Google Images

 

iPads include both technology and play, children's two favourite things, while they are learning all at the same time. iPads are an up-to-date tool that were designed to make life more simple and enjoyable. They are able to transform learning by helping students to acquire and integrate knowledge. iPads can be embedded into all learning environments;

• Early childhood
• Primary school
• High school
• University studies

Because iPads allow you to search the App Store, your options for what you download are endless. There is an app for everything, to help improve reading, spelling and writing! There are apps that can be adapted for all ages groups and there is an app that can be incorporated into any learning area in the classroom;

 

English: Story telling, Shakespeare, grammar

 

Language: Spelling, Reading, Writing

 

Mathematics: Basic addition, problem solving, algebra

 

Science: Muscle systems, Star watching, field guides

 

History: Maps of the world, history documents, historical photographs

 

Art, Music and Creativity: Sketch books, instrumental learning

 

Special Education: Visual, hearing and speech aids

 

 

PLUS SO MUCH MORE!

 

Check out this great link for some great apps to embed into your classroom here! There is thousands of apps with endless potential.

 

 

Source: Google Images

 

 

QR Codes

 

QR Codes are becoming more and more popular in the classroom. They are basically, "two dimensional bar codes that have been popular in Japan and Europe for several years." theohiobloke Gloster page

                        

They are being used for educational purposes because they are a great way to link information through videos, images, podcasts etc. QR Codes can be used in the classroom environments for activities like quests, worksheet links, posters with links to video or audio files and so much more.

 

Source: Google Images

 

 

References

 

Apple Inc. (2013) Apple in Education. Retrieved from http://www.apple.com/au/education/apps/

 

theohiobloke Glogster page. Retrieved from http://theohiobloke.edu.glogster.com/qr-codes-in-education/

 

 

 

Assignment 1, Reflection 4, Week 5

Creative Ways to Present Information

If you wish to completely engage your students when teaching, it is necessary to use a variety of text, audio, images and videos- as discussed last week. This week will focus on the importance of how you present information when teaching it to your students.

Some creative presenting tools being focused on this week are:

1. PowerPoint
2. Prezi
3. Glogster

Source: Google Images

1. PowerPoint

PowerPoint is one the most commonly used presenting tools by both educators and students. Although, so many people are familiar with the basics to using PowerPoint, there are very few people who know how to go far and beyond when using it to teach.

PowerPoint can be used to;

• Embed text, audio, videos and images
• Link to websites and other slides
• Create interaction

A tool used to help teachers and students think 'outside of the box' when creating PowerPoint's is Virtual Museums. This is a fantastic tool that can be embedded across curriculum areas to extend and refine knowledge. This tool allows you and your students to build and create a 'museum' that links to other slides, providing games, information and additional resources. This tool encourages interaction and engagement while using 21st century skills to help students make meaning of content knowledge.

 

 

I strongly recommend visiting 'Virtual Museums' when creating you next PowerPoint as it can be easily integrated in to all different subject areas and would be appealing to your students.

 

I have embedded a PowerPoint that I had created in a previous course, that was designed to be a Historical Web Story, focusing on the key learning area of year 3 History. This presentation could be used in a history inquiry on Australia day. The presentation followed the Australian Curriculum (ACARA, 2012) content descriptor for year 3 History;

 

Days and weeks celebrated or commemorated in Australia (including Australia Day, ANZAC Day, Harmony Week, National Reconciliation Week, NAIDOC week and National Sorry Day) and the importance of symbols and emblems.

 

 

Click here to view slide show and teacher notes

 

Throughout this presentation there is use of text, images, links to relevant websites (interactive), useful teacher notes embedded on each slide and a reference list is included.

 

An important thing to remember when creating a PowerPoint presentation for early years students is to use a number of images, sound recordings, colours and limited text. This will ensure students are engaged and learning while interacting.

 

Source: Google Images

 

 

2. Prezi

A Prezi is often referred to as the 'Zooming Presentation Tool' and allows you to add all the little specific details that you wish to. Prezi is used like a magnifying glass, zooming into the big picture.

 

I had a go at creating my own Prezi:

This tool would be useful in the classroom environment for both the teacher and student. Prezi could easily be embedded into any curriculum area. The teacher may wish to use it to engage students when teaching a new topic. The students could possibly use this tool when presenting in front of the class or just to display understanding of a topic. Students can incorporate images, videos, audio, text and movement throughout the presentation.

This is a simple and fun tool! I am shocked that I have never used it before, but I look forward to using it in my future teaching career. IT'G GREAT!

Source: Google Images

 

3. Glogster

A Glogster can often be referred to as 'An Online Scrapbooking Tool' and has many educational benefits. Gorman (2010), discusses "The benefits of using Glogster in the education include the opportunity for students to use a dynamic, multi-sensory learning program that fulfils Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles, enables standards mastery, provides differentiated instruction and so much more." Both teacher and students can use this tool;
- Through Glogster.com/edu teachers can create student accounts and observe them.
- Students can interact with Glogster by adding backgrounds, images, videos, audios, links and graphics.
Glogs can be embedded into Blogs and Wikis, like I have done here today;



As you can see the final product looks like a poster. I would highly recommend using this tool in the classroom environment across all subject areas.

I look forward to using Glogster, Prezi and PowerPoint again!

References

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). (2012). The Australian Curriculum: History. Australian Government.

 

Glogster. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.glogster.com/dashboard/pulse

 

Gorman, M. (2010). 21st Century Educational Technology and Learning. Retrieved from http://21centuryedtech.wordpress.com/2010/10/10/changes-at-glogster-great-info-and-links-for-all-levels-of-users/

 

Keeler, C. (N.D). Educational Virtual Museums developed using PowerPoint. Retrieved from

http://christykeeler.com/EducationalVirtualMuseums.html

 

Prezi. (2013). Retrieved from http://prezi.com/your/

Digital Video:

A digital Video is a tool that can be affective in any curriculum area in the classroom environment. Digital videos allow students to become engage, its a tool that can be used for; communication, presentation, teamwork, moviemaking skills and high order thinking.

 

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5ySocUyI7I

 

I had an attempt at creating my own digital video using 'CineBeat.'

Check out this link to the video I made:

http://www.smule.com/p/101227140_13623839


I downloaded the CineBeat app to my iPhone and found it very simple to record the original video but had a lot of difficulties with uploading it and found it became very time consuming. I hope you have access to the link above. This app may be difficult to use in the classroom environment; a tool like 'movie maker' may be more appropriate.
 

 

References:
 

'audioboo' - retrieved from the app store

My recording link: http://audioboo.fm/boos/1519676-podcast-1

BeFunky. (2012). Retrieved from
http://www.befunky.com/

'cinebeat' - retrieved from the app store
My video link: http://www.smule.com/p/101227140_13623839

Digital literacy- using technology in the classroom. (2011). Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5ySocUyI7I

Oddcast Inc. (2013). Voki. Retrieved from

http://www.voki.com/

Podcasting in Education.(2013). Wiki Retrieved from Moodle site
http://podcasting-in-education.wikispaces.com/

Stansbury. (2008). Analysis: How media can improve learning. Retrieved from
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2008/03/26/analysis-how-multimedia-can-improve-learning/

Walsh. (N.D).  Pedagogic Potentials of Multimodal literacy. Retrieved from
http://www.acu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/195676/Chapter_3_Multimodal_Literacy_M_Walsh.pdf

 

 

 

Assignment 1, Reflection 3, Week 4

Multimedia's in the classroom

http://www.voki.com/
 

Teachers should not only understand the importance of multimedia tools in the classroom, but understand how they can successfully them. It is essential for teachers to use a number of different multimedia to improve student achievement across curriculum areas. Walsh's text 'Pedagogic Potentials of Multimodal literacy' analyses ways' analyse ways of redesigning literacy pedagogy within e-learning and multimodal contexts. Walsh (N.D) presents evidence about multimedia importance and discusses that, "... Students need to be able to combine traditional literacy practices with  the understanding, design and manipulation of different modes of images, graphics, sound and movement with." Teachers need to incorporate multimodal and digital technologies to create leaning experiences that are beneficial for the students.

 

 

Teachers need to understand how to use multimedia appropriately without risking overloading it in  the classroom. Stansbury (2008) states that educators need to,

"- Know the importance of attention and motivation of the learner

and know the importance of separating media from the instruction approach."

Once embedded effectively, combining audio and images with text enhances learning significantly and promotes higher-order thinking.

 

Images:

Source: Google Images

 

 

Images are not only important in everyday classroom use, but images are essential for e-learning. When using images online, it is important to understand how to use them to create the right effect. Images can be used across all curriculum areas to influence or support students skill development.

 

In a classroom environment we were asked to consider having our students create an image for the book cover of the novel they have read for literacy. This concept would involve the use of high level thinking as students are using and creating images to represent characters, the plot and themes.

 

It is important for students to understand how to analyse text, but it is also essential for students to be able to analyse images and make meaning of them.

This could include students; using a digital camera to record information and creating mind maps with images. This could be used in all curriculum areas.

 

 

Photo resizing:





Original size: 2550 x 2550







Resized: 100 x 100









 It is an important tool in the classroom for the teacher and the students to be able to resize images. I have used the Mobaphoto photo resizing editing tool to change the size of an image retrieved from Google Images.

Try it today:

http://mobaphoto.mobatek.net/en/

 

 

 

Photo Editing:

 Original Photo:

 

 

 

Edited photo:

 

 

Using Be Funky photo editing tool, I was able to edit an original photograph that I had taken with my camera.

The editing tools I interacted with were;

• Colour
• Blur
• Sharpen
• Crop
• Edges (Vignette)
• Featured Effects
• Featured Frames
• Add text

 

Try this photo editing tool today:

http://www.befunky.com/

 

 Podcasting and Digital Audio:

Source: Google Images

 

 

Podcasting is very popular and there are many available the internet and on iTunes. A podcast is most often just referred to as a 'sound file' and is a great tool that can be easily embedded into classroom teaching. Students can create their own podcast by recording their voice into a digital audio device and share it with fellow classmates by simply uploading it online.

 

 

Educational uses outlined by 'Podcasting in Education Wiki:' 

Publish student work

Student project for assessment

Distribute school assignments

Peer teaching

Language classes

Create archive of class lectures

Interview guest experts

Create oral histories

Communicate with parents

Community outreach

Audio tours

Public safety messages

School happenings/performances

Professional development and personal learning 

I had an attempt of creating my own Audio clip using 'audioboo;'

I downloaded the 'audioboo' app to my iPhone and found it really simply to record my voice and upload it to my blog. I would highly recommend using app in the classroom environment as its an easy an effective tool that can be embedded into all curriculum areas.

Digital Video:

A digital Video is a tool that can be affective in any curriculum area in the classroom environment. Digital videos allow students to become engage, its a tool that can be used for; communication, presentation, teamwork, moviemaking skills and high order thinking.

 

Source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5ySocUyI7I

 

I had an attempt at creating my own digital video using 'CineBeat.'

Check out this link to the video I made:

http://www.smule.com/p/101227140_13623839


I downloaded the CineBeat app to my iPhone and found it very simple to record the original video but had a lot of difficulties with uploading it and found it became very time consuming. I hope you have access to the link above. This app may be difficult to use in the classroom environment; a tool like 'movie maker' may be more appropriate.
 

 

References:
 

'audioboo' - retrieved from the app store

My recording link: http://audioboo.fm/boos/1519676-podcast-1

BeFunky. (2012). Retrieved from
http://www.befunky.com/

'cinebeat' - retrieved from the app store
My video link: http://www.smule.com/p/101227140_13623839

Digital literacy- using technology in the classroom. (2011). Retrieved from
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5ySocUyI7I

Oddcast Inc. (2013). Voki. Retrieved from

http://www.voki.com/

Podcasting in Education.(2013). Wiki Retrieved from Moodle site
http://podcasting-in-education.wikispaces.com/

Stansbury. (2008). Analysis: How media can improve learning. Retrieved from
http://www.eschoolnews.com/2008/03/26/analysis-how-multimedia-can-improve-learning/

Walsh. (N.D).  Pedagogic Potentials of Multimodal literacy. Retrieved from
http://www.acu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/195676/Chapter_3_Multimodal_Literacy_M_Walsh.pdf

 

 

 

Assignment 1, Reflection 2, Week 3

 

 

Voki- Press play!

 

 

Create your own today- http://www.voki.com/

 

 

Web 1.0 and Web 2.0

It is important to understand the differences between both Web 1.0 and Web 2.0. Firstly, Web 1.0 in the simplest terms can be known as a 'read only' web. This means that the sole creator of the webpage is the only person who can add and edit text, videos and images. Public viewers of Web 1.0 are unable to make any changes.

 

On the other hand, Web 2.0 is completely different. It is designed so that not only the creator of the webpage, but other individuals that view the page are able to add content and make edits. Web 2.0 is often referred to as the 'read-write' web.

 



 

Source: Google Images

 

There are three commonly used Web 2.0 tools; Blogs, Wikis and Websites.

Although each of these are very similar, they do have their own characteristics.

 

Blogs

A blog, which could also be referred to as a 'Web log' can be a very useful tool as you are able to use it to group together commentary on a particular topic. Blogs can be made up of text, links, images, videos and other multimedia. Although a blog is usually a webpage predominately maintained by an individual, readers can interact with the site and leave comments.

 

The idea has been raised about blogs being used as an Educational tool. Like any digital resource being used in the classroom- there are both a number of positives and negatives that come with using it. 

 

Blogs in the classroom:

 

Plus +	Minus -	Interesting?
-          As today’s students as known to be digital natives, they will be engaged with the use of blogs   -          Students will have to opportunity to be creative   -          Students will be able to learn about a new tool that they could continue to use in their future schooling	-          The risk of cyber bullying could be increased   -          Some students may not be confident with using digital technologies and may fall behind	-          Blogs are affordable, they won’t cost anything for a classroom teacher -          Blogs are easy to use (anyone can do it) -          Blogging is always a fun tool -          Blogs are an interesting way to display information

 

Source: Google Images 

If the use of blogs in the classroom is conducted correctly, they could most definitely be a useful tool for ALL students. Anything new in the classroom is always exciting and engaging for the students.

If Blogs are introduced into students learning in the classroom, they will be given the opportunity to explore a number of technical features that they may not be familiar with.

-students can construct their blog to their very own design

-students can add images, videos and links to other websites

-students can interact with each other’s blogs by adding respectful comments

As a pre-service teacher, I would love to engage my students with the use of blogging in the classroom. It would be a great reflective tool used to centre the students learning.

 

Wikis

A wiki is a great tool for online collaborative learning; not only the creator of the wiki, but guests can also be involved in editing, modifying, adding and removing information. Although, like any digital tool- there are also disadvantages to using it. Wikis sometimes tend to get 'messy' with the use of multiple authors. If two people are editing at the same time, not all work is saved.

 

I had a go at creating my very own wiki- I added text and images.

http://emmamoffitt.wikispaces.com/

 

 I really enjoyed creating my very first wiki. I found it rather easy to create at first, with a few little editing complications.

 

Personally, I don't think I would use a wiki in a classroom environment after past experiences of using them. The only way a wiki would work for students if there were only a limited amount of students using the one wiki page.

 

 

Website- Weebly

A weebly is a great website creating tool. I have been lucky enough to have had the opportunity to  create one in a previous course. I would definitely use a weebly as a tool to engage students in the classroom.

 

 

Check it out:

http://edcu11020moffittmurphytask2.weebly.com/

 



 

  

 

 Source: http://www.fodey.com/generators/newspaper/snippet.asp

 

References

Fodey.com (N.D). Retrieved from

http://www.fodey.com/generators/newspaper/snippet.asp

 

Oddcast Inc. (2013). Voki. Retrieved from

http://www.voki.com/create.php