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/