Reflective Synopsis

Hello and welcome to my, 

Introduction:

Classrooms of the 21st century have begun undergoing a rapid transformation into new learning environments that are highly flexible, configurable and collaborative as Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) are being introduced into students’ daily lives. The ICT tools have been based around the concept of Electronic Learning (E-Learning) which is considered to be the use of any electronic device and/or program to aid in the acquisition and development of knowledge and understanding in order to encourage student learning and influence positive behaviour (AADM Enterprises, 2009).     Before attending my Manage E-Learning course at Central Queensland University (CQU), I had no recollection of hearing the words ‘E-Learning’ or ‘ICT’, let alone knowing their definition; however since studying the subject my eyes have been opened to the reasoning behind Generation Y’s obsession with technology. Our society has adapted into a world where technology is readily available for us either on the desktop or in our pockets; therefore it is important that E-Learning is introduced into the classroom as it is no longer considered appropriate to educate students with out-dated methods of learning. Over the course of the past 6 weeks, I have been introduced to numerous technological aspects such as the Digital Technology tools,Blooms Taxonomy (scroll down in link), pedagogical facts, etc., which have all proven that they would be a successful and effective addition to student learning in the classroom.

Working Safely and Ethically:

Irrespective of the adequate proof in regards to the internet’s efficiency, there are three main aspects for both an educator and a student to consider: whether the technology is 'Safe, Legal and Ethical'. Although the internet is a beneficial source, it is a World Wide network; therefore children could be targeted by a wide range of internet risks, starting from downloaded viruses, to cyber bullying, to more extreme risks (eg. predators). As mentioned in my Week 6 Blog Post, it is crucial to manage students' internet activity due to the dangers of the web and  all that it entails.

Here is a small video clip that demonstrates just one example of why you should never trust people on the internet........

Within the past 6 weeks, I have been introduced to various ICT’s such as a Blog, Wiki, Weebly, Prezi and a Glogster, which have all proven to be an effective tool in student learning(see week 5 Blog Post). However, although every program has multiple advantages involving education, there are several disadvantages to using each program (see example 1). As an individual, I am aware of several dangers circulating the internet; for example cyber bullying, online predators, inappropriate content, scams, and viruses etc. (Spencer, S., 2012). However, as a future learning manager, I intend to ensure that my students are aware of these dangers and implement various protection sites, in addition to my individual scanning and awareness to prevent unfortunate events occurring.

Collaborative construction of knowledge:

Every individual is different in the way they learn and obtain new information. So how do you get each student to pay attention? There are four main learning theories which cover the individual learning styles such as:                        

                                          1.      Behaviourism 2.      Cognitivism 3.      Constructivism 4.      Connectivism
(Fasso, W. 2013)

There are several ways in which an educator could implement these learning theories through the process of scaffolding, which would result in a larger engagement of students and creating the opportunities for them to use their higher order thinking skills. As stated previously in Week 5 - Digital Technologies 4, there are several different digital technology tools which could be used to impact on student learning such as zoo bursts, scribble maps, mind mapping etc., which could be used to present/mash up/collate learning, as well as stimulate the students' minds. These technologies may be used to facilitate learning as they result in an increase in motivation, activates the thought process and encourages independence.

Studies carried out by Julie McLaughlin have shown that transforming students' learning objectives into a positive aspect of education, will “influence the nature of the activities students undertake, engage seriously in their study and regulate their behaviour” (Queensland Department of Education, 2005). As a future learning manager, I believe that to effectively educate students, they need to be engaged in the activities; therefore I intend to use the various technology tools as they would be effective in student concentration.

Importance of Pedagogy:

In the 20^th century, educators were encouraged to transform subject content and represent it in forms that attended to individual learning by demonstrating Pedagogical Content Knowledge. However, as society is currently living in the 21^st century, ICT is providing educators with new ways to access and process knowledge in every subject. Therefore, to adequately teach today’s generation, educators are encouraged to follow the process of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK). TPACK can be referred to as the 'three legged stool' (Fasso, W. 2013), as similar to a three-legged stool, it is important for an educator to have sufficient knowledge in all three areas; otherwise the foundation would be collapse and crumble(see week 2 Blog Post).


The digital pedagogy implications within the classroom have proven to be effective in improving the students’ ability to obtain further knowledge through enquiry and connecting to sources of information(for example, scroll down wiki). Introducing digital pedagogy into the classroom has become so beneficial in the 21^st century; that the state has implemented guidelines for educators to follow,’(see guidelines). By including various ICT’s (for example: QR Codes, iPad applications, voki's (scroll down on link), etc.), educators are also establishing an appropriate reputation management.

Conclusion:

Education is about providing students with opportunities to be challenged and still succeed (Teaching in Digital Environments, CQU Australia (2013)). As a learning manager, this is a quote that I intend to incorporate into my classroom through several of the digital technology tools discussed throughout the Manage E-Learning course. Before attending this course, I considered ‘technology in the classroom’ to be referring to laptops and computers alongside the desk. However, not only has E-Learning opened my eyes to the numerous technological tools such as (Prezi, mind mapping, voki, glogster and so much more), the class has changed my perspective on allowing mobile phones and iPads into the classroom.

Even though perspectives of mobile phones in class have changed, still take precautions so this does not happen...

Not only have I learnt the meaning of digital pedagogy, I have also discovered how to implement various technologies which encourage students to use their higher order thinking skills by following the Blooms Taxonomy process, and stimulates a teacher's knowledge through de Bono's Thinking Hats (check out my answer to a de Bono Hat exercise). Establishing new knowledge in educational areas has proven to be efficient as it provides the educator with new, interesting ways to grasp the student’s attention, as well as motivate student contribution. Overall, the topics of this course have provided me with sufficient amounts of information and techniques that I could implement further throughout my career.

By: Breanna Semple

 

References:

2013. The importance of eLearning in learning and development models [Online]. Brisbane. Available: http://www.edutech.net.au/workplacelearning.html [Accessed 18th August 2013].

AADM. 2009. What is eLearning? [Online]. Available: http://www.aadm.com/moreinfo.htm [Accessed 18th August 2013].

 

CHEF, T. 2012. Becoming Tech Savy [Online]. Available: http://becomingtechsavy.blogspot.com.au/ [Accessed 20th August 2013].

CLEMMONS, R. 2013. Technology, Instruction and the 21st Century Classroom [Online]. Available: http://www.edtechmagazine.com/higher/article/2013/05/technology-instruction-and-21st-century-classroom [Accessed 20th August 2013].

FASSO, W. 2013. Digital Technologies [Online]. Available: http://my.cqu.edu.au/web/my.cqu/welcome [Accessed 18th August 2013].

KOEHLER, M. 2011. Available: http://www.tpack.org/ [Accessed 20th August 2013].

 

MCLAUGHLIN, J. 2006. Creating a Positive Classroom Environment [Online]. Available: http://sitemaker.umich.edu/mclaughlin_portfolio/creating_a_positive_classroom_environment [Accessed 20th August 2013].

 

MISHRA, K. 2008. TPACK (was TPCK) [Online]. Available: http://punya.educ.msu.edu/research/tpck/ [Accessed 20th August 2013].

SEMPLE, B. 2013a. Bree's Manage E-Learning [Online]. Available: http://brees-e-learning.wikispaces.com/ [Accessed 20th August 2013].

 

SEMPLE, B. 2013b. Manage E-Learning [Online]. Available: http://bree-manage-e-learning.weebly.com/index.html [Accessed 20th August 2013].

SEMPLE, B. 2013c. Week 1-Week 6 [Online]. Available: http://breannasemple.blogspot.com.au/ [Accessed 20th August 2013].

 

SPENCER, S. 2012. 5 Dangers of the Internet for Kids [Online]. Available: http://www.covenanteyes.com/2012/05/22/5-dangers-of-the-internet-for-kids/ [Accessed 20th August 2013].

WEEK 6- Summary and Reflection

Hello everyone and welcome to my Week 6 Blog post......

 

As you may have guessed from the image above the topic this week is discussing the use of mobile phones within the classroom; whether it should be allowed? If not, why should it be banned? etc. However; as most, if not all of you well know, a mobile phone is not the only piece of technology that children have been introduced to in the 21st century. This blog post is going to discuss the use of mobile phones, iPads, iPods and the topic of QR Codes.

If somebody had asked me whether I considered it to be a good idea to use mobile phones in class before attending the Manage E-Learning class, I would have said 'Heck No!' without any hesitation in my voice; however after studying the different benefits to using this type of technology within the classroom I would now have to say yes, mobile phones could be an appropriate device to use during class under the correct circumstances.

Why should mobile phones be allowed in the classroom?

The topic of mobile phones being used within the classroom has been a debated issue for several years and keeps growing stronger through the new technological advances throughout society; however many citizens are asking, why now? Why after all this time, should mobile phones be allowed to be used in the classroom?

Although there are many disadvantages to using a mobile phone in the classroom such as cyber bullying, cheating, distractions, etc., due to the technology implications of the 21st century it is only appropriate to consider the benefits this technology could have in education.
There are several benefits to using mobile phones within class such as:

1.  Increases student communication (eg. have a personal online group for students only)
2. Schools don't always have enough computers for every student
3. Used for dictionary or thesaurus purposes
4. Students can have a planner on their phone
5. Instant access to the internet for research purposes
6. Online posting (assessment and group work only)
7. Improves data gathering

The list could go on....

As a learning manager and/or educator, it is important to weigh up the outcomes in relation to using mobile phones in the classroom. A person must consider whether the activity that the class is being presented with would still work effectively if presented on a mobile device. Is it easily comprehensible? Would it have the same effect being presented on a small screen? Admittedly using mobile phones as a teaching device would keep students involved; however a teacher must consider whether the way it is being used is ethical.

It is no secret that a teacher must consider all 'Safe, Legal and Ethical' sides to any activity; therefore I shall just briefly mention its importance on this topic. If encouraging students to use mobile phones in class, an educator must continually be aware of all that is going on around him/her as students may become involved in bullying which is not safe, online scams- which is another denominator that is not safe, cheating - it may not be entirely illegal; however it is still unaccepted, and online games- if the games are not related to the class topic, they become unethical.

 

 

Do not let this (the video below) happen in your classroom if you decide to allow the use of mobile phones.....

 



 



A useful app that could be used on the mobile phone that would benefit education is the iBook application which allows students to download books and or PDF's to their phones. Not only could this app be used on a mobile, but it could also be used on an iPad. On that note we move onto the next item of agenda......

 

 

The iPad is a tablet computer designed and developed by Apple, and is considered to have the best features of a notebook or netbook computer, wrapped up in a gorgeous, ultrathin, light-as-a-feather package including one of the best ways to experience the Web, e-mail, photos, and videos online.

The iPad is similar to a mobile phone in every aspect, except for one thing.... it has got a bigger screen. Like a mobile phone, the iPad still has some disadvantages to it; however using this device as an alternative to mobile phones is something I personally consider to be appropriate as it minimises the amount of texting between students- therefore would be less of a distraction. Using an iPad in the classroom does have multiple benefits such as:

1. Saving money by combining books, diaries, writing implements, calculators, word processors, etc. as it is all in one media tablet
2. Allows students to take control over their on learning
3. The touch-screen interface allows students to engage more interactively with content
4. The iPad can easily be positioned for comfortable use on your desk or lap
5. There is no delay to boot up iPads like there is with laptops or computers
6. Its light weight and portability which means it can easily be carried from class to class without having to close and reopen the screen
7.  Data can be accessed while standing and notes can be taken on the go, thus extending learning far beyond the classroom
8. Children are eager to embrace new technology;
   AND SO MANY MORE!
   

There are numerous different apps that could be downloaded that could potentially benefit and increase student learning within the classroom.

 

This brings me to the topic of Bloom's Taxonomy....

Blooms Taxonomy is considered to be a process which supports the understanding of the types of thinking, the ways of questioning and designing learning to support the presentation of knowledge which is a key aspect in the iPad device.
The image below illustrates various different apps that comply with the 6 factors of Blooms Taxonomy:

Another device that is being debated as to whether it should be allowed within the classroom are the....

 

An iPod is considered to be a pocket-sized device that is used to play music files; however in addition to music, is now being used to download educational applications.
Personally, I would not choose an iPod as a method of learning in the classroom, only because I believe students would become more engaged in music than researching the class topic or attending to educational games. That's not to say that I don't think music would be a good idea because some students are able to focus better with music in the background; however at least while the educator is teaching/talking, I don't think iPods should be used.

 

A professor at Northern Illinois University stated that she "is concerned that forcing students to use outdated equipment and old technologies risks boredom and lower interest in schoolwork" (Blaisdell, 2006). As complicated as it may appear, our society is continually evolving to become a new tech savvy generation, and students are wishing to go along with the flow.

 

 

Irrespective of the disadvantages of the product, such as the extensive costs, some benefits to using an iPod in the classroom would be:

1. Allows us to extend the classroom beyond these four walls
2. No more heavy backpacks
3. Good for the environment
4. Keeps students actively engaged
5. students are becoming more comfortable and confident using technology
6. Learn a new language (ESL)
7. Practice online educational games etc.

 

 

As I was still unsure how an iPod could be used within the classroom I decided to do further research....

The site below has some really informative knowledge on what ipods could be used for in the classroom, for example:

1. listen to audio
2. watch video
3. create content
4. connect to the web
5. download apps

So please check it out! Ipod usage in the classroom

 

Last but not least...

What is a QR Code?

The first thing that I asked myself was 'What is a QR Code?' I personally have never heard of it before until the past week.
According to Marc Lyne, a QR Code is a matrix barcode, readable by QR scanners, mobile phones with a camera, and smartphones that take a piece of information from a transitory media and put it in to your cell phone.

They look like this:

Growing in popularity in recent years with the explosion of camera equipped smart-phones, the codes are now being used to link real world objects with all sorts of online data and information. The reason why they are more useful than a standard barcode is that they can store (and digitally present) much more data, including url links, geo coordinates, and text. The other key feature of QR Codes is that instead of requiring a chunky hand-held scanner to scan them, many modern cell phones can scan them.

 

Various different ways in which QR Codes could be used in the classroom could be:

1. Worksheets
2. Scavenger Hunts
3. Contact Information for Parents and Students
4. Notes
5. Assignments
6. Hints/Tutorials to assist on problems

 

 

As I was still a little unsure on how a QR Code could be used in education, I have added a link to a Prezi discussing the topic below:

 

In case the topic is still not clear; here is a Glogster explaining information about QR Codes:


I hope you all enjoyed this weeks blog post, to end the discussion I shall play you a short video on how students have become obsessed with electronics in the classroom.....

Thankyou,
Breanna :)

WEEK 5 - Digital Technologies 3 & 4

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
This Manage E-Learning student has just released a newspaper article with insights to all of the topics that have been discussed in the Week 5 lecture, check it out!

Hello everyone and welcome to my Week 5 blog post! This week in Manage E-Leaning we have been discussing the group 3 & 4 technology tools that can be used within the classroom to assist in engaging the students and improving presentation techniques. The three main tools from group 3 that we discussed in class that could be used to present/mash up/collate learning and/or information, were PowerPoint, Prezi and Glogster. Each one of these tools are capable of interactivity among students and teachers, as well as including multimodal techniques(for eg. text, audio, images and video). In addition to the tools of group 3, we also discussed various programs that could make learning more enjoyable for the students.

Digital Technologies 3:

 

 

The term "PowerPoint presentation" was coined when Microsoft introduced its software program PowerPoint. PowerPoint is commonly used by presenters as a digital aid when presenting their topic to an audience. PowerPoint uses a graphical approach to presentations in the form of slide shows that accompany the oral delivery of the topic.

The PowerPoint has been a well-known, world-wide resource since the 1990's and is still being used within the classrooms of today; however as this weeks discussion addressed, students are not appealing to PowerPoint's in the same way as they have in the past. The program has been used numerous times on several occasions; therefore is gradually becoming less and less interesting to listen to. PowerPoint makes a good use of media features; however it does not require the students to play an active role in its use as a learning media. Education needs students who are active, responsible and engaged. Various class discussions need to be free flowing and allow for interactivity; however a PowerPoint does not do that. Given these facts, personally I would not use this tool a large amount when teaching students of a higher age group.

 

 

HOWEVER..........

In saying that, the PowerPoint tool is considered to be an appropriate, attention-grabbing resource that could be used for students of a younger age (approximately primary school - year 10). The layout of the program is simple and easy to use; therefore it could be used by students who maintain a learning disability, in addition to attending to the three individual learning styles (audio, visual and kinaesthetic) .

There are a variety of different ways that a PowerPoint could be used within the classroom such as:

• A presentation tool
• Students can create narrated presentations
  (record, listen, etc.)
• It allows for the embedding of text, audio,
  videos, images and hyperlinks.
• Could be used as a game and/or a quiz that
  students could play to improve their
  knowledge.
• Be used for compare & contrast
• Lesson plan for class
• Core content exposure using a multimedia
  perspective

Kawasaki rule of thumb for PowerPoint:

Kawasaki's rule of thumb for PowerPoint is a simple three dot statement:

• Maximum of 10 slides
  ~ This ensures that the person speaking is not reading straight off of the slides. Remember; a PowerPoint can symbolise palm cards, not an entire speech.
• No longer than 20 minutes
  ~ If the presentation goes for too long the audience is going to get bored and end up falling asleep.
• Writing has to be in size 30 font
  ~ This note comes in handy for those who are vision impaired and or, the children who are sitting up the back of the classroom. 

Students and Educators should be aware of the mistakes that may be made; especially in these three areas. A consequence to one or more of these three points not being followed, could result in unsettled students, sleeping students, ratty students etc., because in order for a PowerPoint to be successful, students must remain engaged and interested in the topic for the learning to take place.

To provide an example of what techniques could be used within a PowerPoint presentation, I have put together a small PowerPoint that exemplifies different group 2 technologies (from last week).

Note:
The PowerPoint may take a slight time to load as it is an 11.2MB file...
Also I apologize that the PowerPoint presentation has been uploaded as a video file; however I was unable to upload the PowerPoint to the blog in it's original file with all of the animations included.

 



Prezi is a web-based presentation and storytelling tool that uses a single canvas instead of traditional slides that have been used in PowerPoint. Text, images, videos, podcasts and other presentation sources are placed on the infinite canvas and grouped together in separate frames. The canvas allows an individual to create a non-linear presentation that allows you to zoom in and out of a visual map and address one important topic at a time.

Is Prezi the new PowerPoint?

Prezi is considered to be the new, technologically advanced version of the PowerPoint as both tools present certain amounts of information that is crucial in the learning process; however Prezi has the ability to keep the students attention through new presentation techniques, and provides the students and educators with a better interactive ability. PowerPoint is a series of slides that can incorporate animations, which can also connect one slide to another. With Prezi, users start with a large blank canvas to which they can add text, images, photos, videos and special effects. The key feature of Prezi is that it allows users to zoom out to see the big picture or inter-connections and zoom in to view details.

Below is a Prezi presentation discussing why Prezi is considered to be an advancement on PowerPoint presentations...

Why use Prezi in the classroom?

There are various reasons for this program to be used within the classroom, such as:

• It is online; therefore there is no compatibility issues
• Allows for a more creative presentation
• Thoughts are not linear
• Allows for a visual stimulation which draws attention to details
• Its a constantly moving interface
• Prezi brings an element of surprise to the presentation
• It could be used for a live or online presentation

 "Prezi truly embodies what creativity is about: changing your perspective, connecting and combining ideas, thinking in non-linear ways, and creating in collaboration with others" — Leticia B Cavagnaro, Stanford University

 Important thing to remember about students:

Studies have shown that there has been a decrease in societies attention span due to the use of digital technology in today's generation. This implies that children are becoming harder to keep interested and on task as their minds are wondering off into a place that they consider to be more entertaining than sitting quietly listening to a teacher. Prezi has been designed to regain the interest of students and help keep them focused on the topic in class.


Personally as a future Learning Manager, I would happily use the online program 'Prezi', for any schooling age groups, for any given topic, as it provides multiple benefits to the classroom as well as assists the students in becoming engaged as it accounts for all three learning styles. I consider it to be a clever and effective way to present information to a class, and speaking from a personal experience; I myself have a short attention span, and I would have loved to use a program such as this one when learning new information in class.

Below is a Prezi I created myself based on the engagement activities of the week.... I hope you enjoy it :)

 

Glogster is a Web 2.0 tool that allows users to create virtual posters combining text, audio, video, images, and hyperlinks and to share them with others electronically. The Glog, short for graphical blog, is defined as an interactive multimedia image which looks like a poster, yet readers can interact with the content. Glogster has been gradually gaining popularity in recent times and is rapidly developing as a major tool for students to demonstrate their learning in a creative manner, and/or for teachers to address certain aspects of knowledge.

 

Glogster gives the students the opportunity to increase digital literacy and enhance their learning experiences by:

• Enjoy a fun Learning experience
• Expressing new ways to be creative
• Collaborate with others to broaden and deepen understanding
• Use the writing process, media and visual literacy, and technology skills to create products that express new understandings
• Tapping into learners’ interests, offering appropriate challenges, and increasing motivation
• Providing learners options for demonstrating what they know
• Drives new interest levels

Ways to use Glogster in a Classroom:

Book Reports

Research Reports

Class Projects

Homework

Distance Learning

Presentations on any topic

Digital posters save paper

Create Digital knowledge library

These are only some of the ways that a Learning Manager could incorporate Glogster into the classroom.

What is one thing that stands out about this program ?

One aspect of using this program that appeals to me as a future learning manager is that Glogster is a private and safe platform monitored directly by teachers who control the activities of their students in their classroom. This program is private, secure and safe which are all important factors to consider when allowing students access to the internet.

As a future Learning Manager would I use this program for my students?

Honestly, after creating my own Glogster which I will present below, I can't see it being a program that I would use often. Yes the end product looks very appealing, and yes it has a lot of forms of creativity involved in it; however the program itself is hard to use. The collaboration of the page made it very difficult to achieve anything, and it is very time consuming. I may use it once or twice to grab my students attention but that would be all, and that would only be after working on it for a certain period of time. I would not recommend students of the younger grades to participate in this program as it can get quite frustrating and requires a lot of patience. As for the older students, I would advise it to be used under assessment circumstances that way students are actually given the time they require to learn how to use the program and deal with the difficulties.

Below is the Glogster that took me forever to create, so enjoy! :)

Digital Technologies 4:

Digital Technologies Group 4 tools focusses on the animation and simulations that could be used within technology in the classroom. Animations and Simulations offer substantial advantages over print based material when it comes to complex interactions and abstract concepts. Providing the students with knowledge that there are multiple resources that focus in this area, could potentially open up opportunities for later work with ICT if it is required.


 
 
 
A list of tools that were discussed in the lecture were:

• Scribble Maps
• Zooburst
• Museumbox
• Infographics
• Mind Maps (Bubbl.us)
• Fakebook
• Explain Everything

Here are two examples that I have researched to give you an idea of what certain tools could look like, for eg:

Mind Map about Time Management:

This tool could be used when planning for an assignment, etc.

 

 

Here is an example of the scribble map that I created. Note: the points are not to scale I was just trying to provide an example of how the tool is used.

 

This could be used when children are studying certain subjects; for example geography, or perhaps even biology if they are retracing their steps and what they found on the way.

 

One last note:

Once again I shall address a quick note on Safe, Legal and Ethical. It is so crucial to ensure that students are not copyrighting any of the information that they are receiving. Certain terms such as smart copying, which refers to referencing and creative commons could be used to ensure that everything the students are doing is appropriate. Also, if the students are using any of these tools, whether it be from Group three or four, advise them to consider whether it is the best presentation technique for the presentation? Is it accompanied by an oral? Does it require being accessed online? etc.

Here is a video I just thought I'd share.... My mouth just dropped in shock when I saw it :o

P.S    Apologies that it is not in good quality, I was unable to find a version that was not blury

 



Thankyou for reading,
Breanna