Breanna Semple: 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.