Reflective synopsis

In the beginning of the term I began the E-learning course with a basic understanding of technology and tools we can use on the internet. This course has taught me many skills and opened my eyes to tools I will be able to use in my professional career as a teacher and in my own personal time. When I came into this course at the start of the semester I did not see any relevance the course had for my future, however now I realise it has opened my eyes to what is available as far as “technology based teaching and learning” (Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1999). In just six weeks my skills and knowledge on technology has evolved greatly and I am confident it will keep growing as I continue blogging and keeping up with new technologies in the future.

Children born in this new generation are automatically introduced to a world of technology. New discoveries are presented everyday which means technology will only increase more and more each year. “As the pace of change in the 21st century continues to increase, the world is becoming more interconnected and complex, and the knowledge economy is craving more
Intellectual property.” (J.S Brown, 2005). For teachers today, use of technologically based learning is paramount.

In the beginning of the term I created my first blog account. Having used similar sites such as Facebook and MySpace I found blogging to be quite similar, however blogging is used in a professional manner whereas Facebook and MySpace are used mostly for socialising and keeping connected with people around the world. As you can see below my blog consists of a series of posts all with “technology based tools” in common. One post that especially captures the idea of technology growth is the blog named “Did you know?” Each of the tools presented in my blog come under one of four topics, these topics are:
• Access and gain information
• Consolidate and refine information
• Transform information to develop new understandings
• Present knowledge to an audience

There are a number of postings on my blog which are examples of tools that would be useful to embed in classroom lessons. The first tool I experimented with is concept mapping. On my blog I have used a concept map twice. The first one I created called “Concept maps”, was a practice example to help my understanding of the program, I also found this tool of concept mapping to be useful when it came to give an outline on the Big6 which is a framework designed to “teach information and technology skills in the world” (M. Eisenberg 2001). I am extremely fortunate to have discovered this program as it became useful for an assignment I completed this term. Concept mapping can be used in the classroom to give students a visual diagram of links between concepts and paint them a clear example of how data connects. "Concept mapping has been shown to help learners learn, researchers create new knowledge, administrators to better structure and manage organizations, writers to write, and evaluators assess learning." (Joseph D. Novak & Alberto J. Cañas, 2006)

As I have recently discovered PowerPoint’s have evolved greatly since I was using them in school. Many new applications and tools have been imbedded into the program to create an interactive learning tool that can be used to engage students in many aspects of learning. The ways in which a power point can be used in classrooms is for assessment (either created my teacher or students), or throughout lessons to help students gain understanding of their learning through visual and auditory components. As shown in my blog called “Interactive PowerPoint”, this tool can be extremely useful to gain understanding of your students learning level and style, and for the students it promotes higher order thinking with endless possibilities to:
o Evaluate - Judging the outcome
o Synthesis - Putting together
o Analysis - Taking apart
o Application - Making use of knowledge
o Comprehension - Confirming or understanding
o Knowledge - Gathering Information
(B. Bloom, 1956)

Images are a great way to visually engage students into lessons. Website programs such as Weebly, Flickr and Pinick are all image editing applications that have been designed to enhance the quality of photographs and to share these images to friends and family online. Flickr is a great recourse for teachers because you can find quality pictures on just about any topic. At the top of the flickr website you will find a search option, this is where you type what you need to get quick access to images. Flickr is made up of many people’s real life photographs which have been taken from all over the world so you are guaranteed to find exactly what you need. A post which is included in my blog titled “ICT engagement tools” is a basic example of ways in which images could be included in lessons. Images are a way to create a better visual understanding of what is being taught.

As shown in the blog called “Visual thinking” there are many benefits to use visual technology when creating lessons for students. Learning in the 21st century means less outdated technology such as over head projectors and type writers, and more visual engagement tools such as images, digital videos and internet sites. Lifelong learning (LLL) is something that is becoming widely recognised, and promoted to teachers to motivate this theory to their students. As new career opportunities and studies are introduced each year, students have more flexibility to choose a career path that links directly to their interest. When students are interested and motivated, they are ensured to learn at a higher quality, and also retain the information.

Other posts evident in my blog include podcast and video upload which are visual examples of digital videos and how they can be edited to suit any area of learning. When using a podcast there is the option to include video with audio, or just audio. This tool could be used in many ways; an example of how you could use a podcast in your classroom is through the voice recorder. Teachers have the opportunity to record a lesson or read a book at home and play it during class. This will give teacher some extra time in class to do other things while students are engaged through the use of technology.

Technology has given people today the opportunity to access a world of knowledge. With the click of a mouse you have the opportunity to access just about anything with the use of the internet. For teachers technology is improving the quality of lessons and opening an entire new page of learning. Teachers have access to sites such as “The learning place” which is a web site designed for teachers and students that is full of lesson and activity ideas, games, information and many more. With this web site you are able to choose a number of options such as year level, subjects and each of these options are full of useful materials that are ready made for your classroom. One option on the learning place is called Curriculum exchange, this section gives you links to many relevant teaching web sites, it provides teaching ideas, practices and strategies, learning objects and digital resources just to name a few.

After viewing my own blog and reflecting on my new discoveries I have realised just how important technology has become to the world. According to the Bureau of Statistics, only 29% of Australian households owned a computer, compared to 75% in 2009 (Australian Bureau of Statistics 2009). It is extremely important for teachers especially to keep updated with all the latest technology. The reason for this is because children need to be motivated and challenged in school. Students are the first to know when new technology is introduced, therefore elder technologies and activities may fail to engage our learners. I am very happy to say that the Managing E-learning course has opened my eyes to many resources I was unaware of; these resources will most defiantly come into practice in a few short years as I begin my career as a Learning Manager.

References
Kearsley, G., & Shneiderman, B. (1999) Engagement Theory: a framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved August 21, 2010, from http://home.sprynet.com

J.S Brown, 2005. New Learning Environments for the 21st Century. Retrieved August 21, 2010, from http://www.johnseelybrown.com/newlearning.pdf

M. Eisenberg 2001. BIG6™ INFORMATION SKILLS. Retrieved August 21, 2010, from http://nb.wsd.wednet.edu/big6/big6_resources.htm#overview

Joseph D. Novak & Alberto J. Cañas, 2006. "The Theory Underlying Concept Maps and How to Construct Them." Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition. Retrieved August 21, 2010, from https://www.thevisualleap.com/about.html

B. Bloom, 1956. Higher order THINKING. Retrieved August 21, 2010, from http://www.popet.com.au/pages/highorderthinking.html

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2009). HOUSEHOLDS WITH TVs, VCRs, CDs AND PCs. Retrieved August 22, 2010 from, http://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/2f762f95845417aeca25706c00834efa/a1b5d7636e6719f7ca2570ec00753522!OpenDocument

Australian Bureau of Statistics (2009). MAIN FINDINGS. Retrieved August 22, 2010 from, http://abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/8146.0/

Discussions


Keeleigh said...
Hey Nick,
Great job on your podcast! Just a question though, did it take a long time for the microphone to connect when going to record this? Because I have tried a few times and it says connecting and never changes? I’m thinking it might be my computer.
August 23, 2010 4:32 PM

Nick Lunn said...
Hi Keeleigh,
Thanks, it is a little strange knowing that your voice will be out in the world wide web though. I had the same problem as you and it would not connect. Very frustrating as I'm sure your aware of. I ended up recording it using my Iphone and importing it as a voice memo.
If your computer has a web cam or microphone record a clip using its software and then upload it using podcast.
Hope this helps!
Nick
August 23, 2010 4:56 PM
Keeleigh said...
Hey Bridget,
I also love creating visual movies and slideshows however movie maker is a very simple program compared to many others out there. I have been using a program called pinnacle for a few years now and it has been extremely effective when editing footage from my video recorder. I would highly recommend it for future video/photo slide showing as a teacher or just for personal use.
Keeleigh.

Keeleigh said...
Hey talia,
I haven't been able to figure out how to change pinnacle files either. I have spend hours researching and trying to change them myself but had no luck! Let me know if you find anything.
Thanks Keeleigh
August 22, 2010 8:27 PM

Visual thinking

As shown in the above diagram, visual learning has proved to be a very effective method. It is not only a great way to get students engaged but it also has proved to retain the information longer and help to promote higher order thinking. Visual learning is a great method that teachers need to adapt into their classrooms everyday.

Did you know?

This was a 2009 YouTube clip that outlines growth of technology over a few short years. Alot can change in one year, so just imagine how much these statistics have changed already...

Curriculum exchange

Curriculum exchange is an extremely useful tool for teachers to access that will provide them with "the best available resources for learning through its digital repository" (The learning place, 2010) The curriculum exchange recourse centre contains:

• EduSites: evaluated websites relevant to teachers and students
• TIPS: teaching ideas, practices and strategies provided by Queensland teachers
• learning objects: interactive learning activities
• EQ The Le@rning Federation (TLF) learning objects
• TLF digital resources: video, image and audio resources from cultural institutions
• Media bank: video and audio resources from EQ
• Image bank: a collection of images that can be used for educational purposes.

Below is the link to the site. You will have to create an account; however it is a very relevant recourse to have a look at.

http://education.qld.gov.au/learningplace/cx/

Interactive Powerpoint

This YouTube clip is a great example of how you can use interactive powerpoints in your classroom. With these powerpoints students are able to complete tests, assignments or other types of work on the computer in an effective, engaging way. As you can see in the example up the tpo this particular interactive powerpoint is simple, clear to understand and read. This is what makes it great to use in the classroom.

Pinick

As you can see this image was edited with Pinick. Pinick is great to play around with and create flawless photos. Pinick has great tools which enhance the quality of your images, two of my personal favourite tools are teeth whitener and airbrush.

Embedding ICT's into classrooms

The above YouTube clip shows what school life looks and feels like in Africa. The reason i chose this clip as something that would be useful in Australian classrooms is because many students are unaware of the world around them and the issues they face. This clip would be shown to students who may be doing a S.O.S.E unit on countries such as Africa. I believe the lesson that may follow from this YouTube clip would also revolve around the fact that Australians need to appreciate what we have so much more and not take anything for granted. It is also important to teach students the ways in which we can help struggling countries such as Africa. This clip would be suited for upper primary students, it is good because it requires students to use their literacy skills in that there are subtitles throughout.

Video upload

After lots of playing around i have finally found out how to upload videos. I have always used pinnacle which I recommend when editing videos. This was my first time using movie maker and I must admit I prefer pinnacle. I did not edit this movie as much as I would have liked because I was unsure of how to do it. Programs such as movie maker and pinnacle are amazing tools, you are able to crop, cut out parts of film, add music, add animations, add special effects and more. This would be a great engagement tool to use in the classroom when delivering lessons on many different subjects.

The video above was filmed on the beautiful Fraser Island. I have been fortunate enough to visit the island many times because my brother lives and works at Eurong beach resort which is in the middle of the island.

Podcast

This film was originally designed for my podcast, however the video in my wouldn’t show up for some reason. I have found my podcast account confusing and hard to manage, this may be the website (podOmatic), or maybe I’m just not use to it yet, lol. Anyway this below is the URL for my podcast so hopefully it will work for you!
http://keels.podomatic.com

ICT engagement tools

In another one of my subjects (S.O.S.E) I have recently completed a lesson plan to do with recycling. Throughout my research of this assignment I have discovered many techniques of delivering a lesson in an engaging way. Above is a photo that would be relevant to the unit of recycling in a classroom and could be used to engage students, provide them with a visual idea of the issue and ideally them understand the unit in-depth.

Flickr

Flickr is a tool designed to allow you to upload your photos and share them with your friends or family. With flickr you are able to upload as many photos as you want, you also have to tag the photos with who is in it, where you are, the event etc. The reason why flickr is so unique from other sites is that you are able to search through everyone’s photos in order to find what you are looking for. For example, in schools if I was doing a unit on marine life i would be able to go to flickr, type "marine life" in the search panel and have access to wonderful real-life pictures taken from people around the world. With flickr you are able to put some photos in a private folder which means they can only be viewed by people of your choice. This site can be useful to find appropriate images for many different things. When you upload a picture on flickr you are able to edit it in many different ways. Tools such as rotating the picture, editing colours, re-sizing, tagging and many more, this gives you the opportunity to control how the picture looks. Another feature flickr has is tagging messages. This feature works when you hover your mouse over specific places of a picture where someone has tagged a message. For example if you had a photo of yourself getting a pedicure you could tag a message detailing what they did and how much it costs. This would be a useful tool in the classroom as well, you may be able to ask you students to bring a suitable photo from home and ask them to edit it using all these features.

Voki

Voki is a fun tool that could be implemented into a classroom for many reasons. Some students may feel shy or intimidated when it comes to speaking to or being in front of a camera, however with this voki tool students have the opportunity to create a character that resembles themselves, or someone else of their choice, choose a voice and create their own text which will all be included in their final voki. This tool could be extremely useful for teachers as an engagement tool, and also for students to use in assignments or presentations. Voki is an extremely useful tool because it will engage the students into the lesson and create some fun. When students use this tool they will not only be creating an exciting cyber character, they will also be improving their spelling and reading as well.


Get a Voki now!

Prezi

Each week as i discover new tools i am gathering great new ideas which would be suitable in my future as a teacher. This next tool called "Prezi" is designed to create visual, easy to follow technological interactions that would be perfect in a classroom. Unlike many similar tools such as bubbl.us, Prezi is a lot more flexible in that you simply click on the place you would like to type, and simply adjust your page as you like. Prezi also allows you to include images to create an attractive visual page.

Power point

E-learning is a subject that opens your eyes to new technology and encourages you to keep up to date. There have been a number of useful websites and tools this course has introduced me to. Tools such as blogs are extreamly useful for teachers to gain knowledge off each other and help out one another by blogging things such as successful lessons they may refer.

Power point is an extreamly useful tool to use in the classroom as well as many other places. When using power point you are able to display data and knowledge as well as images and videos. The use of power points in the classroom are very relevent to get students engaged and motivated in the classroom.

Power points have a number of tools you can use to make your presentation entertaining, visual and professional.

Weebly

Hello everyone,
Weebly seems like a great sight. The small amout of practice i have had with it gave me access to impoting images, videos and paragraphing to go with them.
If anyone knows useful information about weebly please help me advance my skills with weebly.
To see my weebly account please go to:

keeleighmcclurg.weebly.com

Wiki

The way a wiki is different to a blog is that anyone is able to edit a wiki, however you cannot do this with a blog. When you creat a wiki and post information, anyone is able to log on and make changes or add to your wiki.

WIKIpedia

https://www.wikispaces.com/user/edit/keeleigh?responseToken=d0aa68cd8b473ddfc893ea9c0b958b82

^My Wiki :)

The Big6

I like using concept maps because they show clear links between concepts, and they are very easy to read. Another learning activity that may be useful in showing links may be a word hyperlink. It may begin with a title "the big6" that is hyperlinked so when you click it, it will bring you to another page with the six stages, from there you click on a stage and it links you to the sub stages ect.

Concept maps.

Concept maps are a tool used to link connections and show relationships amongst concepts. Concept maps use boxes or bubbles and arrows to connect the links between each concept. Tools such as these are a different way to display data that would be engaging to the visual learners. I chose to base my concept map on typical student learning styles. This diagram shows each style and key words that describe the things in which engage each style of learning. This style of graphic organiser may be used in the class room with students of all ages.

Blogging

I am almost finished my third week of semester two and i have finally had time to sit down and work out this whole blog thing. I am familiar with myspace and face-book, however blogs such as these are much more profession and useful to my future career as a Learning Manager.