Reflective Synopsis

 

So now I find myself at the pointy end of this course and in the crux of a Reflective Synopsis of what the past 5+ weeks really mean with regards to eLearning and technology in my future classroom.  It is important that I address learning under the veil of constructivism, Connectivism, complex thinking and difference and link it to the SAMR model of learning with a focus on the M and R (Modification and Redefinition).

I will begin with Constructivism learning and through some reading and reflection, I have found this method of teaching and learning a motivational way to both teach and learn. Constructivism by definition is learning by discovery and focused on the individual learner rather that learning as the whole group. Learning can be tailored to suit the individual and "makes allowances for individual skills, mental attitudes and abilities" (http://londonmetsl.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/doc/Thesis/Referencias/e-Learning/(16)%20Is%20e-learning%20the%20solution%20for%20individual%20learning.pdf)

Constructive Learning e-Learning would take a class field trip for example and use technology to give the students' the experience of the field trip but using technology. What this does is open the doors to infinite field trip options anywhere in the world. Students are no longer bound by the geographical confines of their area and have the entire world at their fingertips.  Some tools that could potentially be used for a field trip could perhaps be Google Maps- to get an idea where this place, or YouTube to see videos of the place. There are online museum trips that can be taken or if the unit is on outer space, students are able to even get an inside view of the International Space Station perhaps. What this technology offers the Constructivist learning method is it first allows students to really immerse themselves in the unit they are studying. They can go beyond their one dimensional textbooks and library books to an entirely interactive unit of work. This also has more potential to pique the interest of more learners by offering a variety of learning methods. There are so many different types of learners in a classroom, and offering this technology has a greater chance of reaching and becoming meaningful learning than traditional learning methods. The Modification of the learning comes through how the lessons, testing and reporting are done and the Redefinition of the learning is achieved through an almost non-traditional approach to traditional units of work.  

Thinking about Connectivism, and how this relates to the classroom is to see conventional, traditional learning get a huge make over, face lift if you will. I have found this interesting through the readings if have read and think this way of learning serves to totally engage each student. By definition Connective Theory is " the premise that Declarative Knowledge is supplemented...by knowing where knowledge can be found" http://steve-wheeler.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/theories-for-digital-age-connectivism.html

What this is in effect telling me is that students are now learning how to learn, build on the knowledge they already have and know where to add or augment the knowledge to make it more concrete. Connectivism puts the power and perhaps onus back into the students to take more control of their learning. This is a shift from traditional learning methods, but fits perfectly with the idea of the Digital 2.0 classroom. The Modification of learning through Connectivism changes how a student learns. They are not so much dictated to, but more so in charge of finding the answers using Technology. Students need to be educated on Web safety, safe web surfing and what is appropriate and that is the teachers' responsibility. But having said that when students understand where and where not they can go on the net or what digital tools are acceptable, they have a much greater platform to express themselves. Redefinition of traditional learning through Connectivism also explores the possibility that

 "As we embrace technology, ‘our central nervous system is technologically extended to involve us in the whole of mankind and to incorporate the whole of mankind in us’ (McLuhan, 1964, p. 4). Clearly our social and cultural worlds are influenced by new technology, but are there also biological implications?" http://steve-wheeler.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/theories-for-digital-age-connectivism.html

As I understand this, there is an idea that learning technology not only changes our social and cultural worlds but also may affect us biologically. That is a complete Redefinition of learning and these effects are yet to be completely determined. I believe students have the propensity to be more empowered in the classroom, do the things they want with the technology they desire. The teacher's responsibility then remains to guide these youngsters through this digital maze making it a safe place to learn but ultimately changing the classroom climate forever. 

Advancing onto Complex Thinking and Difference, there is a focus that centres around not just how children learn but what children learn.

 http://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=3-Gdmm0-2wAC&oi=fnd&pg=PP2&dq=complex+thinking+and+difference+technology&ots=TiRK6ldhBP&sig=bSRWJwbCFtG3CwFy3xMY2NsO4QQ#v=onepage&q&f=false 

This theory sees children's learning as greater than just the traditional confines of the classroom, but taking it further into the realms of technology and how it can benefit their learning. In effect the use of technology in the classroom has caused the teaching world to rethink how children are taught. Traditional teaching methods are now evolving and the idea of the teacher standing up in front of the class and basically lecturing to students is going and in some cases gone. Education is evolutionary and keeping children up with technology will make their learning relevant and meaningful to their lives now and going forward into higher education. "new computational tools can open up fresh approaches for studying and understanding the behaviours of systems" (Kafai pg. 7) In the first 5 Assessments of this course, we explored some of these sorts of tools and learned how they can benefit traditional learning with a Digital 2.0 flavour. There is now the opportunity for Parents, teachers and students alike to find websites that offer the learner a different approach to what they are learning. This sort of support allows different sorts of learners the opportunity to perhaps excel in a topic or area of learning they were otherwise weak in. I can honestly say, I was a weak Math student and had on way of learning that did not suit my learning style. Perhaps if these sorts of sites existed when I was working my way through school, I may have found a learning style that suited me better and I would feel better about my math abilities.

http://education.qld.gov.au/parents/information/website-links.html

As a teacher with access to these sorts of websites (that are endorsed by the Queensland Government mind you) offers our students different approaches to traditional learning, as well as supporting learners who are struggling. This aids the child's learning and chances at success in the topic they're struggling with, but moreover, gives teachers much needed tools to address different learners' challenges.

I have also learned that in addition to learning websites to aid in teaching, there exist tools and websites that make the execution of this learning much more engaging for the student. I was very excited about Glogster for example and what it offered the user as a presentation tool. Even creating a PowerPoint presentation with the new PowerPoint is exciting and engaging. There is perhaps double learning that happens, learning the topic (i.e. Poetry E.E. Cummings ) but also the execution of the tool to present a report on the Poet. Old meeting new and both relevant...very exciting!! 

It appears to me that there can safely be cohesion of both traditional learning and digital technologies in the classroom. Technology serves to enhance the learning experience, making it more relevant to more learners. Technology does not serve to replace traditional but rather update, clarify even change how a message is being delivered and received.  http://www.acu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/195676/Chapter_3_Multimodal_Literacy_M_Walsh.pdf 

I am feeling this is an exciting vibrant time to be a Pre-service Teacher, with scores of tools and technologies at my fingertips waiting for me to un-wrap them and make them my own. I want my students to love the classics (being an English and Drama Teacher) but I want them to love it in a way that is relevant to their world, their learning style and their future.

 

 

 

 

 

References

 

http://londonmetsl.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/doc/Thesis/Referencias/e-Learning/(16)%20Is%20e-learning%20the%20solution%20for%20individual%20learning.pdf

 

http://steve-wheeler.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/theories-for-digital-age-connectivism.html

 

http://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=3-Gdmm0-2wAC&oi=fnd&pg=PP2&dq=complex+thinking+and+difference+technology&ots=TiRK6ldhBP&sig=bSRWJwbCFtG3CwFy3xMY2NsO4QQ#v=onepage&q&f=false

 

http://education.qld.gov.au/parents/information/website-links.html

 

http://www.acu.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/195676/Chapter_3_Multimodal_Literacy_M_Walsh.pdf

 

 



 

 

Assignment April 7th 2014

 

Mobile Learning

 

This weeks' assignment is focused on the idea of Mobile Learning in the classroom and where I see it fitting in with my future classroom. I read the reviews, listen to the videos for and against, so somewhere in the middle is there I see myself using this technology. I am a fairly traditional individual, somehow I have always seen the traditional way of learning and teaching as beneficial and "just the way to get the job done". I am not a band wagon jumper, nor do I see the need or benefit of having the latest and greatest technology or device simply because it's not practical in my world. Having said all of that, and being of an open mind, there will be uses for technology in my future classroom without a doubt.

I have recently started using this amazing Microsoft application called Microsoft One Drive. This technology is simply amazing. What it does is understand that everyone uses different devices to store their information, work etc. It saves your work and you can access it anywhere without using USB sticks (Tablets don't have USB ports so this is a great feature) and when you need to access your assignment - for example- it's there on One Drive ready and waiting for you! I can see my students using this to work in assignments at home and present them in the classroom. They are able to use Mobile phones, Tablets, PC's or Laptops and knowing that most people have one or all of these devices, it then erases the excuse of "I forgot my homework Miss" because it's saved on One Drive.

I am still grappling with the whole idea of letting outside devices in my classroom (I may simply lose this argument and have to adapt!!), but finding a useful tool like One Drive gives me hope. Hope that whatever devices my students' have, or what the school can afford, my students will be able to at least gain the benefits from using this very useful application. The student's will be able to store all of their work, we can review it prior to submission if necessary. They can share ideas with others and all of their work is safe (so I hope!) PowerPoint presentations can be saved, Glogster postings also, most of what we have been looking and learning about over these past weeks can be saved in one space that is Mobile.

My approach may have been different for this assessment, but it's how I see the use of Mobile Devices in my future classroom. Old School or not, there is a place for technology and One Drive definitely gives me hope.

Happy Blogging
Cheers Marsha

https://onedrive.live.com/

 



 

 

Activity #5

 

Presentation Tools for my 2.0 Classroom!!

 

This week's assignment has focused on 3 presentation tools, 2 I've never even heard of, so this has been fun!! PowerPoint, Prezi and Glogster ohmi!! Again my focus has not been entirely what I am comfortable with, but what my student's would be comfortable with and what uses these tools would serve in my classrooms per se.

 

 

 

PowerPoint

 



 I battled my demons with PowerPoint considering I am still amazed with what it actually can do! It's far removed from the boring PowerPoint of the 90's and I feel my students would be equally impressed with it's features.  

 

As many people have experienced PowerPoint in their lives, for me it's never been a tool I've been particularly fond of. I know it has it's place, for me it's generally been in a board room on a snowy Monday Morning, listening to my manager drone on about Sales figures and why we're not meeting quarterly budgets. I have go admit my attitude has indeed been adjusted with this exercise. My students could definitely use this tool for their presentations, and reports. Each student could perhaps work on slides and collaborate them together. Inputting graphics, neat slide changes, images etc., makes this ideal for my vision of my future classroom. Students can do book reports, biographies or play reviews with these tools. It makes their learning interesting, meaningful but also incorporates new technology with perhaps their old texts they are studying. I have attempted to make a basic presentation but trust me, I am still updating my learning curve with the great exciting tool.

 

http://canusa23.wikispaces.com/file/detail/Powerful+PowerPoint.pptx

 

 

 

Prezi

 

Well just as I got my head around the wonderment of PowerPoint and all it can offer myself and my students, I was presented with Prezi. This is a tool that creates a pathway for presentations. Now although the graphics are interesting, and the tutorial (that I watched 3 times mind you) did show all the wonderful things Prezi can do, I sadly to not see how this tool will benefit my students or myself. That is bare honesty but I struggle to see how this tool sincerely offers benefit to students or a classroom as a whole. I did create a very basic Prezi just to see where I went with it, it was confusing and frustrating I am sorry say.

  http://canusa23.wikispaces.com/file/detail/PreziMShelly.pez

 

 



Glogster

 

Glogster has been the most exciting discovery and it's uses in my classroom and with my students are seemingly endless. This great scrapbooking style tool uses all sorts of medium and I believe my students really will get excited when using it. Glogster incorporates images, text, video, creative backgrounds and all sorts of amazing tools that I'm still discovering. I believe for both my English and Drama classes, students will find many uses for projects, presentations or even planning. Glogster engages the student's creativity and I love that! My Glogster is basic but I did have fun, challenging at times (but what isn't these days haha), but a great discovery and will be definitely used in my future classroom.

http://canusa23.edu.glogster.com/george-bernard-shaw/


 

 Photographs

Week #4 Assignment #3

 

 

 

  Image resizing

 This was an interesting task simply because I am That Person who used to just collapse the picture by shrinking the sides thinking I was clever. Uploading my images to Flickr was quite fun as was exploring that site. Following the Technical Manual as to the ins and outs of resizing was of course integral and the finished product is below for your viewing pleasure. The use of Digital Images in my future classroom will serve many purposes. First, when introducing a new text, play or general idea, having an image that supports that up on the IWB can set the tone of the lesson and what you are trying to achieve. In addition, showing my students -for example- the Theatre on the Round and examining what Shakespeare was thinking when devising that theatre, they can see the benefits of his genius. On a less specific vein, images are used to set tone, the bring out emotion in people (as so demonstrated by the Vietnam photo in Wednesday's class) and gauge your learners perhaps. All of this is made easier with the ability to shrink the megapixels of images reduce their downloading time. Making better use of time in the classroom is always key because when things take too long (even exciting downloads!!) you can lose your audience!

 

 please note all images are used with the permission of this user and her family

https://www.flickr.com/photos/albrunelli/8405984023/
This is a photo of my best friend and my daughter but it's also on Flickr so I've given credit where it's due

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Image Manipulation


Playing around on my newly created Flickr account was also fun. It is just amazing to me what one can achieve with a few clicks of a mouse! In addition to the reduction of megapixels now having the ability to play with colour, age and even alter the images is just so cool!! Classroom activities, reporting and projects can all be enhanced by the usage of these new tools!
 The images used on this site are of my children and I have approved their usage.
 

 Flickr account http://www.flickr.com/photos/120690202@N04/  

 

   

 

   Podcasting


The idea of Podcasting in my future classroom definitely has a spot. It was fun and a cool form of self expression that students would really enjoy especially when prepping for a play, or performance.

 



http://canusa23.podomatic.com/entry/2014-03-19T19_13_08-07_00


Digital Video

 

 

  This has been an enjoyable and hard week but I can honestly say I did give all the tasks a go, but some did not work so I have not included them. I wanted to be complete but I also want to be on time.
Enjoy Cheers Marsha

 

 







 

 

Week 3 Blog 2

 

http://misslwholebrainteaching.blogspot.ca/2013/08/proud-canadian-blog-award.html

I've been motoring through this weeks assignment trying to see how on earth this would all fit into My classroom, I've also discovered a little about myself. The most startling realisation is (drum roll please).. I can do this. Yes me a 43 year old single mother of two, and self confessed "techno-tard"can create Blogs, Wikis and Weeblys oh mi!! It was a hard slog, I was second and third guessing myself, but I persevered.

I did ask my trusted Professor to bare witness to this feat and here's what she sent me.


So the Dark Side here I come!!

My focus this week will be entirely on Blogging and where I see that fitting into my future classroom. One thing I must be cognitively aware of is that it's not all about me! It's not about my comfort zone or what I'm comfortable with, that is reserved for my students. My task is to guide them and support them but not to dictate what is useful and beneficial for their purposes. The only way that I can be a supportive guide is to experience these spaces myself. There is little doubt that my students will be very schooled in many technologies I am not. I just need to immerse myself and show confidence rather than blind fear!

When I Googled the Question of "Blogging in the Classroom" I was surprised what I found and the number of articles supporting this method.

Reading and writing texts on line are basic skills that students need to be literate citizens in the 21st century. Teaching with blogs provides the opportunity to engage students in both of these literacy activities, and the strategy has the additional benefit of enabling students to publish their writing easily and to share their writing with an authentic audience.
http://www.readwritethink.org/professional-development/strategy-guides/teaching-with-blogs-30108.html

This idea of using Blogs supports the idea of engaging students and making their learning almost serves a dual purpose. The subject matter is taught and learnt but also the ideas and skills involved in creating an engaging Blog are taught and explored but both student and teacher.

In my fantasy classroom (that being Senior English) I'm seeing Blogs used to enhance my students' learning of the material. The students will be encouraged to write about their learning topics, what they are wanting to learn or perhaps projects they'd like to do. They would write their blogs not just for my viewing, but for the viewing of their classmates. They can support, comment on each others ideas by commenting and we could review blogs in class. This would also command that students be aware of their tone, language used and topics being discussed. They need to understand Code of Conduct in Blogging and remember to respect one and other in their comments and ideas.

http://www.readwritethink.org/professional-development/strategy-guides/teaching-with-blogs-30108.html


http://www.ewebmarketing.com.au/blog/ceo-blogging-for-the-first-time/


I am beginning to believe technology 2.0 does have a greater purpose in my future classroom. One of my greatest fears is that the Old Masters would have no place in this modern society. That is just my fear and ignorance rearing its ugly head. As I delve further into this modern world of blogging, my fears are quashed and my curiosity is heightened.

I have found an amazing blog discussing just this idea. Old Masters in a new world. Blogger Sally Law writes

From the linguistic perspective, studying classic literature from the Western canon (Shakespeare, Dickens, Orwell and so on) affords students of English the opportunity to understand, analyse and evaluate language quite different from their own.
http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2012/dec/11/teaching-classic-literature-schools

If my students learn about the past, and blog about it. It's encompassing two very important aspects of learning. First, learning where we've come from -literally speaking- could give my students a great respect and understanding for the importance of these texts. Second, Blogging about what they're learning, sharing with classmates and expressing how they feel through their blogs, keeps them relevant in the 2.0 world.

My plan is to explore this idea in greater depth in weeks to come.

Thank you ...yours in Blogging
Marsha

.
 

Assessment 1 Week 2

Assessment #1 Week # 2

Rewrite

 

After some feedback and some self reflection regarding this assessment, it is apparent that my initial interpretation of this was wrong. I am taking the opportunity now to rethink what I wrote and edit my thoughts.

This activity of working in a completely new medium (Wikis) and discussing the use of mobile phones under the DeBono's hats scaffold was very eye opening and an interesting process.

First, working in a new medium - that being the Wiki- and navigating through the labyrinth that is a Wiki was an exercise in frustration and patience. Frustration simply because the Wiki idea was completely new to myself and patience because I was not going to let this beat me.

Second and most importantly was the discussion topic of Mobile Phones in the Classroom. What purpose to they serve (if any) and if they have a purpose where would they then fit into my future classroom? The DeBono method forced me to really look at all sides of the argument and consider another opinion. I can openly admit that initially, all I saw was the negative. Black and white (two of the hats incidentally) but amongst that were all the other arguments and considerations.

I believe -in general- humans are averse to change. Change is unsettling and the fear of the unknown really can play mind games. This applies to the idea of Technology (including mobile phones) in the classroom. I admit one of my initial fears is that of redundancy. Will my purpose as a teacher be superfluous? Can a machine, or a avatar do a better job than a living breathing teacher? People may scoff at this as being silly but think about it for a second? Is this possible?

 

 technology can only do so much. It can be transient and can become obsolete very quickly. What is a constant though, is the teacher in the classroom who across the world at this very moment and tomorrow morning will be putting the needs of their young people first, finding the best fit to ensure that everyone achieves more than they ever dreamed possible.
http://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/teacher-blog/2013/jun/20/technology-not-replace-teaching-learning

I find this sort of article comforting and reassuring. My future classroom will encompass technology as it benefits and augments my students' learning. That may even include mobile phones (but I'll take some serious convincing!!) This weeks activity challenged my original bias' and for that I am grateful. I don't know it all, and I am here to learn and develop a new deeper understanding and respect for Technology and how it may assist me with my future as a teacher.

 

 

Wednesday March 5th 2014

 

Week #2 Blog #1

 

 

Well I did it...I really created this Blog space...(wait I have to thank Wendy and her tireless patience with me) but ok...WE did it!! I am swimming around this world of Technology, not completely drowning because I've got my cyber "floaties"on. So I'm here..having fun and feeling quite smug to say the least!!

So what have I learned this week? Wowzers it's been a great week for a tempestuous topic like Mobile Phones in the classroom ...Way to go Wendy ..can open, worms everywhere.....

I am a girl who grew up in a household with 2 academics for parents (PHD Chemistry and English teacher..so there was no hope for me!) and we had no television. In fact I bought my first Television when I was 25. Technology has not been a major part of my life but I'm also aware that I am a mother of 2 and I don't want to be out of date, and boring...!! I now have a Smart phone (but I'm wondering why they act so dumb), a computer (of course) and my latest addition is a Tablet..(I'm still wondering why my partner decided I needed it but bless him)!! So I'm all kitted up, and yet still I write my notes on paper. I still use my handy dandy highlighter and I take pride in my personal library of actual books!

I've done lots of reading on arguments for and against this idea of mobiles in the classroom and I'm still not swayed to the Yes team.

So I Googled "Should mobile phones be banned from classrooms?" and found that there are many and varied opinions on this topic out there.

 

I read and article http://www.theguardian.com/education/2012/nov/27/should-mobiles-be-banned-schools

and found some very interesting arguments that I had not even considered. One that was alarming is that "Pupils come to school without a coat or without having had any breakfast, but they always have a phone,’ These are lifelines to many people and I find that rather sad rather than empowering. Safety and social standing aside, these bits of plastic and metal cannot be part of your entire self and yet sadly they (for many) are.
As I'm having issues with my technology today I'm going to post this just to see if indeed I can get it out there.
Happy Thursday folks...
Cheers Marsha (-: