Reflective Synopsis

What an unreal experience this last 9 weeks has been with regards to the wealth of new technologies and communication tools I have been introduced to. The importance of this will greatly affect my performance as a Learning manager whilst also creating a learning environment in which learners can achieve their potential. From the very beginning of the course I was a little scared yet rather interested in seeing what technology I was yet to discover throughout my brief involvement with computers and the internet. Not only was it the technology but also the principle of Netiquette which was new to me. Netiquette as I found out was the term used for electronic communication and involved a system of rules which unofficially govern the way in which we share information amongst one another. This was definitely an area which I needed brushing up on. Netiquette is something which students need to be aware of and in my classroom I will endeavour to ensure that every student is aware of this.

Skype was next on the list of things to do and as I was already familiar with this I found it rather easy to grasp a hold of. My brother used to live in Brisbane and I found that Skype was definitely a far smarter option particularly when compared with the cost of making a phone call. Skype is something which students can put to good use particularly when it comes to group assignments as it allows for group conversations to take place. It also has a chat function which can also be rather useful as it uses up far less download.

When It comes to engaging my learners I thought that I had it all down and ready to go, little did I actually know particularly after reading the article by Greg Kearsley & Ben Shneiderman titled 'Engagement Theory - A framework for technology-based teaching and learning'. This article is basically the driver for this entire course and is the way of the future in terms of teaching. The engagement theory is based upon the idea of creating successful collaborative teams that work on ambitious projects that are meaningful to someone outside the classroom. This theory is composed of three key components:

Relate: emphasises team efforts that involve communication, planning, management and social skills.

Create: makes learning a creative, purposeful activity.

Donate: stresses the value of making a useful contribution while learning.

(Kearsley & Shneiderman, 2009)

This way of thinking must also be related back to Mazlow's Hierachy of needs and I truly believe that this way of thinking is actually how students get the most of their schooling life. Mazlow believes that the needs of human beings could be divided and prioritized into five "levels". Individuals do not seek the satisfaction of a need at one level until the previous "level of need" is met. The five levels of need identified by Maslow were Physiological, Safety/Security, Belonging/Social Affiliation, Self-Esteem and Self-Actualization (Kunc, 1992). This aspect will be something of which may take time to master but over time it will definitely be worthwhile to me as a learning manager.

The next area which we moved onto was that of 21st century learning. In the 21st century Prensky (2001) suggested that learners could be categorised as either 'digital natives' or 'digital immigrants'. Digital natives were born into and grew up around computers however Digital immigrants are forced to go with the changes technologically or risk being left behind. I myself only discovered computers and the internet in 1997 when I was in grade 10. This meant that when compared with today’s generation I would be known as a Digital immigrant Even though I have had a fair bit of experience with computers I am only still coming to grips with it all. This is why it is important as a learning manager to be aware of the fact that most of the students we work with have been using a computer since they could walk and talk. This is a major reason why internet safety is an important aspect for teachers to be aware of as in this day and age children have access to a variety of websites which have the potential to harm their physical well-being. Therefore security measures must be put in place early on and followed through to ensure their safety.

Next thing was that of ICT's (Information Communication Technologies) which are fundamental tools for the 21st Century student. These technologies provide a vast array of learning opportunities and tools that allow learners to make sense of the world and to learn in ways that are not restricted to the classroom (Aldred, 2010). The use of ICT's is a tool which can also be used by students particularly when approaching Problem-Based Learning (PBL) scenarios. These two processes combined with Authentic learning experiences are essential in creating a Learner/Student-Centred learning environment. As Aldred (2010) suggests ‘A teacher knows what the students need to complete their learning. but uses project work and negotiated outcomes to build student ownership which in turn makes the learning meaningful and engaging’.

Now to the more exciting part of this synopsis ‘Digital Pedagogies’. The many digital pedagogies which I have looked at over this last 9 weeks will play a major part in my classroom activities. The first and most important process which I undertook whilst working my way through this course was that of creating my very own blog. In creating my Blog I felt that the whole experience was rather smooth as the website was well laid out and easy to follow. A blog is a tool which can be used by both teachers and students. Students can use this tool to perform group-work activities whilst teachers can also monitor their progress. Once a blog is created it is through the use of a RSS (Really Simple Syndication) that we can follow students or any blogs of interest.

In creating my e-portfolio (Mahara) I found it a little harder as I was having a few problems with my password. It was through the prompt service of my lecturer that I was able to sort this issue out. Once I entered the site all I can remember thinking was "wow I am gonna struggle" but upon further inspection and regular visits this theory was put to rest. The mahara portfolio is a tool which teachers can utilise in order to store up to 100mb of educational material. Mahara is the key component in the next assessment task and I feel that my knowledge of this product will be at a higher level at the end of this course then it is now.

Earlier I spoke about the need for students to be engaged in order for them get the best out of their learning and these next tools discussed are integral in doing so. When i first entered this subject via Moodle I was absolutely amazed at the computerized person explaining what was going to take place at the beginning of the chapter so can you imagine what students might feel if they were see the same thing at the beginning of their lessons. A Voki avatar is a simple tool which teachers can use to engage their learners. Students could also use these to create their very own presentations. Vokis are a similar resource to that of video in that they are simple to create yet rather effective in engaging the learner. Video sharing sites such as Youtube or Teachertube allow teachers to provide students with video which is both educational and engaging. An example whereby students could utilise Youtube could be through completing a group presentation on any topic and uploading it onto the website. Image storage and Image manipulation is another interesting aspect in which I feel learners could definitely benefit from. Flickr is an online repository for storing images and can be used for educational purposes. It is through Flickr that students could use the website Picnik.com.au to manipulate the images in a wide variety of ways. Students could use Picnik when creating powerpoint presentations or creating their blogs etc. Google Earth is another useful tool for students as it provides satellite images of the world. Students at the click of a mouse are able to visit the Eiffel Tower or the Pyramids of Giza. This is awesome particularly for students as it provides them with an actual real time look at the area of interest.

Overall as seen throughout my blog it is rather noticeable how great an effect technology has had on my way of thinking particularly in regards to teaching. Gone are the days of chalk and talk and now are the days of Learner Engagement. The process as discussed earlier of Create, Relate and Donate is essential in creating a learning environment which is full of enthusiastic learners. I know that there are so many more resources out there which would be of great benefit to myself and my learners so and I feel that it is rather essential that I continue to be a life-long learner and embrace the many advancements in technology.

Below are some comments which i have provided throughout:

Dallas said...

Hi Lauran,

What an awesome ad! Also I cannot believe that Youtube has only been around since 2005 considering how huge it is now! It has also uncovered one of the biggest music phenomonen's in the world nowadays in 'Justin Beiber'. Overall as we can both attest to that Youtube is definitely not just an excellent resource for those wanting information but also for those chasing their 15 minutes of fame.

May 5, 2010 6:45 AM

Lauren said...

Yeah i didnt believe when i read that Youtube has been only around since 2005 but as you say yes it is a great source for all the "Justin Beiber's" out there.

May 5, 2010 11:12 PM

Dallas said...

I agree with you in regards to Wikipedia having a wealth of information on all topics but my only concern is how credible and reliable the information is? As anybody is able to create a Wikipedia we need to be mindful of who the author/s are.

May 6, 2010 4:04 AM

AussieTeacher said...

Hi Dallas,

Great job on your Voki Avatar. Yes, it will make learning much more engaging and fun in the classroom. Like you, I am also a digital immigrant and have found this course to be invigorating. It gives me great hope and excitement for the future of teaching. I recently joined a group known as 1GOAL. On the 20th April they held the world’s largest classroom lesson involving more than 75,000 participants using Web 2.0 technology. Now that's a "WOW" factor for education. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV5XaSfvNz0

Kindest regards
Peter Spencer

April 27, 2010 7:33 PM

Dallas said...

Thanks for the comment Peter! I too am also very excited about all these new technologies. In becoming an effective teacher this will definitely be useful and efficient in delivering the type of education children deserve. With regards to the largest classroom lesson of 75000 participants, all I can say is 'unbelievable'!! That would have to be a world record??

Cheers
Dallas Williams

April 30, 2010 4:20 AM

Re: Indigenous Perspectives by Dallas Williams - Friday, 30 April 2010, 10:09 PM

Hi guys, I totally agree with all your comments above. The indigenous aspect in our society is very important and I feel that it is vital that we as Australians know about their culture and history. Every student should be familiar with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history as they have been a part of this country long before European settlers. It is important that every student in a schooling environment knows the importance of the linkage of the land, language and cultures of these great people. The time is right for indigenous education to be a regular part of the curriculum as this will improve societies views and opinions as well as provide an understanding as to how their cultures are so unique and how they should be treasured. What are your thoughts??

References

Aldred, S. (2010). Effective e-learning design. Retrieved from CQUniversity e-courses, FAHE11001 Managing E-Learning, http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=44151

Kearsley, G,. & Shneidermann, B. (1999). Engagement Theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved May 7, 2010, from http://home.sprynet.com/gkearsley/engage.htm

Kunc. N. (1992). The need to belong: Rediscovering Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Retrieved May 7, 2010 from http://www.normemma.com/armaslow.htm.

Prensky,M (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. On the Horizon. MCB University Press, Vol 9 No. 5, October 2001.