Reflection 6: The Importance of On-Line Communities for Learning

This week I have reflected on the importance of on line learning communities and how being active in these can be as effective as physically being in a classroom. Throughout the course to this point, I have been keeping up with other student’s blogs and have been very impressed by the standards. Some of which, such as blogs by JessSag and LadyAmanda have been exceptional. Although a little bit intimidating in terms of other students knowledge and use of digital platforms compared to my own I have found this beneficial as I have been able to see how other students interpret and present information. Having started this course with minimal knowledge and previous use of ICT I have been able to improve my understanding of information covered in this subject through following these blogs and observing others. I have been able to develop my understanding in this subject and gain ideas for my own development, as well as see what has worked well for others. 

The on line community setting that is our class, has also been valuable as I have been able to learn from others as well as putting my ideas and perceptions out there for others to examine. There has been a continuing theme throughout the course and realisation that other students can view my work which has pushed me to try things I would have previously considered as being too hard. The on line learning, particularly through the blog pages have been an important part of this course. They have provided an outlet, not only for information but also allowed myself and others to be creative in how they have conveyed that information. The community is also effective as it allows for participation to occur from others at different times. This is beneficial for those not able to dedicate specific times of the day to communicate and comments or replies can be left on others blogs. Interaction in the form of the de bonos thinking hats provided another form of communication that I had not previously experienced and allowed myself and colleagues to look at a topic from different perspectives and gave the feeling that we were working through a problem or issue together.      

 
The on line community established within this course allows for the reinforcement of learning. Although I did not actively contribute to other peoples blogs in the form of comments I was able to observe the use of platforms I had not previously considered after reading the course notes. Seeing other students like Shane Morse in his blog use Prezi for summiting Mt Everest and Kelsey Warmington blog describing the use of Tiki Toki gave me an additional insight into these platforms and there effectiveness gave me encouragement to use these in my future classes. In my chosen field of History and Geography I will find both these platforms useful in both my own teaching style and allowing the students to demonstrate their understanding of the topic. As mentioned, although my interaction was limited, due in part to lack of confidence or at times understanding of the material I have enjoyed the sense of community and group learning. I hope in the latter stages of this subject and those in the future I will feel more confident in my ability and communicate with others more effectively. I have to date, learned a great deal from Digital Pedagogies and look forward to increasing my knowledge and use of ICT platforms in order to become the best teacher I can possibly be.  

Reflective Synopsis: Assignment 1

The information in this course has given me far greater knowledge of digital pedagogies and a range of tools that I can use as a teacher. At the beginning of Week 1, I felt quite apprehensive as my technical experience with ICT was limited. One of the first pieces of information I read, Sparks and Honey made me consider the absolute difference between my schooling and the technological environment for learning that exists today. I hadn't previously considered the differences between generations and the digital platforms that have come available since my school days in the 80’s and 90’s and how technology will advance further. As a future educator, the material in the first week opened my eyes to the reality that I will have to remain up to date with these advances in order to capitalise on their benefits and to that of the students and my own teaching style. It became a valuable realisation to identify that ICT can be used by the students as well as the teacher and can be used effectively as a communication tool for students between themselves, teachers or people from the local or international community outside the school environment. This allows students to develop communication skills and gain wider perspective of information, far different from previous generations. I found the science of learning interesting in the fact that evolution of the brain has resulted in the current generation having a shorter attention span due to being able to interpret information faster. Judy Willis specifies that ICT can be used to maintain attention through interactive participation in activities and can also reduce the repetition that can be felt by students during traditional lessons.      

The contemporary teacher has an ever increasing range of ICT platforms that can be used to facilitate and encourage learning. Students can also use these platforms to receive and create their own information, learn interactively and demonstrate understanding with and learn from a global audience. Blogs, Wikis and Websites are commonly used platforms for learning where students can learn through collaboration with each other. The teacher is also able to use these platforms to facilitate a sense of ownership and pride in student’s creation or participation. The student is aware that people other than the teacher will review their work and will generally place greater effort into their work. The use of Blogs to supplement teaching and learning is something that I will do in my future classes. Blogs allow the students and teachers to be creative in their approach to learning and provide an avenue for dialogue between the class where ideas, opinions and attitudes can be expressed. Blogs can also be effectively used by the teacher, not only to convey information but also to detail instructions or advice. The interactivity of the blog allows students a place to post questions or comments allowing for collaborated learning. Further examples of ICT that I will use as a Teacher will be the creation of my own video. I will be able to take information required by the syllabus and present that in short documentary styled lessons. I found the creation of the video, although my attempt was quite basic to be enjoyable and upon further practice, I will be able to add my own voice to pictures, add music and other effects such as on screen comments to add to the information being given. I could also make use of time stamps, where certain sections are highlighted, allowing the student to skip to certain sections of the video. The video is also beneficial, as it could be accessed by students any time and can be used to guide their learning outside the classroom. I also enjoyed and will definitely use the platform bubbl.us with future students. I found this will be particularly valuable in displaying information in the form of mind maps, allowing brain storming with students that can develop topics and raise further questions. This not only teaches facts to the students, but also develops understanding of a topic and further promotes collaborative learning.

  

The use of Digital Pedagogies through various forms of ICT can lead to the achievement of complex outcomes, such as analysis, synthesis and evaluation. These levels, present in Blooms Taxonomy generally occur as an extension to information being learnt and are well served through ICT.  The Taxonomy is concerned with attaining higher order thinking and generally used in the design of learning and courses. ICT can be used effectively using the taxonomies categories, such as remembering, ICT can be used for flash cards, reading or rote learning. ICT can also be used to achieve understanding through cooperative learning or Internet searches. Further categories of Blooms Taxonomy such as, applying can also be achieved via collaborative learning in the form of blogs. Analysing of information can occur through on line debates and other platforms such as fishbowls that encourage group involvement with discussions being observed by their peers. The final categories consisting of evaluating and creating can also be demonstrated through ICT in the form of blogs or surveys where students are able to put pieces of information together while learning from each other. Evaluating technologies for learning can be considered using the SAMR model. In using the model teachers are encouraged to redefine learning by using ICT to create new tasks. Consideration into the modification of those tasks with functional improvement using ICT or the direct substitution with no functional change to original methods. Although ICT for children can be greatly beneficial for learning there are concerns over Internet security that can pose a risk for students and teachers. It is imperative that teachers are aware of safe and reliable websites. Teachers can gain access to trusted Governmental sites such as cybersmart that provides on line safety, particularly for schools. Areas of concern such as on line bullying, chat rooms exposing children to sexual predators or other dangers should be closely managed. Students should also be made aware of copyright laws and the impact that particular actions performed while on line can leave a permanent foot print.