Week 3 Reflection

This week has been one of interest, we got to explore more about blogs, wikis and websites (weebly).

I decided to focus on wikis. I have found this to be a difficult task as there are minimum features to add and design the wiki without tutorial help available. As a person with limited computer skills, this task became very difficult. Although I can see how this technology would be useful when studying history, this area of teaching and learning will be something that I will need to consider when using ICT within the classroom. I acknowledge that I will have to work more with the wiki to gain more confidence and skills. Wiki uses the Blooms taxonomy and SAMR as a base for modelling and scaffolding.

This technology allows students and teachers to build from the basic information to more detailed content through the use of websites and input from other sources. Teachers would be able to monitor and evaluate each student’s progress through their engagement with the wiki.

This technology also allows students to extend their projects from a basic word document to one that has a variety of input from various sources. One example is the ability of other students (or from other people in other towns or countries) to insert youtube clips about the task.

The learning outcomes that wiki supports in the classroom is the modelling and the scaffolding strategies used during activities. These strategies improve students and teacher learning and understanding of subject matter that can then be practically applied in real life situations. Wikis support more different types of material/ activities with the use of embedding of google docs and youtube clip along with templates.

ICT plays an important role in education. Teachers are able to set privacy that only allow people with assess to modified contents. Students are able to make user names that are not identified by other students.

Example based on SAMR:

Substitution	Teacher can design a template for student to add in information know about subject. Using the 5w’s and 1h concept, (Substituted for text and worksheets).
Augmentation	Allows teachers to post suitable website or fact sheet that students can use to find further information. This is done by using the file icon and inserting website link, (adding to and building on original template).
Modification	Allows students to contribute their own ideas to the task where they can insert their choice of images and information. This is where teachers can monitor student interaction.
Redefinition	Allows for input of others from other places with comments or extra information. This would be where there final project is assessed and evaluated.

My wiki link https://wikispaces.com/join/M4MFKP4

Week 2 Reflection

Week 2 Reflection

During to Mobile Phones wiki activity, I experienced and identified some drawbacks and benefits for learning. I acknowledge that the way in which the activity was based with (using the SAMR model) scaffolding strategies was extremely effective in promoting a greater understanding of subject matter. Introducing topics firstly with technology and then building on the initial information with modifications augmentation & redefinition brings different methods and perspectives, promotes enhanced understanding and knowledge of topics. The scaffolding technique supported the range of perspectives effectively so that while each activity was designed differently, the same concept was concluded by all, although explained in the different themes that suited our individual chosen disciplines. For example, one student explained their definition by using elements from their chosen discipline which was physical education, whereby saying that students have to start in the small pool before moving on to the diving board.

Participating in this activity encouraged me to think hard about how I can better engage learners and promote and improve the learning for myself and my students. The most important aspect for me was that as a teacher, I do not have to be fully responsible for students’ learning, but can involve others (including students) to provide extra skills and knowledge.

There are however, I feel, some drawbacks related to this teaching strategy. Classrooms are diverse and one would not expect all students to be fully competent with technology skills. For those times that some students may need additional support with mastering technology, valuable learning time could be sacrificed for both that student and others in the class.

Issues accessing the wiki due to set up problems were a problem for me during the activity and left me madly racing to catch up to other class members. An additional drawback I believe, are the privacy and security issues associated with wiki. So long as somebody has an account with wiki, they are able to edit material already submitted.

Melisa's Blog

First week of class has been very interesting learning about different apps that can be used.

Using the QR Codes was very interesting, as it has shown us another tool to use to engage students, from diverse cultures and that have different learning preferences. The QR Codes would be useful in maths classes were students may struggle with concept or students who want extra work as they can be linked to extra explanations about different concepts or website were a student can do extra work. With history student could assess versus resources for extra information without students getting frustrated with locating information.

Viewing website using the QR Codes method was very easy as you did not have to view many sites to find information. The website showed how it is important to breakdown, model and allow student the opportunity to attempt work themselves. That as teachers we need to be aware that students can became easily bored, which is something I personal have experienced in the past and this was due to the fact that I had trouble understanding information and the teacher were more concerned with getting through their lessons rather than making sure that students were learning.  For this reason I will try my very best to ensure that all student have the best tools available to learn.

The flipgrid although a very useful tool as a teacher I feel that I would have to be aware that not all student would feel comfortable using this tool. As I felt uncomfortable using the flipgrid but understand how this tool could be useful for students who are scare to stand in front of a whole class to present an oral presentation.

Pedagogy	What does it “look like” Practice	What does it NOT look like in practice?
Facilitating deep knowledge through higher order thinking
Facilitating collaborative learning in which conversations are important
Supporting students in knowing how they learn best
Planning learning that is problem-based and situated in real life contexts
Is relevant to students and connects to their background knowledge
Supports learning that is owned, controlled and managed by students themselves
Is socially supportive, engaging and values cultural knowledge’s
Is supportive of the development of active citizenship and strong group identity