Assessment 2: Reflective Synopsis

I have survived the first six weeks!!! I can finally take a breath (can you hear it?).
Reflecting now on my journey through this course, I can best describe my experience in these words; overwhelmed, confused, excited, motivated and now enlightened!

In the beginning I had very little knowledge of IC Tools that we were to explore. The only applications I had any previous experience with were Web based research programs basic windows office software and email.However, within 6 weeks I have developed knowledge and technical skills required to analyse the purpose of; Blogs, Wikis, Website creation, Bubbl.us, voki, flickr, PowerPoint, Glogster and Movie maker.

Before attempting these tools, we were first asked to consider our own learning styles, by completing the Felder and Soloman Learning Styles Test. This information provide invaluable to me, as it highlighted not only my strengths but helped me reflect on why certain IC tools were easy and enjoyable to use and why some tools didn't interest me at all.  My learning style was very balanced although I was more verbal than visual, and more sensing than intuitive. I found tools where I was able to work collaboratively with other members of the class, helped me gain a better understanding of the tool. During the first week we were also asked to consider various learning theories and contribute our perspectives collaboratively using a PMI on our group wiki site, which was designed to encourage higher order critical thinking and collaborative participation. This activity was really interesting, and I felt motivated to contribute to the group discussion. I can now recognise that my own learning experiences during the last 6 weeks, will be highly beneficial for when I am teaching in the future. By evaluating and analysing the learning styles of my students within the class, I will be able to design effective learning approaches using ICT that will contribute, support and transform student learning.

My classroom model is strongly focused on a blend of face to face presence and online learning frameworks. No one approach will successfully fulfil learning outcomes. As a teacher I will use multiple learning approaches including individual learning, co-operative learning and most importantly collaborative learning opportunities.

Research by Gokhale (1995) showed collaborative learning was able to enhance group member's critical thinking capacity through the opportunity to ask questions, challenge and change ideas, problem solve and evaluate the perspectives of peers. Certainly I believe that collaborative learning can promote various life skills, such as interpersonal skills, technical skills intellectual skills and communication skills (McMillan & Weyers 2009).

Based on these ideas, I have chosen ICT that will be best suited to enhancing this collaborative learning environment or my students.

Technology Tool 1: Wiki
I found exploring and applying wiki's as a teaching tool extremely versatile and easy to navigate. There are literally hundreds of learning applications this tool can be used for to enhance collaboration, and critical thinking skills. It can be used to problem solve, reflect,evaluate, plan, assessment presentations, parent information sessions, classroom diary, and some many more.
I completed a swot analysis on the wiki tool and discussed in further detail the benefits related to using this tool in the classroom. My Wiki SWOT link can be viewed here. You will also be able to view my demonstrated model of working with this tool by going to Wiki example.

Technology Tool 2: Digital Images using MovieMaker
Visual learners according to Felder and Soloman (2005) remember best what they see, for example pictures, movies and visual demonstration. Majority of students are identified in this category and so I had to reflect on what tools will best enhance the learning outcomes for these students.
During week 3 I explored the Windows Moviemaker program as a possible way of delivering effective visual learning opportunities to my students. It was very easy to use, can be as creative as you need, and was a tool that can be used effectively within the collaborative framework of my classroom.

Visual literacy is the ability to see, to understand, to think, create and communicate graphically (learnc.org) and I have determined that the use of digital tools as a way of exploring images within the classroom can have a huge impact on the ability of young students to understand and create knowledge. As a teacher I can present learning material in the form of images to my students with the purpose of engaging thinking; influencing feelings or supporting skills development (moodle site 2011).

Photographs from class experiments, excursions or group activities can b uploaded into flickr software and then converted into a movie using the MovieMaker program. Of course there are important privacy, safe, legal and ethical practices to adhere to whenever using this type of software.

My blog entry Moviemaker  demonstrates my attempt at using this program. What I really liked about this tool was the collaborative possibilities it could have within the classroom. This is also a tool that he students would find fun and creative to use. Will would help to encourage teamwork, critical thinking, technical skills, and improve their visual learning skills. In the 21st century it is essential that the classroom environment uses digital ICT to enhance and support effective learning.

Technology Tool Group 3: PowerPoint
Continuing to reflect on the collaborative tools I can use, while still considering the different learning styles of my students, what tool then can enhance the learning outcomes for a verbal learner? PowerPoint is regarded as a presentation tool that is used to support oral presentations (moodle site 2011).
I found PowerPoint easy to access and freely available, it was also very simple to explore.  The possibilities of using this tool are endless. It is also very collaborative, as many students can contribute to both the information contained in the presentation, the look of the PowerPoint and also by each narrating different sections. For a student who is a verbal learner, this tool would be hugely beneficial, but also for the students who may struggle with oral presentations, this tool can help to improve and encourage them. Students in my class could use this tool in small groups to enhance their own learning through group oral presentation, reflective writing and by incorporating his tool with other ICT to demonstrate creative an critical thinking during assessment.
There are extensive add on features with this tool such as, sound effects, narration, animation to help students create exciting presentations and to show their ability to work collaboratively.
Other ideas for using this tool could include;

• Classroom Rules
• Parent Information Nights
• Lesson Plan
• Photo presentations
• Quizzes
• Brainstorming
• Research reflections

For a look at my demonstration and to see my SWOT analysis of his tool be follow this PowerPoint SWOT link.

Please also take note of the content of this PowerPoint presentation, as I used this tool s a way o highlight issues concerning Internet safety in the classroom. This PowerPoint was convert into a video for easy access and can be viewed directly using this PowerPoint Video Link.

Technology Tool 4: Bubbl.us - Concept Mapping Software
When selecting any IC Tool to suit the purpose of your learning outcomes there are some vital considerations to be made;

1. Work out which delivery methods are available and what mix is required (ICT)
2. Decide what learning approaches to use (face to face, online etc)
3. Choose the learning strategies to use (collaborative, individual learning etc)

When I evaluated the use of the tools in group 4, these were the questions I asked myself. One tool I felt was particularly beneficial. I chose the Bubbl.us concept mapping software. It can definitely be used in conjunction with my other tools I have selected, it can be done using both learning approaches (sometimes a mix of both is what will be required), and the tool is very collaborative and will enhance robust communication within my class. This tool will be particularly useful for students who are both active or reflective, and both visual and verbal learners. It can also contribute to positive outcomes for a sequential learner too, and so this tool is well worth the effort as learning outcomes will be met for almost any type of learner within the class.

This tool was the easiest of all the tools to master, and because of my own learning style, I really enjoyed exploring this tool. Bubble.us will definitely encourage collaborative discussion, critical thinking, and help students link important relationships between key concepts and information. It is ideal for brainstorming, and reflection, it colourful and creative, and students will be able to explore this tool and add to it from home. The other great ability of this tool is that privacy options can ensure only class groups can access this site so that it cannot be edited by anyone on authorised to see it.

Visit my Bubbl.us link to view my SWOT analysis of this tool in more detail and to view my demonstration.

Lastly and equally important, is my evaluation of the Legal Safe and Ethical guidelines of using these ICT tools.

I was able to research different information throughout the course that asked us to evaluate this aspect in detail. I recognise as a future Learning Manager, the importance of knowing, understanding and applying these guidelines in my classroom. Many of my SWOT analysis activities highlighted my thinking in regards to these issues. As a teacher it is essential to ensure I monitor student activity for any inappropriate communication that can affect the safety of my students. This can include Cyberbullying and online safety. Education is key to ensuring my students comprehend the legal issues and their responsibilities when working online. This includes understanding copyright laws, plagiarism laws and attribution of research material. Classroom rules are also beneficial to help ensure students act safely, legally and ethically when accessing these tools.

Finally I would like to point out that my concept of E-learning is now vastly different to the narrow minded view I had six weeks ago. It is not simply about technology. It relates to the social IC tools that can enhance and support learning in the 21st century digital world. It adds a new set of collaborative tools and scaffolded practices that adds value to the existing learning approaches. It includes self paced learning, digital collaboration an communication, team learning and virtual classroom interaction.

As a Learning Manager, I have realised that technology based instruction can offer leverage to make both the planning and development process and the delivery and learning process that much more effective.

References:
Fasso W (2011) Readings: Group 1 technologies, CQUniversity Australia
Retrieved 13th August 2011
http://moodle.cqu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=186311

Felder R.M & Brent R. (2005) Understanding Student Differences. J. Enger.Education 94 (1) 57-72
Retrieved 13th August 2011
http://moodle.cqu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=186311

Fasso W (2011) Readings: Group 2 technologies, CQUniversity Australia
retrieved 13th August 2011
http://moodle.cqu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=186321

Fasso W (2011) Readings: Group 3 technologies, CQUniversity Australia
Retrieved 13th August 2011
http://moodle.cqu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=186324

Fasso W (2011) Readings Group 4 technologies, CQUniversity Australia
Retrieved 13th August 2011
http://moodle.cqu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=186326

Gokhale A.A (1995) Collaborative Learning Enhances Critical Thinking, journal of Technology Education, 7 (1) 22-30

Sydney Brown http:///www.learnnc.org
Retrieved 12th August 2011

Smartcopying http://www.smartcopying.edu.au/
Retrieved 28th July 2011

Appendix:

http://kristi-bourke.blogspot.com/2011/07/week-2-mobile-phones-wiki-designed.html

http://kristi-bourke.blogspot.com/2011/07/learning-styles-reflection-4-weeks-on.html

http://kristi-bourke.blogspot.com/2011/07/movie-maker.html

http://kristi-bourke.blogspot.com/2011/08/swot-analysis-on-blogs.html

http://kristi-bourke.blogspot.com/2011/08/who-is-watching-your-child-on-line.html

http://kristi-bourke.blogspot.com/2011/08/swot-analysis-on-wikispaces.html

http://kristi-bourke.blogspot.com/2011/08/swot-analysis-on-wesite.html

http://kristi-bourke.blogspot.com/2011/08/my-powerpoint-presentation.html

http://kristi-bourke.blogspot.com/2011/08/group-4-technology-bubblus.html

Almost there!!!

Well, I have almost completed assessment 2 (can you here me cheering?)
I will post my final reflection today, based on all of the wonderful experiences I have had over the last six weeks, and to reflect on what tools I believe will be beneficial to my students and there learning outcomes.

Thanks to all for your input and support!

Happy Blogging

Group 4 Technology: Bubbl.Us

This is the link to my concept map I constructed using the digital tool Bubbl.Us

https://bubbl.us/?h=9ab1f/1277ae/63WeArd2xppGc

SWOT

Strengths

• Colourful
• Creative
• Collaborative
• Brainstorming
• Accessed from home
• Site access can be confirmed to classroom use only with privacy settings

Weakness

• Can be difficult to use by young students
• Inappropriate understanding of building relationships between information
• Requires Internet access
• Difficult to upload this program to other sites

Opportunity

• Creates higher order thinking skills
• Can encourage collaborative learning by all class members
• Can be used individually to construct a individual perspective
• Can work well in conjunction with other ICT
• Can help to improve students ability to evaluate relationships between thoughts
• Encourages multiple definitions rather then one answer
• Encourages problem solving techniques

Threats

• Plagiarism of other students ideas

Reflection:
This is a very clever idea to use in conjunction with other ICT. It helps to visually illustrate concepts to students, and this tool can do this effectively. Concept mapping can encourage student problem solving skills, and to improve a students ability to find and comprehend relationships between information. This tool really highlights the constructivism learning theory because, it helps students build on the knowledge they have, and further develop concepts based on these initial thoughts. It is also a tool to build students ability for robust discussion and effective communication. Definitely a tool I will be using in my collaborative classroom!!

My Powerpoint Presentation

Technology group 3: PowerPoint

Please go to the following link to access my PowerPoint presentation.

http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/kristibourke-1151602-internet-safety/

SWOT Analysis on Power Point

Strengths

• Easy to access
• creative program
• Collaborative tool
• Encourages synthesis of ideas
• Multiple uses within the classroom

Weaknesses

• Must have access to a Windows Office Program
• Can be time consuming
• Can be incorrectly used by teacher using a rote learning approach
• Younger students may have trouble using advanced features, like narration

Opportunity

• Previously used as a oral presentation tool, can be used in multiple classroom applications
• Can encourage improved spoken ability for students
• Can be used by the whole class to show assignment work or pictures from excursions
• Creates higher order thinking strategies through brainstorming
• Can help clarify misunderstood lesson criteria
• Can be used as an ICT in conjunction with other collaborative tools, including digital images and audio tools

Threats

• Plagiarism of student work

Reflection:
I found this tool, really easy to use and great in helping me evaluate and comprehend some important information about Internet safety. I can definitely see the potential of this tool in the classroom, both at a teacher using it, and also for my students to explore. Also it should be highlighted, that this tool is used predominantly throughout many workplaces and in various real world contexts, and is a great technical tool for the students to master.

SWOT Analysis on Wesite

SWOT Analysis on the use of a Website tool in the classroom

Strengths	Weaknesses
Design choice - can personalise the layout, look and feel (create own website) Great access – school and home Sharing tool either through link or embedding site into other ICT tools Creative tool Students have ownership over their learning journey and pace Settings can be managed by the school or classroom teacher	False information Inappropriate information is shared Only one perspective Accessed by anyone Plagiarism of other peoples work Student must have access to a computer and the Internet
Opportunities	Threats
Gives a voice to all students Personalized learning - students own topic Creative tool- unlimited applications Improve literacy skills Improve computer skills Improve information literacy skills Research and referencing Can be used to show parents the student progress Great communicative tool between teacher and student  Communicative tool between teacher (school) and parent	Internet predators Failure of technology Plagiarism of your ideas Cyber bulling (if own website is created) Unable to validate website

Above is a SWOT analysis I created discussing the use of a website in a classroom environment.  The design program I used was weebly.com a very simple and user- friendly program, which works through designing your site a step at a time. The benefits of this particular design template are that the designers have recognised that this tool is hugely beneficial for educational purposes, and so have allocated a design template specifically for this purpose. I used this template, and found it such a inspiring and creative tool.  I hadn’t used a program like this before, and so I was both nervous and curious to explore the concept of a website, and importantly decide whether I could identify a purpose for this tool within my classroom. I found that one of the most exciting aspects of a website is the ability for the tool to be used in conjunction with so many other ICT tools, and therefore helping to create  appropriate learning outcomes for different learners within my class. Some of the learning approaches that I could see from using my website include the following;

·         Collaborative learning – the interaction with other class members to share knowledge

·         Problem- based learning – through blogs or forums on the website

·         Discovery based learning – using the website to explore, analyse, organise and generate knowledge

·         Self-directed learning- self paced, and class editing of uploaded work

So YES I will definitely be using a website in my classroom!!
This is the link to my website I have been working on over the last few days. Again it's not finished, but I have really enjoyed the creative process I have been able to work through, and I am sure the students would appreciate how collaborative this tool is.

http://ourjourneyaroundtheworld.weebly.com/

Happy Blogging!

SWOT Analysis on Wikispaces

SWOT Analysis on Wiki use in the classroom 
 

Strengths	Weaknesses
The look and feel of the page can be changed, to suit the unit of work being created. Can be accessed by the students outside of the classroom   Can link or embed this tool to work with other ICT tools Collaborative tool that encourages the students to think of many different perspectives Access can be limited to the class, and also page permissions can be assigned Student’s take ownership of their own learning design	Edit tool can delete previously submitted work of other students Only one group can edit at a time  Any information can be uploaded (inappropriate information can be shared) The site can be viewed by anyone, and without page permissions can also be edited by anyone  Plagiarism and copyright issues if research or ideas or images are not correctly referenced
Opportunities	Threats
Collaboration gives all students an opportunity to contribute to the work Can encourage students to think analytically and creatively Improve computer skills Improve literacy skills Teacher can follow learning informally Teacher can facilitate and encourage the various learning environments	Technology issues  Internet security   Plagiarism on the Internet

I have really enjoyed working with my wiki. It is a very creative ICT tool, which can be used in so many different ways within almost any unit of work within the classroom. Similar in ways to a website, certain elements can be added, but unlike a website this is a great collaborative tool that can be edited by various members of a class or group, as a way of creating knowledge and for the class to contribute further perspectives. I have included a SWOT analysis of this tool for you to view, and my wiki address for you to check out. Being able to work through the creative aspects of this tool, which are very easy to use, allowed me to appreciate the benefits of using this tool in my classroom for various tasks. It is easy to navigate, and importantly can work well in group work. A wiki can be incorporated with other ICT tools such as a website to correlate information and to facilitate discussion and creative thinking with the students.

This is the link to my wiki which  I have been working on as part of my design assessment. It is by no means completed, however what will be obvious is the unlimited communicative and collaborative possibilities of this tool.

http://ourjourneyaroundtheworld.wikispaces.com/

Having a go at Glogster

To view my glogster attempt visit the link below;

http://kristibourke.glogster.com/glog-9273-7134/