This is just a quick blog to add my attempt at using Movie Maker!!!
Using the Windows Movie Maker program, I put together a collection of Photo's depicting the culture and landscape of Africa as created by a Yr 5 student. I also imported a music trck of African Tribal songs. This was a great program to use. I found it really easy to navigate, and can definately see the potential of usng this tool in the classroom. These types of tools can be uploaded to websites or blogs or a wiki!! So it would work well as an addition to any unit.
There are copyright and intellectual property considerations that need to be explored and analysed when allowing student's to work with this application. What photo's can be used from the web? What referencing needs to be shown? Can you use pictures from books? Can I download music from itunes to use in my presentation? These are all questions a student in my class may have.
This will be discussed in more detail in a later blog.
Happy Blogging!!!
Sunday, 31 July 2011
Playing with Flickr!!!
I had never seen or used Flickr before today.... but it was so easy to use, and it's a tool that you can learn about as you experiment. (This would be benefical with younger students). The link to my flickr page is below:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/65845118@N02/5996306599/in/photostream
I uploaded these photo's of Isabella's Birthday party to Flickr. I also used the picnik program to edit the first photo of the cake. It change the size and colour of the photo, there are so many different applications to use within this program. Young students would be very excited to explore this tool.
Both of these e-tools where very easy to use. I haven't used any programs like this before. But now I am addicted. Will include this application in a SWOT analysis in the next blog.
I definately think this would be a great tool to explore in the classroom. It's easy and allow the students to be creative.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/65845118@N02/5996306599/in/photostream
I uploaded these photo's of Isabella's Birthday party to Flickr. I also used the picnik program to edit the first photo of the cake. It change the size and colour of the photo, there are so many different applications to use within this program. Young students would be very excited to explore this tool.
Both of these e-tools where very easy to use. I haven't used any programs like this before. But now I am addicted. Will include this application in a SWOT analysis in the next blog.
I definately think this would be a great tool to explore in the classroom. It's easy and allow the students to be creative.
Saturday, 30 July 2011
Learning Styles: A Reflection 4 weeks on.
Well I know we have already looked at the Learning Styles topic described in week 1, however I really wanted to look at this data again, now that I have a better understanding of this course and the tools we have been working through.
When I first completed the quiz, I didn't really agree with my results, (perhaps it was that I seemed very much sitting on the fence in most area's). But having the opportunity to reflect on my learning in this course now, I find myself now agreeing with the interpretation given.
It has also made me realise, that the tool of blogging is very useful for student reflection, particularly when the learing environment is knew. It allows the student to discuss their interpretation of the material and to allow collaboration within the classroom to argue or debate individual thoughts.
When I first completed the quiz, I didn't really agree with my results, (perhaps it was that I seemed very much sitting on the fence in most area's). But having the opportunity to reflect on my learning in this course now, I find myself now agreeing with the interpretation given.
It has also made me realise, that the tool of blogging is very useful for student reflection, particularly when the learing environment is knew. It allows the student to discuss their interpretation of the material and to allow collaboration within the classroom to argue or debate individual thoughts.
Tuesday, 19 July 2011
Week 2: Mobile Phones Wiki designed using De Bono's Six Thinking Hats Strategy
This week's activity was to consider the idea of using mobile phones as a learning tool within the classroom. In analysing this concept we were to adopt the thinking strategy of Edward De Bono's Six Thinking Hats.
This method of creative thinking encourages the learner to investigate various perspectives (the six different coloured hats identify the specific perspective) to create a more complete comprehension of the topic.
The following site shows what each coloured hat relates to; www.kurwongbss.eq.edu.au/thinkinghats
Within our class group, we were each allocated a different coloured hat and asked to explore the idea of using mobile phones in the classroom, specifically from the perspective of the coloured hat you received. This would ensure our class looked at all points of view, and discussed the positive and negative views that may vary from our own. I really enjoyed this activity, and by the end of the activity realised my view had in fact changed because of class activity.
We were able to work collaboratively within our group to comprehend, apply, analyse, synthesise, and evaluate all the information. These steps are all defined and discussed within another learning strategy called, Bloom's Taxonomy which relates to a learner moving through six processes when learning new information. More information on this strategy can be found on the following site; http://www.infosemantics.com.au/
We then added our thoughts to the mobile phones Wiki to form a very comprehensive group of ideas supporting each of the six thinking hat colours. My personal view centres mainly around the black hat (examining the problems associated with a topic). I have a strong feeling that this type of technology could be very distracting for younger children within the classroom. A phone can be used incorrectly to expose sensitive and private information about a student or teacher and the ramifications for this can be extensive. Another thought to consider is the cost associated with using the phones within the classroom. Who foots the bill for this exercise? As a parent myself, I certainly wouldn't be happy with the extra cost incurred by using this devise as a learning tool within an education environment, however a school surely couldn't justify the expense either.
I have also embedded a great YouTube video for you to examine on this topic. It was very cleverly created and right on point for this very debate, have a look and see what you think. Thank you to OnOttButton for allowing the contribution.
This method of creative thinking encourages the learner to investigate various perspectives (the six different coloured hats identify the specific perspective) to create a more complete comprehension of the topic.
The following site shows what each coloured hat relates to; www.kurwongbss.eq.edu.au/thinkinghats
Within our class group, we were each allocated a different coloured hat and asked to explore the idea of using mobile phones in the classroom, specifically from the perspective of the coloured hat you received. This would ensure our class looked at all points of view, and discussed the positive and negative views that may vary from our own. I really enjoyed this activity, and by the end of the activity realised my view had in fact changed because of class activity.
We were able to work collaboratively within our group to comprehend, apply, analyse, synthesise, and evaluate all the information. These steps are all defined and discussed within another learning strategy called, Bloom's Taxonomy which relates to a learner moving through six processes when learning new information. More information on this strategy can be found on the following site; http://www.infosemantics.com.au/
We then added our thoughts to the mobile phones Wiki to form a very comprehensive group of ideas supporting each of the six thinking hat colours. My personal view centres mainly around the black hat (examining the problems associated with a topic). I have a strong feeling that this type of technology could be very distracting for younger children within the classroom. A phone can be used incorrectly to expose sensitive and private information about a student or teacher and the ramifications for this can be extensive. Another thought to consider is the cost associated with using the phones within the classroom. Who foots the bill for this exercise? As a parent myself, I certainly wouldn't be happy with the extra cost incurred by using this devise as a learning tool within an education environment, however a school surely couldn't justify the expense either.
I have also embedded a great YouTube video for you to examine on this topic. It was very cleverly created and right on point for this very debate, have a look and see what you think. Thank you to OnOttButton for allowing the contribution.
Tuesday, 12 July 2011
Discussing Constructivism and why it works as a Learning Tool in the Classroom.
During our first week of our course, we were asked to read literature discussing different Learning Theories. We were then given an opportunity to pick from a list of these theories, and particpate in a group activity which would analyse and reflect on this theory by creating a PMI list (positives,minus and interesting points) and adding it to a wiki page.
I was particularly excited to examine the Constructivism Theory in detail, as in other courses I am currently enrolled in, this theory has been highlighted as an interesting topic to examine.
I was also excited to work with a partner, as a way of meeting new people within my course, and also sharing ideas and thoughts on this theory. I elected to work with Louise, who has also just started mid-year, and who also liked the idea of examining constructivism.
I read the selected text outlined on our wiki site http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/constructivism/index.html which I found informative and which I have attached for you to look at.
My PMI descriptions were then posted to the wiki page and I have included the address to this site below.http://fahe11001gladstone.wikispaces.com/Constructivism
Please feel free to add to the discussion board your own points and ideas on what we wrote.
Louise and I decided we would both individually read through the texts, and then collaborate online with each other to complile our final PMI list. This then gave us an opportunity to discuss our opinions, and any questions we had, to clarify what had been explored. Interestingly the basis of the learning theory constructivism, is the belief that learning should involve active learning. That is, the student exploring new concepts and information by actively participating in experiments, and group problem solving activities and then reflecting on what has been learnt from these experiences. Louise and I were able to actively test this theory by participating collabratively examining the literature, and then discussing what we each believed were positive points, minuses, and points of interest.
What was so interesting to learn was that this learning theory can be used with almost any age group, and within any teaching curriculum, from Mathematics, to English, to Science. It encourages the teacher to facilitate discussion, rather than merely informing the class of principals, and allows the children to develop their own logic, rules, and thoughts. When a child is allowed to construct their own knowledge that knowledge is both personal and owned. It is something they control and will encourage them to seek out further challenges, and explanations.
Group activity also encourages students to collaborate idea's when forming logic, and allows the student's to look at different ways of working through a problem. The children are able to challenge each other's concept's and idea's and ensure children learn how to communicate effectively within a group environment. Children who have difficulty with a task can be buddied up with stronger class members so they learn new ways of exploring subject information and problem solving, through experimentation. All children have a unique life experience that can be valuable in creating new idea's.
The challenge for the teacher will be to ensure all children have equal opportunity to construct their own knowledge and to be able to actively participate within the classroom.
I would also like to add this link for you to read. It shows a very easy to understand explanation by an American Professor named John Abbott.
http://youtu.be/F00R3pOXzuk
I was particularly excited to examine the Constructivism Theory in detail, as in other courses I am currently enrolled in, this theory has been highlighted as an interesting topic to examine.
I was also excited to work with a partner, as a way of meeting new people within my course, and also sharing ideas and thoughts on this theory. I elected to work with Louise, who has also just started mid-year, and who also liked the idea of examining constructivism.
I read the selected text outlined on our wiki site http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/concept2class/constructivism/index.html which I found informative and which I have attached for you to look at.
My PMI descriptions were then posted to the wiki page and I have included the address to this site below.http://fahe11001gladstone.wikispaces.com/Constructivism
Please feel free to add to the discussion board your own points and ideas on what we wrote.
Louise and I decided we would both individually read through the texts, and then collaborate online with each other to complile our final PMI list. This then gave us an opportunity to discuss our opinions, and any questions we had, to clarify what had been explored. Interestingly the basis of the learning theory constructivism, is the belief that learning should involve active learning. That is, the student exploring new concepts and information by actively participating in experiments, and group problem solving activities and then reflecting on what has been learnt from these experiences. Louise and I were able to actively test this theory by participating collabratively examining the literature, and then discussing what we each believed were positive points, minuses, and points of interest.
What was so interesting to learn was that this learning theory can be used with almost any age group, and within any teaching curriculum, from Mathematics, to English, to Science. It encourages the teacher to facilitate discussion, rather than merely informing the class of principals, and allows the children to develop their own logic, rules, and thoughts. When a child is allowed to construct their own knowledge that knowledge is both personal and owned. It is something they control and will encourage them to seek out further challenges, and explanations.
Group activity also encourages students to collaborate idea's when forming logic, and allows the student's to look at different ways of working through a problem. The children are able to challenge each other's concept's and idea's and ensure children learn how to communicate effectively within a group environment. Children who have difficulty with a task can be buddied up with stronger class members so they learn new ways of exploring subject information and problem solving, through experimentation. All children have a unique life experience that can be valuable in creating new idea's.
The challenge for the teacher will be to ensure all children have equal opportunity to construct their own knowledge and to be able to actively participate within the classroom.
I would also like to add this link for you to read. It shows a very easy to understand explanation by an American Professor named John Abbott.
http://youtu.be/F00R3pOXzuk
Sunday, 10 July 2011
Hi there, my name is Kristi. I am currently enrolled in BLM (primary) program at CQ University, Gladstone Campus.
I have enrolled starting mid-year, (a little daunting), and am still finding my feet. My course schedule this term includes FAHE11001: Managing E-Learning. Even the title seemed frightening to me, although after the first tutorial, and having now had time to reflect on the information I have been provided, I feel a little more at ease.
The step by step processes with the class structure, was designed for all level of learning, Thank goodness!! As I have never blogged, wikied, twittered, or used a forum page so most e learnig tools are new, challenging, and nerve racking to begin with. I do have very good computer skills, and have extensive experience with e-accounting programs, and so hopefully I can learn this new skills just as well.
The first session saw us discuss our different learning styles with the class, discussing our strengths and weaknesses in our own learning abilities, and to discuss these with others. Many of the students within the class were confident and savvy technology users, and while this could be intimidating, I found this information helpful, and made sure to reference those in th class who could be helpful to my own learning outcomes.
I found our first tutorial well planned and easy to follow, even with my limited experience in this area, and I felt well supported by fellow class mates within the room. Everyone was enthusiastic and communiative, which I found encouraging. The couse material is scaffolded in a way to allow for students to self pace there progress within the term, and to build on our own individual abilities. My aim in the next few weeks is to be able to confidently blog my ideas and communicate my experiences within our class framework. I am also confident that noting down my own progress of learning this technology will help me better understand a students lack of confidence when they start this same journey. Having experienced this daunting task, I will be able to emphasise and encourage my students.
I like to be hands on in my learning experiences and have the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them (just being able to have a go with my first blog, without help and seeing how I go). I find making mistakes is a great learning tool, rather then just following procedures and not understanding the process from start to finish. At times woking within a group can also be helpful, although as I am not a extrovert learner, I often can be lead with the concensous vote, rather then voicing my own ideas. I did appreciate the opportunity to work with a partner on our first task, researching and discussing Learning Theories, and found Louise Hess ( my taks partner) and I had very similar ideas and material as a result of our own understanding of the topic. Make sure to look out for my next blog on Constructivism Theory: Why it works in a classroom!
I have enrolled starting mid-year, (a little daunting), and am still finding my feet. My course schedule this term includes FAHE11001: Managing E-Learning. Even the title seemed frightening to me, although after the first tutorial, and having now had time to reflect on the information I have been provided, I feel a little more at ease.
The step by step processes with the class structure, was designed for all level of learning, Thank goodness!! As I have never blogged, wikied, twittered, or used a forum page so most e learnig tools are new, challenging, and nerve racking to begin with. I do have very good computer skills, and have extensive experience with e-accounting programs, and so hopefully I can learn this new skills just as well.
The first session saw us discuss our different learning styles with the class, discussing our strengths and weaknesses in our own learning abilities, and to discuss these with others. Many of the students within the class were confident and savvy technology users, and while this could be intimidating, I found this information helpful, and made sure to reference those in th class who could be helpful to my own learning outcomes.
I found our first tutorial well planned and easy to follow, even with my limited experience in this area, and I felt well supported by fellow class mates within the room. Everyone was enthusiastic and communiative, which I found encouraging. The couse material is scaffolded in a way to allow for students to self pace there progress within the term, and to build on our own individual abilities. My aim in the next few weeks is to be able to confidently blog my ideas and communicate my experiences within our class framework. I am also confident that noting down my own progress of learning this technology will help me better understand a students lack of confidence when they start this same journey. Having experienced this daunting task, I will be able to emphasise and encourage my students.
I like to be hands on in my learning experiences and have the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them (just being able to have a go with my first blog, without help and seeing how I go). I find making mistakes is a great learning tool, rather then just following procedures and not understanding the process from start to finish. At times woking within a group can also be helpful, although as I am not a extrovert learner, I often can be lead with the concensous vote, rather then voicing my own ideas. I did appreciate the opportunity to work with a partner on our first task, researching and discussing Learning Theories, and found Louise Hess ( my taks partner) and I had very similar ideas and material as a result of our own understanding of the topic. Make sure to look out for my next blog on Constructivism Theory: Why it works in a classroom!
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