This week as I reflect on group 3 tools,I have to admit I have struggled. Assignments are due that I am in control of, and as a result the rest of my life is rather out of control. I am finding this course very time consuming! While I have come so far in such a short time, it is at a huge time cost, and a few tears!!! So what you dear bloggers can whip up in a short time, takes me hours and hours. As a result my reflection this week is on Power Point. Oh no- you groan!! Keep in mind I am a mature aged student who is waving not drowning as I complete another week of e Learning. I am really happy with power points. I have also explored glogster and prezi and they will be something that I will use in the classroom. As is typical of the week, I have had, my power point is not on this blog but in Wednesday 27th March. And for some reason that I cant explain, the hyperlinking I so painstakingly installed, does not work now!
So how does powerpoint help the learner?
Power point is a fabulous multimodal resource. It is a presentation tool that is capable of interactivity, text, audio,images, formatting, text embedding and linking. This allows for learning and creating through endless possibilities. It is suitable for use in prep(how cool was Mouse Mischief!)as a class tool, and upwards.
Students can create an informative presentation with prerecorded narration; how great is that for developing speaking skills, on a topic they have explored. The presentation is totally their own decisions in terms of what size font to use, what colors, templates, animations for words, sounds and pictures. A unique sample of work created by and for the student. This helps support Power point as a learning tool and its link to the learning theory of connectivism.
Creating your own presentation using multimodal technology identifies with the networked nature of learning with computers. Preps could create a multimodal power point with assistance; what a great learning concept to show on Grandparents day. Their own story of "Why I love my Grandparents".
I found Siemens theory interesting as I was reflecting. He questions "How learning is best supported" in the classroom. Using technologies such as powerpoint does support learning in a valid way that is appropriate to today's learners.
Also thinking in terms of cognitivists' theory,that is learning in terms of mental processing. Your sensory and working memory is filtering and organizing through information that will be put into your work as you create an interactive powerpoint.
Talking about productive pedagogies, facilitating deep knowledge through higher order thinking. Challenging students to problem solve, come to new understandings and reach their full potential while exploring audio, interactivity and linking for example. This happens as students explore and create!
A PMI on power points:
Plus-
# students get to decide information content
# formatting is self styled
# relatively easy to navigate
# can be used to support oral presentations
# supports embedded text, linking and interactivity, audio, video and images.
Minus-
# power points can get a bad wrap but they don't have to be bad
# everyone has suffered 'death by powerpoint' at some stage.
# technology can fail at times
Interesting-
# Shulman (1986) states 'comprehension or understanding subject matter and transformation of content knowledge into forms that are adaptive to students abilities', are part of his model of pedagogical reasoning. As a learning manager I can help support Shulmans theory through the use of technology in the classroom.
#DeBonos six thinking hats and powerpoint in a mash up. What do you get??? Well white and blue of course! But why? you ask. Its simple dear bloggers. A white hat calls for information known or needed to create something like a powerpoint. A Blue hat is used to manage the thinking process. A skill that is needed by learners when creating with technology.
I'm off to eat some chocolate now!
Happy Easter.
Kathryn.
Wednesday, 27 March 2013
Friday, 22 March 2013
Week 4 Reflection Digital Images.
I wanted to reflect on digital images this week.
Why?? Because I love photos!
I found downloading the program a real problem. It was really getting me down.... I eventually got there though! For me, working with a familiar medium (photos) is comforting when I am learning so many new things at the moment!
I have made a blog below...the one with the stunning 3 kids in home made dresses!! But I just wanted to add a few thoughts for you to go with the blog below.
Image is such a powerful tool. Students can gain so much information and collaborate so many thoughts when shown an image.
When using images, you must be aware of copyright, before publishing. Also within a school environment,parental permission must be obtained to use images of children. Even then, usually faces are turned, or children are not easily identified. Who can access these images is also an important factor. They must not be available for the world to see.
You know the saying " a picture tells a thousand words?" I tend to agree!!
Happy Image Blogging friends!
Kathryn.
Why?? Because I love photos!
I found downloading the program a real problem. It was really getting me down.... I eventually got there though! For me, working with a familiar medium (photos) is comforting when I am learning so many new things at the moment!
I have made a blog below...the one with the stunning 3 kids in home made dresses!! But I just wanted to add a few thoughts for you to go with the blog below.
Image is such a powerful tool. Students can gain so much information and collaborate so many thoughts when shown an image.
When using images, you must be aware of copyright, before publishing. Also within a school environment,parental permission must be obtained to use images of children. Even then, usually faces are turned, or children are not easily identified. Who can access these images is also an important factor. They must not be available for the world to see.
You know the saying " a picture tells a thousand words?" I tend to agree!!
Happy Image Blogging friends!
Kathryn.
Wednesday, 20 March 2013
Managing Learning With Digital Images.
This week I have learnt how to resize pictures. No biggie you may say, but to me its another feather in my e learning cap! I love photos...as a mum I take lots of photos. Working in Prep also gives me great opportunity to take photos with the i Pad. The fact my big Nikon film camera has been replaced by a much smaller digital, makes me happy and sad at the same time. Happy that we have this brilliant digital technology and sad that I don't have to think so much before I click the button.
Anyways, back to my photo. Its a picture of us 3 eldest kids...the other 3 hadn't arrived yet! I'm the one in the middle with my tongue sticking out! The photo is actually a copy of a print taken from a slide negative. Really showing my age here now....
So how will my new found skills help me in the classroom to support learning?
The possibilities are endless!!
Images help support critical thinking. That is incorporating a raft of ideas and concepts from one picture. There was a brilliant example in our learning materials of World War 2. Photos of what women's roles were during the war. Retracing battle grounds, looking at images of Diggers memorabilia, contacting the War Museum in Canberra. What a great learning tool for upper primary or high school kids to have. All through a visual medium that is highly accessible.
A further idea to add to this could be a song by "The Waifs". A band from WA who sing "The Bridal Train" about the Australian War Brides that married Americans. It is a very touching song!
In terms of Lynch's Learning Design (2003) questioning "the resources I have to achieve learning" could be mentioned here with digital tools and images being part of 21st century learning.
For kids that are visual learners, working with images would support their learning greatly.
Working as a team; collaborating and sharing ideas, creates a positive engaging learning experience when a small group is asked to look an image and comment on it. You can be sure all comments will differ!
Students being able to document an event through images, for example a field trip to the beach. What a unique power point could be produced from this.
A video I watched last week called "Learning About Learning" Nichols (2007) states "Learning is a process of acquiring skills and knowledge through experience". By using images in learning, students are learning content, learning skills and learning knowledge. Being subject to images they may never have seen before and drawing knowledge from them.
Thinking about Gardner's Multiple Intelligences in terms of learning. These intelligences represent how we see or understand the world. There are eight different groups but for this blog I think there is one worth mentioning. Visual/Spatial is a learner that thinks in images, shapes and colour; learns best through visualisation. What better medium than Images to support to this learning style.
I hope you have enjoyed my blog today!
Feel free to leave a comment.
Happy Blogging Friends!
Kathryn.
Thursday, 14 March 2013
Productive Pedagogies...
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| Baking a Cake with Productive Pedagogies!! |
I really enjoyed this activity because it showed me how an activity that is simple to me can be linked to so many pedagogical areas. At the start I was a little confused but after watching the video a few times I understood how to complete the chart. The only problem was I couldnt take a screenshot. After working through that, I finally get to post this...better late than never!
This chart helps me to support learning in a way that best suits students. For example, The dimension, reconition of difference in regards to inclusivity could entail LOTE students creating 'Clean Up Australia Day' posters in their own language to display around the school. They would feel part of a day that may have little meaning for them and the rest of the school learns about their language.
Wednesday, 13 March 2013
Week 3 Reflection...A wiki in Prep...how cool is that!
A wiki is an online space that users and guests can edit,add,modify or remove information with editing tools. I like its comparison to "a never ending sheet of butchers paper'. To a five year old...that is way cool!
So how would a wiki work in a prep classroom? Swimmingly I would say! Creating an on going learning tool where preps could type their sightwords,then add to it as they learn more. Writing numbers and solving maths problems. Or creating a portfolio on their year in prep.
I was reading about technology in early years on the ACARA site and found the following which I thought very relevant.
"They are able to identify relationships between real and imagined, real and virtual worlds, between people and products, and between resources and the environment. They explore materials and technologies and use drawing and modelling to communicate their design ideas."
Words in there such as explore, exposed,identify and model all support what and how learning should be in prep. While a wiki may not be used fo exam review, mock debate or presentation just yet....it will be used to learn, communicate, engage and problem solve. Not bad going for a five year old!!
So how does a wiki tie in with learning theory? When preps are involved in ICT in the classroom whatever form that may be, they are using conectivism and cognitive skills. They are mentally processing information as they create a snapshot that can be edited. And doing this while applying digital age learning . Their knowledge of is usually really good already.
The thought of preps working alone on the wiki...hmmmm! Well I can tell you there will be at least 3 kids that turn the computer off because they can! They will need guidance and support even though some 5 year olds are very ICT savvy! Once they are started, they can explore and navigate with the tools available. Usually they are not afraid to have a go. I dont think cyber bullying or harsh editing would be a problem just yet. Preps are onboard and having fun!
Resources:
http://www.education.qld.gov.edu.au/smartclassrooms/documents/strategy/pdf/scbyte-e-learning.pdf
Hope you enjoy my wiki thoughts!
Kathryn.
So how would a wiki work in a prep classroom? Swimmingly I would say! Creating an on going learning tool where preps could type their sightwords,then add to it as they learn more. Writing numbers and solving maths problems. Or creating a portfolio on their year in prep.
I was reading about technology in early years on the ACARA site and found the following which I thought very relevant.
"They are able to identify relationships between real and imagined, real and virtual worlds, between people and products, and between resources and the environment. They explore materials and technologies and use drawing and modelling to communicate their design ideas."
Words in there such as explore, exposed,identify and model all support what and how learning should be in prep. While a wiki may not be used fo exam review, mock debate or presentation just yet....it will be used to learn, communicate, engage and problem solve. Not bad going for a five year old!!
A PMI CHART....
A PMI Chart helps us to examine the options before we make a decision.Plus:
- promotes fine motor skills
- able to be observed by staff
- all children can use regardless of ability
- promotes flexible learning ie, out of school and out of hours.
Minus:
- accessible to the world
- need internet access
- other students can use it
Interesting Other Things:
- technology can fail!
- everyone takes something different from the blog that they have learnt.
- wiki is a read/write tool
- Its FUN! Eveyone can contribute but no one has to.
So how does a wiki tie in with learning theory? When preps are involved in ICT in the classroom whatever form that may be, they are using conectivism and cognitive skills. They are mentally processing information as they create a snapshot that can be edited. And doing this while applying digital age learning . Their knowledge of is usually really good already.
The thought of preps working alone on the wiki...hmmmm! Well I can tell you there will be at least 3 kids that turn the computer off because they can! They will need guidance and support even though some 5 year olds are very ICT savvy! Once they are started, they can explore and navigate with the tools available. Usually they are not afraid to have a go. I dont think cyber bullying or harsh editing would be a problem just yet. Preps are onboard and having fun!
Resources:
http://www.education.qld.gov.edu.au/smartclassrooms/documents/strategy/pdf/scbyte-e-learning.pdf
Hope you enjoy my wiki thoughts!
Kathryn.
Wednesday, 6 March 2013
Mobile Phone Wiki....some further thoughts.....
After our collaborate group last night, I felt I needed to add a little to my blog. So bear with me dear friends ...
Characteristics of a wiki that lead me to chose my learning theories, which were behaviourism,cognetivism and connectivism, were as follows.
With kids using phones as learning tools, they are using skills that they already know so well. Cognitive skills that are mostly second nature.
Behaviourism where kids are looking towards the future and learning new skills for life. That essentially is what a wiki does. It lets you create an ever changing document on your thoughts for all to see.
With connectivism, we are all learning for a digital age. The fact that we are all completing a module in our homes while being able to collaborate on line is amazing.
I enjoyed working on our wiki once I was confident with what I was doing. It was interesting to read everyones comments and thoughts.
Definite benefits include group collaboration through each persons input. I thought in our readings, a description of a wiki as "an online sheet of butchers paper" was brilliant. Very apt! Also, I think once you learn about on e-tool, it gives you a building block if you like to another tool. For eg, wiki and prezi. New skills can be built on.
A drawback could be someone overwriting your work. It is your thoughts and I think they should be valued and kept.
A wiki would contribute to students learning by getting them to:
Characteristics of a wiki that lead me to chose my learning theories, which were behaviourism,cognetivism and connectivism, were as follows.
With kids using phones as learning tools, they are using skills that they already know so well. Cognitive skills that are mostly second nature.
Behaviourism where kids are looking towards the future and learning new skills for life. That essentially is what a wiki does. It lets you create an ever changing document on your thoughts for all to see.
With connectivism, we are all learning for a digital age. The fact that we are all completing a module in our homes while being able to collaborate on line is amazing.
I enjoyed working on our wiki once I was confident with what I was doing. It was interesting to read everyones comments and thoughts.
Definite benefits include group collaboration through each persons input. I thought in our readings, a description of a wiki as "an online sheet of butchers paper" was brilliant. Very apt! Also, I think once you learn about on e-tool, it gives you a building block if you like to another tool. For eg, wiki and prezi. New skills can be built on.
A drawback could be someone overwriting your work. It is your thoughts and I think they should be valued and kept.
A wiki would contribute to students learning by getting them to:
- think about the subject before they put an answer in writing.
- teaching them new technology skills, or enhance what skills they already have.
- help them to appreciate others opinions.
- edit their work as they learn more about that subject.
Tuesday, 5 March 2013
Reflect On Your Learning About Blogs....
And to think...not only do I know about Blogs...but I have one!!!
I have learnt so much today blog friends..
How children of all ages could use blogs at school. Engaged learning at its best. Hands on, motor skills used, cognitive learning going on, problem solving. All while using technology that is so familiar to kids.
Learning from blogs, subjects they enjoy learning about..learning about the world around them. What a complimentary tool for our kids and educators. The world of learning from blogs is endless
So...what Analytical Tool do I fancy?
The idea of Project Drafting is a good one. Kids working collaboratively in a group. All being able to input changes and comments to their thoughts and ideas. All the while becoming tech savvy lifelong learners.
A great idea for group project work and even better, the most up to date version of the blog can be accessed by the group at once.
Please bear with my archaic referencing...in "Crooked Timbers" Farrell (2003) states, "blogs being used to organise class discussion from the First Ammendment to Irish Law Reform". This reading helps support my thoughts on why I think my leaning tool is a good one.
I look forward to reading your blogs!
Kathryn.
I have learnt so much today blog friends..
How children of all ages could use blogs at school. Engaged learning at its best. Hands on, motor skills used, cognitive learning going on, problem solving. All while using technology that is so familiar to kids.
Learning from blogs, subjects they enjoy learning about..learning about the world around them. What a complimentary tool for our kids and educators. The world of learning from blogs is endless
So...what Analytical Tool do I fancy?
The idea of Project Drafting is a good one. Kids working collaboratively in a group. All being able to input changes and comments to their thoughts and ideas. All the while becoming tech savvy lifelong learners.
A great idea for group project work and even better, the most up to date version of the blog can be accessed by the group at once.
Please bear with my archaic referencing...in "Crooked Timbers" Farrell (2003) states, "blogs being used to organise class discussion from the First Ammendment to Irish Law Reform". This reading helps support my thoughts on why I think my leaning tool is a good one.
I look forward to reading your blogs!
Kathryn.
Mobile Phone Wiki...thoughts...
The mobile phone debate turned me into a yellow & white hat wearing learning manager. WHY? Because I like to see the glass half full (yellow) and known info is needed (white.)
So within a context of learning, kids I have seen in school with ICT have higher order thinking skills that they are using as cognitive learners. Learning while playing with "stuff'" that is second nature to them in many cases.
So which theory supports our wiki?We will all post different thoughts which is great! So here are mine...
Behaviourism-learning through practice,ie logging on;and routine skill development,ie typing on a keyboard.
Cognitivists-definately! e-learning mentally!
Connectivism-learning for the digital age,which is now. Thats what our kids are doing, and we are supporting them by ploughing through this course!
I look forward to reading your thoughtd fellow bloggers.
Kathryn.
So within a context of learning, kids I have seen in school with ICT have higher order thinking skills that they are using as cognitive learners. Learning while playing with "stuff'" that is second nature to them in many cases.
So which theory supports our wiki?We will all post different thoughts which is great! So here are mine...
Behaviourism-learning through practice,ie logging on;and routine skill development,ie typing on a keyboard.
Cognitivists-definately! e-learning mentally!
Connectivism-learning for the digital age,which is now. Thats what our kids are doing, and we are supporting them by ploughing through this course!
I look forward to reading your thoughtd fellow bloggers.
Kathryn.