8
June
2009
In an Interview with LEGO playtime co. Resnik explores here the theories of constructionism in learning as he dicusses the programs and materials developed by his company that are developed in order to encourage students to discover the interchangibility of learning and education itself with play. He describes to us the ideals of combining traditional building kits like LEGO blocks, with computers and other technologies so that not only create models that look like something, but that move, act and react like that thing.
An easy and interesting listen, I myself only have to ask this;
Do we really need to disregard the memorisation of facts and numbers entirely? Is balance not the key?
I do not believe that Resnik is right in stating that students who have solid memorised facts are less likely to be active, contributing citizens. Something simple like not being drilled on your times talbles as a child (like I myself was not) can become a struggle later in life.
LEGO Playtime Podcast #1 17:25 The LEGO Group LEGO Playtime Podcasts Other 8/06/2009 11:34 PM
Image attribution: http://www.flickr.net/photos/eti-eti/311108679/
Image shared under a creative commons licence 2.2
Emma
Posted under Uncategorized
7
June
2009
Kim’s blog explores how a teacher’s goals can be met more effectively using VoiceThread. The teacher Kim interviews is a grade 3 teacher named Rebecca who is unsure if her project is going to be successful she therefore “wanted to make sure that the technology portion of the project was manageable.” One of the teacher’s goals included “visually document the stages of growth in the life cycle of a seed.” In order for the teacher to keep track of the students learning progress she assigned students as ‘experts’ who were “responsible for different aspects of the project.” After the experiment was completed the teacher requested that several students’ work to be published as a VoiceThread online. The students were required to write their own scripts and record them.
I found this to be highly engaging because the teacher integrated numerous KLA’s into one lesson, including, English, science and technology. The teacher uses various forms of assessment throughout the experiment.
In Kim’s ‘Final Thoughts’ aspect of the blog she states how “establishing a successful and positive first experience with technology is a sure-fire way to encourage teachers, students and parents to keep building those skills and to continue using new tools to enhance learning.” I think she truly captures the essence of how important technology is in schools in this statement. The more practice teachers, students and parents have with technology the better they become at implementing it into various lessons.
-Dijana
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6
June
2009
After reading and watching Dijanas video on assistive learning technologies, I was shocked to find that I was actually impressed by something that technology had to offer. I am of the firm belief that while for all intents and purposes, technology is wonderful to enhance the students learning, it is also apparent in most situations that the task could be mediated with a little imagination rather than an program. After watching this video however, and listening to Dijana speak passionately in class, I have come to the realisation that technology is versatile in its uses. Language is a communication technology that enhances not only life-long learning, but also enhances life longevity and comfort.
Please consider this post as me offically biting my tounge.
Technology, 1 : Emma, 0
Em
Posted under Uncategorized
5
June
2009
This delightful little text explores the possibilities that occur when teachers do not embrace the wonder that is the ever changing institution of technological advancement. It is clear then that in order to be effective teachers in this day and age, we need to be informed and constantly in contact with the context in which our students are learning. My only concern however is this, Is there such a thing as too much too soon? I cannot help but think of a society much like the futuristic freudian society in Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World when i think about the way our classrooms are going. Is there a way that we can be innovative, interesting and effective without becoming overrun by that which we are trying to embrace?
I am not convinced.
Em
Image attribution: http://www.flickr.net/photos/undergroundbastard/1485055444/
Image made available under a creative commons licence 2.2
Posted under Uncategorized
5
June
2009
I found Kelly’s posting on promoting teachers visual literacy skills very interesting and relevant. Children have grown up in a completely different environment to that of those teaching them. Schooling aims to equip students with knowledge and skills to help them to survive and function in society. However, if we fail to take into account that society has changed considerably we are putting our students at a disadvantage.
She also talked about how the article gives ways teachers can help students develop visual literacy skills. It is important for teachers to develop the skills and competencies needed introduce visual literacy into the classroom and lessons. By doing this visual literacy will become as well recognised in the classroom environment as reading and writing. By having this as part of both their outside world and school environment students will become confident in using their visual literacy skills in the real world.
Jess :]
Posted under Uncategorized
5
June
2009
I found Michael’s blog post on a journal article he found at the UTS library located in the UTS Library at Kuring-gai campus under 371.3305 LEAR. very eye opening as I have no yet read any articles on deaf students learning how to sign scientific words. Not only does this article provide a curriculum for students in years 3-8 but also a database for them to access containing all the information relevant to the topic they are studying. They are able to research various databases where they gain an appreciation for the subject and a more in depth understanding.
What fascinated me was how interactive this program is. Michael states how “there are many options that help the students, such as speed control in signing, character choice, and colour schemes.” Not only is this program an innovative form of technology but also one that assists students to better their education. Without this program many students who are deaf or hard at hearing will not get the opportunity to explore science to its full extent.
Michael proclaims that “the Avatar characters allow students to learn new vocabulary, develop reading skills, master science content and investigate their own ideas, importantly independently. There is also an important word section that students can add to that they might be having trouble with. The topics available after the avatar characters were implemented showed tremendous results in the scores of students.”
I have found this to be very informing and a great form of technology produced to better the educational realm.
Creative Commons Image:
-Dijana
Posted under Uncategorized
5
June
2009
Here is a podcast of my response to David’s blog post on Harel’s article Sand Castles Go Digital.
Podcast:
response
Creative commons
-Dijana
Posted under Uncategorized
4
June
2009
Julia made some fairly interesting points in her post about podcasting that prompted me to listen to the examples. A self-confessed techno-phobe at first encounter I have to say that I am equal parts scared and impressed. The idea of a creating a podcast for public consumption scares me, and these year one students excelled at it without a problem. I do agree with Julia that this act of creation would only fuel to increse their individual sense of accomplishment and confidence with both public speaking and social encounters.
Yet another positive attribute of intergrating technology into the classroom, I swallow my pride again and say, well done. Perhaps in the future, I too can become more confident with these programs.
Em
Posted under Uncategorized
4
June
2009
In his article “sand castles go digital” Idit Harel talks about the idea of play being of benefit to a child’s learning. He claims that “children learn best when they are in the active roles of designer and constructor” and this sort of play his calls constructionist learning. The benefit of using technology for this type of learning is that children are able to come back and work on their creation at another time unlike a sand castle, which will be knocked over by waves and the wind. A key idea of the article is that teachers and parents need to notice when a opportunity for constructionist learning is occurring and use this to teach ideas and concepts. I like the idea of constructionist learning as I am a believer of “learning by doing.”
Jess :]
Posted under Uncategorized
2
June
2009
This video Assistive Technology demonstrates how schools are able to use innovative technology in the classroom to assist special needs children in communication. The software called ‘Tech-speak’ allows students to speak through a key-board like device. Other technologies used in the classroom include sign language videos which assist all students in visual aid and the use of ‘Partner-four’ where the teacher is able to add four different commands or responses which the students are able to use to communicate.
This video has really opened my eyes to the various uses of technology and the demand for it in special needs schools. It is clear that the use of innovative and advanced technology is necessary as it is the main form of communication with children with autism or other disabilities.
As the name states it is an assistive technology where it does not replace the teachers, rather assists the children in communication and developing their education.
Assistive Technology – Video
-Dijana
Posted under Games, Uncategorized, Video
