Educational blogging

The article educational blogging by Stephen Downes, raises some relevent points in being able to not just incorporate blogging within the classroom but how to make it educational and thought provoking.  Including meaningful blogging within the classroom is a great way for students to share their thoughts on various classroom activities to a wider audience where other students can comment on their opinion to the task.  “The objective with this weblog initiative was to offer students and teachers a support tool to promote reflective analysis and the emergence of a learning community that goes beyond the school walls” Downes, S (2004).  

Computers Games

This youtube presentation on computer games, delved into the lives of 5 university students whome played various games from shooting to mind games.  They shared their thoughts on the games and how they thought it could be ebducational incorporating team work, analytical thinking, collaboration etc.  Although these games may incorporating these ‘skills’, I personally think it is a way for people to justify why computer games should be acceptable, when they are anti social, brain damaging program that is helping our children get fatter.  You can find meaning in anything but i dont agree that computer games are helping our children with real life scenarios. 

Second Life

Reading Cat’s post on virtual worldsI was not to sure what to think of the virtual concept of at first.  I didnt understand why people would create new identities attend universities, create businesses on line.  Reading on and veiwing the video attatchment it made more sense, allowing people who are disabled to and whome are in-mobile to create these identities to have a feel of what it would be like to go out in the world and participate in society. 

Photostory

Although I have found e-learnings this semester to be quite challenging as I consider myself to be one of those people computer illiterate< i have to admit I have challenged myself both with the content of the subject and practically by completing the tasks to the best of my abiltiy.  One task which I found quite valuable was the photostory task as it is a program that I was able to access quite easily as well as complete the task and come up with a completed digital story.  Photostory is a program that can be used quite easily with students to share a story with the class about a chosen topic as well as shared to a greater audience. 

Webquest

Studying the concepts and use of a webquest gave me new insight to other teaching techniques withthe use of the internet and computers.  Webquests are a great way to share information to a wider audience as well as to get them to participate in a issue that may be of relevance to the world that can be brought into the class.  During e-learning cat and I created a webquest based around bullying.  I also found on teachertube a webquest that a kindergarden class participated in whcih was greta to see even infant students using webquests, as I personally wouldnt have thought the younger students would do.

Where to draw the line…

Technology in the 21st century can be used in very useful ways but with children becoming more insightful with how to use webcam, chatlines, messenger, my space and everythign else that comes with the internet such as downloads from music to explicit pictures, the question is where do we draw the line with internet use.  Most children are capable of hacking into filters put in place by parents to ‘protect’ their children from such sights.  The internet is a great surce of information, but you hear more negative news about kids using the net to upload pictures of themselves, video taping themsleves etc.  As educators we need to enforce why we use technology and the correct ways in whcih we use technology. 

Smart Boards

Sari’s posting on smart boards explains and shows how smart boards can be used within the classroom.  For me they seem like a great tool to use within the class and provide a new dimension to teaching.  I to havn’t had the opportunity to use a smart board but have seen them being used and there is a myriad of functions that can be used to help student learning and teacher organisation.

Integrating Computers into the Primary School Curriculum

The article ‘Integrating Computers into the Primary School Curriculum’ discusses how computers should not be seen as another subject that crowds the already busy curriculum, but should be integrated into other activities within the key learning areas.  This teacher found webquests to be extrely useful in doing so.  By using webquests it has added a new dimesion to his teaching and has allowed him to encourage other teachers to see computers as a tool that helps them to integrate their lesson into their busy programs.  Webquests are a great interactive way to include computers intot he classroom.

Views on E-learning

There are a myriad of views on why e-learning is essential in todays curriculum, Cat and I have come up with numerous iews on why e-learning is tops!!!

Metaphor for teaching

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This picture to me represents the teachers role within the classroom. HE/She needs to have the ability to able to strive for the sun and have high expectations to push students to their limits in a positive conducive environment. The picture sends off a positive aura which is what i believe teaching is all about wanting to make a difference and sending off a positive vibe to your students in encouraging them to wanting to learn and make their own difference.