AB Tutor Control is computer and Internet monitoring software that provides teachers with PC remote desktop access and control (AB Software Consulting, 2009). This technology could be extremely beneficial when using the correct pedagogical approach. I witnessed this program in a school I visited recently. I was saddened to see that it has not been used although installed on computers throughout the entire school.
This particular technology is not not outlined in the Managing E Learning course, however, I feel that addressing and identifying programs and software in the nearby environment is crucial in my learning journey. When I seen this program I was excited. Immediately I thought how great this tool could be used when demonstrating and scaffolding to students how to use Google Earth or creating a Powerpoint. This software has the ability to control a whole classroom of desktops. This can be extremely beneficial to those students who sit up the back and are disinterested in watching a presentation on a data projector.
Reference List
AB Software Consulting. 2009. AB Tutor Control. Retrieved August 20, 2009, from http://www.abtutor.com/html/Home.html
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Webquests
Webquests are a tool used to actively engage students in learning. A Webquest uses an authentic problem or task and requires learners to work through this. As you can see from my previous posting this sounds like the framework problem based learning. Last year I completed a SOSE subject that required us to work in pairs and create a Webquest. My partner and I chose to work with Webquest Direct (2009). They are an Australian company that looks over your Webquest for you and give you helpful hints and suggestions. Here is a great example of a good Webquest.
I find Webquests to be a valuable fun experience that encourage students to investigating and critical thinking skills to develop higher order thinking. Getting students to create their own Webquests can be incorporated into a school environment well. Students can create a Webquest about recycling in their school and then a lower grade could use the Webquest to investigate, suggest and solve the problem.
Reference List
Wequest Direct. 2009. What is a Webquest? Retrieved August 20, 2009, from http://www.webquestdirect.com.au/whatis.asp
I find Webquests to be a valuable fun experience that encourage students to investigating and critical thinking skills to develop higher order thinking. Getting students to create their own Webquests can be incorporated into a school environment well. Students can create a Webquest about recycling in their school and then a lower grade could use the Webquest to investigate, suggest and solve the problem.
Reference List
Wequest Direct. 2009. What is a Webquest? Retrieved August 20, 2009, from http://www.webquestdirect.com.au/whatis.asp
Google Earth
'Google Earth lets you fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, from galaxies in outer space to the canyons of the ocean. You can explore rich geographical content, save your toured places, and share with others'(Google, 2009).
This is an extraordinary innovation that can have immense benefits to understanding our world and the world around us. Google Earth can be a tool used to encourage a transdisciplinary approach to teaching. Smith, Lynch and Knight (2007, p. 63-64) examine how a transdisciplinary approach to learning has the capacity to deliver meaningful knowledge and expand it. What is more, it has the ability to synthesis new ideas in unfamiliar contexts and create a meaningful learning experience.
Using a variety of KLA's ensures the transdisciplinary approach to learning design. A Learning Manager can design a unit of work that involves;
Reference List
Google. (2009) Google Earth 5.0. Retrieved August 18, 2009, from http://earth.google.com/
Smith, R., Lynch, D. & Knight, B. (2007). Learning management: Transitioning teachers for national and international change. Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson.
This is an extraordinary innovation that can have immense benefits to understanding our world and the world around us. Google Earth can be a tool used to encourage a transdisciplinary approach to teaching. Smith, Lynch and Knight (2007, p. 63-64) examine how a transdisciplinary approach to learning has the capacity to deliver meaningful knowledge and expand it. What is more, it has the ability to synthesis new ideas in unfamiliar contexts and create a meaningful learning experience.
Using a variety of KLA's ensures the transdisciplinary approach to learning design. A Learning Manager can design a unit of work that involves;
- Maths- time differences, sizes of objects and places.
- SOSE- impact of objects on the Earth, population density, plant life.
- Art- create images from google and use them in programs such as Picnik.
- English- Investigating and understanding of literacy terms.
- Technology- Understanding needs and wants of Google Earth.
- Science- Tide changes, seasons, weather, space.
Reference List
Google. (2009) Google Earth 5.0. Retrieved August 18, 2009, from http://earth.google.com/
Smith, R., Lynch, D. & Knight, B. (2007). Learning management: Transitioning teachers for national and international change. Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson.
Podcasting and Music on the Web
A podcast is an audio file that can be played in MP3 format. This means that is can be played on a computer, mobile phone, mp3 devices (such as I Pods) ect. To understand exactly what a podcast and how they work a program called I Tunes can be downloaded of the Internet (Apple, 2009). You should be aware when downloading this program to your computer to adjust the option to sort files, it will move and arrange them for you and make it a little daunting not knowing where everything has moved to. Using I Tunes as a RSS Aggregator you can download and share Podcasts with the rest of the world.
Podcasts can have many uses in the classrooms. Children can enjoy the experience of making their own Podcasts and sharing them with others. Teachers can use them as a tool to provide revision material or new material (Department of Education and Training, 2009). Using voice recording, adding music and making music could be incorporated into valuable learning experiences. Students need to be made aware of music copyright laws when using making and using Podcasts. Perhaps as a lesson the teacher could design an experience where the students create a podcast about copyright laws.
There are many websites available to download music on the Internet. This has caused much animosity between producers, artist and consumers over the last decade. Australia has clear laws about the copying, resale and use of other peoples creations (Commonwealth of Australia, 2005). However, there is some great websites that offer copyright and royalty free music, not to mention software packages available with editing equipment have similar qualities.
Professor Ron Oliver, a prominent researcher of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) learning, discusses his learning design as a framework that supports students learning. Oliver's key element to his learning design are; tasks that learners are required to do, resources that support learners to conduct the task and support mechanisms that exist from a teacher implementing it (Oliver, 2003). Using this framework to design learning experiences and incorporating Podcasts can offer students valuable learning experience. To illustrate a brief overview;
Reference List
Apple. 2009. I Tunes the entertainment capital of your world. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
Commonwealth of Australia. 2005. Copyright law in Australia. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://www.ag.gov.au/agd/WWW/rwpattach.nsf/VAP/(CFD7369FCAE9B8F32F341DBE097801FF)~Copyright+Law+in+Australia+-+A+Short+Guide+-+June+2005.pdf/$file/Copyright+Law+in+Australia+-+A+Short+Guide+-+June+2005.pdf
Oliver, R. 2003. Learning Design. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://www.learningdesigns.uow.edu.au/project/learn_design.htm
Department of Education and Training. 2009. Podcasts in the classroom. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/eval/curriculum/ict/podcasts/
Podcasts can have many uses in the classrooms. Children can enjoy the experience of making their own Podcasts and sharing them with others. Teachers can use them as a tool to provide revision material or new material (Department of Education and Training, 2009). Using voice recording, adding music and making music could be incorporated into valuable learning experiences. Students need to be made aware of music copyright laws when using making and using Podcasts. Perhaps as a lesson the teacher could design an experience where the students create a podcast about copyright laws.
There are many websites available to download music on the Internet. This has caused much animosity between producers, artist and consumers over the last decade. Australia has clear laws about the copying, resale and use of other peoples creations (Commonwealth of Australia, 2005). However, there is some great websites that offer copyright and royalty free music, not to mention software packages available with editing equipment have similar qualities.
Professor Ron Oliver, a prominent researcher of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) learning, discusses his learning design as a framework that supports students learning. Oliver's key element to his learning design are; tasks that learners are required to do, resources that support learners to conduct the task and support mechanisms that exist from a teacher implementing it (Oliver, 2003). Using this framework to design learning experiences and incorporating Podcasts can offer students valuable learning experience. To illustrate a brief overview;
- Learners will be required to create a news report (Podcast) about recycling in Australia.
- Resources such as educational Podcasts that can accessed. For example, ABC Radio National, ABC Edpod and CSIROpod.
- The teacher can use explicit teaching to elaborate and demonstrate to the student what is required. Showing them how to use equipment correctly and extending their knowledge and learning.
Reference List
Apple. 2009. I Tunes the entertainment capital of your world. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/
Commonwealth of Australia. 2005. Copyright law in Australia. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://www.ag.gov.au/agd/WWW/rwpattach.nsf/VAP/(CFD7369FCAE9B8F32F341DBE097801FF)~Copyright+Law+in+Australia+-+A+Short+Guide+-+June+2005.pdf/$file/Copyright+Law+in+Australia+-+A+Short+Guide+-+June+2005.pdf
Oliver, R. 2003. Learning Design. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://www.learningdesigns.uow.edu.au/project/learn_design.htm
Department of Education and Training. 2009. Podcasts in the classroom. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/eval/curriculum/ict/podcasts/
You Tube
Many academics argue whether You Tube should be incorporated into learning. You Tube is an online database for video clips (You Tube, 2009). The sources can be unreliable and misleading. For example, when I was researching and designing for a learning experience about phases of the moon I came across a really good video that I couldn't use because the moon was revolving around the Earth the wrong way. Nevertheless, there can be some great educational benefits from using video clips. This video about the Great Barrier Reef was a great hook to use when discussing environmental awareness.
It may be seen that Kearsley & Shneiderman's engagement theory would agree with this tool being used as a hook. It has relevance and meaning to each student as it's a real life situation and a genuine problem (Kearsley & Schneiderman, 1999). To elaborate further, Central Queensland University (2002) discusses the importance of problem based learning. This confrontation with a real life situation places them in an active role as problem solvers and encourages higher order thinking (CQU, 2002).
Reference List
Central Queensland University (CQU). 2002. Problem based learning. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://pbl.cqu.edu.au/
Kearsley, G. & Shneiderman, B. (1999). Engagement Theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved July 16, 2009, from http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm
You Tube. 2009. You tube: Broadcast yourself. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://www.youtube.com/
It may be seen that Kearsley & Shneiderman's engagement theory would agree with this tool being used as a hook. It has relevance and meaning to each student as it's a real life situation and a genuine problem (Kearsley & Schneiderman, 1999). To elaborate further, Central Queensland University (2002) discusses the importance of problem based learning. This confrontation with a real life situation places them in an active role as problem solvers and encourages higher order thinking (CQU, 2002).
Reference List
Central Queensland University (CQU). 2002. Problem based learning. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://pbl.cqu.edu.au/
Kearsley, G. & Shneiderman, B. (1999). Engagement Theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Retrieved July 16, 2009, from http://home.sprynet.com/~gkearsley/engage.htm
You Tube. 2009. You tube: Broadcast yourself. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://www.youtube.com/
Online Quizzes
There are immense benefits to students who partake in online quizzes. Dr Dianna Quinn a senior lecturer at University of South Australia (UoSA) and Mr Ian Reid the coordinator of online teaching service at UoSA have written a paper discussing just what these benefits are. Quinn and Reid discuss how students can use quizzes as a form of self directed learning. Students can access quizzes when they are ready, they can get immediate feedback and they can attempt quizzes as many times as they like. This ensures flexibility and encourages students to be self directed learners (Quinn & Reid).
There are many websites that offer creation of online quizzes. To attempt creating my own online quiz I used the website Classmaker (Classmaker, 2009). Although I did not get the chance to attempt my quiz in the classroom (due to time constraints) I feel that every student would have actively engaged in this. I am in a Prep class and they all actively engage with computers. They are always eager and enthusiastic when it comes to technologies. The most important aspect of creating my own online quiz was knowing what the children are interested in and where they are with their learning. This would also be a great opportunity to embed Indigenous perspectives. The quiz could have questions that relate to Aboriginal culture and beliefs. For example, how many witchetty grubs are there in this picture? This would encourage students to make links between knowledge previously learnt. 'Isn't that what Aboriginals eat?'
Reference List
Classmaker. (2009). Classmarker. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://www.classmarker.com/
Quinn, D., & Reid, I. (2003). Using innovative online quizzes to assit learning. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://ausweb.scu.edu.au/aw03/papers/quinn/paper.html
There are many websites that offer creation of online quizzes. To attempt creating my own online quiz I used the website Classmaker (Classmaker, 2009). Although I did not get the chance to attempt my quiz in the classroom (due to time constraints) I feel that every student would have actively engaged in this. I am in a Prep class and they all actively engage with computers. They are always eager and enthusiastic when it comes to technologies. The most important aspect of creating my own online quiz was knowing what the children are interested in and where they are with their learning. This would also be a great opportunity to embed Indigenous perspectives. The quiz could have questions that relate to Aboriginal culture and beliefs. For example, how many witchetty grubs are there in this picture? This would encourage students to make links between knowledge previously learnt. 'Isn't that what Aboriginals eat?'
Reference List
Classmaker. (2009). Classmarker. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://www.classmarker.com/
Quinn, D., & Reid, I. (2003). Using innovative online quizzes to assit learning. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://ausweb.scu.edu.au/aw03/papers/quinn/paper.html
Powerpoint
Powerpoints are an excellent way to give information in presentations. I have worked alot with Powerpoints and really think they are a great ICT to use. Here is a comic clip about how not use a Powerpoint.
(Teacher Tube, 2009)
I found this clip hilarious and so true. Many times I have witnessed people make the fatal errors addressed in this clip.
Teaching students how to make Powerpoints should be beneficial to their learning and fun. There are many websites dedicated to teaching people how to use Powerpoints effectively. Powerpoint in the classroom (ACT360, 2009) discusses these benefits and has tutorials to help develop both student and teacher capabilities.
Reference List
ACT360 Media. (2009) Powerpoint in the classroom. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://www.actden.com/pp/
Teacher Tube. (2009) How not to use a Powerpoint. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=6102amp;title=How_NOT_To_Use_PowerPoint
(Teacher Tube, 2009)
I found this clip hilarious and so true. Many times I have witnessed people make the fatal errors addressed in this clip.
Teaching students how to make Powerpoints should be beneficial to their learning and fun. There are many websites dedicated to teaching people how to use Powerpoints effectively. Powerpoint in the classroom (ACT360, 2009) discusses these benefits and has tutorials to help develop both student and teacher capabilities.
Reference List
ACT360 Media. (2009) Powerpoint in the classroom. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://www.actden.com/pp/
Teacher Tube. (2009) How not to use a Powerpoint. Retrieved August 19, 2009, from http://teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=6102amp;title=How_NOT_To_Use_PowerPoint
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