Seven weeks ago I embarked on a new phase in my Life, training to be a teacher. The first module was the planning, researching and constructing of this blog you have kindly followed and read. Let me tell you, I wanted to escape the world of technology but there I was embracing it with forced outstretched arms, even if those arms were being held by Mandy. Looking back, I am so glad Mandy held those arms, as i developed a new skill, with the immense fear of technology a distant memory.
This journey has not been easy, exposure to websites, applications, jargon and terminology at times left doubt as to whether I was learning a new language. I find myself conversing with people, dropping 'techno jargon' into the mix - really! even my children stand aghast as I enter the technology world.
I reflect on the contents of my blog, (first ever blog), stealing doubt that I wrote it, when seven weeks ago I didn't even know what a blog was. I have developed but still have a long way to go, but for someone who doesn't even contribute to social media this is advancement in itself.
Im glad to say I am converted into this world, continuing to learn and develop ICT skills. Adapting and incorporating into classroom sessions will certainly be on the agenda, along with investing in a smartphone (maybe).
A ballon will stay afloat if its maintained and only fall if it's deflated.
If I can do this, anyone can.
Sunday, 7 December 2014
A site to share
Found this excellent website http://www.classtools.net, that I wanted to share. The site has brilliant ideas of how to make a lesson more interactive, colourful and exciting. Students will relate more with the class activity as it can make it more fun, especially for younger students. Have a look.
Word Search made easy
As an avid puzzler, I like a challenge. I have passed my puzzling skills to my children who often partake in this past time, often to get out of doing homework, I hasten to add! Since they were small I have encouraged puzzles, particularly word searches which helped with spelling and sentence forming. Puzzle books were the only resource available until now.
Welcome to http://www.discoveryeducation.com/free-puzzlemaker/. This site is so easy to use and is free. Just choose your puzzle, follow the instructions and hey presto within seconds, a puzzle you can use in class, as homework, part of presentation or just for fun.
Welcome to http://www.discoveryeducation.com/free-puzzlemaker/. This site is so easy to use and is free. Just choose your puzzle, follow the instructions and hey presto within seconds, a puzzle you can use in class, as homework, part of presentation or just for fun.
How technology has changed the way we learn.
Since I was a child I have been eager to learn always aspiring to gain a new skill. Attending school in the 70's and early 80's we were taught with blackboards and chalk. We wrote in exercise books with pencils using rubbers to erase our mistakes. Our predecessors used slate and damp sponge.
One highlight I remember was the teacher would request we put a collage together, pictures cut out of a magazine/ newspaper to tell a story or present a topic; out came the scissors and glue stick ready for the task at hand. We would think this was such an advancement in our education, now we have the delight of pin interest https://play.google.com.
Throughout my education, technology has grown, each course requiring a different level of technology resources. These changes are inevitable as schools,colleges and universities are embracing the advancements. I remember emailing a tutor my draft assignment to look at before handing in the final draft as a hard copy. I thought I was Bill Gates !This advancement is supported by Hargreaves (2007) who believes ICT has an immense importance, claiming it has had a "transformative effect" on education.
Many discussions and conferences take place on the topic of technology and its place in education. There is much debate, to which will never be resolved as there will always be doubters. However, many projects, research and collaborations are on-going to improve learning through technology. These are funded by microsoft, learning establishments and the government.
Education Secretary Michael Gove delivered a speech in 2013. The thought provoking speech was on how technology is revolutionising the way education is delivered.educationbusinessuk.net/index.php/features/5-/3371-gove-technology-is-changing-the-way-we-teach-learn-and-assess.
It certainly provoked my thought. He firstly made some comparisons to historical figures, teaching methods, yet, stating that real education is still underpinned by ' A teacher talking to a group of pupils'.
To some extent I concur that technology can disseminate learning much more, being available to all with an internet connection. Yet, I disagree as not everybody has internet connection or the funds to install it. Many areas of Britain remain socially deprived or with poor signal.
The promotion of in classroom games and interactive software allows pupils to acquire skills and knowledge in a way and pace personal to them, with the guidance of the teacher. I agree it is an excellent way to recognise and delver education to personal need. However, does this lead children to ridicule from the more advanced pupils.
As I discussed in a previous blog ( ted talks), education really needs to be devolved back to the teachers and schools, this was recognised and encouraged by Gove in his speech. The ICT curriculum will now be set by the learning establishments and teachers, being free to use the resources that already exsist on the web. Although technology has changed the way we learn there is still unquestionable doubt that the teacher is paramount as the core of education. Despite all the advancements we still need the educator and facilitator as from years gone by.
I have embedded the following link because it makes very interesting reading as you could question has technology inhibited our education especially in communication? Much to think about. In addition,the following website is a community designed to share and facilitate learning through technology, yet again another advancement educause.edu/eli .
In the 21st century, technology has changed the ways in which we communicate and go about our lives. Very few educators would disagree with the notion that technology has dramatically changed the teaching and learning process.
With the help of some fellow teachers, here is a short list of the top 12 ways how technology has changed education:
Hargreaves,D.H.(2007) Learning for life: The foundations for lifelong learning. Bristol: The policy Press.
One highlight I remember was the teacher would request we put a collage together, pictures cut out of a magazine/ newspaper to tell a story or present a topic; out came the scissors and glue stick ready for the task at hand. We would think this was such an advancement in our education, now we have the delight of pin interest https://play.google.com.
Throughout my education, technology has grown, each course requiring a different level of technology resources. These changes are inevitable as schools,colleges and universities are embracing the advancements. I remember emailing a tutor my draft assignment to look at before handing in the final draft as a hard copy. I thought I was Bill Gates !This advancement is supported by Hargreaves (2007) who believes ICT has an immense importance, claiming it has had a "transformative effect" on education.
Many discussions and conferences take place on the topic of technology and its place in education. There is much debate, to which will never be resolved as there will always be doubters. However, many projects, research and collaborations are on-going to improve learning through technology. These are funded by microsoft, learning establishments and the government.
Education Secretary Michael Gove delivered a speech in 2013. The thought provoking speech was on how technology is revolutionising the way education is delivered.educationbusinessuk.net/index.php/features/5-/3371-gove-technology-is-changing-the-way-we-teach-learn-and-assess.
It certainly provoked my thought. He firstly made some comparisons to historical figures, teaching methods, yet, stating that real education is still underpinned by ' A teacher talking to a group of pupils'.
To some extent I concur that technology can disseminate learning much more, being available to all with an internet connection. Yet, I disagree as not everybody has internet connection or the funds to install it. Many areas of Britain remain socially deprived or with poor signal.
The promotion of in classroom games and interactive software allows pupils to acquire skills and knowledge in a way and pace personal to them, with the guidance of the teacher. I agree it is an excellent way to recognise and delver education to personal need. However, does this lead children to ridicule from the more advanced pupils.
As I discussed in a previous blog ( ted talks), education really needs to be devolved back to the teachers and schools, this was recognised and encouraged by Gove in his speech. The ICT curriculum will now be set by the learning establishments and teachers, being free to use the resources that already exsist on the web. Although technology has changed the way we learn there is still unquestionable doubt that the teacher is paramount as the core of education. Despite all the advancements we still need the educator and facilitator as from years gone by.
I have embedded the following link because it makes very interesting reading as you could question has technology inhibited our education especially in communication? Much to think about. In addition,the following website is a community designed to share and facilitate learning through technology, yet again another advancement educause.edu/eli .
Top 12 Ways Technology Changed Learning
In the 21st century, technology has changed the ways in which we communicate and go about our lives. Very few educators would disagree with the notion that technology has dramatically changed the teaching and learning process.
With the help of some fellow teachers, here is a short list of the top 12 ways how technology has changed education:
Communication Evolution
Because we text, our students have learned a dialect that we don't always understand. Kids communicate in many different modalities as a result of technology. Maybe it’s 2M2H (too much to handle) for some adults :-)Expanding Audience
Students' sense of audience is completely different. When I was in high school in the 1980s, the audience was the teacher. When I started teaching high school in 1988, the audience was the teacher and peers. In the 21st century, it's the WORLD. Blogging, Twitter, Facebook, and other online platforms changed our notion of audience.Poster Boards: A Thing of the Past
Do you remember the history or science fair presentation boards that we created? Web 2.0 tools like Glogster have changed this experience. Glogster is a platform where students can create a multimedia "glog" or poster to demonstrate what they know and understand about a topic.Bye Bye to 3-Ring Binders
There's no need to carry around a bulky three binder anymore. A computer, tablet computer can keep all of those files and handouts in neat folders. There's also a web 2.0 tool, LiveBinders that allows users to create a binder online.Interactive Textbooks
The way that we think of textbooks is completely changing. It is no longer limited to merely text and pictures. Today’s textbooks often have web-based sites that include assessments, animations, additional materials, videos, and other materials to support the learning of new content.eBooks on the Rise
Speaking of textbooks, ebooks are becoming more prevalent in schools with the advancements of e-readers and tablet computers. I think in the near future that students won’t carry around big bulky backpacks filled with heavy textbooks.No More Note Passing
I’m not sure if this is directly connected to learning, but we don’t pass notes in class anymore. Students text one another instead. It's just another funny way how technology has changed education.Disappearance of the Chalk Board
Much attention has been placed on interactive gaming as a powerful platform for student learning. Every day, new programs and web-based tools are teaching our students content that was once paper or chalkboard based.Assistive Tech for Better Communication
Voice recognition software has improved greatly in the past few years and is more accessible. Children with special needs and limited English proficiency are able to more effective communicate in language based contexts.The iPad: A Game Changer
iPads are such adaptable and powerful tools for teaching and learning. There are so many applications but I think the most powerful and exciting aspect is the enhancement of learning experiences for students with special needs, particularly those on the autism spectrum.Extended Classroom Communities
Technology facilitates our ability to extend classroom community by using web-based platforms like Edmodo. Teachers and students can use this platform to discuss homework, post assignments, and interact with peers as they work on projects.Rise of Web-Based Research
We still use libraries, but so much of our research and learning is now more web-based. What used to take hours in the library to find, we find instantaneously. As a result, we need to sort through huge amounts of information efficiently. We know how to get and use information. I would argue that because it takes less time to find information, we spend more time digesting, thinking, and learning about new information.Meeting the Needs of All Learners
As educators, we know the power of Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Technology facilitates our ability to meet the needs of all kinds of learners.Hargreaves,D.H.(2007) Learning for life: The foundations for lifelong learning. Bristol: The policy Press.
WEB 2.0
Just as I was getting used to web 1.0 , then web 2.0 came along.
Web 2.0 is the term given to describe a second generation of the world wide web that is focused on the ability for people to collaborate and share information online. Web 2.0 basically refers to the transition from the static HTML web pages to a more dynamic web that is more organised and is based on serving web applications to users. Other improved function of web 2.0 includes open communication with an emphasis on web-based communities of users, and more open sharing of information. Over time web 2.0 has been used more as a marketing term than a computer science based term.
Blogs, wikis and web services are all seen as components of Web 2.0. This can be utilised very well into education as it allows sharing between students and teachers.
Web 2.0 is the term given to describe a second generation of the world wide web that is focused on the ability for people to collaborate and share information online. Web 2.0 basically refers to the transition from the static HTML web pages to a more dynamic web that is more organised and is based on serving web applications to users. Other improved function of web 2.0 includes open communication with an emphasis on web-based communities of users, and more open sharing of information. Over time web 2.0 has been used more as a marketing term than a computer science based term.
Blogs, wikis and web services are all seen as components of Web 2.0. This can be utilised very well into education as it allows sharing between students and teachers.
The value of mobile technology in teaching and learning.
Mobile learning is defined as "learning across multiple contexts, through social and content interactions, using personal electronic devices in many locations. (Wikipedia). Those devices include handheld computers, iPads, notebooks,tablets, Mps players, Pda's, mobile phones, smartphones, kindles, e-readers to name a few. There is a plethora of devices and gadgets available to the mobile learner.
Mobile technology is integrated into every day life, it is easy, convenient and it is accessible virtually anywhere. My experience of mobile technology and learning is very small, I have a faithful desktop Mac. The classic arrangement of a desk, chair and printer to hand instills more of an educational ambience to my learning; however I fully understand and appreciate the benefits of mobile learning.
Whilst reading around the subject, and discussing the devices with my children, it became apparent most of their information is obtained via their iPhones,iPads and kindles. Homework was completed in any room in the house, discussions would take place with their friends (hands free) whilst doing some other activity, gone are the days of being attached to one spot on the phone!
As a district nurse, two mobile phones was standard pocket decor to which would keep staff up to date and accessible, only now do I realise this was mobile technology!
It would seem children are much more technology 'savvy' as they are introduced at such an early age, in preparation for the evolving world. The present drive is to implement mobile hand held devices into the classroom which can then be transported to an outside activity, ultimately maintaining continuity of the lesson. The portability and mobility of cell phones, taking the classroom anywhere.
educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech248.shtml
Mobile technology goes to school. Matt Cook is a teacher in Texas, who having observed his students decided to implement mobile technology into the classroom. Funding was sought from an external source, to provide the students with a cell phone.They are exploring their educational uses, which Cook believes will become the cheapest way to do one-one computing.
The pilot programme involved the children having the phones 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The children worked with microsoft word and excel.They completed assignments, homework, and shared ideas with their peers. Matt Cook also made himself available for additional support. Parents were encouraged to participate with apps and software on the phones which hightned the child's learning experience. Wherever the children were they could gather data, capture images, use a drawing tool and work on their projects.
Mobile technology has proved it's worth within education as students seem to embrace the learning concept via a gadget as opposed to a book. Brown et al (2000), acknowledges that the use of online technologies to support learning has a number of benefits in terms of flexibility.
Mobile technology has proved effective as it supports the learning process, particularly with special needs children, gaining a rewarding learning experience.
Brown,S.,& Strout-Dapaz, A. (2000). A close encounter Model for Reference Services to Adult Learners: The Value and Flexibility and Variance. Reference Librarian, Vol.33,Issue69/70,p85,8p,2 graphs; ( AN 3604623)
Mobile technology is integrated into every day life, it is easy, convenient and it is accessible virtually anywhere. My experience of mobile technology and learning is very small, I have a faithful desktop Mac. The classic arrangement of a desk, chair and printer to hand instills more of an educational ambience to my learning; however I fully understand and appreciate the benefits of mobile learning.
Whilst reading around the subject, and discussing the devices with my children, it became apparent most of their information is obtained via their iPhones,iPads and kindles. Homework was completed in any room in the house, discussions would take place with their friends (hands free) whilst doing some other activity, gone are the days of being attached to one spot on the phone!
As a district nurse, two mobile phones was standard pocket decor to which would keep staff up to date and accessible, only now do I realise this was mobile technology!
It would seem children are much more technology 'savvy' as they are introduced at such an early age, in preparation for the evolving world. The present drive is to implement mobile hand held devices into the classroom which can then be transported to an outside activity, ultimately maintaining continuity of the lesson. The portability and mobility of cell phones, taking the classroom anywhere.
educationworld.com/a_tech/tech/tech248.shtml
Mobile technology goes to school. Matt Cook is a teacher in Texas, who having observed his students decided to implement mobile technology into the classroom. Funding was sought from an external source, to provide the students with a cell phone.They are exploring their educational uses, which Cook believes will become the cheapest way to do one-one computing.
The pilot programme involved the children having the phones 24 hours a day 7 days a week. The children worked with microsoft word and excel.They completed assignments, homework, and shared ideas with their peers. Matt Cook also made himself available for additional support. Parents were encouraged to participate with apps and software on the phones which hightned the child's learning experience. Wherever the children were they could gather data, capture images, use a drawing tool and work on their projects.
Mobile technology has proved it's worth within education as students seem to embrace the learning concept via a gadget as opposed to a book. Brown et al (2000), acknowledges that the use of online technologies to support learning has a number of benefits in terms of flexibility.
Mobile technology has proved effective as it supports the learning process, particularly with special needs children, gaining a rewarding learning experience.
Brown,S.,& Strout-Dapaz, A. (2000). A close encounter Model for Reference Services to Adult Learners: The Value and Flexibility and Variance. Reference Librarian, Vol.33,Issue69/70,p85,8p,2 graphs; ( AN 3604623)
Google Drive - A Saviour
Google drive what a saviour.
As you may have gathered by now I really am not technology literate. I have struggled over the years with all things technical. Writing this blog has proved to be somewhat of a challenge. Despite all these claims, I have learnt a small puddle worth of information about technology, probably enough to fill a small fish pond But, hopefully my ultimate goal of filling a vast expanse of water with my technology knowledge is on the horizon of the sea. Enough of the philosophy!
My point, whilst exploring programmes and apps that are vastly available I discovered google drive
Wow, I know, your thinking how can you get excited about a computer programme. This comes from someone who had no idea of document storage and used to print off all pieces of work, documentation, store in a box under the bed. No more now I have discovered Google drive.
You can create and share work online. Access documents from anywhere. manage documents, spreadsheets, presentations, surveys. Cloud storage, file sharing and collaborative editing.
Google drive can be downloaded onto a smartphone, really taking mobile technology forward.
Since discovering goole drive, I have compiled documents just to store them in the drive, I feel fulfilled!!!!!!
As you may have gathered by now I really am not technology literate. I have struggled over the years with all things technical. Writing this blog has proved to be somewhat of a challenge. Despite all these claims, I have learnt a small puddle worth of information about technology, probably enough to fill a small fish pond But, hopefully my ultimate goal of filling a vast expanse of water with my technology knowledge is on the horizon of the sea. Enough of the philosophy!
My point, whilst exploring programmes and apps that are vastly available I discovered google drive
Wow, I know, your thinking how can you get excited about a computer programme. This comes from someone who had no idea of document storage and used to print off all pieces of work, documentation, store in a box under the bed. No more now I have discovered Google drive.
You can create and share work online. Access documents from anywhere. manage documents, spreadsheets, presentations, surveys. Cloud storage, file sharing and collaborative editing.
Google drive can be downloaded onto a smartphone, really taking mobile technology forward.
Since discovering goole drive, I have compiled documents just to store them in the drive, I feel fulfilled!!!!!!
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