Similar to others using e-blogger, this is my first blog. Already I am able to see that through the use of blogs learners are able to develop and expand their knowledge base and skills around particular topics as well as their social networking skills and ability to use technology.
With ever evolving technology and the expansion of it's use in society it can been seen that there is a need for greater inclusion of the use of technology within pedagogical practices. This aims to not only equip and provide learners with the declarative as well as procedural knowledge and skills in order to use technology but furthermore function within a society that depends on it's use.
Initially it is significantly important to educate learners on web safety. Aldred (2010) describes issues with using the internet, these include, exposure to inappropriate material, physical danger, harassment and bullying as well as privacy. However, there are tools used to protect students when accessing the web such as the walled garden approach, this approach allows for control over what students are able to access on the web at school. This approach was used throughout my high school years and showed to be successful at keeping students safe and not distracted.
Unfortunately though, some of these tools do not allow students to engage in social networking which can often be educational. Networking allows students to share their ideas, opinions and findings with their peers online. Aldred (2010) believes that these engage students within their learning. Supporting this is the idea that children of the 21st century are often digital natives, that is they are brought up in a world of technology and understand how to use it far greater than others (Prensky 2001).
The increased integration of ICT's particularly online networking within educational contexts means for a greater range of accessible resources made available to students. This along with collaborative learning enables students to expand, collaborate and share their ideas, opinions, findings on particular topics, where they are able to learn from each other as well as increase their social and group working skills. The use of networking also enables students to practice their creative writing skills as well as journal writing. This can create an increase in the understanding of talking in first, second or third person along with more formalized writing. Furthermore, students are able to make connections to the real-world and participate in authentic learning experiences.
The idea of using social networking as a part of pedagogical practices means that students are able to ask questions to their teacher and peers when at school as well as home. I've found throughout this course that the use of online forums and social networking has made it easier to ask questions and ensure your on the right track. The learning pyramid suggests that student retain 50% of discussion groups and 90% of teaching others. It can therefore be seen that incorporating such ICT's into students learning .
Resources
Aldred, S. (2010). Internet safety: the issues. Retrieved from CQUniversity Moodle, FAHE11001 Managing E-Learning,
http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=44151
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. On the Horizon. MCB University Press, Vol. 9 No. 5, October 2001.
The Learning Pyramid.
22 March 2010
Experiences so far
Throughout the course Managing E-learning, I have been able to understand the importance of technology within the 21st century, specifically within educational contexts as well as the wide range of resources made available online.
Lincoln and Strommen (1992) suggest that “electronic technology has dramatically penetrated into every area of society, and every aspect of our social and cultural lives.” They also believe that most significant are the changes evident in today’s students by the technological revolution (Lincoln & Strommen, 1992). I strongly agree with their theories and am able to significantly notice the increase in the use of technologies today compared to a few years ago. It is for this reason that educators need to integrate technology into classroom practices in order to prepare and equip learners with skills and knowledge for beyond the classroom.
Throughout the course thus far I have gained further understanding on how to use different aspects of the internet, access online teaching resources, netiquette, integrate technology within classroom practices and use blogging as a means of assessment. I have also learnt that the idea of a 'contsructivist student experience' (Aldred, 2010, p. 4 of 5) maximizes technology to encourage students in their learning. Through all of this I am able to see importance and reason in using technology in pedagogical practices and aim to do so within my own teaching experiences.
I believe that technology is an essential component of the classroom to ensure student success, cater for students that are technology literate and prepare students for the ever evolving world of technology beyond the classroom.
References
Aldred, S. (2010). Active Learning: connectivism. Retreived from CQUniversity Moodle, FAHE11001 Managing E-Learning, http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=44149
Lincoln, B, Strommen, E. (1992). CONSTRUCTIVISM, TECHNOLOGY, AND THE FUTURE OF CLASSROOM LEARNING. Retrieved from http://www.playfulefforts.com/archives/papers/EUS-1992.pdf
Lincoln and Strommen (1992) suggest that “electronic technology has dramatically penetrated into every area of society, and every aspect of our social and cultural lives.” They also believe that most significant are the changes evident in today’s students by the technological revolution (Lincoln & Strommen, 1992). I strongly agree with their theories and am able to significantly notice the increase in the use of technologies today compared to a few years ago. It is for this reason that educators need to integrate technology into classroom practices in order to prepare and equip learners with skills and knowledge for beyond the classroom.
Throughout the course thus far I have gained further understanding on how to use different aspects of the internet, access online teaching resources, netiquette, integrate technology within classroom practices and use blogging as a means of assessment. I have also learnt that the idea of a 'contsructivist student experience' (Aldred, 2010, p. 4 of 5) maximizes technology to encourage students in their learning. Through all of this I am able to see importance and reason in using technology in pedagogical practices and aim to do so within my own teaching experiences.
I believe that technology is an essential component of the classroom to ensure student success, cater for students that are technology literate and prepare students for the ever evolving world of technology beyond the classroom.
References
Aldred, S. (2010). Active Learning: connectivism. Retreived from CQUniversity Moodle, FAHE11001 Managing E-Learning, http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/resource/view.php?id=44149
Lincoln, B, Strommen, E. (1992). CONSTRUCTIVISM, TECHNOLOGY, AND THE FUTURE OF CLASSROOM LEARNING. Retrieved from http://www.playfulefforts.com/archives/papers/EUS-1992.pdf
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