Hammering away at the questions…Discussion Forum Postings

HAMMERING out my ideas...

May 4th, 2011

Question/Hammer: Regarding the potential online education environment of the future, what characteristics and skills do you believe will be required by educators of the future?

Response/Nail: Just as the XEROX you tube video demonstrated the changes that IBM and Apple experienced over the past few decades, I too have observed multiple changes in education during my twenty years as an educator. I have witnessed changes in students and teachers’ behaviors based on the diverse needs of our learners and society’s influence, both the positive and negatives. As mentioned on page 3, educators understand the critical components of learning, and instruction must reflect that premise. Our students are intrigued and have a willingness to experiment with technology. As adults, we may be intimidated by technology, but we also need that fascination to move forward with our learning. As I read “Teaching and spinning a “Web” of meaning”, I was reflecting upon my own journey through technology and realized how much more I can learn. An appreciation for technology’s benefits will greatly assist my quest for being an effective teacher in the future.

Web 1.0, reminds me of my initial experiences with the “world wide web” in the mid-1990’s with its ability to produce photos and research information for the students’ animal reports! The time frame between Web 2.0 and Web 3.0 are not that great, but the possibilities to learn, create, produce and share information have expanded vast amounts. As students learn through new and innovative methods, they will continue to need more advanced technology to sustain their hunger for creative experiences. I have watched many kindergarten students use an Ipad with ease and skill; not a second of hesitation. As they progress through the grades, that mode of technology will not be sufficient for them. Students have also grown up in the era of “what’s next?” Tablets and cell phones have proven to us that it doesn’t take long for the old to be replaced. In the article, New Times Demand New Ways of Learning, educators should use technology to engage students in authentic, realistic tasks that are interactive and collaborative for life skills development. As indicated in the articles on Dordelly’s blog, “hands on” learning environments allow students to construct their own meaning and make it real for them. Educators have to be adaptable to implement the necessary changes to their instruction styles so that students learning can be optimized.

As educators of the future continue to learn, reflect, assess and continuously change, their skills will also develop and adapt. Foremost, educators need to have self-awareness, including emotional intelligence and a greater understanding of the diverse student needs so that positive working relationships can be created for trust and support of everyone involved. Additional skills would be acceptance of technology’s presence and impact in our world; refining technological literacy skills; embracing changing for toward teaching and learning improvements; cooperation towards innovations; applying authentic uses of technology and commitment to provide students with the opportunity to learn the skills needed for success of their future.

May 8th, 2011

Question/Hammer: In what ways are Blogs consistent with Web 2.0 and 3.0 attributes and possibilities?

Response/Nail: Blogs encourage educators to be creative in their instruction and appeal to the diverse and changing needs of our learners. It is obvious that our world continues to make advancements in knowledge acquisition, access to technology, information regarding best ways to learn (neurological science and implementing the necessary interventions), adaptations to improve work productivity and understanding the current trends in society (social networks, cell phones, video games, etc.). The vast possibilities, which blogs and other technological applications offer can only optimize student engagement, increase interest level and retention of information. Blogs are interactive, attractive and more interesting to students than a regular paper and pencil exercise. I would find it rare that students would object to using blogs for presentations and projects. I never have to plead with my own boys to check their facebook or email accounts. It has become a regular part of their daily routine and the accept technology as reciprocal communication for friends and schoolwork. As the next generation experiences technology at even younger ages, it will be their expectation that they will be taught and actively using applications such as blogs for their daily learning. When classroom blogs were first introduced, many teachers did not see the value, but rather it was one more thing for them to do (I include myself in this statement!). Now more teachers are using blogs, teaching the students to update and replacing agendas with this wonderful mode of technology!

May 12th, 2011

Question/Hammer: “Qwiki: Thumbs up or thumbs down?” Why? Let’s discuss the pros and cons of this online tool so we can make better informed choices when we decide to use it.

Response/Nail: Thumbs up: My initial response to this new online tool was WOW… this is so amazing! It was like a talking encyclopaedia. I know that students would love to use this search engine because it is so interactive and quickly engages their attention. Again, technology is changing to meet the needs of our learners. Students are becoming so accustomed to images set in motion, various voice overs, quick responses, 3D movies and non-stop action. The regular PowerPoint presentations just won’t be suitable anymore for their high expectations. They would much prefer researching and creating similar projects using this type of technology. I agree with Melissa that it would be ideal for young or struggling readers since the text is read aloud and at a steady pace. However, I did find the voice somewhat monotone and reminded me of tele-banking with the delayed words inserted at particular spots. I ‘Qwikied’ a few terms and liked some of the presentations, but not all the details or facts were present. It is interesting that the creators are young adults. They are so passionate about technology… that is inspiring for children to see!

May 21st, 2011

Question/Hammer: (1) What is the impact of videos on learning? and (2) What are the benefits and limitations of using videos for teaching?

Response/Nail: In general, video can enhance learning by providing visual images of concepts which leads to greater understanding, internalization, and retention. Advantages include attractive and consistent presentation of material which motivates, intrigues, and engages learners with visuals and audio (a multi-media approach) and may also provide for students, experience with real world applications such as they would encounter in work place technology. This certainly, as the article suggests, supports the concepts of constructivist theory. As with traditional lecture style instruction, video presentations must contain an element of interactivity to be truly effective. Traditionally, videos cover broad information and topics in a linear presentation – this can lead to disengagement and disinterest. The journal article by Zhang, Zhou, Briggs and Nunamaker (2005) concludes that videos best supported e -learning when the learner was able to stop, rewind, and browse the video information. In otherwords, the learner could interact with the video by controlling the flow of information to address his/her specific learning needs. In traditional face to face instruction this is typically done manually by the instructor who gages student interest and makes adjustments accordingly. On-line instructional opportunities must allow the learner this interaction and control. This speaks to student directed learning and an inquiry approach.
Video use can be a great benefit to distance education in online course instruction, but also poses great potential for incorporation into traditional settings to created blended instructional approaches. Furthermore, video use can provide opportunities for instructional differentiation to address student diversity. Other advantages to web based videos are that they are more accessible and cost effective for students and teachers. Current limitations with e-video use in public education are technological issues such as bandwidth, currently controlled by the Ministry, prohibiting much of the video streaming being attempted in schools. Another limitation is student motivation. Studies like the one outlined in the article suggest that only students who are self-motivated and self-directed (the student who succeeds in any learning environment) are successful in on-line courses. How can others, less motivated be monitored and directed? Finally, as with all technology, there will inevitably be glitches. Who will trouble shoot when the technology fails? These are all considerations to the selection and incorporation of video resource materials and into teaching practices.

May 26th, 2011

Question/Hammer: So, using what you know now about Qwiki ad Prezis, could you see ways in which you (or your students) could create your own Qwiki using Prezi? What would you suggest as a process?

Response/Nail: I have shared the Qwiki and Prezi sites with several students and teachers. Immediately they are all amazed by the potential learning opportunities. The Grade One students were very willing to offer topics to search on Qwiki and had a big smile on their faces when the Qwiki presentation started. It was almost like they created that information and would say, “mine is there!” When I showed my own sons my Prezi, they thought it was “cool” and more interesting than boring power points. They mentioned that you would be able to talk more in your presentation rather than reading slides to the audience.

The process to create our own Qwiki using Prezi would be very similar to the steps that we are currently involved with in this class. The concept map is a great place to start. It is your pre-planning with the pieces of information with points of access to further information (web sites). I would do a class Prezi on a topic that we would all be studying so that they can see the step-by-step instructions and the tools to use (how it all works). In the ED800 class last fall, Susan presented her project in a Prezi format, which was incredible! I was fascinated by this application and wanted to know how it worked. This assignment is my initial attempt at Prezi. It was harder than I anticipated, but the experimentation process allowed me to take risks and try different things. I was frustrated at times (when links wouldn’t open), but had to remind myself that it is all part of learning and seek help when you feel you can’t solve it anymore (Thanks, Susan! ) Students would be eager to learn Prezi because they are intrigued by special effects and it is a part of their regular world (video games, movies, and so on).

May 29th, 2011

For Module Seven, we used VoiceThread and were required to make four verbal and one text written comments regarding 5 Cartoons about technology. Before I verbally posted my ideas, I typed out my explanations.

The Battle We All Face: Cartoons and VoiceThread Comments

Cartoon 1: “How the Internet Brings Us Together” Technology for the sake of Technology

The title of this cartoon reminds me of the saying, change for the sake of change. We need to change so that we continue to learn and develop our thinking skills. Therefore, we need technology for the sake of advancement in learning. We know so much more about the brain and best ways to learn. Technology is present all around us. Let’s implement technology to engage students to be active learners. Students and adults need to be mindful of their online comments and remember that they are responsible for what we say. This cartoon reminds me of my mom’s initial thoughts regarding Facebook. She believed it was this terrible invasive way that people peered into your life. My sons created an account for her and showed her how she could communicate with family who lived far away. She could see recent baby photos of her great-nieces and nephews rather than wait months until they were able to meet at the next family gathering. My mom is now an avid Facebook user!

Cartoon 2: Losing the art of conversation?

We are definitely losing the art of face-to-face conversation. Students communicate through texting or social networks and are losing their ability to engage in meaningful verbal discussions. Again, it is about balance and timing. We need technology for specific purposes, but we must be aware of overload. Just thinking of depersonalization, as I was sending an online condolence, I couldn’t help but to think how much more a card means to people. So, the next day I also mailed a card to express my sympathy. The impact of saying your sorry for someone’s loss on the computer screen just didn’t sit well with me.

Cartoon 3: How do we promote change?

I think the digital divide does exist, but is getting less as technology’s presence and our need for it increases on a daily basis. Years ago, people could easity get through their work day and not be required to use a computer (only some people were trained in specific areas or programs). More people avoided it and were able to do so. Today most professions integrate technology into many aspects of the routines and expectations. Weekly staff messages are sent electronically and information is shared promptly and with a consistent message for all.

Cartoon 4: The evolution of Man?

I don’t think this is the vision of technology in the future. We are sitting at desks hunched over keyboards less as technology creates more tools that we can use on the go. I recently got a blackberry and there are positives and negatives to that. I cannot believe how much less I now use my laptop, but I am also more attached to my bb and check emails and texts probably more than I should. I think that our skills, abilities and knowledge also evolve with technology. We have to keep up so that we stay current and able to succeed in our work.

Cartoon 5: Is no place sacred? “How did we ever camp before cell phones?”

I agree with the previous comments regarding the teaching of technology etiquette. We cannot fight it any longer. Cell phones, ipads and so on are here to stay and students expect this as a part of their life. We just need to teach them how and when to use it best. The concept of balance and being aware of your words is most important as well. This cartoon reminds me of my two teenage sons and my most effective discipline techniques. When they have done something they should not have, I don’t take their phones away. I call Sasktel and have services suspended. The phone looks like it works, but no texting capabilities. I have a secret password and do it whenever need be. The behaviour soon improves because they feel that they have been isolated from their world, which to some extent they have!

June 2nd, 2011

Question/Hammer: Would you agree or disagree that Jing screen captures might be the “ultimate realization” of the Web 2.0 medium? Why?

Response/Nail: Ultimate might be too strong of an adjective to describe Jing and its application to Web 2.0. Jing definitely has powerful features that lend itself quite well to Web 2.0. It is much more than retrieving information (one sided). As Wikipedia indicates, “users can provide the data that is on a Web 2.0 site and exercise some control over that data. These sites may have an “Architecture of participation” that encourages users to add value to the application as they use it.^” Jing requires participation and interaction, but not at the level of VoiceThread (multi-involvement). For myself, Jing would be useful for demonstrations for students and staff that are viewed the same from all perspectives. Again, it would be beneficial for students to do presentations in this type of format. The Web 2.0 medium is expanding and including more applications which encourage users to be actively involved by providing input and information.

June 4th, 2011
Question/Hammer: The new buzzword, both in curriculum theory as well as instruction principles and effective practices is “authenticity”. Given the changes which the new millennium is suggesting are critical for our students to learn, what are your thoughts on the relevance and applicability of WebQuests as a medium to foster and promote authentic learning?

Response/Nail:

It has been already mentioned several times that students are expecting technology to be apart of their learning since they are involved, knowledgeable, informed and engaged in this element of their daily life. Some teachers may need a new skill set to help students learn differently and in better ways. As this graphic illustrates, students retain and apply more information when they are actively involved in the learning and experimentation.

http://www.csus.edu/indiv/m/mackj/chem1a/images/pyramid.gif

Webquest lends itself to the implementation of many online applications and fosters higher level thinking when the tasks are proposed in that manner. If we want students to only research quick facts, they can “google” those answers within seconds. We aim for deeper understanding will develop as students participate in the tasks, research and project development. With the other online activities we have completed, I feel that authentic learning took place for each of us. We were invited to explore, learn and apply our knowledge to technology and demonstrate our skill level. Authentic learning would be differentiating the tasks and skills for each learner and connecting relevance to their interest levels.