Intergalactic Smart Board

9/27/2012

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Working on a smart board is sort of like working on something from out of space. I had hoped that the setup for smart board learning would resemble a powerpoint or word presentation. It should have an easy layout that helps with learning. 


Instead, I found the smartboard set up confusing and difficult. I kept wishing that my presentation could have been completed on a paint, word or powerpoint document and they transpose it on the smart board program. 


That being said, I can recognize how a smart board can be conductive to classroom learning. The ability to have students interact in a fun and interesting way and help with gaining some knowledge. I think it's a great way of assessing student knowledge as well, and getting them involved in the lesson. 


I think the only thin that stops me from fully enjoying the smart board is the lack of a basic tutorial, and perhaps the chance to play around with the program and the actual board. Hopefully I can get the chance further into my educational career. 
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Techno logic

9/19/2012

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This week in our technology class we looked at the use of 21st century learning within the classroom. 21st century learning involves integrating new skills in technology and learning into our core subjects. 

Learning about the use of technology in the classroom was more of a reflection for me. I was thinking about how technology has changed, not only from when I was a student, but even in the last few years. 

I get excited thinking about how many doors have opened for kids that did not exist before. Interacting with smart boards, ipads, web blogs, video conferencing, student forums... students have so many ways to access information and to share it in interesting ways. 

It also makes me aware of how students need to be taught how important it is for for them to break down the information that is being passed along to them. The internet can be full of different viewpoints and perspectives that may not be completely accurate. I think that if there was one important skill to pull from 21st century learning, it would be to teach students how to research and to keep themselves protected. 

What do you think? How can you effectively teach children about the darker side of 21st century learning?
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To begin with...

9/12/2012

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A blog (or weblog) is considered to be a personal online  journal of one's opinions, thoughts and rants, published for all the internet world to see. In this particular case, this blog will be focused on the Faculty of Education and the various thoughts and ideas that come out of there. 


There are several different ways that blogs can become effective tools within the classroom. It becomes a place for the individual student to take pride in their work, and showcase their own thoughts and opinions. Blogging allows for a world wide opinion. Students from Japan can coordinate and work with students in England. I think that this would stimulate any student's mind and have them become more engaged in what they are doing, especially if they take ownership of their own corner of the internet. Allowing them to blog gives them a sense of ownership and empowerment that drives them to learn. I believe that it also forces them to push their own boundaries as they continue to try to make their own personal space.  

Stephen Downes mentions in his own article, Educational Blogging that blogging is not only with the student, but with the parents as well. A section on the web allowed for assignments to be posted, student reflection, and for teacher feedback. As mentioned in the article, the blog has become "a virtual extension of the classroom" and I think has allowed a greater connection between the classroom and all those that are involved with it. 

As I've learned so far in this faculty (one solid week) is that when you teach others, you retain that information much more effectively than if it was to be taught to you. Blogging not only allows the teacher to share assignments, but for students to work with each other and effectively become teachers and leaders as well.  

This blog post only quickly touches on some of the benefits of blogging within the classroom, but there are many more to be considered. 

What do you think about blogging within a classroom?

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