Module Reflections

I believe that both the elearning process, the ilearning process, and all areas surrounding Web 2.0 can be summarised with a single word –

COLLABORATION

- Collaboration of resources.
- Collaboration of ideas.
- Collaboration of teaching styles
- Collaboration in learning

Evidence of this can be established by referencing the ile@rn model:

How do I learn best?
What Skills do I need?
How do contribute to 21st century learning communities?

By putting the emphasis back on the individual, it gives the responsibility of providing the skills for both the students and teachers alike, to the students and teachers themselves. The learning process is moved from a teacher centred model, and student centred model, to a CLASS centred model. Whether or not that class is a physical classroom, or indeed an electronic classroom in the form of a Wiki, Ning or Social Networking site, the class becomes an enhanced learning environment for all contributors.

From Web 2.0, I have derived a number of interesting ideas which I hope will increase the collaboration within my own classroom.

But, as our excitable friend from the elearning video stated:

‘Remember, it’s not about the Technology; it is about good learning and teaching first. The technology is merely a tool to enable us to achieve our goals.’

Wow. Maybe I will have a job in 10 years time after all…

Module 10

A ‘Ning’ or ‘Wiki’ is a place where a user can create a social networking site or online forum. These forums can then be used to promote collaborative learning for students and classes alike.

Put simply, the benefits of such a forum are endless.

To create a space whereby learning is promoted through use of Information Technology, where students feel safe to openly discuss and critically analyse is one that will have many a teacher looking over their shoulders thinking ‘maybe I do get paid enough’.

Without a doubt, the most valuable learning tool for teaching students is the students themselves. Peer evaluation is a style of evaluation where students learn from one another by not only critically analysing others, but learning to recognise areas that require critical analysing. A Ning or Wiki allows this space to exist, allowing all students to contribute to the class dynamic by providing material, feedback, work, comments and thoughts.

An online digital classroom! - definitely one to buy stocks in for the future.

Wow, maybe I do get paid enough…

Module 9

Scootle has been something I have looked at over the past 12 months. While the intent is obviously good, I haven’t applied much of the content to the classroom. I find the content somewhat dry, and as such, have applied my own interpretation to the content before delivery in the classroom.
Having said this however, I do believe that in order for the resources to be tailored towards addressing the these issues, more and more educators will need to contribute their feelings towards the improvement. And Web 2.0 is perfect for recognising these issues and in time, correcting them.

As for social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, I have been a member of the facebook fraternity for a number of years and have recognised both the benefits and pitfalls of such programs. To keep in contact with those you haven’t got regular access to is without a doubt, the forefront of the argument for facebook being a beneficial environment. Through this networking, people can obviously keep in regular contact with one another.

However, at what point is this contact beneficial?

Do we keep in contact with those we wish to in the more traditional sense i.e. phone, or GASP! face to face….

Where do the boundaries lie with social networking sites?

In what setting am I am entitled to feel private?

I prefer to use facebook in a more personal setting. I do not believe that social networking with my students and to a point, my colleagues is something that should take place in a setting like the name suggests ‘social’.

Sorry World (Wide Web), my facebook is mine.

Module 8

This is easily one of the handiest areas of Web2.0 thus far. I find that my search history does revolve around content that is consistently changing and the RSS feed does make it a lot simpler to keep track of these changes. I read through a colleagues blog before attempting this module to help with my understanding, and I think he said it best:

“As this course goes on I am finding that I am appreciating web based information in a new way. For a long time I have thought of the internet as a world I go out into. With an Rss reader the internet world comes into me.”
http://nickphillipson.blogspot.com

From an educational point of view, the RSS reader allows for information to come to me. Sometimes, we can hit that ‘flat spot’ where the resources I have can get the class through the content. But I found that having the information consistently updated in a more convenient way has allowed for ideas to present themselves.

Combining with a consistently updated Bubbl.us could really kick-start some ideas for future projects…

Module 7

To Share Is Fair.

I have found delicious to be a simple idea with enormous potential. Personally, I have over 70 bookmarks outlining all common areas of my usage, and without them, my workload would be greatly expanded with a constant stream of searching and researching. Trying to find ‘that one I remember was really good’….

The principle of delicious is the online sharing of people with common search identities. To share my bookmarks with them and visa versa would greatly save them time, and hopefully save me some too. Example: Trying to plan an event is hard, but if someone has performed the searches for you, it leaves you with a more refined search area to target your needs too.

In the classroom application, this would allow for me to expand my intake, whilst straightening my focus when preparing for lessons.


The following comment was posted on
http://nickphillipson.blogspot.com/2010/04/web-20-module-7.html

Hi Nick,
I would just like to congratulate you on an inspiration journey so far. You posts are very insightful and I can really understand the thoughts you provide. Hopefully, you can continue this journey into the classroom. Good Luck!

Module 6

From my first days in high school, I knew that I was, in essence, a visual learner. I utilise a visual format in most areas of my life, from work, to home life and often find myself using the same mediums in the classroom. Bubbl.us I have found to be extremely relevant to my particular work application. My students produce projects which require huge amounts of organisational processes.

Which I have found to be the most challenging area for them to develop.

If a student is struggling to understanding the medium of the communication, they miss the message. If they are too concerned with overall assessment, they miss the details in each section. Bubbl.us would allow form them to develop plans and processes to layout their projects. For me, planning out the work in advance would ensure consistency, and a developed hierarchy to be produced.

Module 5

I know myself how much I enjoy perusing the internet, looking at clips I find interesting, or at something I have never seen before. To expand one’s vision and entertain the educational thoughts one has is at the core of education. Youtube, Vodcasts and podcasts allow me to explore things previously unavailable due to cost, exposure, availability, or simply because I may just be a little lazy on any given day.

I found through this module the ease of the searching of information, and the retrieval of the desired information for integration into previously existing lesson formats.

For background information in the classroom, these resources are great, but when brought into the classroom, it is brilliant. Particularly in the new age of the smart board, interactivity is one of the most engaging lesson formats available to us as educators. Students are able to be exposed to a wider variety of information, opinions and styles through the application and acceptance of Digital Storytelling as a legitimate educational medium.

Why have 1 teacher in the classroom when we can have 6 billion...