This week we were introduced to the topic of virtual worlds and how they are currently be used as an innovative way to explore ICT in education. This was my first time exploring a virtual world, Second Life and to be honest I found it quite confusing. I was able to explore the environment by choosing an avatar whose appearance and actions were able to be altered and modified by me. The application also had an interactive environment that explored the maths and sciences.
I did not really enjoy exploring these virtual worlds, possibly because I am not experienced with these types of applications. Another issue that I encountered was the slowness of this application due to the poor graphics card on the school computers. Second Life kept freezing and I wasn’t able to see my avatar for the first 20 minutes. I had to restart the program numerous times before it worked properly. It made me wonder how beneficial this program would be to high school students and if it would work well at the school computer labs.
I understand how virtual worlds offer a new way of thinking for students as they are given the independence to enhance their searching skills, are able to problem solve and engage with all types of learning, but I feel that the program would need to be more condensed. Essentially, instructions as to how to use this program would also need to be defined and simple in order for them to explore the unique tools of the virtual world appropriately. If students were given the opportunity to explore Second Life, they would simply play around with the avatar inappropriately. However, having an interactive environment, like the maths and sciences room is a great idea to teach students how these programs can be used effectively. Still, I am perplexed and I am not quite sure if I would introduce virtual worlds to my students…
Saturday, 9 July 2011
Thursday, 7 July 2011
Inclusive ICT Activities
This week’s lecture focuses on the importance of utilizing web tools to increase a student’s technological abilities, as well as to plan and organize learning activities that are suitable. Evidently, it is difficult to find online programs that are effective for all students, however as teachers, we must try to discover programs that promote independent learning and encourage students to expand their web skills.
During my prac, the English department provided us with a website that was called “Spelling Bee.” Teachers were given a login number and were responsible to add their classes to the program. Different classes in the school would compete against each other virtually, establishing virtually connected classrooms. This program was initiated as a way to support the use of the laptops within the classroom. The students really enjoyed the spelling activities that they interacted with online amongst their peers. The program allowed students to spell out words, listen to sentences, fill in the blanks and more. Essentially, the program tests students’ literacy skills and encourages them to compete with other students to increase their literacy ability.
The program was extremely effective and conducive to student learning as they were able to independently plan and organize the activities they would partake in. Essentially, allowing students to control their own literacy levels simply encourages them to be responsible for their own learning and to not be discouraged. I know that some students found different levels more difficult than others and in order to continue with the spelling activities, they would choose an easier level. All in all, this program increases the use of ICT within the classroom while creating an inclusive classroom activity as all students are able to actively participate, regardless of their literacy skills.
During my prac, the English department provided us with a website that was called “Spelling Bee.” Teachers were given a login number and were responsible to add their classes to the program. Different classes in the school would compete against each other virtually, establishing virtually connected classrooms. This program was initiated as a way to support the use of the laptops within the classroom. The students really enjoyed the spelling activities that they interacted with online amongst their peers. The program allowed students to spell out words, listen to sentences, fill in the blanks and more. Essentially, the program tests students’ literacy skills and encourages them to compete with other students to increase their literacy ability.
The program was extremely effective and conducive to student learning as they were able to independently plan and organize the activities they would partake in. Essentially, allowing students to control their own literacy levels simply encourages them to be responsible for their own learning and to not be discouraged. I know that some students found different levels more difficult than others and in order to continue with the spelling activities, they would choose an easier level. All in all, this program increases the use of ICT within the classroom while creating an inclusive classroom activity as all students are able to actively participate, regardless of their literacy skills.
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Blogs for Dummys
Wow, it’s about time that I post my blogs. I am one of those people mentioned in lecture today who was experiencing technical difficulties when trying to create a blog. I honestly spent a few hours trying to understand how to use “Blogger” and how I can alter its appearance and be meticulous about the blog’s details. Although I spent some time on the website, I still do not consider myself a pro, but a dummy. Blogs for dummys anyone? I never realized how intricate blogs can be…
After experiencing some difficulties, it made me wonder how students understand how to use different programs. Are they taught how to use specific programs at school, or are they responsible for learning the program on their own time? Although technology has enhanced our lifestyles and created a global community, it does pose some problems and I witnessed this during my prac. My year 8 English class had to create a Powerpoint Presentation or use Photostory for their assessment task to display how the character of Batman has evolved throughout the years. A few classes were designated for computer use, however I was unaware that most of the students did not know how to utilize these programs accordingly. I decided to allocate an entire lesson to teaching the students the unique functions the programs had. Unfortunately, I offered too much information for the students and they became easily frustrated. These programs can often discourage students to use them if they are not computer savvy.
Overall from this experience, I learned that computer programs are useful and helpful for students if they are properly taught how to use it, or at least are given a set amount of time for them to explore the various tools that the program has to offer. Would it be beneficial for schools to enforce mandatory courses that focus on teaching students various computer programs and their functions since we are moving into a new age of technology?
After experiencing some difficulties, it made me wonder how students understand how to use different programs. Are they taught how to use specific programs at school, or are they responsible for learning the program on their own time? Although technology has enhanced our lifestyles and created a global community, it does pose some problems and I witnessed this during my prac. My year 8 English class had to create a Powerpoint Presentation or use Photostory for their assessment task to display how the character of Batman has evolved throughout the years. A few classes were designated for computer use, however I was unaware that most of the students did not know how to utilize these programs accordingly. I decided to allocate an entire lesson to teaching the students the unique functions the programs had. Unfortunately, I offered too much information for the students and they became easily frustrated. These programs can often discourage students to use them if they are not computer savvy.
Overall from this experience, I learned that computer programs are useful and helpful for students if they are properly taught how to use it, or at least are given a set amount of time for them to explore the various tools that the program has to offer. Would it be beneficial for schools to enforce mandatory courses that focus on teaching students various computer programs and their functions since we are moving into a new age of technology?
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