Over my last nine blog posts I have been introduced to new
collaboration tools and creativity inducing programs and apps. Some tools
presented to us this term have been specifically created to reduce the size of
the world and make alternating between participating in the classroom and the
world stage seamless. Not all the spaces shown to us were designed for the
education landscape but the growth of technologically competent teachers has emphasised
the rich resources available to us if we put in the appropriate thought and
model it to existing standards. As student directed learning is important to
the level of comprehension obtained by them it is only natural that the tools
they enjoy using outside of the classroom would be appreciated within it.
Involving technology scaffolded by digital pedagogy can create an engaging
environment and promote a positive education identity.
Upon reflection of the first seven weeks of term it has
become apparent to me that the key themes present themselves as Collaboration,
Creativity, Involvement and Student Directed Learning. Collaboration is
highlighted regarding wiki’s, websites and Google Docs to name a few.
Creativities’ inclusion concerned every topic covered this term together with
video and presentation software. Involvement in school, community or even
worldwide groups and online spaces was encouraged with wiki’s websites and
blogs. Allowing students to experience different social situations and customs.
Promoting socially aware and socially active citizens.
Another thread that never ended once pulled, was my
participation in other students reflections and genuine interest in their interpretations.
In week one I would plod along, take in my required readings, watch a few
videos, do the odd activity then post my blog. But as I began to look into
other student’s theories and digital pedagogy beliefs I found, at times, stark
differences to their understanding and utilisation of resources. The “Phone
Debate” using De Bono’s six thinking hats is a good example. My staunch “NO!” approach
to phones in class joined my adventure through the Wiki activity, and as I read
through more and more students opinions I could feel my staunchness become closer
to that of a malleable “Probably Not!” I felt a sense of disappointment in myself,
I felt so narrow minded. Although, the evidence and opinion resided comfortably
on the “No” side of the debate it was the open-minded individuals who attempted
to find the positives that encouraged me to do better. To remain dynamic and objective
to perceived problems, especially when dealing with the education of our youth.
Week 5 of the Moodle site also provided me with an
interesting stroll amongst the weekly blogs as it underlined my favourite topic
of the term – Presentations. The tools students chose to research varied
greatly, some enjoyed the ‘basic’ PowerPoint. They loved its usability and star
wipe transitions while others showed creatively utilised Thinglink images to
show tools of the workshop and when you hovered the mouse over a specific tool
its purpose and safe handling technique would appear.
The final and perhaps most important thread binding the
topics of this term must be the appropriate and professional application of any
ICT resource. The Pedagogy Table activity really gives all future educators the
framework for success by ensuring we don’t just hand a student an iPad and assume
we have redefined their education. ICT’s that don’t meet a few, if not all, of
the pedagogy areas may be distracting and damaging the student’s ability to
learn. Facilitating collaborative learning, problem based learning situated in
real life contexts, supporting learning controlled and managed by students and
the development of active citizenship are my favourite areas and must all be
present in my future ICT activities. While the entire higher order thinking
spectrum of creating, evaluating, analysing, applying, understanding and
remembering must be applied to all lessons, not just technology based undertakings.
Another fantastic model for ICT scaffolding is the SAMR model. It again,
ensures technology isn’t being used merely as a substitution but as a
transformation
All the pedagogy framework surrounding ICT’s is wonderful and
whilst attempting to redefine learning through technology and online spaces,
educators must ensure responsible practice and provide safe digital learning
areas for students. Activities regarding online publication or materials
sourced online should be accompanied with an introduction highlighting,
copyright, safety and the existence of a digital footprint. The rules of
copyright allow only the copyright holder to perform, copy or communicate to
the copyrighted material to the public,1 meaning simply scanning and submitting documents found on the web is illegal.
Safety tuition is also important to protect children from physical danger
associated with stranger danger – meeting someone online who may claim to be
someone else.2 Cyber
bullying and privacy must also be covered. Many students may not be aware of
their virtual identity or digital footprint which is created through the
accumulation of your online activity. Facebook posts, published websites and YouTube
clips make up part of your footprint. Thus, care must be taken to the amount of
exposure one submits themselves to online.
To tie it all together I must explain that these past seven weeks
didn’t consist of one overpowering thread of familiarity but more of a tapestry
woven with rich wools of digital pedagogy, SAMR, collaboration, higher order
thinking, safety and personal reflection, that blanketed the opening weeks of
term. I was always passionate about teaching and probably focused a little too
much on the delivery and aiming to be positive, approachable and personable but
the tapestry woven over the last few months has turned the majority of my
attention toward the content and purpose of my lessons and I must admit, I
prefer the idea of delivering engaging, relevant information rather than
delivering outdated an tiresome material in an exuberant, personable manner.
1 1. Rose Bay Secondary College Presentation from National Copyright Unit, COAG Education Council
2. Moodle week 2
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