Culminating MindMap November 17, 2008
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Reaction to Teach From Home November 17, 2008
Posted by trisso in : Classroom technology, Teaching , add a commentStumbling across this post by Bit By Bit and reading it opened up my eyes to a whole new level of teaching. Distance education. The post talks about how this teacher taught his class from home via the Internet one day when he could not make it in to class. The way in which he performed it (using iChat on his Mac) and the ease in which he could do it points towards a future full of distance teaching. In classrooms around the world, this style of teaching will increase, hopefully leading to a better learning experience for the student. This mobile teaching method reassures me that when I do eventually teach, there are method I can use to ensure that no teaching moment is lost due to unavoidable hold-ups. The future looks good!
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Reaction to Matt’s post on video usage in the classroom November 9, 2008
Posted by trisso in : Classroom technology, Teaching , add a commentIn Matt’s recent post he investigates the ways in which video can be used by students and teachers alike in a collaborative and sharing manner in the classroom. Using software such as iMovie and MovieMaker and then presenting the works via sites such as TeacherTube and SchoolTube, students can share and present their individual or group work/views to audiences all over the world at the click of a button.
But is this going to help at all, or just waste valuable time that can be better spent on literacy and numeracy? I think that question is up to the parents and teachers to decide. There are appropriate ways in which these new technologies can be used in the classroom such as for the obvious computer-driven subjects such as science and technology, however if used correctly, there is no reason why creative and bold teachers can encourage further use of these innovative technologies in other areas that would benefit the students.
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A study into interactive whiteboards November 6, 2008
Posted by trisso in : Classroom technology, Teaching , 4 commentsJane Gee wrote this article on the success or failure of implementation of interactive whiteboards into Barnier Public School. The results from the trial suggested that the use of the boards did not necessarily improve pedagogical outcomes, but did improve student engagement. To me, the use of something as interactive, exciting and new as one of these boards will on further assist to motivate students to work. Now they can browse the net, create a word document and present it all to the class at the same time. It broadens students’ knowledge and develops their digital literacy life-skills – invaluable in todays society.
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Reaction to Maree’s post on the value of libraries to society. November 3, 2008
Posted by trisso in : External knowledge, Teaching , add a commentThe Library. That knowledge-filled oasis of intellectual material, aka books, and the solid keeper of fact and fiction. But is it relevant to today’s society? In Maree’s post she refers to an article in which Dr Alex Byrne supports the continued existence of these pillars of society saying they are becoming even more important to society.
In an ever-changing world where scribbly down a note has been replaced by a PalmPilot I feel that the role of the library won’t cease in place of online stores of literature, but rather will be altered. Nothing will ever replace the power of the book, but in a changing world, that book might just be accessed on an online library rather than in person. Sure, there are times when a book is irreplacable and hence the need for libraries will continue, but with the easy, free/cheap and available nature of computer technology, I believe we will see a decrease in demand for our beloved local library.
A great invention – a reaction to Veronica’s post. October 26, 2008
Posted by trisso in : Classroom technology, Student, Teaching , add a commentI was browsing through a few people’s blogs and I saw this post by Veronica which got me quite excited. The idea of making inexpensive ($75) laptops for students to use in developing countries is a superb idea as it may be the first time they are introduced to computer technology. Skills can be introduced that may assist them immensely not only in their education but in their job prospects in future years as well as being a pretty nifty device to have!
I am all for this marvelous innitiative and intent to investigate further. What a wicked way to help out!
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Can teachers use the technology being given to them? October 25, 2008
Posted by trisso in : Classroom technology, Teaching , add a commentAfter reading an article in the Practising Administrator journal titled The impact of information technology, I saw another side of technology-use in the classroom that I hadn’t considered previously. Allon Barton and Dr John Schiller points out that as millions of dollars worth of information technology is being pumped into schools around NSW they are finding that not all teachers have the approprate level of skills to implement and effectively use the new technology in their teaching. The tools have been provided, but the training and development of those who need to implement it may have been neglected.
What good is it having a million dollar computer but only a monkey to use it?
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The Primary School in Changing Times October 9, 2008
Posted by trisso in : Classroom technology, Teaching , add a commentI recently read chapter nine of the book the Primary School in Changing Times and I recorded this podcast in response.
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Technology lesson ‘help’ sites September 19, 2008
Posted by trisso in : Classroom technology, Teaching , add a commentAs I roamed the blogsphere reading various imputs by dedicated bloggers on educational issues, I found a debate going on in the comments section of this blog. I travelled to the website in question and had a bit of a poke around. I saw some very helpful resources with quick and easy lesson activities that may incorporate technology in the learning process, but it is slightly outdated.
I feel that if you find a resource that is suitable for your classroom and that may assist you in planning, then go for it! If not, then go search somewhere else!
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Reaction to Fisch’s controversial post September 9, 2008
Posted by trisso in : Classroom technology, Teaching , add a commentAfter reading this blog entry from November 2007, I began to actually consider the importance technology actually plays in my teacher learning. Fisch’s posting claims quite ambitiously that “if a teacher today is not technologically literate – and is unwilling to make the effort to learn more – it’s equivalent to a teacher 30 years ago who didn’t know how to read and write.” What a bold statement. At first I felt it quite harsh a statement but when I considered his argument that the time is over to “be nice”, I began to agree with this view.
If we [teachers] are placing ourselves, or even worse- our students, at a disadvantage by not being up-to-date and knowledgable in the areas of technology relevant to the classroom then we are failing in our core aim to help students the world-over achieve their goals. Remaining in the stone-age helps no-one, and we truly desire to spark and facilitate learning in the classroom, it’s our responsibilty to lean down, crawl on our hands and knees, and work out where the on button is!
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