Just uploaded my writing assignments to the Dropbox and pasted my discussion posts. Down to one final assignment. This course has really helped me to become more professionally minded. All the readings and writing assignments have helped me in my job by refreshing my knowledge of learning theory and given me a fresh attitude about higher-order thinking.
I'm still not a fan of working in groups. I know this is an area where I need to develop more patience. I'm trying :)
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Monday, November 2, 2009
More Participation in the ITForum
The following question was posed:
This has been my feeling regarding Smartboards for a number of years. Has there been any research done into the effectiveness of Smartboards at different levels of education - K-7, 7-12 and Tertiary?
Does it change the way people teach? Do students learner better? Is it just a school marketing tool so that when the head takes parents around they can say, "look how much we care about technology in learning, we have Smartboards in every classroom" ?
How many smartboard lessons are saved onto a VLE for access by students after the lesson?
My feeling is that a Smartboard is just a way for teachers not to move away from lecturing from the front of the classroom - there is no real change in how they teach.
I am under a lot of pressure from admin and teachers to provide smartboards, but I am looking at providing tools for creating online content and would rather see more students with access to technology in the classroom.
to which my response was:
I would agree with Jim's statement that it is about the method of instruction more so than the type of equipment. In my opinion, the learning experience is the same whether the teacher is using a Smartboard, a wireless slate, or an old-fashioned chalkboard. The value of the learning experience is dependent upon the degree to which the teacher can engage and include the student in the learning process. Programs such as Inspiration(R) are great tools to use with interactive equipment of all types because it changes the way teachers present materials and the way it is perceived by the students. Intel (R) Teach also has some great, free online interactive tools that promote higher-order thinking. www.intel.com/education
This has been my feeling regarding Smartboards for a number of years. Has there been any research done into the effectiveness of Smartboards at different levels of education - K-7, 7-12 and Tertiary?
Does it change the way people teach? Do students learner better? Is it just a school marketing tool so that when the head takes parents around they can say, "look how much we care about technology in learning, we have Smartboards in every classroom" ?
How many smartboard lessons are saved onto a VLE for access by students after the lesson?
My feeling is that a Smartboard is just a way for teachers not to move away from lecturing from the front of the classroom - there is no real change in how they teach.
I am under a lot of pressure from admin and teachers to provide smartboards, but I am looking at providing tools for creating online content and would rather see more students with access to technology in the classroom.
to which my response was:
I would agree with Jim's statement that it is about the method of instruction more so than the type of equipment. In my opinion, the learning experience is the same whether the teacher is using a Smartboard, a wireless slate, or an old-fashioned chalkboard. The value of the learning experience is dependent upon the degree to which the teacher can engage and include the student in the learning process. Programs such as Inspiration(R) are great tools to use with interactive equipment of all types because it changes the way teachers present materials and the way it is perceived by the students. Intel (R) Teach also has some great, free online interactive tools that promote higher-order thinking. www.intel.com/education
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Papers Written
I finally got my three papers written, at least a semi-edited draft. I am not looking forward to the collaborative process. I'm not sure what that says about me but I'm pretty sure it is a control issue. :)
I'm finding I have holes in my knowledge of how to cite sources. The OWL at Purdue site is very helpful and I'm learning a lot. I am leaning on the side of over-citing to avoid any suggestion of plagiarism.
Next thing is to polish up the papers and submit them to Turnitin.
Geoff and I have begun work on our final presentation and only a few details to work out.
I'm finding I have holes in my knowledge of how to cite sources. The OWL at Purdue site is very helpful and I'm learning a lot. I am leaning on the side of over-citing to avoid any suggestion of plagiarism.
Next thing is to polish up the papers and submit them to Turnitin.
Geoff and I have begun work on our final presentation and only a few details to work out.
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