e-Learning Weekly

I have read a number of articles about teen digital culture. I have also seen lectures and presentations on this topic. One of the common themes I noticed through all this research was, the information was coming from the older generation and not the teens themselves. So what do they really think?

In Miriam’s blog she discusses an ICT presentation given by students. The content of their presentation was similiar to what I have previously read and blogged about. Students actually feel there is a lack of technological presence in classrooms and  are experiencing boredom in our classes.

However, it is not all doom and gloom. We havent completely missed the boat. Miriam suggests by using ICT as one of a number of teaching tools we can extend and deepen learning.

Image: ‘Our Presentation’
www.flickr.com/photos/83955435@N00/12215603

In the theme of online learning and sharing I have taken advice on-board from a fellow blogger and educator from the USA. In Betty’s Instructional Technology Blog she makes some excellent suggestions for using Google Earth in social science classrooms. This tool can be used to transport students to actual sites of historical, geographical or social significance. Being able to demonstrate visually, create relevance and make the lesson real and authentic is the key to understanding and learning. As a HSIE / Social Sciences teacher there are countless ways to apply this tool to our curriculum. Imagine the possibilities ………………….

Image: ‘Ground zero from space’ 

www.flickr.com/photos/84224918@N00/240597915

In my last blog I tried to explain and remove the myth of ‘Web 2.0′ .

I have now stumbled across a fellow grad teacher, who is trying to implement Web 2.0 technology into his classroom. In his posting ‘to sink or swim in the deep pool of web 2.0 technologies’ , this so-called Old Dog, sings the praises of wiki’s in education. He has been doing some research in this area and found that “Wiki’s are so valuable as they foster the development of writing skills.  They promote reading, writing and editing. But most importantly they promote thinking.  Wiki’s can ease students into writing for public viewing and into web 2.0 technology itself.”

His later comment is something to consider “if wiki’s do nothing but encourage our students to write, then they are a true winner for me.”

Image: ‘Rouble rhooting’
www.flickr.com/photos/34361916@N00/2405295531

An esteemed colleague of mine Jordfish, led me to this free Mind Mapping website http://www.bubbl.us/

I have successfully used these in my lessons, and the students have responded favourably.

As outlined below i find there are many benefits to Mind Maps

In my last blog I referred to the students as being ‘Digital Natives’ and us teachers as “Digital Immigrants”. There is a growing divide between teacher and students in technological ability.  

In J Penny’s blog he suggests our lack of digital experience and skillls may be a result of the lack of technological resources in public high schools. The truth is most government high schoools have a small amount of computers and technology. The question he raises is, if teahcers use this lack of computer access as a excuse not to develop their skills and incorporate  ICT into their lesson plans.

I tend to agree with this notion, especially amongst the older generation of teachers i have bumped into in high school staff rooms. Will their retirement day come before government schools get the Kevin07 computers?