nat’s

PETA (2004) states children learn best when they;

• feel safe to take risks
• collaborate and interact with others
• are actively engaged in learning experiences
• see purpose and relevance with learning and their lives
• have their individual needs recognised. (p.1)

Teachers are increasingly using computer technology to support the above criteria. “Teachers recognise that print-based reading and writing are now only part of what we need to be able to do to function effectively in soicety” (p.12).

Therefore, within the classroom it is important that students are given opportunities to interpret experiences (gather, compare and evaluate the effectiveness of information) and construct their own learning through technology (create, manipulate and share) (p.12).

 Reference: PETA. (2004). The child, the school, the parent: The early years. Newtown: Primary English Teaching Association.

Recently, I was given the opportunity to experiment with Photoshop 3 for Windows. This program allows students to manipulate image files (JPEG’s) in order to create a story; accompanied by narration and music.

BECTA (2003) in What the research says about digital video in teaching and learning tates that Digital videos can be integrated into all aspects of the curriculum. Matthew Kearney supports this by adding; it can either be used for students to create their own digital stories or as an interesting way to develop student understanding of new concepts or skills.

However it is important that the use of digital videos use in the classroom is relevant to learning – not just as a reporting tool to meet essential criteria in the busy curriculum.

As with most online learning, “the impact of digital video depends on the ways in which it is used” (p.3). Ways to ensure this, can be to;

• Give students a goal to work towards, for example a theme or starting quote;
• Ensure adequate time to share the product (both within the classroom and beyond);
• Allow students to work collaboratively, and
• Ensure students integrate all their skills (social skills, literacy skills and problem-solving skills), in all faces of the production.

Want to see my digital story…

After reading ‘A modern fairytale’, I see that students will gain more useful skills and knowledge out of the computer if it is used in every aspect of the curriculum. There are an ever increasing variety of programs that allow students to use the computer to complete learning in all KLA’s. For example;

• Adobe Photoshop CS3 for Visual Arts (create a digital image)
• Garage Band for music (compose songs)
• Photostory 3 for English (create a digital story – with narration)

When the computer is implemented in education holistically, the students will develop a risk taking behaviour toward technology that enables them to experiement with confidence – to gain skills and knowledge that will last a life time – well at least until the introduction to new technology.  

Whilst exploring the blogosphere, I discovered a new tool that can be used in the primary school classroom. Mei-Yu Lu has termed online magazines as e-zines. Nicole mentions several qualities that promote their effective use in the classroom – in contrast to using hard copy magazines.

I totally agree with Nicole’s children’s ‘e-zines’ in that it is important that the classroom teacher searches for appropriate material prior to allowing students access to e-zines. However, what would happen in a school where access to proper resources is scarce? Would 30 children be required to sit around one computer to read an e-zine?

I do see how the introduction of e-zines in the classroom would be affective, it is just important that that adequate resources are available.

Recently I was questioned about my attitudes towards technology and the skills I have acquired through tutorials I have at uni.

I have previously confessed I am not good with computers. But I was asked…

“How are you going to teach if you can’t use a computer and the excellent software that is out there.” I was shocked!

I replied. ” I will have to take more classes, learn to effectively use a computer to teach students, not be affraid to ask for help.”

To this I was told… “there is not enough time!”

Whilst on Prac recently, during a staff meeting, a teacher (the computer expert) showed the teachers a new program, how to use it and ways it can be used in the classroom. It was excellent, I really did learn it.

So there really are nice people out there who will help us struggling with computers! Thankyou…

Whilst on Professional Experience recently, in a primary school that caters for 500 students. I was quite confused with how computers are used within the classroom.

At university, in our computer class, we are taught that we should be using the computer with students extensively - for the implementation of most KLA’s. However this is not the case. It is just not realistic.

1. These are so not enough computers for 1 per child not even 1 for a pair of students

 In the classroom I was in, we had two computers. One broken! The other, too slow.

2. There is just not enough hours in the day to teach students how to use a program, to then have student complete a task. 

Teachers have a priority towards Literacy and Numeracy skills

3. Internet searches and homework can not always be set for outside the classroom – because not all students have access to a computer, let alone the internet.

I just do not think the ideal of computer use in the classroom is not achievable as yet. Maybe it will be with Rudd’s policy that every child will have access to a computer in school around the country!

Recently, the topic of cyber bullying has raised its ugly head again. Channel Nine’s 60 minutes program recently reported on the effects bullying over the internet has on young girls (April 13th 2008).  

• Loss of self-esteem
• Loss of self-confidence, and
• Psychological problems (both now and in the future)

Just to name a few…

With the internet and online learning increasing in popularity over the past decade (and set to keep increasing), opportunities for bullying, stalking and all the other horrible things people can do over the internet are also sure to increase.

The presenter of the featured story Cyber Bullies, explained a couple of programs and resources that can be used to block and prevent the bullying. But I think the public are unaware of these and therefore unable to implement the precautions, to prevent the devastating effects of bullying over the internet.

Two terms coined by Seymour Papert in his paper ‘Constructionism vs. Instructionism’ seperates education into two parts - teaching and learning.

Constructionism – where students are encouraged to make their own findings through negotiated, appropriate learning experiences. This is improved when it is accompanied by teacher assistance and group discussions. On the other hand, which is some what “old fashioned” these days (especially with technology education), is Instructionism – where the teacher directs the learning activity and outcome.

As educators, we all know that students learn best by doing. When students are actively engaged in the learning process and therefore the outcome, students retain knowledge, skills and have a deeper appreciation for this process.

Therefore, when related to computer education in the classroom, the activities must;

• be interesting
• allow group, pair and individual work to be completed
• allow students to explore
• be fun
• be challenging (problem solving)
• Use new software
• integrated with other KLA’s

My first experience on TeacherTube – I have not even attempted YouTube as yet – demonstarted to me another tool that can be used in the classroom as a learning tool. Vodcasts, Podcasts, Videos etc that are uploaded onto the internet for everyone to take advantage of.

However, the extreamly simple TeacherTube presentation ‘Why let our students Blog?’ explained the benefits of Blogging, but I believe that the advantages discussed also relate to the internet as a whole.

These included;

• collaboration, interaction, sharing (beyond the classroom walls)
• motivation, empowerment, excitement
• discussion, participation, conversation, reflection
• literacy skills, creativity

Blogging can be completed 24/7 that will imporve students computer skills - in preparation for their “Ditgital futures”.

eSNTV discuss the advantages and disadvantages of interactive white -boards within the primary school classroom.

I, myself have never used – nor heard of these interactive white-boards, therefore the views of research was very helpful.

They state:

Advantages -

• increase student engagement
• decrease teacher preparation time
• user friendly
• allows creativeness
• is a sharing tool
• interactive
• decreases the use of traditional educational tools

Disadvantages -

• Cost – very costly
• decreases the use of traditional educational tools
• Will have to educate teachers how to incorporate the white-board into teaching practices
• Use it properly – the research stated classroom teachers are not maximising the white-boards potentia

Until I have experienced an interactive white-board, I really cannot place judgement on their use. But I presume it is like all new technology in the education system – everyone is entitled to their own opinion -and in due time I’m sure we will all come to love or hate them.