Blogs in a Teaching Context

Following is a PMI chart about using Blogs in a teaching context. Each Learning Manager will have their own perspective on the use of blogging within their classroom. However these are some of the key points raised within the tute class on Tuesday.

P	M	I
·         Flexible ·         Experimenting with multi media ·         Developing fine motor skills ·         Engaging to students ·         Promotes creativity ·         Allows interaction between teacher and student outside class hours ·         Accessible in an inform setting	·         Iformation given is not always valid ·         May not have access to internet at home which may result in cyber bullying ·         One sided opinions	·         The way of education in the future ·         Where will the LM set standards? ·         Equity

 Blogs can empower students, stimulate the initiative to write, engender information sharing, help reputation building and facilitate personal expression.

-Geoffrey Middlebrook, 2010

Dangers and Benefits of using blogs in schools

In order to utilise e-learning tools such as a blog or a wiki effectively within a school it is important as a learning manager to know your learner.  For some students they may not feel comfortable expressing their feelings or ideas about a concept in front of their peers, while other students may feel the need to criticise other students for their opinions. Therefore creating an environment where the students feel safe, such as creating a blog or a wiki in which only the learning manager will be able to access the posts, may encourage participation in e-learning tools. I know myself, if I am unsure about a particular topic I do not feel comfortable sharing my thoughts as I am afraid they may be critiised by others. I'm sure this is the thought of a lot of students when they too are unsure. In order for maximised participation the learning manager should also take into consideration the needs and wants of their students. Whether it be through a vote as to who prefers a wiki to a blog, that way the students are able to have a say and the learning manager should expect a common interest from their students.

My Philosophy: Where will I set standards?

I believe that if e-learning tools are utilised correctly they do promote positive engagement within the classroom. Living in the 21st century, technology is an asset to the everyday life. Students should be given the opportunity to experiment with technology within boundaries. Without experimentation their is no creativity and I believe that creativity is the key to engagement. If students are given strict guidelines as to what they are to do, there is no 'outside the box' thinking. Instead they are following a set of guidelines which the learning manager gave to them. Where is the creativity when told to create a poster about 'Mammals' for example? Setting guidelines for them to follow, however allowing them to present their information or choose the topic of their research, may just engage that learner who does not wish to be there.

Within a personal blog, students should be able to express their feelings and opinions on topics without worrying about the nitty gritty of formal writing. If students have a poor vocabulary this may be a deterrent to contributing to a blog. Therefore if less emphasis is put on the punctuation and spelling of a blog and more on the content of the blog, enegagement will maximise. However their must be boundaries set at the beginning of the work. Such as the content must be relevant to the subject and there is to be no inappropriate comments. Also the shortening of words such as 'what' and 'wat' is encouraged to be avoided.

References:

Middlebrook, G. (2010)http://ronosaurusrex.com/metablog/2010/04/26/using-blogs-for-education-an-article-by-geoffrey-middlebrook/

TPACK REFLECTION

Below is a web to describe what the TPACK Framework is:



The TPACK framework informs the learning design of the necessary content to be taught to your students. Within this framework technology is essential and as the learning manager it is vital to not only know but understand the content which is being taught. This framweork aims to capture some of the essential qualities of teacher knowledge required for technology integration within teaching. It requires you as the Learning manager along with your students to attain and develop technical skills. Teacher education has shifted its focus primarily to pedagogy, emphasising general pedagogical classroom practices idependent of subject matter and often at the expense of content knowledge. Therefore the TPACK framweork encourages different teaching approaches focussing on knowledge of content and knowledge of pedagogy. Without the knowledge of both it becomes impossible for learning managers to teach the correct content.  

Prensky's Ideas

Todays Learners  

There is no doubt that the average 21st century learner prefers to use a tablet or a computer within the classroom. However the basic fine motor skills are still necessary. It is still a necessity to be able to read and write even in such a digital world. Learners are harder to engage in learning, as they can be easily dstracted if the activity does not interest them. That is why it is very important to get to know your learner. Understand what their interests are, what sort of learner they are and their dynamics within the classroom. It is also important for myself as a lifelong learner to embrace each individual and their prior knowledge, beliefs and attitudes and perceptions in order for myself as a Learning manager to grow and achieve the very best learing outcomes from my students.

It is important to include engaging activities within the classroom to cater for the diverse learners.  It is understandable that not all activities will be able to be hands on and exciting. But to be able to present a lesson using an unfamiliar approach may be enough to capture the learners attention. It has also been evident throughout my pracs that the inclusion of children in activities is a huge advantage. Allowing the students to participate and give them the responsibility of a particular role encourages them to engage in the learning process as their contribution is valued.

The nature of today's learners have become more digital driven. Students are no longer happy with a traditional worksheet. Instead interactive games on the computer, building a design or a simple science experiment are all activities which seem to be preferred within the classroom. This is not a bad thing, teachers need to be aware of the needs and wants of their students in order to achieve the best results. No longer should the teacher be the sole instructor of the classroom, instead it is more efficient for the student to have their say in classroom activities to promote engagement.

Engage or Enrage

Prensky raises some valid points within this article. The notion that we are teaching 'Yesterday's education for today's kids' is completely true in my opinion. In the 21st century, a time where children are more outspoken and switched on then ever. The curriculum takes a step backwards instead of forwards. The new Australian Curriculum places  so much pressure on teachers to achieve good results that the content of the required knowledge goes missing. At a time where such a structured curriculum has been introduced, less creativity and experimenting within the classroom is evident. In a growing age where diversity within the classroom is such an important part of any classroom, teachers need to take this into account when preparing activities. Even allowing students the opportunity to choose the way in which they conduct an acivity is perfectly suitable as long as the intended outcome has been reached. Giving students the resonsibility and creativity to develop their own work ties neatly in with authentic learning, which has also become the preferred means of learning.
However I do not agree that the future of schooling should be completely computer based. I think no matter what it will be an essential part of life to always be able to read and write. The constant use of computers to complete work will diminish the ability to practice reading and writing. Although there are more ways to go about teaching these core skills. Whether it be drawing with chalk or stencils or anything which the child would not usually use within the classroom. The use of ICT's within the classroom is a huge advantage if used correctly.

Prensky raises a good point that when learning 'old stuff' if students are challenged, are able to make decisions and given goals that they want to reach, engagement would be a lot more recognisable. As Prensky also states that it is not relevance that is lacking within the classroom, but in fact, engagement. This article has a very strong point of view which encourages the engagement of students within the classroom in a fun yet educational way.