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“New technologies offer wonderful promises for a better, brighter tomorrow” (Sapp). This statement holds true in every aspect of the learning process. Worldwide technologies are meant to be used to enhance the learning process and should be used inside of the classroom when appropriate. The Internet one technological tool that can add to the educational process. The net provides expanded opportunities for learners to plunge deeper into knowledge. This aids students and teachers alike. Teachers can use the Internet to find useful lesson plans to engage students in learning and students can use the Internet to research answers when they do not understand, play educational games to build their content knowledge, and collaborate with their peers in an educational setting. Blogs are another technological tool that can be used as a tool for educational purposes. Blogs can be effective technological tools and for learning. There are several useful blog-based activities for learning such as (1) reading blogs of others (2)receiving comments and (3) previewing tasks of others and reading feedback receive in relation to these(Churchhill, 2009). Lastly, Wikis are another technological tool of many other tools that can be used for educational purposes. Wikis are a "quick and easy way to energize reluctant learners, promote classroom synergy, and encourage authentic learning ” (Grant, 2006). It is a powerful tool in my opinion that increases participation because students love to work on the computer to post their thoughts and respond to their peers and teachers. Blogs, Internet and Wikis can get students actively involved, along with a host of other technological tools.
References:
Churchhill, D. (2009). Educational applications of Web 2.0: Using blogs to support teaching and learning. British Journal of Educational Technology , 179-183.
Grant, L. (2006). Using Wikis in Schools: A case study. FutureLab , May 2006.
Sapp, S. G. (n.d.). Diffusion of Innovations: Part 2. Retrieved December 26, 2009, from The Sociology of Technology: http://www.soc.iastate.edu/sapp/soc415Diffusion2.html
Below are useful sites for:
Wikis:
- http://www.emints.org/ethemes/resources/S00001969.shtml
- http://wikisineducation.wetpaint.com/page/Wikis+in+the+Classroom
Blogs:
Internet Usage in the classroom
Kimberly
ReplyDeleteThe quote from Sapp was great because it illustrates how technology is changing our world for the better. Without a doubt, “the Internet has caused a power shift in classrooms, as learners now have greater access to information, experts, and peer learners” (Siemens, 2008, p. 19). I agree that blogs, and wikis will be popular and motivating for students, who enjoy working on computers. Now, we must convince teachers, parents, and administrators that using blogs and wikis in the classroom will enhance academic performance. The following article by Tech Learning (2009, July 21) recommends eight ways to use school wikis.
Siemens, G. (2008, January). Learning and knowing in networks: Changing roles for educators and designers. ITForum. pp. 1-26.
Tech Learning. (2009, July 21). Eight Ways to use School Wikis. Retrieved from http://www.techlearning.com/article/22064
Amy
Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteI, too, agree with Amy regarding Sapp's comments on technology and its contributions to tomorrow's educational expectations. However, the promises of yesterday are not necessarily fulfilled in the manner in which one often expects them. Miller (1998) Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Advisory Unit to the Secretary-General on Multi-disciplinary Issues, in 1998 remarked: “Preservation versus change, conservatism versus dynamism, incrementalism versus radicalism — these are the dividing lines of the debate as we approach not only a new century but a new millennium too.” Twelve years into the new millennium, we face today the same challenges of preservation, conservatism and incrementalism as more technology tools demand our educational attention. Do we add more content to preserve the tradition of yesterday’s knowledge? Do we regulate the boundaries of learning thereby dictating scope and intent of learning? Do we gradually increase the variety of technology tools or allow complete freedom—cafeteria style—for students to choose the methods to meet specific learning objectives?
The tools we have identified in this assignment for content, communication, and collaboration are as unique as they are effective. However, providing students the required learning resources, by clearly defining learning objectives, by articulating assessment rubrics, by extending educational encouragement, and by engaging in collective knowing will continue to exhibit the foundational characteristics of online learning.
Thank you and best regards,
David Abraham
(Response to “Engaging learners with new strategies and tools” blog assignment)
References:
Miller, R. (1998). The promise of 21st century technology. Retrieved on January 30, 2010, from http://www.questia.com/googleScholar.qst;jsessionid=Lk2hT1CCJK7GRyN4R72v8D2GDW717XNpGmw16nbBXDRXwtMBNnPf!-1623544978!1317424680?docId=98681657
Kimberly,
ReplyDeleteThis class is my first experience with blogs. I never thought of blogs as a technology tool to use in the classroom until I experienced it myself. I think Blogging is a great tool for the classroom. I think blogging is also a favorite in the secondary classroom since it compares to the social network community. If I were to ever teach at a secondary or higher education, I will definitely use blogging as a classroom tool.
Deidre Buckhalter
Kimberly, your graphic organizer looks great! You made some excellent points in your initial post. I wonder what strategies can be used to help our parents to reinforce what we teach the children who participate in online courses. Many parents aren't tech savy, but often times students need their assistance when completing assignments. Do you think parents of students in highschools should have to take some classes that will at least expose them to what technologies are being used to deliver the content, assess and communicate to their children? Just a thought. I work with younger students and distance learning is much of an option for them right now.
ReplyDeleteVanessa