The I Generation

Ipad,Ipod,Itouch,Ishuffle... I give up is what I hear from most technology immigrants! Having personally seen the benefits of incorporating the I revolution into the classroom I think it is extremely important to help the immigrants understand!

These new technologies open doors that no other technology can, with software and programs tailored for the classroom only available through the magical world of Ipad's. Not only does Apple support the learners in the classroom with their amazing applications they also offer a world of information to the teachers as well! With free tutorials and information on how & why to use Apples products in the classroom. Clicking on the link below leads you a to a page on the Apple website all about learning with Apple. Trust me if you are a sceptic I will be very surprised if your views aren't altered after exploring the website:

Apple Education



The incorporation of technology in the classroom can boost our learners collaborative awareness and skills. It can give learners the confidence to succeed and communicate effectively. Welcome to whole new world of infinite possibilities!

TPACK TPACK TPACK

CREATED WITH WORDLE (my new favourite website!)

 The first time I read the abbreviation TPACK I had absolutely no idea what it meant. So my first thought Google! Which led me to a great you-tube video explaining TPACK using a ven diagram!

Very helpful indeed!

Although the term TPACK was new to me I found it touches on things that I already know especially pedagogy! I know from that as a future learning manager it doesn't matter if I know the Pythagoras Theorem if I have no idea how to teach it! I have been told so many times in the past year it doesn't matter how 'smart' and 'scholarly' you are at university if when it comes time to enter teaching for real you don't feel confident in front of the class.

Returning back to TPACK obviously this framework is related to the technological side of teaching. The framework outlines not only the importance of integrating technology into the classroom but also the importance of the pedagogical practices displayed when delivering technological content.

I found it very interesting when reading various articles on TPACK how embedded the need is for effective pedagogical practices in the classroom. Having never considered the pedagogy surrounding technology it was eye-opening to read other peoples and scholars thought of the framework.

I think that we need to realise we have entered the technological age and this framework should be utilised explicitly when educating learning managers about effective technology incorporation.

De Bono's Six Thinking Hats

De Bono's thinking hats a constantly revisited theory that is utilised sometimes to view a subject from 6 potential different perspectives. In my case this subject is:

Mobile Phones in the Classroom

A very touchy subject for learners and learning managers alike. Either side argues vehemently for or against mobiles, by introducing de Bono's hats I was forced to look at the situation from multiple perspectives.
Participating in the group wiki discussing this subject was very interesting!

The Group Wiki

Pros:

• Great way to collaboratively learn
• People can express their own points of view
• Eliminates fear of public speaking!
• Encourages flowing conversation/debate

Cons:

• Only one person can post at a time
• Whole posts can be edited and eliminated
• This poses a particular issue in school due to bullying etc.

Although the group wiki has its downfalls I do believe that if utilised correctly it could be an integral part of a learners success. It encourages learners to work collaboratively without the fear of public ridicule and also can be monitored by the learning manager.



Week One Reflection!

It has been a week of firsts!! Although I considered myself a technology native rather than an immigrant I will admit that I had a strong feeling of trepidation about creating my own blog, wiki and website. This feeling definitely stemmed from the fact that Managing E-Learning is the first course I have done via flex! So I created my blog, I am very surprised at how easy it is to navigate and edit! At the moment though I am still struggling to see the difference (besides looks) of the blog and the wiki? I am sure as I get further into these new technologies the difference will become glaringly obvious!

I found the Felder& Solomon learning styles questionnaire and the Multiple Intelligences website very interesting! As I have said I was sure of my learning style and was very confident that I was right! Well, I was definitely proved wrong! I think that these two questionnaires would be very beneficial in answering the learning management question:

How Does My Learner Best Learn

Whilst reflecting on the potential uses of these questionnaires I remembered from a previous course that I could create my own tailor made survey using:

This survey creating website was unbelievable easy to use! As a future learning manager I think I will definitely utilise it in the classroom, the possibilities are endless!!!!
Even after only one week of Managing E-Learning my sceptisism and trepidation are fading away! I am really looking forward to the weeks ahead!

Learning Styles & Technology in the Classroom

 

When asked to complete the survey I thought I knew my learning style, visual and kinaesthetic. I never considered that the results would indicate not only that I was extremely visual at a level of 9.  I was also surprised to learn that such a high level in one learning style can hinder my ability to learn.

In the 21^st century classroom as a future learning manager I realise the importance more so now of supporting the different learning styles of my learners. To overcome this potential challenge I would incorporate and effectively utilise the technology available within my school. I would also delivering instructions for class tasks in different methods to suit different learning styles.

Technology assists greatly in catering for all learners and utilising it in the classroom can cater for different learning styles if utilised effectively.  As a future learning manager I do not perceive learning styles as a potential challenge, rather I believe that we are provided with the technological tools to help us succeed in learning for all styles of learners.

The link below is a website that illustrates learning styles and how to incorporate effective lessons for the different learning styles by using mind mapping.

Mind-Mapping Website

I found the following mind-map particularly  useful in writing lesson plans to suit different learners in the classroom.

Ideas for Technology Based Lessons for All - Mind-Map