I have to say I have thoroughly enjoyed learning all about Web 2.0. Even though I have been exposed to many different tools, I think what I have learnt is only the tip of the iceberg. I know now that I need to connect with other educators and keep on learning.
As an Integration Aide, I had not heard of the iLE@RN Model, but after watching the video, agree with the statement -"Remember, it's not about the technology. It is about good learning and teaching first. The technology is merely a tool to enable us to achieve our goals." - Matt Wells And this is where many of the Web 2.0 tools can help.
I have enjoyed reading many of the blogs and have come across some interesting readings through the Twitter accounts I am following. Picasa has become my favourite tool and I have spent quite some time organising the hundreds of photos I have on my laptop and the next time I need to do a presentation, I will be using Prezi.
As the year 5/6 students at our school all have laptops, I know I can use the Web 2.0 tools to enhance their learning. I feel confident in keeping up with the students I work with, and this is what I had hoped to achieve by doing this course.
Sunday, 28 July 2013
Saturday, 20 July 2013
Module 10
In this module I explored three popular Web 2.0 tools - Wikis, Nings and Google sites. My first thought was how similar Wikis are to Google Docs. So I googled, asking what is the difference and found this website http://web20-libraryservices-ya.wikispaces.com/google+documents
What is the difference between a Wiki and Google Docs?
There are some similarities in terms of functions. Both are collaborative tools for drafting and creating documents. Both have features that keep track of different versions made to the document.
A difference is in terms of access. Google Docs users must have a Google account, whereas a wiki does not. Also, a wiki is structured more like a website while Google Docs is more of a office productivity tool.
Whatever it is, what is more important is what you wish to achieve. Either tool may help you achieve the same desired outcomes. Sometimes it is a matter of preference (e.g. Google Doc tends to look familiar to most users than a wiki). Take time to experiment and learn!
with this article -
What is the difference between a Wiki and Google Docs?
There are some similarities in terms of functions. Both are collaborative tools for drafting and creating documents. Both have features that keep track of different versions made to the document.
A difference is in terms of access. Google Docs users must have a Google account, whereas a wiki does not. Also, a wiki is structured more like a website while Google Docs is more of a office productivity tool.
Whatever it is, what is more important is what you wish to achieve. Either tool may help you achieve the same desired outcomes. Sometimes it is a matter of preference (e.g. Google Doc tends to look familiar to most users than a wiki). Take time to experiment and learn!
A Ning is an online platform for people to create a customized social network. It is where you can build your own interactive virtual community and Google Sites is where you can create your own website. I had a go at this and it seemed fairly straight forward, although I have yet to put any content on the page. Further down the track I will explore it a bit more.
With the 1:1 laptop program in our 5/6 level we use Wikispaces daily. The majority of students have found it easy to use and therefore are able to access their lessons fairly quickly. Any Web tools that help the students stay focused and look forward to learning can only be considered a great asset to any school.
Module 9
After investigating Second Life, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn, I needed to consider this question - 'Which of these social and professional networking tools could enhance learning, both in the classroom and beyond it, and how?'
Second Life - I had not heard of Second Life, but knowing how much students love to play computer games- especially 3d interactive virtual world games- this platform could be helpful in teaching various subjects such as History, Art, Cultures, Acting, Social Skills, etc.
Facebook - Having teenage children, I was interested in having my own Facebook page. I am a 'lurker' at the best of times, when it comes to social sites. I am happy to read everyone else's comments and I will occasionally 'like' other posts, but rarely post anything myself. Although, recently my daughter got her licence and instead of sending a group text, I put it on FB. I can see that for the 15 to mid-20 year olds that it is a way of life. I think that FB is mainly a social tool and not so much an educational tool.
Twitter - I opened a Twitter account while completing Module 2. I am following a few famous people (and then deleted some as they tweeted too often) and some work colleagues. As with FB I am not really into tweeting, but am happy to read others. I can see by using the hash tags that I could find information if I needed to. I think Twitter can be a great professional networking tool but not so much for Primary age students.
LinkedIn - Funnily enough, only the other day a friend requested that I join LinkedIn. I have set up my profile and connected with a couple of friends. I can see that if you are looking to develop network connections with other teachers, looking for a job or looking for a service that someone has used and could recommend, LinkedIn would be the place to go. This is a professional tool and I don't think Primary School students would benefit from it.
When thinking about your 'Digital Footprint', I remember a quote my mother sometimes said - 'Never put in writing anything that you wouldn't want read...' Once you have put something on the Internet it can not be totally erased. The 5/6's that I work with and most of the school have learnt about their 'Digital Footprint' and hopefully they take it seriously when they use the Internet.
Second Life - I had not heard of Second Life, but knowing how much students love to play computer games- especially 3d interactive virtual world games- this platform could be helpful in teaching various subjects such as History, Art, Cultures, Acting, Social Skills, etc.
Facebook - Having teenage children, I was interested in having my own Facebook page. I am a 'lurker' at the best of times, when it comes to social sites. I am happy to read everyone else's comments and I will occasionally 'like' other posts, but rarely post anything myself. Although, recently my daughter got her licence and instead of sending a group text, I put it on FB. I can see that for the 15 to mid-20 year olds that it is a way of life. I think that FB is mainly a social tool and not so much an educational tool.
Twitter - I opened a Twitter account while completing Module 2. I am following a few famous people (and then deleted some as they tweeted too often) and some work colleagues. As with FB I am not really into tweeting, but am happy to read others. I can see by using the hash tags that I could find information if I needed to. I think Twitter can be a great professional networking tool but not so much for Primary age students.
LinkedIn - Funnily enough, only the other day a friend requested that I join LinkedIn. I have set up my profile and connected with a couple of friends. I can see that if you are looking to develop network connections with other teachers, looking for a job or looking for a service that someone has used and could recommend, LinkedIn would be the place to go. This is a professional tool and I don't think Primary School students would benefit from it.
When thinking about your 'Digital Footprint', I remember a quote my mother sometimes said - 'Never put in writing anything that you wouldn't want read...' Once you have put something on the Internet it can not be totally erased. The 5/6's that I work with and most of the school have learnt about their 'Digital Footprint' and hopefully they take it seriously when they use the Internet.
Module 8
Again, another topic I had not heard of before - RSS feeds. As Google Reader finished mid-July, I have now started to use Feedly - an alternative suggested by a work colleague. All my feeds from Google Reader were transferred to Feedly without a problem and without me doing much. I can now enjoy updated content from websites that I subscribe to.
Our schools 5/6 blog page uses RSS feeds, which is a great for parents who want to know what their child is learning about and what is happening around the school. I'm not too sure whether the students - being Primary School students would benefit from using RSS feeds, but it gives them the knowledge to use them later if needed.
Our schools 5/6 blog page uses RSS feeds, which is a great for parents who want to know what their child is learning about and what is happening around the school. I'm not too sure whether the students - being Primary School students would benefit from using RSS feeds, but it gives them the knowledge to use them later if needed.
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