Technology Workshop # 4

24/03/09

Today we had another inspirations task. We watched a story online ( these can be found at http://www.abc.net.au/dustechoes/), then we had to retell the story using pictures in inspiration. Thus to retell the story we had to pay close attention when we where watching it and absorb the information displayed on the screen. This would be a good activity to use with students because of above mentioned reasons and also it teaches students about other cultures, and the believes that other cultures have. Which would hopefully encourage students to be more open minded.

We also did a spread sheet activity where we had to count the number of M&M's of each colour within a pack. After doing this we used the computer to create a graph, which is a good way of showing similarities between different graphs, and how the same task can be approached in different ways. As well as help students consolidate information about graphs in a fun way and help to understand some concepts they might be finding difficult.

The learning federation has some good examples of learning materials, http://www.thelearningfederation.edu.au/for_teachers/sample_curriculum_content/sample_curriculum)content.html, this site was also very helpful as it contained warnings for people of aboriginal heritage, which we as teachers need to remember to use when working with material that might contain the voices or images of people passed away.

Other useful and interesting websites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mind_map
http://epotential.education.vic.gov.au/showcase/index.php?showcase_id=53

Technology workshop # 3

17/03/09

During this weeks workshop, we worked in Microsoft Publisher to make an e-portfolio (or digital portfolios as they are also known). E-portfolios are useful for me when going for interviews and trying to think of lesson plans. Also it is a way of looking back on ones own work and assessing progress. Creating an e-portfolio could also be useful for the students, like the example Greg showed us in the lecture which tracked a young girls progress. Depending on what level I am teaching in a school I would either create the portfolio (this would be appropriate for younger grades), let the students create their own portfolio and help out where needed (this is more appropriate for older grades, possibly those outside of the primary years), or use a collaborative approach (for middle primary classes). Creating e-portfolios would indirectly help children prepare for entering the workforce, as it boost online presentation skills, it also provides an opportunity for self assessment and reflection, and offers a overview of development over time. There are different types of e-portfolios; Instructional which documents a students growth over time, these include journal and unit. There is also an assessment type which contains work which shows the level of understanding and progress over a period of time. Samples of these can be found at http://www.electronicportfolios.com/

Some other websites I thought might be useful was: http://www.pa.ash.org.au/natcom/natcom3/models/portfmod.asp
http://www.aare.edu.au/02pap/woo02363.htm

Technology Workshop #2

10-03-09

Today in the Technology we had to try and make paper frogs jump, by using cardboard, rubber band, and sticky tape. I just folded my cardboard in half and stuck the frog on the cardboard with the sticky tape and raped the rubber band around the bend, which made the frog jump higher.

We also had a look at Quia games which is where I created my own game. My game is all about food groups. I'm really proud of my game. Here is the URL http://www.quia.com/quiz/1752677.html
After we created our own games we had a chance to play the games other people made. This was very entertaining, and I can see how children would learn allot from activities such as this. Also while making the game students are forced to do research on a specific topic and as such become experts in there chosen area. While completing other peoples quizzes are fun and interactive, as such the information is much easier to consolidate. Unfortunately my trail period with Quia games has expired. However when I am working in a school I would be sure to make use of this technology.

We also had a bit of a look at safety while using the Internet.Although each school has there own policy, it is important to encourage children to behave responsibly while using the Internet. This is achieved by making students aware of the risks and also familiarising the students with school policy of what to do when they find an "unsafe" site.

There where a range of websites that I thought would be useful, these include:
Web wise kids, http://www.webwisekids.org/
Australian high tech crime centre (AHTCC), http://www.ahtcc.gov.au/
And some more websites on safety while using the Internet, http://www.education.vic.gov.au/management/elearningsupportservices/www/formstemps.htm
http://www.media-awareness.ca/english/games/privacy_playground/

Inspiration

We also used Inspiration software ( http://www.inspiration.com/) in the first workshop, Inspiration is a mapping and thinking tool. I created a mind map based on food, we could choose any topic. This could be a very useful tool for students, and also be used in a range of topics, for example getting students to start thinking about an essay topic. Inspirations is a very useful tool and I will defiantly be using it in my teaching career.

Technology Workshop #1

03.03.09
In today's technology workshop we started up a WIKI account in our Issues groups. My group has not yet edited the account, but that should be good fun, we are getting together tomorrow to do that. I also started a blogger account, for Technology. I edited the colours of the blog, because the original colours where not to my liking.

I think the blog that I started can be a really useful teaching tool, as it lets students participate, create, and develop their own ideas. Students can also use the blog to look back on and build on this prior knowledge that they had. The blog allows for active learning which lets students use their creativity. You are able to edit your blog and add pictures (for example using paint to move pictures) which lets students develop higher order thinking and problem solving skills. Using technology could motivate some students who do not feel comfortable with their writing skills for example as now they can display their work and what they have learned without feeling embarrassed. The blog helps prepare students for the workforce as it allows them to listen to instruction and perform tasks based on those instructions.

It would be useful to look at http://blogs.omnium.net.au/main/ for some examples of student's blogs.