Here is my second attempt at creating a vodcast. This vodcast discusses an article by Idit Harel entitled “The Three X’s“. Sunny’s Vodcast

Here is my first podcast. In this podcast I am discussing the article “Building Software Beats Using It” by Idit Harel. sunnys-podcast

Recently while completing my own web quest I found an interesting article new technologies and their use in schools. The chapter entitiled Information and Communication Technologies (Ch 18 pg 13) by Lesley Ljungdahl and Paul March, discusses a range of technologies and their integration into the classsroom. The chapter effectively conveys the benefits of incorporating web quests into the classroom. These benefits include:
- “giving students practice in finding relevant information from the vastness of the World Wide Web;
- encourage cooperative learning; and
- develop critical thinking.”

The chapter also discusses methods for appealing to students, stating a web quest should “be real, rich and relevant” in order to provide students with an effective and productive learning experience.

I found this chapter very useful when creating my web quest and would recommend it to anyone thinking of creating their own web quest!

Image from:http://www.flickr.com/photos/ideum/389295839/

I believe that the use of technology in the classroom offers far more engaging and interesting learning experiences for students. There is now the evidence to prove it. I have just read an article by the ABC News discussing research done by The University of Tasmania. The University has found “students who spend more time on classroom computers and used a wide rane of applications performed better in numeracy and literacy tests, compared with national benchmarks.” Now there are even more reasons to incorporate technology into you lessons every day!

Recently I discussed the need for teachers to create engaging lesson for the students in order to capture their attention and imagination. Harder than it sounds? Not really! Here is an example I found on Youtube when writing a mathematics lesson plan or perimeter and area. It uses Google Earth in a very innovative way. Why not give it a go?

After reading Sean’s blog on ‘edutainment’ and an article by Marc Prensky entitled “Engage Me or Enrage Me: What Today’s Learners Demand“ found myself agreeing with Sean in terms of the questions posed by Prensky: “Why are some students disengaged and don’t listen in class?” Isn’t it obvious? Parents spend so much time and money entertaining their children today with extracurricula activities such as netball, ballet, music, karate etc. This is leaving many disinterested children in the classroom. It is up to the individual teacher to create interesting and exciting lesson which engage students.

My views on social software have been developed even further after reading Una’s comment on the artcle Indigenous Students Connect with Blogs. Both Una and the article discussed the many positive uses of blogs within the classroom. The teacher from the article educated her students on a variety of topics while in China. This just goes to show there are limitless uses for technology and we really should attempt to gain as much from it as we can.

My mind boggled after watching a video posted by Sean. The video discussed and viewed the virtual world of “Second Life”. This virtual world has been established for people for suffering from physical and learning disabilities, who may be limited in their capacity to achieve certain tasks in reality. After viewing this video I was completely overwhelmed at this amazing creation. I guess I have been naive to think that something like this was impossible. However, like Sean I am concerned that with this program the line between reality and virtual reality may become crossed. I would be interested to hear what anyone else thinks of this amazing technology!

I just read Mel’s blog and she had some really positive things to say about youtube video, so I thought I’d take a look. The video discusses how Kathy Cassidy has incorporated social software into her Year 1 class. I found the video really inspirational, Kathy described herself as someone similar to myself when it comes to technology, however she has managed to create and implement exciting lesson using technology into her classroom. The students seem genuinely enthusiastic and now use technology just like they use pencils and paper. The implementation of blogs and other social software has enabled them to create a global audience of students from around the world, who view and comment on their work.

I have just read Jo’s comment on online journals and blogs. I think she is spot on with her comment on how we as teachers must “ask questions which will inspire purposeful work.” I feel it is so easy to get caught up in the hype of having ‘techno-friendly’ classrooms that we often neglect the basics and therefore are defeating the purpose of incorporating technology into our classrooms. For technology to be benefical we must use it in such as manner that evokes thoughtful discussions and innovative problem-solving strategies from our students.
Image sourced from: http://www.sunderland.gov.uk/Public/Editable/Themes/childrens-services/images/enjoy-achieve-computer.jpg