After viewing the Youtube video Classrooms for the Future, I started to wonder if Australian school students would be offered the same opportunities as students in the US, in terms of technologcal advances in the classroom. Then I read the article: Rudd’s School Computer Promise Comes Unplugged. The article discusses how the government is wiling to offer the resources and finances to schools in order for tem to grant every child access to a laptop computer and broadband internet, however it is up to the schools to implement the scheme. Is this acceptable? Should Australian school students have to hope that their school takes up the Governments offer, while students in other countries are already enjoying the benefits of a digital classroom? I feel the government needs to make this compulsory! What are your thoughts?

I have just read an interesting article on educational gaming. The article by Meris Stansbury discusses the release of the education game Immune Attack a 3D game which “provides scientifcally accurate simulations of the immune system and encourages players to navigate a nanobot through 3D blood vessels in an attempt to save a patient.” I believe with more and more children today choosing to play video games instead of physical activity it is important for children to be playing games not only as a form of entertainment, but also as an educational tool. This is something the creators of the game have attempted to achieve, creating “challenges that are authentically interesting to children, which provide them with information they need as they face new challenges.”  In my experience as long as any activity, educational or not, is stimulating, interesting and thought-provoking children with enjoy it.

Article and image sourced from:http://www.eschoolnews.com/news/top-news/?i=53879;_hbguid=4609205f-a221-4478-8d09-80bcfe89aecc

I found Sean’s blog on Interactive whiteboards very interesting, as I myself have a limited understanding of the implementation of interactive whiteboards in the classroom. Sean was commenting on a video he had seen on Youtube. The video discussed the bnefits of the interactive whiteboards in the classroom. These benfits include improving: the pace of the lessons; student motivation; student engagement; and teacher preparation. However the comment I found to be most interesting was the idea that despite the advances being made in terms of technology used in the classroom, it is up to the teacher to create an engaging and motivating lesson for the students. This is something I agree with. If you have these technological resources available that’s terrific. If not that doesn’t mean you lessons can’t be motivating, engaging and interesting for your students.
Image sourced from:http://www.st-marys.bathnes.sch.uk/events/Events0405.htm

This Youtube video entitled Classrooms for the Future. directly relates to the article I have previously commented on by Pamela Livingston: Laptops Unleashed. Both this video and the article discuss the measures being taken in the U.S to ensure children gain an education primarily through the use of technology, including: computer, smartboards, digital cameras, printers, scanners and copiers. This made me think: what is our government doing to ensure AUstralian school children don’t fall behind the standards set by other countries???

I found this video very thought provoking. On one hand I can see the benefits of integrating various forms of new technologies into the classroom. However I believe traditional literacy and some traditional forms of teaching and learning belong in the K-6 classroom, such as reading a book or creative writing. My views were further confused after reading Jo’s blog on cyberbullying. I realised that technology has given birth to a new form of “super-bully”. Where do we draw the line between beneficially technology in the classroom and technology which is causing harm to students?

After reading Una’s metaphor for learning I decided to create my own. I chose this image to base my teaching and learning metaphor on because it represented the aspects of my own learning. At times in my own education it felt like everything was a struggle and nothing came easily. One wrong turn and you’re completing lost and confused. However, at other times when provided with a motivational and inspirational teacher who created genuine, meaningful learning experiences the learning became much more clear. While effort was still required on my behalf, it became more of a challenge than a struggle.

This metaphor highlights the importance and value of a motivational and inspirational teacher who has the ability to guide the learning through challenging, yet rewarding experiences. This is the type of teacher I hope I will one day become.

Image sourced from: http://www.photohype.com/BCN/Kabul%20Garden%20Maze%209.jpg

 
Ijust read Una’s metaphor for learning: ripples. Using this metaphor for learning Una came up with some really great ideas including the learning environment and the teacher as a catalyst for change. I really loved these ideas!

Image from:http://mirror-uk-rb1.gallery.hd.org

Jo’s blog on cyberbullying really caught my attention. The blog highlighted the need for teachers to continually develop their own understandings of the capacity of new technologies, not only to benefit student learning but also to develop strategies to protect students and avoid this very real form of bullying.

Image sourced from: http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/article/Community/Bullying_Prevention_Program

My First Vodcast Here is my very first attempt at creating a vodcast! I think you’ll agree there is definitely room for improvement, however I was amazed at what I had created.

A blog written by a friend has really got me thinking. After reading the article: A Modern Fairytale, Mel posed the question; will Australian schools become brave and bold in relation to their attitude toward embracing new technology or will they be stuck in the past?

While my experience in the classroom to date is limited, I believe we are making strong advances in the way of incorporating new technology into classroom and teaching practices. There may be several areas in need of improvement however; I feel we have come a long way since my own days in the primary classroom.