A Series of Reflections: The Synopsis

I have looked at the following digital learning tools: Blogs, Wikis, websites, audio, images, videos, Power Point, Prezis, Glogsters (yeah that’s a thing), and a wide selection of simulations and interactives. I have discussed in depth: Blogs, videos, Prezis, and the interactive; Google Docs, as well as my thoughts on De Bono’s Thinking Hats. All of which have contributed to the end product- this. No pressure…

Throughout this learning journey I have discovered just how E-learning can transform education and support classroom engagement. Incorporating a digital pedagogy can make learning creative, fun and colourful where it was once black and white text, accompanied with sore eyes and a sore hand from copying too much from the whiteboard- the possibilities are endless. This concept, I have found, provides options to a once limited and very linear learning journey. A journey we, as teachers, can choose to augment and finally be able to cater for the multitude of diverse learners we will all inevitably encounter throughout our teaching careers.

Upon reflection of my own experiences I have benefited from all of the new experiences, in that I feel I have been able to familiarise myself with a world my students will already be immersed in. A world where Blogging and creating websites, I assume is the ‘norm’. I am happy to have been able to brush up on my Power Point skills and learn about some completely new presentation options including Prezi Presentations which are so much fun to create. I see myself using them often and encouraging my business students to use them also as you may have learnt from “A series of reflections: prezi presentations”. I feel like I now have this new habit as a result of completing this assessment item; and that is having the need to play with settings and investigate what this button does and what that toggle changes. I have learnt many new things from programs I use on a day to day basis but have never fully made use of- as it turn out word is much more convenient than I first thought. I hope through incorporating more ICTs into my classrooms that I might be able to instil the same habit and enjoyment in using such learning tools, as it might make learning a little easier and more inviting for my students.

As for the drawbacks regarding this learning experience, well there is the one I mentioned in the previous post- regarding a repetitive criteria from the weeks two until five which limited the opportunities for an involved commenting presence. But I don’t believe that would have been an issue had the tasks been more diverse (eg, the difference between task one and two). Another drawback might be the demand for a submission each week. To safely receive a four/four your submission had around 600-800 words when most assignments for other courses give four to six weeks for a 1500 word assignment, it was slightly inconvenient. However I learnt some very valuable lessons about cyber safety, and now have a wonderful arsenal of tips and inspiration regarding the creativity of my future lessons.

With a strong digital foundation derived from key concepts selected from three crucial models and frameworks which are:

• De Bono’s Thinking Hats- this concept is designed to aid in the development of perspective thinking which is beneficial in creating an informed decision. This is done through applying the six thinking hats and answering the question with that particular thinking hat’s mindset
• The SAMR model- the letters of which stand for the levels of learning evolution that digital technologies surmount to; substitution, augmentation, modification and redefinition.
• Bloom’s Taxonomy- this refers to a series of terms which indicate the level of content knowledge a student has through their ability to demonstrate certain skills.

We can then begin to exercise the unlimited potential that the digital world provides us with and greatly increase the learning opportunities we can give our students- learning opportunities with which they can use to reach their highest potential. However to safely make use of E-learning in the classroom it is important to be aware of the risks. Such risks may include; exposure to inappropriate material, physical danger, cyber-bullying, and privacy issues. I have learnt throughout this course that when investigating new learning tools one should consider its safety precautions. To combat such risks in my own teaching career I have compiled a check list of considerations for myself to consult when considering the use of a new digital learning tool, it is as follows:

• What sort of safety precautions does the program have? 
• Is there password protection? 
• Can it be used offline? 
• Are there privacy settings?
• Is the program prone to pop-ups? 
• Does the website promote inappropriate advertisements?
• Who can the content be edited by?
• If bullying occurs by other students or strangers can it be resolved via a blocking option or a history/archives feature with which to consult?

If the answers to these questions satisfy my school's policies and my own and also align with the aforementioned frameworks and models then theoretically I can incorporate almost any new ICTs into my future pedagogy. My students will hopefully as a result of my learning not be held back in this quickly growing digital world.