RSS

I recently commented on Ways of Learning. The post I commented on was entitled What does being educated really mean? Although not about Technology, this blog forms a core part of my PLN and I really wanted to say how much I had enjoyed the post... It was thought provoking and inspirational.

I used to use Google Reader on a daily basis, however, I had started to rely more on Social BookMarking... Thanks to this course I have jumped staright back onto Google Reader as a great way to keep track of my info - I am checking in daily.

I have really enjoyed the Free Technology For Teachers Feed. The authors posts are always well written and just the kind of practical information that busy teachers need.

In my own setting, I will be introducing Google Reader to colleagues of a way of bringing upto date information to them.

Blogs VS Websites

So what exactly is the big difference between the two? Some might say nothing... after all isn't a blog kind off a website?.
Well, historically, there have been some major differences. In terms of interaction, your webpage is static and just shows you the information, whereas your blog allows you to get dynamic with the content and others who are shaping which way the conversations flow. When looking at the message, a website usually sticks with the same theme and keeps reiterating what it wants the reader to see. Blogs, on the other hand, are far more versatile than they used to be. You can embed video or audio or photo galleries in your posts, use the blog as a base for a podcast, integrate widgets or interactive tools, and have separate static pages for things like your bio. I love blogs!

Personal Growth Statement

The growth in Technology in recent years has been massive. Everywhere you look, people are using digital devices in almost every aspect of their lives. The smartphone allows users to make our computing experiences mobile… we have become permanently connected in the digital age.

As educators, I firmly believe that we have to teach our students to use these new tools effectively, so that they can make the right choices. From an early age, we should give opportunities to the children in our schools to be aware of the technology which surrounds them,  encourage them make responsible choices in how it is used and allow them to enhance their learning experiences with this knowledge.

Through this course I would like  to enhance and further develop my own understanding of how technology can be used to improve Teaching and Learning and understanding in my organisation. I also firmly believe that these technologies are tools which are used by students and educators to add value and enhance their learning experience. I would like to further develop my understanding, knowledge and mastery of these tools so as to assist members of my learning community in how they can use them effectively in order to complete tasks.

One of the main outcomes I would like to achieve from the course is a range of Web 2.0 technologies and look at how they can be applied to my educational setting. Currently I am responsible for ICT/Technology across 7 year groups. It is my opinion that the use of web 2.0 tools in these year groups is limited. I would like the students, staff and parents of these year groups to start using and become more familiar with a range of these tools. I would like not only for them to be used as tools to enhance learning but also as a way of developing the digital footprints of those involved.

I am currently hoping to do this by introducing 1 web 2.0 tool to each year group. I will provide a guide to the tool and provide training for the teachers. I will also introduce the tools to the students. From here, I would like to see teachers integrating the new technology into their lessons. When the teachers, and students are comfortable with this new tech, I would like them (together to introduce this technology to parents. It is hoped that by doing this, three vital members of the community will be introduced to a new tools. Our school has 6 terms, therefore, i would eventually like to see year groups rotating on a half termly basis. This would see all involved effectively using 6 web 2.0 tools over the year.

I am aware that this is a tall order for a school which already has limited use of such tools. Therefore, using material and research from this course, I would like to find three classes at different stages who would trial a web 2.0 tool as outlined above for a half a term. This would give me vital evidence that the plan can be implemented and some sound indicators as to how to turn it into a whole school initiative.