Synopsis

Working within a school environment over the past 4 years I have been exposed to several aspects of E-Learning and teaching styles. I have also recognised the importance of technology in today’s society which includes computers, mobile phones, satellite navigational systems and many more ICTs which we take for granted. I also realise the importance of teaching students how to utilise the technology they have at their finger tips. This includes teaching students how to handle difficult situations that might occur online under the general guidelines of Cyber Safety. Whether it is on Facebook, MSN, or chat rooms. Teaching students how to recognise the dangers that relationships with some people may present and what to do if they encounter them is crucial and therefore self protection must become an automatic part of their technology journey every day.
E-Learning is growing rapidly as more and more people (including students and educators) have a better understanding and appreciation of technology and how it has become part of the general planning for the best student outcomes. We are also learning how to adapt E-Learning into every subject that is taught across the curriculum and within any work environment. E-Learning can be made interesting with the use of interactive technology such as whiteboards, Wii, Blogs etc. thus engaging students who may otherwise lose interest in general curriculum.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2008-09 MPHS 72% of Australian household have home internet. (Taken from Australian Bureau of Statistics 25/08/10 ) While consideration must be given to locality and the socio-economic status of the students the increase in home access to the internet opens many doors for interactive and engaging home tasks. Also with the launch of the one-to-one Federal program for computer access for students, whether the schools are assigning them to individual students or increasing the numbers of computers in the school site, accessibility for students and teachers is increasing. This alone shows how we as a culture should be utilising technologies to expand horizons and possibilities. Students can access the tools required for tasks in the home via mobile phones, laptops, DSi consoles, PSP, X-Box, ipods and basic desktops with such applications as wikis, blogs, virtual classrooms and websites.
On my Learning journey through this course I have seen and used many new technologies, and some I had already been aware of. The variety is endless and the opportunities limitless. To attempt to construct a complete list would be futile as emerging technologies are entering the education field as quickly as the skills to use them effectively are being mastered. It is more the ability to understand how these various applications work as tools within the chosen curriculum in a solid pedagogy rather than just inserting ICTs for the sake of it. These technologies should only be used to engage students, and to complete tasks more effectively if the new way of delivery, discovery, or lesson planning can be improved upon. Using technology for the sake of technology is not only time consuming but would also add limited value for students. Especially as they are the digital native’s inclusion that is lacking in depth, direction or use would quickly be uncovered as thin and thus lack of engagement would again occur. For example if using a data logger for the collection of daily water temperatures then allows the student to create, manipulate and download the data in one go instead of creating hand-draw tables and tables then this is of value. However if the student uses the data logger to take the reading, then still types into the excel spreadsheet by hand then the logger becomes a very expensive thermometer!
One area that is definitely enhanced by emerging technologies is collaborative learning where students can work together, with others from all over the world and at all times of the day and night to create valuable learning events. The forums for this include Virtual Classroom through providers such as The Learning Place, Virtual Schooling Service and many other wiki, blog and collaborative learning space providers.
The specific technologies I have used and reflected on during this course include:
Microsoft Power Point
This basic program is used by students of all ages. It is simple, effective and interfaces with many interactive whiteboard programs thus expanding the opportunities for creating engaging lessons. Easy to create, add music, adjust transitions and insert subtitles I found this program to be very versatile. Other features such as the ability to add presenters notes to certain slides allows the learning manager to create a full lesson therefore reducing the need for notes to be written on the whiteboard which then improves the chances of effective behaviour management in difficult classes – the teacher only has to tap an IWB screen to bring up the next slide and can stay facing the class and therefore can use a range of essential skills without the need to wipe off boards and add notes while trying to scan the room. Students are exposed to this program in assessment pieces from the early years of education and therefore can be used at a higher level for great presentations by students in the older years. This can also assist in lessening the stress on students during the dreaded ‘orals’, or indeed beginning teachers in their early years!
Movie maker
I found Movie Maker to be a similar product to Power Point but with enhanced features and improved ease of use. I felt it created a more professional product that could be used by a wide range of people. The only issues I found were the difficulties in uploading my first movie due to the file size. The knowledge around what size is suitable for which application will come with time. I have seen the local Prep teacher produce an annual presentation of her student’s journeys through their first year of schooling that were incredible tear-jerkers!
Podcasts
As with Movie Maker I found technical issues with uploading Podcasts that I was unable to resolve. I posted the error on my blog but was unable to reach a solution. I have however had the opportunity to witness the use of podcasts in the schooling sector with impressive success. Students with social or learning needs have been able to articulate their orals without the nervous disposition. They still needed to prepare appropriately and communicate effectively with a suitable depth of information, however their actual ability to present could be assessed appropriately. We need to make adjustments for many students with EAP, and even many with basic learning and social difficulties without removing their access to the curriculum. They engaged with the technology, still had to read and present their information but were saved the stress of standing at the front of the room. Teachers have also used them to record vital informative key lessons where students who have flexible pathways are away from school for varying amounts of time. These are upload to Virtual classrooms, or common drive folders where students can access and/or download them at their leisure, but in time for the next lesson. The teachers then do not have to repeat the information, and the students all get the same message. Parents can also access this information if they wish to assist their students. I am really enthused about the potential for lesson preparation in the quiet and privacy of your own home in the future. This would leave you energetic and ready for the investigative and higher order thinking aspects of the lesson without having the drain of the original presentation of core information.
BLOGS
I have found using the blog to be simple, straightforward and efficient. However in the normal running of a household of 4 primary school children, working full time and having other subjects to also complete, in addition to the usual problems with internet providers and their sporadic service the opportunities to actually interact with the blogging process was limited. I would have preferred to be able to engage in a more regular fashion but still feel I was able to contribute to other’s posts in a positive and effective manner. I enjoyed sharing my experiences and reading similar journeys from others. The ability to communicate in cyber space, in a time suitable for me, with others on the same path was great. Reading their comments back on my posts was encouraging and added to the collaborative and supportive feeling. The application and opportunities for this type of technology in the classroom is endless – travel buddies, draft feedback by peers, collections of finding from investigations. This would only be limited by your imagination and creativity.

Overall the technologies I used, witnessed and have become aware of are all inspiring and their applications are limitless. Learning the skills to unpack these technologies (both the applications and the limitations) would be a continual journey throughout the rest of our lives, in all fields. Using them appropriately is another vital aspect. Time is always a barrier to fulfilling all I wish to achieve but the ability to remove time boundaries by using digital technologies has also reduced the stress that can come with it. Students are comfortable with the opportunities for ICTs, and teachers need to also travel with them on this journey to ensure learning experiences are engaging, effective and appropriate – and we need to enjoy them too!
Some of the Blogs I have commented on-
Torri Sutherland
Elsa Teresia van den Heever
Tanya Kleidon
Eva Dodds

I thank those who have taken the time to comment on my posts.

Reference
This is an area I struggle with as I have learnt so much from colleagues and I am currently still working as a fulltime teacher aide at a high school. I am still learning on a day to day basis through discussions with other staff and students, personal development and workshops within the school. While I am aware of and constantly apply traditional and contemporary theories I feel uncomfortable artificially referencing them to sources I have not used
http://abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/8146.0/ Taken 25/08/10

Podcast

Has anyone had any problems with creating a Podcast. I have tried to create one and have had an error message appear several times. ' We regret to inform you that mypodcast.com is no longer accepting new Podcast users at this current time. Please check back in the future, and we apologise for any inconvenience'.

Movie Maker

Movie Maker is a program very similar to power point so for me it was easy to use. I did create a larger movie containing more slides and more music but had a great deal of trouble uploading to my blog. Here is just a quick movie of photos which I had taken down at Woodgate Beach.

Power Points

I love using Power Point presentations even though it is becoming an older technology. It is simple and the tools are very easy to manage. I suppose Movie Maker and other similar programs will supercede Power Point in time. The Power Point program is widely available on most computers that have Microsoft Office - which are by far the majority. It also interfaces smoothly with many Interactive Whiteboards, Mimio which are becoming an integral part of many classrooms - especially with the extra funding that has been available recently. Using a program that is well know like Power Point with a emerging technology (for most teachers) like interactive whiteboards, mimio keeps that level of comfort that then lets you explore in relative 'safety' - therefore building confidence. Even our primary school children regularly use Power point to create holiday albums which they then send to their Grandparents!