The journey I have taken through e. learning has shown me just how little I knew about the world of ICT's. At the beginning of my professional blog, I considered myself knowledgeable when it comes to anything to do with computers. I now realise that being competent at operating computers, and the graphic and web design that I enjoy is only a small part of what is to offer.
It was difficult for me to adjust to the concept of a few of the ICT's I studied. I had no idea what VoiceThread, RSS or Podcasts were. It was interesting to learn about them, and I am sure that in my future studies and career I will use them as they are helpful.
There are many valuable ICT tools which I have covered in my blog, I believe the most valued to myself would be LMS, as it is designed to support learning and hold courses. As ICT's are taking the world by storm, many distant learners are relying upon technology to support their studies. LMS is a great platform for educational institutes to work with.
Following other learners blogs, I found it interesting to see the ideas they came up with. Kasey had interesting points on using music from the web in classrooms, and I was really interested in learning that Carissa is in highschool studying through the SUN program, just proof of another inventive learning experience that schools are implementing!
By following other learners blogs, I found it easier to keep with mine, as I felt that support was being offered and encouraged by their regular updates.
I received little comment on my blogs, however ayura, a teacher, commented on my posts concerning RSS and WebQuest, giving me the views of an educator and where they had implimented these ICT's before!
Studying e. learning has given me insight to what is on offer to educational institutes currently and what is in store for the future. It is amazing how much the internet has evolved in the space of a few years, and all the new ideas that are being implemented in to our schooling systems!
ICT's are shaping the way of our future, and giving many disadvantaged students an advantage to succeed.
Friday, August 21, 2009
WIKIS
Wikis are websites that allowed information to be linked within each other and edited to collaborate information to use as an encyclopaedia, they are often used by organisations to create intranet and knowledge management systems. Wikipedia is one of the best known Wikis (Wikipedia 2009).
Sites such as Wetpaint (2009) are free Wiki based sites which serve as a social forum that combine blog features and Wiki features.
Wikis are designed so that all users within the wiki page have access to update information, edit information, or add more pages, such as Wikipedia allowing all users to be able to edit the pages of the encyclopaedia (and why it is not considered to be an academic resource).
Wikis would be of great use to schools, where students would be working on group projects. They would all be joined to the one forum, and be able to update and add information, while commenting on the forums and providing feedback to one another.
References
Wetpaint 2009, 'What is Wetpaint?', viewed 21 August 2009, http://www.wetpaint.com/page/What-Is-Wetpaint
Wikipaedia 2009, 'Wiki', viewed 21 August 2009, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki
Sites such as Wetpaint (2009) are free Wiki based sites which serve as a social forum that combine blog features and Wiki features.
Wikis are designed so that all users within the wiki page have access to update information, edit information, or add more pages, such as Wikipedia allowing all users to be able to edit the pages of the encyclopaedia (and why it is not considered to be an academic resource).
Wikis would be of great use to schools, where students would be working on group projects. They would all be joined to the one forum, and be able to update and add information, while commenting on the forums and providing feedback to one another.
References
Wetpaint 2009, 'What is Wetpaint?', viewed 21 August 2009, http://www.wetpaint.com/page/What-Is-Wetpaint
Wikipaedia 2009, 'Wiki', viewed 21 August 2009, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki
MUSIC ON THE WEB
Using music from the web can be a tricky business. Users must ensure that they are using music that has not been copyrighted. Copyright music restricts the act of reproducing, or playing without a license or permission.
Sites such as Incompetech (2009) offer original music, that they have uploaded for general use by the public. The music is safe to be put on websites or used in classes as educational tools, as it has no copyright restrictions, being kept under the Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0 license.
Music is a great stimulation for learners, often getting them into the mood for learning, helping them think and become active. Teachers could use music within the classroom to help students become relaxed, or get into the "mood" of a subject.
Background music is often very engaging during speeches or power point presentations as well, helping students stay focused.
Teachers need to be careful in what music they pick, as some may offend students, or disengage them completely.
References:
Incompetech 2009, 'Royalty-Free Music Licenses', viewed 21 August 2009, http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/licenses/
Sites such as Incompetech (2009) offer original music, that they have uploaded for general use by the public. The music is safe to be put on websites or used in classes as educational tools, as it has no copyright restrictions, being kept under the Creative Commons: Attribution 3.0 license.
Music is a great stimulation for learners, often getting them into the mood for learning, helping them think and become active. Teachers could use music within the classroom to help students become relaxed, or get into the "mood" of a subject.
Background music is often very engaging during speeches or power point presentations as well, helping students stay focused.
Teachers need to be careful in what music they pick, as some may offend students, or disengage them completely.
References:
Incompetech 2009, 'Royalty-Free Music Licenses', viewed 21 August 2009, http://incompetech.com/m/c/royalty-free/licenses/
VOICETHREAD
When I first heard the term 'VoiceThread', I thought it related to a web community board that used voice comments instead of text. I have since learnt that VoiceThread has the implication that messages can be sent over the site in various ways such as voice, video and picture to get a view and topic across.
VoiceThread (2009) describes it as
A VoiceThread is a collaborative, multimedia slide show that holds images, documents, and videos and allows people to navigate pages and leave comments in 5 ways - using voice (with a mic or telephone), text, audio file, or video (via a webcam). Share a VoiceThread with friends, students, and colleagues for them to record comments too.
VoiceThread offers section specifically available to educational institutes, with focuses on K-12 and higher education. They offer a safe environment in which students can interact with each other, and only those invited into the group would be able to view and make comments on the threads (VoiceThread 2009). This would be of great benefits to educational institutes in providing interactive, web and ICT based assessment pieces for students to focus on.
References:
VoiceThread 2009, 'VoiceThread', viewed 21 August 2009, http://voicethread.com/about/
VoiceThread (2009) describes it as
A VoiceThread is a collaborative, multimedia slide show that holds images, documents, and videos and allows people to navigate pages and leave comments in 5 ways - using voice (with a mic or telephone), text, audio file, or video (via a webcam). Share a VoiceThread with friends, students, and colleagues for them to record comments too.
VoiceThread offers section specifically available to educational institutes, with focuses on K-12 and higher education. They offer a safe environment in which students can interact with each other, and only those invited into the group would be able to view and make comments on the threads (VoiceThread 2009). This would be of great benefits to educational institutes in providing interactive, web and ICT based assessment pieces for students to focus on.
References:
VoiceThread 2009, 'VoiceThread', viewed 21 August 2009, http://voicethread.com/about/
Thursday, August 20, 2009
LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (LMS)
In today’s modern age, technology is taking hold within the learning environment of schooling institutes. Computers are relied upon for a vast variety of educational tools used in classrooms. Learning management systems (LMS) are software designed for delivering, tracking and managing education. They range from tracking learning records, to delivering courses over the internet.
Andrius (2003) describes LMS as “Very simply put it is a software application or Web-based technology that supports the management of learning. Typically, a LMS provides practitioners with a way to upload, create and deliver content, monitor student participation, and assess student performance.” He goes on to explain the benefits of LMS in distance education,
LMSs also have the capacity to provide support for distance learning. It is generally recognised that courses can often start anytime and study habits can vary from student to student, depending on their available time, commitment, etc. A LMS can simply provide a distribution mechanism for the course material and provide online access to tutor help when and if required.
Universities throughout Australia are currently using LMS for many courses, examples of these are Blackboard, Moodle and Webfuse.
The above mentioned LMS are used by CQUniversity, CQUniversity (2009) are currently piloting the new online LMS Moodle with 35 courses in term 2 2009 (read the entire article by clicking here). The purpose of piloting Moodle is to eventually run all courses through Moodle, eliminating Blackboard and Webfuse.
LMS are of great advantage to universities, as students are available at different times to study, so it provides a level environment for all to access at their own pace. Students are able to upload assessments, communicate with lecturers, tutors and other students, and access resources.
References:
Andrius, J (2003), 'Learning Management Systems: A Teacher's Perspective', Australian Flexible Learning Community, viewed 20 August 2009, http://community.flexiblelearning.net.au/TeachingTrainingLearners/content/article_4840.htm
CQUniversity (2009), 'Moodle for Students', viewed 20 August 2009, http://content.cqu.edu.au/FCWViewer/view.do?page=9835
Andrius (2003) describes LMS as “Very simply put it is a software application or Web-based technology that supports the management of learning. Typically, a LMS provides practitioners with a way to upload, create and deliver content, monitor student participation, and assess student performance.” He goes on to explain the benefits of LMS in distance education,
LMSs also have the capacity to provide support for distance learning. It is generally recognised that courses can often start anytime and study habits can vary from student to student, depending on their available time, commitment, etc. A LMS can simply provide a distribution mechanism for the course material and provide online access to tutor help when and if required.
Universities throughout Australia are currently using LMS for many courses, examples of these are Blackboard, Moodle and Webfuse.
The above mentioned LMS are used by CQUniversity, CQUniversity (2009) are currently piloting the new online LMS Moodle with 35 courses in term 2 2009 (read the entire article by clicking here). The purpose of piloting Moodle is to eventually run all courses through Moodle, eliminating Blackboard and Webfuse.
LMS are of great advantage to universities, as students are available at different times to study, so it provides a level environment for all to access at their own pace. Students are able to upload assessments, communicate with lecturers, tutors and other students, and access resources.
References:
Andrius, J (2003), 'Learning Management Systems: A Teacher's Perspective', Australian Flexible Learning Community, viewed 20 August 2009, http://community.flexiblelearning.net.au/TeachingTrainingLearners/content/article_4840.htm
CQUniversity (2009), 'Moodle for Students', viewed 20 August 2009, http://content.cqu.edu.au/FCWViewer/view.do?page=9835
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD
Interactive whiteboard works on the basis that it is the same as a normal whiteboard, you can write anything you want on it. Interactive whiteboard differs in that it is linked to a computer, so any item on the computer can be opened on the white board and then be edited.
Department of Education and Training Western Australia (2009) supports interactive whiteboards as an educational tool within schools
As schools move progressively into a digital learning environment, interactive whiteboards are being widely adopted in primary and secondary classrooms.
Connected physically to a computer and a projector by a USB cable, or wirelessly using technology such as Bluetooth, the whiteboard display typically emulates the computer mouse and keyboard and is operated by using a special pen, or finger touch, depending on the model. Either front or rear projection models can be used and software is available to support all learning areas.'
Watch this short video found on YouTube (2009) which shows a Social Studies teacher demonstrating to his class how interactive whiteboards work:
YouTube - Interactive Whiteboard Demonstration
References:
Department of Education and Training Western Australia 2009, 'Interactive Whiteboards', View19 August 2009, http://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/eval/curriculum/ict/iwb/index.htm
YouTube 2009, 'Interactive Whiteboard Demonstration', Viewed 19 August 2009, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjdNPMZJbLs
Department of Education and Training Western Australia (2009) supports interactive whiteboards as an educational tool within schools
As schools move progressively into a digital learning environment, interactive whiteboards are being widely adopted in primary and secondary classrooms.
Connected physically to a computer and a projector by a USB cable, or wirelessly using technology such as Bluetooth, the whiteboard display typically emulates the computer mouse and keyboard and is operated by using a special pen, or finger touch, depending on the model. Either front or rear projection models can be used and software is available to support all learning areas.'
Watch this short video found on YouTube (2009) which shows a Social Studies teacher demonstrating to his class how interactive whiteboards work:
YouTube - Interactive Whiteboard Demonstration
References:
Department of Education and Training Western Australia 2009, 'Interactive Whiteboards', View19 August 2009, http://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/eval/curriculum/ict/iwb/index.htm
YouTube 2009, 'Interactive Whiteboard Demonstration', Viewed 19 August 2009, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjdNPMZJbLs
STATIC WEBSITES
Static websites are a basic web site which are easy and affordable to make. They hold the same information presented to all users to download.
The most basic form of websites, static websites hold content that rarely needs to be updated or added on to (Show The world 2009).
This would be a great tool for schools to use as basic web projects. Students could be assigned a topic which they must create a page for. For a basic assignment for middle school students, they could be asked to research an animal and create a page. The welcoming page could be a brief description of the animal, then have linked content pages for information on habitat, life style, life span and species in the family. This would be a good example of a static page as it is set information which would not need to be updated, and would present itself the same to anyone who viewed it.
Business Systems Online (2009) offers static website development and state that
A dynamic website is useful when you are looking for a site that can perform a number of functions. These sites create more of an interactive experience. A dynamic site is powered by a website management system, bringing all the content together and allowing you to change the content as you need. A dynamic website also allows you to change one aspect of your site, for example, the design without having to re-enter all the other data.
A static website on the other hand just sits there passively. The functionality of this type of site is not as diverse as a dynamic site and any changes that you need made needs to be done by us. A static website works mainly as an online brochure, making you visible on the internet. This can be a starting option for businesses that aren’t at a stage where a dynamic site is affordable for them. In the past we have done a number of these sites for ‘contact us’ pages, which was all that was necessary for it to serve its purpose.
Comparing static websites to dynamic websites shows that static websites are designed for viewing and hold very little interactive qualities. They are great as information websites. Static websites are valuable tools as educational resources, as they can introduce students to the basics of web design.
References:
Business Systems Online 2009, 'Dynamic & Static websites', viewed 19 August 2009, http://www.bso.net.au/dynamic_&_static_websites
Show the World 2009, 'Static or Information websites', viewed 19 August 2009, http://www.showtheworld.com.au/website-design/information-websites.stw
The most basic form of websites, static websites hold content that rarely needs to be updated or added on to (Show The world 2009).
This would be a great tool for schools to use as basic web projects. Students could be assigned a topic which they must create a page for. For a basic assignment for middle school students, they could be asked to research an animal and create a page. The welcoming page could be a brief description of the animal, then have linked content pages for information on habitat, life style, life span and species in the family. This would be a good example of a static page as it is set information which would not need to be updated, and would present itself the same to anyone who viewed it.
Business Systems Online (2009) offers static website development and state that
A dynamic website is useful when you are looking for a site that can perform a number of functions. These sites create more of an interactive experience. A dynamic site is powered by a website management system, bringing all the content together and allowing you to change the content as you need. A dynamic website also allows you to change one aspect of your site, for example, the design without having to re-enter all the other data.
A static website on the other hand just sits there passively. The functionality of this type of site is not as diverse as a dynamic site and any changes that you need made needs to be done by us. A static website works mainly as an online brochure, making you visible on the internet. This can be a starting option for businesses that aren’t at a stage where a dynamic site is affordable for them. In the past we have done a number of these sites for ‘contact us’ pages, which was all that was necessary for it to serve its purpose.
Comparing static websites to dynamic websites shows that static websites are designed for viewing and hold very little interactive qualities. They are great as information websites. Static websites are valuable tools as educational resources, as they can introduce students to the basics of web design.
References:
Business Systems Online 2009, 'Dynamic & Static websites', viewed 19 August 2009, http://www.bso.net.au/dynamic_&_static_websites
Show the World 2009, 'Static or Information websites', viewed 19 August 2009, http://www.showtheworld.com.au/website-design/information-websites.stw
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