Sonnet

What is The Value of Technology in Teaching and Learning?

For this particular post, I wanted to try and ascertain how much added value is to be had, when utilising technology in relation to the teaching and learning experience.  I decided to simply access the home computer and the Internet and typed the above question into the Google search engine.   Google came back with no less than 54,700 results.  I looked at the information contained within the top three results, which were:-

1. Leicester University

2. Village Science

3. The Value of Teaching and Learning Technology

After exploring these 3 sites a little further, I very quickly gathered information on:-

·         the range of courses available at Leicester University and facilities it had to offer,  

·         how a charity was helping to develop villages around the world and

·         the cost of ICT measured against results achieved in education

This very simple search had resulted in instant access to a wide range of information and resources, all from the comfort of home.

The ‘value’ of the use of the technology was very apparent. I had not been ’confined to the classroom’, Reece& Walker (2006)p187 in order to undertake my independent learning task. The flexibility of technology allows access to information and resources at any time of the day or night and from virtually any location. This accessibility to learning is vitally important, particularly for adult learners, as it allows them to undertake their learning, whilst at the same time meeting both work and personal commitments. 

References

Reece, I and Walker, S (2007) Training and Learning: a practical guide, 6^th edition

Sunderland: Business Education Publishers

How technology has changed the way we learn

Many definitions of learning utilise the word ‘change’.  McLagen, 1978, Fincher, 1998 and Gagne, 1972 all adopt the word ‘change’ when defining learning.  Whether we use simple-learning or complex –learning theories to bring about a change in understanding or behaviours, ICT is a key element.

During our ICT lessons, we have reviewed and investigated a wide range of technologies and software and debated the positives and negatives of utilising these for our learning and teaching.  Many of these technologies bring subjects to life interactively, encouraging the learner to explore and investigate the subject further.

As a child and young man, I did not have the opportunity to utilise technology as a learning tool. As an adult, technology has played a significant role in my learning and resulted in educational achievement.

The ICT module has challenged my assumptions, some of which were negative, about the way we utilise this tool in our learning.  Hillier, 2011 describes the importance of thinking reflectively. The establishment and maintenance of a teaching blog works very well as a reflective tool, assisting with learning and development.

References

Hillier, Y (2011) Reflective Teaching in Further and Adult Education,3^rd editionLondon: Continuum International Publishing Group Ltd.

Class notes and Hand outs Prepare to Teach Module 2013

The Dive, I hope you enjoy!

Barriers to the effective use of technology in education

Whilst driving to a teaching session I reflected on the above question.  I had my lesson prepared and I felt confident. I had been to the training venue previously.  On arrival, it soon became apparent what the ‘barriers’ to the effective use of technology would be in relation to this particular teaching session.   An electrical fault had affected the building and had resulted in a complete loss of power. I was unable to use the laptop or projector and, with no access to the internet for the assessment section, it was necessary to completely re think the approach to the teaching session.

As a consequence, I had many negative thoughts about my reliance on technology, to help present a teaching session.  Both  Ager, R (2000) and Edwards, A(2012) considered the early concerns around  ICT in teaching and learning and asserted that early  ‘‘technologies were not universally welcomed’’ (Edwards, A 2012 page 54) with Ager, R (2000) going further  ‘‘there was a view that eventually computers would replace teachers’’ (Ager, R  200 page 3).   There was no possibility during the session in question, of the teacher being replaced and my ‘enthusiasm ‘  for new technologies ended rather abruptly.

However, I undertook the teaching session and set the learners the task of completing the online question and answer assessment at home.  I instructed them to forward to me electronically the end-of-session certificate once they had completed the task, and within a couple of days all the learners had done.  Thus all the aims and objectives of the teaching session were achieved.

In summary, despite having been confronted with some very practical barriers to the use of technology, these had been overcome.

References

Ager, R (2000) The Art of Information and communications Technology for Teachers

London: David Fulton Publishers

Edwards, A (2012) New Technology and Education

London: Continuum International Publishing

Power Point Embedded

I found the lesson on the use of Power Point useful and informative.  It was beneficial to see how the software could be used to enhance a teaching session. Previously, during my teaching sessions I have used PowerPoint as a simplistic slide show presentation. However following today’s teaching session I can appreciate the full potential of the software when teaching.   

I have embedded my PowerPoint from the teaching in my blog.  After a little research, completing this task was not too difficult.

Please follow the link below

http://www.slideshare.net/Murph280/welcome-to-my-world-powerpoint-28574429

Interactive white boards

During our last ICT session we compared the two main designs of Interactive Whiteboard:-

Smartboard   

And Promethean

 

I have not used either make of interactive whiteboard, mentioned above, for teaching purposes.  This is due mainly to the fact that I travel to training venues, most of which do not have interactive white boards.  The charity office I work from does not have the space to mount an interactive board and the cost is prohibitive. However, having had an opportunity, during the teaching session, to use both types of board, I can understand the benefits to be gained, by both teacher and learner, when utilising this technology.  The two designs of white board looked at during the session vary only slightly in the way in which teacher and learner interact with them. 

With enough practice, both boards can be mastered easily and will enhance the teaching/learning experience.  During the second session, with the Promethean, I attempted to use an interactive tablet in conjunction with the board.  Unfortunately, I was unable to get the tablet to interact correctly. This highlights a negative aspect to the use of this type of technology in how much preparation time has to be committed to ensure a smooth lesson.

The use of these interactive whiteboards is a valuable aid to learning.

With the micro teaching sessions starting next week I thought I would model my presentation on the above video starring the Guard at the Tower Of London.  I would take a guess I might fail in several key areas of the marking, however I am sure the session would bring a smile to all those present.  If you haven't seen this clip, it will bring a smile to your day.

My  Experience of Mobile Technology

When I initially asked myself the question ‘how  much do I know of,  or use mobile technology? ‘, my initial thought was, very little.  However during the lesson with Mandy it soon became apparent that I was, in fact, utilising a number of mobile technologies for work and teaching purposes, as well as in my personal life.

For example, I use my mobile phone, a Blackberry Bold 9900 smart phone, in a variety of ways. The smart phone is able to send and receive emails relating to both my work and personal accounts.  I can also access Facebook and I use this for both work and social purposes.   In addition, the Blackberry messaging service, BBM, allows me to  keep in touch with family and work colleagues on the Blackberry network.

I am able to access the internet and open and download documents directly to the phone.  Word, Excel and PowerPoint can all be viewed on the phone’s touch screen.

I utilise the diary and notes application on the phone and I am able to store contact details.  My Blackberry is an important tool and I use it in all aspects of my day-to-day life.

When teaching, I utilise a number of mobile technologies. Many of the training venues I teach at do not have either, a laptop or projector.  To support my teaching I use an ACER laptop and ACER K330 projector.   The projector is compact and easily portable and provides excellent viewing of slides or video, greatly enhancing the learning experience.

 One section of the Autism Awareness training that I run, requires learners to complete an online programme and for this particular task we utilise Ipads.   These have proved extremely successful and  are very popular with the learners.  It is an area of the learning we plan to expand upon.

In summary, my use of mobile technology is far greater than initially thought and as my knowledge of available mobile technology increases, I am certain I will start to utilise even more.

TED Talk

TED talk

 Joe Sabia: The Technology of storytelling 

Deciding which TED talk to reflect on, with so  many to choose from was quite difficult. During my search I found myself being somewhat distracted from my learning task and exploring the videos.  I was drawn to talks in subject areas in which I am interested. One in particular, presented by Professor Brian Cox
What really goes on at the large Hadron collider  really caught my attention and I was completely engrossed.

Once the video had finished I realised how focused I had been, and how much I had learned.  Having spent some considerable time exploring various TED talks, I eventually chose the TED talk by JoeSabia: The technology of storytelling.  

Joe Sabia describes himself as “ an independent conceptor, director, copyright-reform advocate, and speaker on creativity/building internet video audiences" (Sabia, 2013)  He has certainly added me to his fan base.

As the Ted talk task made up part of the ICT module, I decided I would try to find a talk that incorporated the use of ICT.  ICT is central to the talk and a good example for the ICT module.  The use of  tablet technology in this Ted talk, to enhance the storytelling, is excellent.  The story is laced together with both the spoken and written word, made amusing with sound and vision clips and underpinned by the correct use of the technology. 

Although the story itself is simplistic, the utilisation of ICT enhances, not only the narrative but more importantly the learning.  Armitage describes how ‘’teaching and learning resources should be used to promote and enhance student learning‘’ (Armitage, 2007 third edition page 109)  and this presentation is a prime example of how this can be achieved.

The Ted talks as an educational resource certainly enhanced my learning experience and encouraged me to explore further the subjects being discussed.  This is a resource I feel sure I will utilise again in the future.

I hope you enjoy the clip

Reference

Armitage, A et al (2007) Teaching and Training in Post Compulsory Education, 3rd edition
Milton Keynes: O U Press

Review a blog that you feel may be useful in your teaching

 

 

The Autismtank blog provides useful insight into teaching children and young people with Autism. Hailey Deloya (author of the blog) utilises her professional knowledge and experience gained through her teaching,  to share what has worked well or not so well, during her lessons.

The blog is kept up-to-date, and this helps when looking for advice on dealing with particular events/holidays during the year, which can often cause those with Autism extra anxiety.

For example there is a post discussing how best to plan a school Halloween party, it outlines a lesson plan and how best to work with Autistic individuals to achieve the aims and objectives of the lesson. 

The style and structure of the blog is very simple, with the emphasis concentrated on the blog content. Even though I teach in the adult sector, I come into contact with many families who have school age children and I am often asked my opinion on what is, in my experience, the best form of education for them ie. mainstream, resource base, home schooling  etc.  However, as the Autistic Spectrum is so wide and encompasses so many, these are not simple questions to answer and advice will vary according to a child’s specific needs and personality.  Hence blogs like  Autism Tank, which are written by a teacher with wide autism experience in a simple, straight forward and user friendly manner are invaluable resources.   



Microsoft Applications

My home and work computers have windows operating systems, ranging from xp through to windows 8. Having gained experience with windows 7 I have found adjusting to the windows  8 operating system troublesome. Windows 8  with integrated touch screen technology ( if your computer has this facility) does have  its advantages, however the new layout of the desk top I feel is difficult to navigate.  In time I  hope to build experience  of the windows 8 operating system and in time develop skills to utilise windows 8 fully. I have used Microsoft word and powerpoint to prepare presentations.  I have limited knowledge and practical use of excel. I will usually choose Internet explorer for my INTERNET search engine. 

For my Inspirational blog I have chosen, Life with an Autistic Son by B’s Dad

There are a number of reasons for choosing this particular blog. I work with those affected by Autism and teach in this subject area.  My youngest son has Autism which means the blog is of both personal and professional interest.
The blog was recommended to me by a friend who worked for the National Autistic Society (NAS) 
The blog is simple to use and easy to navigate. It provides archives dating back to 2011 with posts ranging from handling emotions to parenting those with Autism.
The blog is up-to-date and provides constantly evolving sources of information full of practical and professional help and advice.  It also contains product reviews on a whole host of useful and practical autism related items, for example, Chewigem,  a product aimed at helping children and adults who need to chew things.   
Life with an Autistic Son has recently been launched as an ebook, which contains posts featured from the blog.  The blog goes from strength to strength with an ever increasing number of bloggers making valuable and thought provoking contributions.
In an article in the Telegraph of 15th October2012, B’s Dad describes how a fellow teacher reacts on discovering B’s Dad is father to a son with Autism.   The teacher in question states that she does not class Autism as a disability.  B’s Dad comments ‘ coming from a member of staff, such lack of acceptance of autism as a disability is troubling ’ (B’s Dad, Telegraph 2012). Unfortunately, from personal  experience, and years of dealing with main stream teaching staff , such a lack of understanding about Autism and just how debilitating it can be for students, comes as no surprise.   
I hope you have found the blog of some interest and are encouraged to learn more about Autism.
Paul

I have signed up to bubbl.us and created the diagram below

A couple of hours of exploring!

A very interesting couple of hours trying to work out how to set up and add everyone to my Blog.  Slowly, and with a little frustration at times, I have managed to find my way round Blogger.  Plenty still to learn over the coming weeks.
A quick picture quiz (to see if I can add a picture into the text ), where in the world is this picture taken?

 

A clue , it is the Lady Liz .  If you get it I will buy you a coffee on Monday.

What an interesting session. I have used the google search engine to set up the blog. The search engine had to be changed to FireFox, I have never used this search engine before. Initially this proved troublesome, in the end the navigation and use of the search engine proved to be straight forward. Within the design of the Blog, utilizing pictures and video clips will help make the blog interactive utilizing Flcikr and you tube. This maybe a challenge at first, however I am confident it will develop my IT skills and make the Blog interactive and enhance the learning. Placing highlighted links into the blog content will help readers discover additional information.

The journey begins 2!

Welcome to my first ever blog. It is going to be a very interesting journey into the unknown,  I will try to discover how best  to develop the blog, and create a Blog  people will like to read. Trying to navigate around the blog is difficult, however in time I am sure I will grow in confidence and build on these very modest beginnings. One small step for Murph, the journey has begun!