wordles

http://www.wordle.net/

I love this tool. Very simple to use, easy instructions, beautiful designs, lots of fun. I would use this tool from Prep upwards, create a class name wordle, Birthday months etc. Students could work in small groups, paired, individually to create a design their own wordle. Printing off could be done immediately so that the students could see their work and also take home to show their parents.


I would use this tool to help design some classroom word and number games. Similar to Pictureka, I would design a Wordareka or Numbereka with card and small wordle boards. These boards could be laminated and more designed throughout the year as learning experiences have been achieved.

Multiple Intelligences

 This is me and I totally agree with the results. I think this site enables you to see exactly what type of person you are, without you being able to control the results.

It was interesting to read about the professions I would be suitable for and the famous people I share my results with. Teaching and counselling were the top of the list, so that is a good sign I hope for my future.

You can also try these tests out with your partner to see if you are compatible or not...

Prezi

I have researched Prezi at http://prezi.com/learn/. I do think that this tool would be great for upper primary and secondary school students. Lots of details can be displayed and focused upon through the moving canvas.
For example a class concept web that has been created  can then be viewed in smaller sections, discussed and research in more detail.
I did find that it made me a little sea sick as I moved around the canvas. Students would I feel enjoy the visual and moving aspects of this learning tool.
I am not too sure that I would use this tool, but it is one that maybe with a little practise would provide a great hook for students to begin a new unit of work.

Blogging about Blogging

I have been up since 5.30am today working on this assignment and two others.
Where does all the time go. I have been researching digital tools, updating my Blog, working on unpublished articles and still have not had time to read anyone else's Blog. I do apologise and will comment before the day has ended.
I am really enjoying this subject now, as before I felt a little intimidated about my computer skills. They are building slowly but surely and hopefully before Alzheimer's sets in, I will remember what I have learned and use these skills with students in the classroom.
Good luck all followers.

WHICH LEARNING FRAMEWORK?

I have read all the readings etc for selecting a framework to analyze the digital tools within my Blog.
I am a little worried as I quite like the The Big Six, Dimensions of Learning and also the Learning Engagement Theory.
What to choose???
I can see that all of these learning frameworks are similar in many aspects, but I realise that using the familiar DOL would be simpler for me but would it then be challenging?
AFTER MUCH RESEARCH I HAVE SELECTED THE BIG6, AS I FEEL THAT THIS IS A TOOL THAT ALONG WITH MANY ASPECTS OF DOL / PRODUCTIVE PEDAGOGIES ETC WOULD BE A BENEFICIAL TOOL TO HAVE A CLEAR UNDERSTANDING OF, FOR FUTURE USE WITHIN THE CLASSROOM.  http://www.big6.com/

 As I am a Kinesthetic learner, the opportunity to use the BIG6 to analyse the digital tools, would assist me in becoming more proficient in the positive and negative aspects of this framework. Gathering this information would for me be an effective step in developing my own classroom pedagogies.

The process steps

WIKI"s

http://technoclue.wetpaint.com/

Just started this Wiki site. Not too sure about it yet. Will update and comment in the next few days.
I have added to my Wiki site.
Wiki for me is not a tool I would use within lower primary school. I feel that when you introduce students to new sites you should have explored it fully.
Comparing Wiki to a Blog in my opinion, Wiki is inferior due to the alterations that anyone can make on the site. I think for lower primary Blogs would be a lot simpler to comprehend and safer to use.

Ipod Technology in the classroom

My daughter is involved in a Year 2 trial of Ipod touch technology in her classroom.
Here is her own Voki to tell you why it is so good. (coming soon, she is playing with her friends - Lata)

At the beginning of the trial I was a bit sceptical about the educational value (if any), that would assist my daughter with her learning.
Well I was very much mistaken.
Speaking with my daughters school principal, I discovered why he had introduced this new technology to the school. He informed me that he attended an educational workshop in Victoria. After listening to Jenny and many others talk about the many benefits of Ipod touch technology, he felt that it would be unprofessional of him not to have similar opportunities for the students here in Gladstone. He also feels that the use of Ipods are very cost effective, less bulky for students to manipulate and really cannot believe how nimbly the students manipulate the text and numbers on the screen.
My daughters teacher uses the 6 Ipods in her class across all KLA's. These are used best during rotational activities where one on one time and peer assistance can be given to all students.

I can't wait to try some of these Apps on my Ipod touch and start getting ready for the classroom learning of the future.

MUST VIEW THIS SITE - LOTS OF INFORMATION
http://web.me.com/jenashby/iPodTouch_Project/iPodTouch_Project.html


Follow this link to find many free Ipodtouch free educational applications.
http://www.appstoreapps.com/top-50-free-education-apps/

Access - Gain Information

I am a Googler. This is my first port of call if I have to reseach any topic. When asked a question by my son that I do not know the answer to, my reply to him will be " go on the computer and Google it". Google is now part of everyday Australian vocabulary.

I find this tool to be fast, efficient and effective.


What then does Google offer us as users of this search engine :-

Up to 8 billion Web pages.

Approximately 2 billion images
Over 1 million UseNet postings

Maps generated by Google Maps

Selected articles from online news sources
Selected telephone directories
Book content available via Google Book Search
Selected academic content available via Google Scholar and many many more.
Ensuring the content of websites before showing to students is a must for all teachers. Before  being permitted to search Google, students must understand how and what to search. Students must also understand the importance of gathering research material from primary resources and official websites. All of these steps ensure the safety of children's innocence, and the safety of the equipment. Adequate firewalls and virus detectors must be in place before entering any search engine.
As with all good teaching lessons, scaffolding must take place in the classroom, so that each step in discovering more information about the world in which we live will be  safe and virus free

On fire this week

It is all coming together for me, no longer a fish out of water but a person who can assist others.

I helped other students with their understanding of how to upload Voki's, discussed with Kyle and Ali the learning frameworks that could be used for assignment 2. 

Many were surprised that my knowledge and confidence had grown since last weeks tute. I explained that I was a kinesthetic learner and only through quiet time at home and practise, was I able to gain deeper understanding of all the new tools.

I am really suprising myself with my own enthusiasim.

Concept Mapping

http://www.text2mindmap.com/ and http://bubbl.us/

Bubbl.us and Text 2 Mind Map

How easy to use.

Modelling would be the best way to teach students through a MINE / OURS / YOURS teaching tool.

Bubbl.us / Text 2 Mind Map allow students time to design their own individual mind map. Proof reading skills to become more developed through checking their spelling. (mistakes can be altered easily).

These concept maps promote individuality of thought, ideas, research and design.

These tools could be used as a team building tool. The main idea in the middle and then each student within the class could then add their own in turn, before the whole class reviews, reflects and discusses the finished concept map on the class Whiteboard.

This tool encourages positive communication through class discussion, respect for others ideas, imagination, self belief (in own ideas) and a great tool for expanding knowledge.

Both tools can be used from Prep onwards from a basics "naming map" to a higher level thinking "scientific" concept map.

To Blog or not to Blog?

What exactly does it mean to Blog?
It is really just like a journal that may or may not be on one topic and may or may not be about the same subject. It is viewed by others from the latest entry to the first sort of a backwards book- finding out the ending before you really know how it began.

More information can be found on this link ...
http://www.problogger.net/archives/2005/02/05/what-is-a-blog/

Some students today spoke to me about using me as an example of how difficult it would be to create and design individual blogs in a primary classroom setting. I also could see that I, not being the most techno savvy was similar to a child who had no real concept of computers. Knew the basics but that was it.
I believe that a whole class blog could be designed for a primary school class, and students could be given time within the week to add their pictures (scanned), songs, short video clips etc onto the blog.
Blogs within the primary school curriculum, assist in developing future thinking students. It covers the Essential Learnings in ICT's within many transdiciplinary learning areas. Blogs enable students to view others ideas, reflect on their own, stay connected with family members (with a class blog), thus adding to each students self worth and sense of achievement.
Time and scaffolding in the first instance must be given in the creation of a class blog, along with lots of communication about the importance of safety whilst working online.Parental permission would be required to ensure the safety of students if photos were to be included within the class blog.
Lots to think about for future use.

WHAT THE????

My journey so far has been filled with pressure (only one hour into the course and I can feel the heat). I will need to go home and ask my seven and thirteen year old for some assistance.

I must stay positive believe in myself.

Just like the little engine that could, I too must

"think I can, think I can", until I get to the other side.

About Me

Hi there,
My name is Bernice, I am a third year student studying BLM Early Childhood Education in Gladstone. Aged above 21 and just coming to grips with all the technological changes that in my opinion alter daily.

Have to take my time, and get lots of help !!!!!

I do recommend that you read the other Blog in the profile called "Digital Literacy".

Myself and another student researched many ICT's within this topic that may be of some assistance with your "tool" review.