The article “Listen to the Natives” illustrates the burgeoning gap between where technology in schools is and where it needs to be. A significant hinderance to this problem is the attitude and skill set of teachers. Schools need to be a place that not only educate children byt teach them skills that arm them for their lives and a technology rich future is a given.

It is important that schools keep abreat with technology and have curriculums and learning experiences that reflect this. There are many practical implications outlined in the article that are well supported and again highlight t he importance of constantly changing and developing to keep with “the times” 

One core part of the article that I strogly agree with is collaborative teaching and peer learning. That is students working together to reach a desired outcome and students teaching their peers skills that they are able to master. These two methods enable an environment of unity and enable the teacher to not only become the learner as well but facilitate learning.

I belive that the nature of the article is best summed up by As we educators stick our heads up and get the lay of the 21st century land, we would be wise to remember this: If we don’t stop and listen to the kids we serve, value their opinions, and make major changes on the basis of the valid suggestions they offer, we will be left in the 21st century with school buildings to administer—but with students who are physically or mentally somewhere else.

Is this where we still are???

 Image: ‘Electronics Club 1986‘

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Image: ‘Learning Laptop with dockable PDA‘

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I found the article “The Six C’s of Motivation” to be extremely interesting and shared many views with the author. Although brief it was well researched and all points raised were well supported. By commencing the article with a scenario and then linking the scenario to the 6 Key Words it further strengthened the argument that the Wang and Han were illustrating.

I strongly agree that giving students tasks that allow them to have ownership as well as a sense of control only enhances their motivation and interest and their willingness to participate. Understanding why learning experiences take place is frequently overlooked however throughout this article there are many references to not only the importance of this element but the benefits as well. I believe that this vital to the learning process.

The layout of the article also appeals to me in that it is concise with each of the key points under the heading of a key word.

Image: ‘Lego Blogger Picture‘

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I found this article to be extremely thought provoking. The subject matter seems straightforward but as in the introduction the mindset is the first hurdle that needs to be overcome. The article continually involves the reader canvassing opinions and keeping them involved which makes the article an active read and helps to support the case that is being reported as well as keep the reader interested. The focus example “Alexandra’s Marble Machine” illustrates how varied forms of technology have developed and the role that they can play in teaching children so much more than conventional methods and the value of exploration and trial and error. These to me are key learning skills that cannot be overlooked. However it also shows how closed minded the traditional teacher is and the need for these views to be corrected. It is so important for children to follow their interests, for when they are learning about something that they are interested in or can relate to they will get so much more out of the experiences. Like the author I believe that Playful learning is a vital part of a child’s development and that the words used to describe these experiences influence the perspective with which they are viewed. Which leads to a core of learning beliefs, interaction versus creation and what children will gain from more, engaging in materials allows children greater scope to be immersed in more aspects of development and design and technology provides these tools therefore this relationship is  vital to providing such activities.

The article comments on the current methods and outlines goals and ways to achieve the changes necessary to foster creative thinking and creative expression. Like the author I support the importance of interest based learning and the significant impact that it can have on what a child can benefit from an experience. To have the tools to provide hands on experiences that provide a sense of ownership, a personal learning experience and a platform from which to teach can be an invaluable learning tool in both collaborative and individual projects. Although the approaches to the tasks may vary as each child or group has a unique approach (an advantage of the process) the outcome will be reached through challenge and investigation and an opportunity for shared experiences provided enhancing the learning experience.   I believe that the nature of the article is best summed up by “creativity and imagination are prerequisites for innovative thinking which will never be out of place in the workplace.”

Image: ‘GHCA’s Computer Lab (empty)‘

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In “K – 12 and the Internet” the article convincingly puts forward the case for the greater use of internet in schools. It is extremely well written and supported with relevant case studies. Both sides of the argument are stated and addressed and the format is logical and easy to follow. By providing practical solutions and everyday examples it enables the reader to easily relate to the points that the authors are trying to make. The article addresses the challenges faced by the development of internet on schools and the importance of its efficient daily functioning in order to become a reliable tool. It is clear that children learn best if they are interested in what they are learning and the information is presented in a variety of ways. (“While there are surely situations where memorisation is appropriate, commanding students to learn does not result in deep learning or create thoughtful, informed, empowered learners. It is evident from the article that the many benefits that the internet can provide far out way the challenges that need to be overcome. Predominantly the mindset which is best summed up by “In order for computing to become a first class citizen in the curriculum, a major change in the mindset needs to occur in the school districts organisation.”  I believe that in this age children need access to the internet not only in classroom learning but for their own research and that computers’ should be a core of the curriculum in order to arm children with skills that they can draw on in the future.

I found this article “Is it ok to be a Technologically Illiterate Teacher” on Jasons Blog to be very thought provoking. I agree with the nature of the article and support Jasons oppinion that it is unacceptable to be a technology illterate teacher. His blog on this article is practical and well referenced to life experiences illustrating the role of technology beyond education.  This is an extremely relevent article. Well done Jason.

I have just read Kathryn’s Blog on Creative Play and I am thouroughly impressed with the way she has presented her thoughts. She has most effectively summed up the podcast as well as presenting clearly the aspects that she agreed with and disagreed with, giving thoughtful justifications for her reasons. I am now interested to read more articles written by this author

This is my first lesson in e learning. It has been a lot of information.

My second lesson in e learning has been a lot to take on and I am feeling a little daunted by the information but I will try what I have learnt and see how it turns out.

My third lesson is about photos on the web and how to upload them and attribute them.

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