Module 8

RSS is an acronym for Rich Sit Summary. An RSS such as Google Reader, is used as a central database for individual to follow existing sites. Rather then searching through current favourite sites, the information or updates are automatically sent to the individuals area. This is known as subscribing, just like subscribing to a magazine. What this tool hopes to achieve is for the user to be easily informed, saving time and ensure privacy of use.

This could enhance learning, as it could be away that we could update students on information, or current events. Say I set homework for the week or achievable goals during examinations, rather then the student having to refer to their diaries, then assessments then double checking times etc, they could set up their own efficient system within an RSS. All they need to do is login, then use once system for all. The other aspect is that students would be able to have the most updated information and news just under one login.



Commented on Eleonora Furfaro: "The stand out for me was that it keeps track of what I have viewed so that when I search again I do not end up reading the same information twice." definitely a bonus as waste time would be kept to a minimum and make the information more usable. One feature I did not see was an archiving tool, where you could store information. Storing and referencing is one item that could be addressed with students.

Image reference: http://blogs.seattleweekly.com/buzzerbeater/magnum-pi-selleck-5.jpg
http://www.sykesautobroker.com/_images/_car-photos/66_1194281002.jpg
Retrieved: 17th May 2010

Module 7

WOW another networking tool. So “Delicious” is a tool used to save bookmarks within cyber space and allow the administrator to create a network of resources and people who can access. There are four main areas that have been highlighted as its functions: Keep, Share, discover and Organise.

This could potentially enhance learning as it could be a way that students could share valuable resources and/or websites that can be accessed from other areas. The other tool that it incorporates is a suggestion for searching as it gives hints on thinking further then just what they need to find.

Commented on Leanne Clarke’s Blog: “they have made it so hard to learn about” Simplicity is the key to enhance learning within the classroom. It seems to me that every time a new application is released it is essential that we re learn, re configure computers and re write our ways of teaching. This application is not what I would call an improvement/innovative in any way.

Image references:
dog - http://ihasahotdog.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/funny-dog-pictures-dog-and-delicious-dessert-meet-again1.jpg
Pizza - http://www.mccarthysnj.com/images/PizzaSlice80409lg.jpg
Date Retrieved: 13th May 2010

Module 6

The idea behind the buble website is a good one, but it could be suggested as an application for networks. The reason being, is that as I go along it seems that I have more and more sites that I need to visit, and therefore more accounts and more passwords. From what I have learnt is that it could a tool for brainstorming and mind mapping ideas that allows the editor to allow access by users.

A ‘glog’ could be similar to a website in that it is an interactive poster or site that communicates to the user as he or she use’s it. The communication therefore is two way. As for learning, it could be useful as an activity in creating communication tools for students, whereby each student provides interactive posters for the end user to learn from.

As far as usefulness I think the brainstorming could still be done as a manual thing or just as simply on word. Creating more and more networks could therefore hinder the students as the become more website alert and less in touch with reality.

Comment on Leanne Clarke: The ways in which we could implement this application is limited to what access we have, how much training we’ve had, and can we become more cyber interactive. These applications make information readily available on the net for those granted access users. For me I could not honestly say I would use either in my current role as a teacher.

Image reference: http://russelldavies.typepad.com/planning/death_star_brainstorming.jpg
Retrieved: 13th May 2010

Module 5

This module currently revolved around current technologies in performing Podcasting and Vodcasting on the web. These tools can be used as a way of communicating ideas through the network rather then the teacher being in the physical room. The module used the term story telling as its function for Pod/Vodcasts. Continuing my studies this year and finishing my Diploma of Education last year, I was well aware of the technologies, its purpose and its effectiveness in the classroom. Apple is one company who expanded there services to include these applications on phones and portable entertainment systems.

As we all come from our different fields, we would all understand different cultures, different school and different people would have a variety of views and skills. The major advantage of using Pod/Vod casts is that we share our lessons and information across the board without keeping information to our selves. The other advantage would be the documentation of lessons through video, whereby students could reflect at latter stages to confirm information rather then researching books or internet.

Commented on Renee Blevin: “reflect a range of tools to heighten student motivation and engage students with material in a way that makes many students feel at ease and they enjoy being part of” I agree that it may heighten the students motivation, but it also allows access to more information, or at least an explanation. It would encourage those to go back and listen to what is being said, not what is written in a book that may cause confusion.

Image: http://www.wttc.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/podcasting.jpg
Retrieved: friday 7th May 2010

Module 4

The use of Flickr is a storage system used for images and video. It allows access to those with permission by the editor and owner of the login. Creative commons was a free site that allows sharing of files within the copyright rules and regulations.

Some rules that I picked up:
You can use artistic work for research or study without the permission of the owner.
The creator of the artistic work has full moral rights to the work

A major concern is the use of correct referencing by students, and where they retrieve the information. Limited amount or no referencing of material should be made aware to students that a mark of zero will always given.

Commented on Francesca Giraldi: It's funny in a sense that you know of the technology but how do we find it and what is it called. I agree going through "creative commons" as a better alternative to google images.

The image used has been collated into my first gallery of images in Flickr

Module 3

Found that Google docs’ was an easy way to produce and store documentation within the internet that could be accessed with any computer. The benefit would be that networks and hard drives could be left empty allowing systems to work at maximum performance. The negative is that it does not allow the same editing tools as normal Microsoft applications would provide.

This could potentially enhance learning, as the teacher could share documents with peers and/or students to have quick access too. When documents are produced, the owner could grant or block access depending on the relevance of material.

Comment on Nicole King Blog: Similarly, I too had heard of the application but rarely had even thought about using it. It is definitely user-friendly and can be adapted to most workplaces that use documentation. That being said I think it could be a better alternative then having shared drives in networks within the school environment.

Module 2

Creating my own blog was quite simple and easy to develop. Unfortunately I find a step by step process much easier to follow rather then watching videos of information. How far I take the blog was dependant on how far I was willing to use the tools.

Blogs could be another way in which we could document the days events. Whether through comments on what or how the class learnt all the way to events that occurred, will allow professional development and/or student development as they could refer to the daily information. Personally I think it could be a way of new teachers providing evidence for professional development, that the school and NSW institute could use as a resource.

Commented on Katherine Gudgeon blog: Katherine, I think your right when you say ”…fun and interactive medium is a real plus. Reading and writing (or rather typing) is what English is all about so blogs really help to reinforce these skills.” This would encourage students to read and comment on each others work, while learning and developing ones own literacy skills. It also encourages students to learn from each other rather then the teacher using the old form of teaching of chalk and talk… which is clearly out dated.