Week Four

Audio, Pictures and Video.

Education has evolved to the point where methods focusing on hard copy approaches like text book reading and chalk and talk are seen as outdated and ineffective. It seems that learning is taking place on slideshows, websites, videos and visual aids. The type of resources that allow students to interact and manipulate the content that is being shown to them.

Using Digital Tools.

Using Digital tools in not only an easy way to convery content and information to students, it is also an exciting way to present it. Using or even creating your own videos, podcasts, images and games will hook students and keep them engaged. It is so critical to use these digital tool as each student has unique needs and learning styes.

The Visual Learner.

Visual learners are able to retain, re call and reflect on information most effictivley when they are given a picture, diagram, graph or chart, mind map or videos and film. These students cannot process information by just listening or touching. This means that tasks can be created for these students that involves creating images. There are amazing programs that can be used. Photoshop Flickr, Tiny Pic and Photobucket Abode BeFunky Youtube I have included a list of links below for image creating/editing.

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The Auditory Learner.

These students are able to learn best through listening. These students would benefit from pod casts, audio files as well as youtube and other video sources. They would also be able to listen to teachers or other students talk. For these students finding recorded texts or books would also be beneficial. There are amazing programs that can be used. Sound cloud Itunes/android app store Pod casts Youtube I have included a list of links below for image creating/editing.

The Kinesthetic Learner.

These students benefit from physically touching or manipulating content. This is a very common learning style for students and is also a very easy to cater to style when teachers are using digital tools. There a many different progrmas for students to create games as well as play them, and hundreds of interactive learning sites for students. App store and educational apps iPads and tablets Online Games Interactive sites. I have included a list of links below for image creating/editing.There are amazing programs that can be used.

Links for Visual Learners.

http://youtube.com http://photobucket.com http://tinypic.com http://befunk.com http://makeagif.com/ http://voki.com

Links for Auditory Learners.

https://soundcloud.com/ http://soundation.com/ http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ http://download.cnet.com/Free-Sound-Recorder/3000-2170_4-10698910.html http://online-voice-recorder.com/ http://youtube.com http://voki.com

Links for Kinesthetic Learners.

http://weebly.com http://www.leapfrog.com/gaming http://www.knowledgeadventure.com/default.aspx http://www.playkidsgames.com/ http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/ http://funschool.kaboose.com/

I have also done a lot of image resizing in this blog, while you could use befunky or tinypic or a number of other programs, I have been able to resize all my GIFs AND images AND youtube videos by using HTML coding Like so ; <img alt="This is where the name of the image goes (So if the user hovers their mouse of the picture, what ever you write in here will appear) " height="THE HIGHT OF THE IMAGE WRITTEN IN PIXELS (I usually use about 300)" src="The URL of the image goes here, this way I don't have to save, re upload then link a picture, I can just pull it straight from the web." width="THE WIDTH OF THE PICTURE (To stretch across my page after factoring the padding for my tables I use about 500 pixels.) " />

References
BenZion(Westreich), Galeet. 1999. An analysis of kinesthetic learners' responses: teaching mathematics through dance. Doctoral Dissertation. American University, Washington D.C.

Images sourced from google images.

Kostelnik, M.J., Soderman, A.K., Whiren, AP. (2004). Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum: Best Practices in Early Childhood Education (3rd ed.). Columbus: Pearson, Merrill Prentice Hall.

Leite, Walter L.; Svinicki, Marilla; and Shi, Yuying: Attempted Validation of the Scores of the VARK: Learning Styles Inventory With Multitrait–Multimethod Confirmatory Factor Analysis Models, pg. 2. SAGE Publications, 2009.

Week Three

The New Way of Teaching.

Restaurants, shopping, fuel stations, movie theatres, Grocery stores, doctors, chemists... These are a few of the things in today society that are now 24 hour access. The world is changing into a busier place and people need to be able to access all of these things 24/7. So wouldn't it make sense that education goes this way too? Students don't finish learning at 3pm, they don't go home and switch their brains and creativity off and watch T.V. Most students can be found on their computers. So as educators we need to bring the education to them, in a virtual online medium that allows them to access it at any time in any place.

Taking Education To the Students!

How can we bring students an education outside of school? There are a few different ways to do this. Some of the easiest and safest ways that I have found over the duration of my degree are Wiki spaces, blogs and Weebly.

Whats in a Weebly?

Weebly is a website that I have used a number of times through out my degree. CQU puts an emphasis on creating online virtual resources for students allowing us to explore and know the area. HERE is a weebly that I made for a group of year 5 students in the "Technology" subject. It was my intention to create an assessment project where the criteria, instructions and necessary information was present. This was useful in a number of ways, I have expanded on the idea of using weekly in eductions in the table below.

Plus Easy to create Simple drag and place features Free Allows to make number of pages Allows for 24 hour access to learning and content Easy to imbed links/ videos/ pictures

Minus Internet can be unsafe Must give an email address to sign up Offers to purchase URL, which could confuse students. Canot link weebly accounts together. No follow/subscribe feature

Interesting Students can not edit Students can show other people what they are working on in class Students can create their own allows for assessment tasks for students to build one.

But then there's Blogging!

Blogs are a great way to take education to students. It is an interactive space where students can ask questions to the teacher and each other, all while have a little corner of the internet to call their own. Lets look at Blogs a little closer with the 6 thinking hats!

	Blogging is an interactive source for students to be hands on and involved with content and curriculum. Positive features include Subscription - which allows students to see updates from teachers or fellow students each time a blog is updated. Customization - Students are able to decorate and personalize their spaces Comment - a feature that allows students to communicate with teachers and each other. Experience - Students are exposed to the HTML coding launguage. A language that I am sure students and teachers will need to know in the future Easy to monitor -Teachers can monitor the blogs, keep a record of each students URL and even create the blog for them as they are free and easy to create.
	Students are able to review, reflect, re -read and re think the ideas that are posted on a blog. With the blogging of ideas, students are able to think about what they want other people to read when posting in a public forum. If a student is able to think about their thinking and critically review their own work then we can see self regulated thinking and critical "Thinking about thinking taking place. It is also a place where students are able to communicate with each other, which will also allow for the sharing of ideas which is great in group tasks. This allows students to manage their ideas and be constructive and creative at the same time.
	Students have the opportunity to explore ideas when they post on a blog. In an individual approach, students are able to build on their own ideas and explore the ideas of others who also post. But blogging isn't always a single approach, it is a community. Students are able to express ideas with not just text, but pictures and GIFs. This also allows students to work with HTML codes in making colours tables, headers, titles, graphs, GIFs, widgets and so many more plug ins and gadgets for blogs.
	Its simple to list the positive points about a blog! Easy to use Free 24 hour access Students own their own blog Allows for posting comments = Feedback Customization Students are able to use HTML codes Students are able to create their own unique page Subscription and following is allowed You are able to go back and edit old posts Brings technology and ICT into the class room. Unique and fun way to hook students into content.
	There is however a risk each time you have students online, especially if you send them home to use family/ personal computers where the fire walls and safety setting may not be as good as the systems in the school, which may open up to students seeing content that they should not be. There is also a chance of cyber bullying which is an issue that is on the rise in the school yard. It also requires a lot of supervising as students may post inappropriate things on their blogs for other students to see. There is also the risk of people outside of the students family, friends and school seeing the posts. Strangers. This opens students up to online predators. There is also questions in some website or pop up adds that allow for students to give away personal details like name, address and age.
	Blogging is a great way for students to express themselves. This is a soap box for students to be able to write. With the comment section, it allows students to ask questions among themselves or to the teacher when they are confused, unsure or not confident enough. It also gives the students to comment of each others work to praise or provide feed back.

Well that leaves Wikis!

Wikis are another game changer in E-Learning! To see more about wikis, visit my wiki space by clicking HERE

Links Moodle Site - http://theyeppenplains.weebly.com
Wiki Space - http://so175896.wikispaces.com/page/diff/home/442189400

References

The Opportunity Thinker - de Bono for Schools. (2002). Six Thinking Hats. California, USA: debonoforschools. - See more at: http://reffor.us/index.php#sthash.koOO05df.dpuf

Oddcast (2013). About Voki Retrieved July 19, 2013 from www.voki.com

McDougall,E. (2013) The Yeppen Plains Retrieved July 19 2013 from http://theyeppenplains.weebly.com

Week Two

The Modern Student

The modern learner are Generation Z children. These are children born after the new millenium. These students are filling primary schools and changing the way educators should be approaching education, teaching and assessment

Who are they?

Generation Z will be the most technology dependent students to move through school. They were born with technology, they have never known a time before personal computers, tablets, mp3 payers, mobile phones and gaming devices. They can email, text and use computers with ease and are able to adapt, understand and master new technology quickly. These are the minds and characteristics that will be joining the work force in the future.

How do they think?

How do we teach?

Critical Thinking Generation Z will be able to think about their thinking.These students need to be able to; Ask questions Define problems Examine Evidence Analyse Interpretations Avoid over simplification Avoid emotional ambiguity (Wade 1995) Critical thinkers are skeptical and open minded so these students would excel in investigation or research learning. They are seek clarity and precision and are able to evaluate their own thinking which means that they will work well in groups and in student lead activities.

Problem Solving Problem solving stresses critical thinking, as well as decision making skills. Looking at Woods Problem solving Model we see how students are able to develop problem solving skills. 1. Define the problem The System What is the provided information explaining? To interperate information students must understand how the information provided in the problem is relevant. Creating mental maps or diagrams is a good way to start this. Known Concepts What do they know about the problem? And how to solve it already? List the information provided in easy to understand language and the knowledge that is needed to solve it. This way students are clear about what needs knowing. Unknown Once there is a list of the unknown knowledge, the students need to be able to fill in the gaps. Students will be able to direct their own learning to suit their needs, implying critical thinking (self regulated thinking and reflection) 2. Think about it Identify Specific Pieces of Knowledge Students need to determine what is useful and what is not useful knowledge. They need to reflect on prior knowledge, new knowledge, the system and the question asked. Collect Information For students to create an educated solution they must have access to data or past experiments. They need to use questioning and collect and organise data. Tables, graphs and charts are a great way for students to do this. 3. Plan a solution Consider Possible Strategies The type of solution that best fits the type of problem. Students use this stage to apply their knowledge and create solutions. This is where students will be able to interact with peers and brainstorm together in an enviroment that must promote creativity. This is where students will be able to create diagrams and models. Choose the best strategy This is where the students need to implement critical thinking and forward thinking. They need to determine the best solution to fit the problem. 4. Carry out the plan Be patient, be persistent This is where students may need to move back a few steps and re think their ideas and try again, or where they may be met with success.

Creativity Promoting creativity in the classroom is a must have for Gen Z learners. Brainstorming - This helps students expliore the ideas they wouuld not otherwise suggest. There are no limits in brainstorming, you just write down all answers, even the ones that are shocking. This allows students to go back and extend on ideas and critique others. Assumption Busting - Students who are ciritcal thinkers are skeptical. Promote students to not accept all things that they hear as true. If students are met with a fact or statement, get them thinking about what makes it true, or what could make it false. Concept Mapping - An organised brainstorm, students not only record their ideas, but also their though process into creating the ideas, and can revisit these thought processes. Role-playing - Allows students to think about their thinkig and see a situation from another persons point of view. This invites students to think like other people would. From this students can create new ideas by reflecting on their character likes, personality and history. There is a whole host of other activities that could be classified as mind maps, such as; Fishbone Map Laddering Decision Tree Story boarding

What do they need?

Generation Y are filling jobs that did not exist 10 years ago. The generation has adapted and now has skills that allow them to be the best at these jobs.

These students need interaction with technology, as they will be filling jobs that don't exist today in 10 years. They need to develop these skills to move forward. Who knows what the students of today will grow up to be?
References
Morrill Hall/ Iowa State University (2011, June 7). Techniques for creative teaching. Retrieved from http://www.celt.iastate.edu/creativity/techniques.html

Wade, C. (1995). Using writing to develop and assess critical thinking. Teaching of Psychology, 22(1), 24-28.

Woods, D.R., Wright, J.D., Hoffman, T.W., Swartman, R.K., Doig, I.D. (1975). Teaching Problem solving Skills.

Week one

Every child should have a caring adult in their lives. And that's not always a biological parent or family member. It may be a friend or neighbor. Often times it is a teacher.
-Joe Manchin

What I have Read

Each student is unique, they have their
own needs and goals, along with learning style
and strengths. Though with strengths come
weaknesses and as educators we need to be able
to work not only with a students strength but
work to the best of our ability to bridge the gap
and improve on the things students struggle with.

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My strengths and weaknesses based on the Gardner's Eight Intelligences theory.

As an aspiring teacher I am well aware of my own learning styles, and that sometimes they affect my teaching style in a way that does not cater to the diverse needs of a collecting of students in a classroom sense. The results show that I have a strong Musical Intelligence. I am able to play 5 instruments, and have been brought up with very strong musical influences through my parents. I have used this as an advantage in a classroom setting before, with the guitar being an amazing tool for engaging students. I am also strong in Math intelligence, with Arithmetic Math and thinking logically being what I feel personal strengths. I also consider myself to be strong in the literacy field, with a well developed vocabulary and a passion for reading, writing and narrative (and I love to debate!) ∧∨∧∨∧∨∧∨∧∨∧∨∧

When I reflect on these strengths (and with that my weakness's) I want to be honest, as that is my aim with this blog. I feel that I value Maths and Literacy as the most important subjects, followed by science and S.O.S.E. Although I know that it is wrong to value any one subject more than others, I still cannot reason with myself why art, HPE or any other study could be so crucial. I understand that students are not strong in these fields and that we need to look else where to raise students self esteem and forge an attitude of belonging and confidence in the school environment, but I also ask myself where do we stop? A students who is physically or artistically gifted needs to be able to perform in these mediums, but where is the point where the student must conform to produce work which can be graded and assesed like the other students in their grade? Some classes I struggle to see ways to include physical or artistic elements, like math. ∧∨∧∨∧∨∧∨∧∨∧∨∧

The English Language.(Wordpress)

There are different thinkers and different learners, but as I continue through universtiy and plan for my future and a teacher, I realise that learning is life long and that it never stops. And I have struggled in crossing into area's where I have not been strong and I have had to use a style of thinking that I did not like. It is so important to make sure that we give our students opportunities to showcase their strengths, but I also feel that it is ok to expose them to ways of thinking that they usually would shy away from. ∧∨∧∨∧∨∧∨∧∨∧∨∧

What I Believe

So what does this mean? The thought that I have from all of this is the need to be able to balance the needs of all of our students in a way that allows them to succeed and think to their and produce content to the best of their ability. Knowing your students and understanding other people thinking is a skill that teachers need to develop in order to stabilise the balancing act.

Inside the Innovative Mind.(Bhattacharya)
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References

Bhattacharya, S. (n.d.). Inside the Inventive Mind. Retrieved July 3, 2013, from http://ibmblr.tumblr.com

Birmingham City Council. (n.d.). BGFL Multiple Intelignces. Retrieved July 3, 2013, from http://www.bgfl.org/bgfl/custom/resources_ftp/client_ftp/ks3/ict/multiple_int/questions/results.cfm - See more at: http://reffor.us/index.php#sthash.lIN6QxmT.dpuf

WordPress. (2012, May 25). The English Language. Retrieved July 3, 2013