E-Learning.... for better or worse?

E learning has enabled me to find ways in which to not only enhance and further my knowledge within technology, but also offer me new avenues to explore whilst teaching at a secondary school. Technology is moving forward in this generation and teachers need to keep up to date with this. The best way to do this is to familiarise themselves with all different technologies and not just stick to the very basic Microsoft word or PowerPoint. In saying that though, those tools are still extremely engaging and useful to students within the classroom setting. At the rate that technology is evolving, it is hard to see the limits that they have, so it only makes sense for businesses that require technology, such as our profession, to adapt with change. The ability to engage student’s interests within a schooling environment is a strenuous task by any means, relating to their interests is even harder. So the solution to this problem could easily be suggested as... TECHNOLOGY! Technology is ever changing as I stated before, so I think all that we as teachers can do, is change with it. Throughout my next few blogs I will talk about wikis and how they are changing schooling life and also the Plus Minuses and Interests of some other programs that can be used in the schooling system.

Wikis

Unfortunately I was away during this week and I did not catch up this activity due to unforseen illness in my family, yet I have created my own wiki account and played around with it. Although it seems like a different sort of program compared to blogger, I must say that I don’t see the benefit as much as I wish I could have. It seems to me that wikis can aide in the successfulness of a classroom, but it also seems as if blogger can do the same if not more than wiki pages can. I will explain in more detail in later posts about wikis as well as including a reflective synopsis. In saying that I think blogger is the better option, there is no doubt that wiki can aid students develop I personally just cannot see the differences. If there is anyone that can elaborate for me that would be great. Until next time :)

References Department of Education. (2012). ICT in learning. Retrieved from http://www.det.wa.edu.au/education/cmis/eval/curriculum/ict/

Hennessy, S., Harrison, D., & Wamakote, L. (2010). Teacher Factors Influencing Classroom Use of ICT in Sub-Sharan Africa. Retrieved from www.cambridgetoafrica.org/.../Hennessy%20etal_FINALpdf

Prensky, M. (2003). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants. Retrieved from http://moodle.cqu.edu.au/mod/page/view.php?id=12562