Module 10: Learning Communities, Constructing Knowledge Together

They have made it is easy as one, two, three...these days everyone can build a site and everyone can contribute to a wiki. Unlike a blog each student can bring something special and unique. It's easy, free and most importantly for children, it's fun! They can contribute content, videos, polls and more and at the same time use Bloom's Digital Taxonomy, increasing their critical thinking skills. I have been using Blooms digital taxonomy for a while now and it just keeps you aware of the processes the children are using. I'm off to create the class wiki! Speak soon.

Module 9: Networking

We really need to be careful on how we use networking in the classroom and especially how students then use it at home.

Firstly, the educational uses of 'Second Life' are exciting in terms of travelling back in time. However, we can not forget that these virtual websites are open to all and therefore extremely dangerous to the innocent! Are we forgetting all the controversy about these domains when they first came out? I'm surprised they have been recommended!

In terms of social networking with MySpace, Facebook and Twitter, once again CAUTION. Not only are we unable to protect students from outsiders but 'Cyber Bullying' is on the rise. These e-playgrounds can be dangerous play pens!


PS I've been using Scootle for learning resources for a while. Great place for interactive learning experiences.

Module 8: RSS Feeds - A faster way to read the Web

New information coming to me? I wish someone had told me earlier! It just keeps getting easier and easier. A single website (reader) to view all my subscriptions and the ability to share them with colleagues is a much faster way to keep up-dated. Students with their own Reader can keep all their information to date for analysis. Thanks Google, looking forward to the music searcher!

Module 6: Glogster

And Glogster! The children are really going to enjoy making online posters with this tool. The only thing I would be weary of is to make sure there isn’t overkill as we can’t forget the need to develop fine motor skills and the fine arts!
Everything in moderation.
Glogster page

Module 7 Delicious

Delicious tagging so easy and so socialable – making teaching easier. Share with me!!!!!!!

Module 6: Mind Mapping

bubbl.us - mind mapping, brainstorming, concept mapping comes to ITC! Now all I need is the Smatboard! An example of bubbl.us showing the applications of Web 2.0 in the classroom follows. Check out Alfie’s World for an authentic use of the tool in the classroom with a bubbl.us on alternate words to "said".

Voki

Module 5: Digital Storytelling

I guess we are pretty lucky at St Mel's to have such a talented and innovative team, as this module surely demonstrated to us that in terms of ICT, we are all up there with 21st cetury learning. Many of us (including myself) have all had a go at MovieMaker and implementing experiences with the students. I must say, I can't wait to have another go. I only wish we had more computers at the school to facilitate the process.



Some great podcasts for both professional development and pedagogy are listed below. Have signed up to some feeds to stay more in touch. Additionally, I am excited about completing elearning next year for my masters. Those who have already taken part in the subject are raving!

Connect Learning with David Warlick
The Education Podcast Newtwork
Teachers TV

Module 4: An example of what can be shared on TeacherTube

Lesson in Time : Kinder Video on Time

Shared via AddThis

Module 4: Smile - Photo Time and .....Action

During this module it was interesting to see another photograph application (Flickr) besides Picasa and Facebook, which I am well familiar with. Uploading and sharing of photos is a simple process in all these applications, but the tag keyword facility is brillant. Using the photographs to "make fun stuff" is great. It seems we no longer need professional graphic designers to create personalised stationary or albums. However, copyright will always need to be considered.

The Smartcopying website definately is a one stop shop for copyright regulations. It provides some great Web 2.0 videos such as this one on online photo sharing.

But it doesn't stop there! Have you seen TeacherTube? Above in the next post is an example of what you can share on TeacherTube... Lesson in Time

Creative Commons, great idea and I bet the creators are making millions. The ability to be co-authors and still retain some rights is amazing. I'm already thinking about the posibilities. This is an inspirating clip. Have to watch it. Makes it simple to understand - Creative Commons Presents

Enjoy, I know I will. I'm off to upload more photos that my students can use in there next unit, start making stuff on Flickr so I can incorporate ideas for students to make ITC products and searching for Creative Commons content that I can use with the kids! Seeya.

Module 3 Google Docs Rock

Sharing and modifying the one document - the potential! Access 24/7, working together on the one document, adding together, working interdenpendently with automatic changes. The benefits for students and teachers the like! Publishing for all - saving energy and precious time. Google to the rescue once more.

Module 2 Blogs in the Classroom

The Read/Write Web in the Classroom, such a basic concept that has remarkable benefits for all who use it. Students can use the applications to practice writing and communication skills, as well as reflect on their own learning or as a tool for learning projects. As a facilitator it's use is endless, as a tool for reflecting student learning for parent communication, posting assessments, sharing thoughts, resources and ideas, stimulating discussions and increasing student motivation levels. Why didn't I think of it's applications sooner!

Module 2 Web 2.0

As usual the san has blogs blogged! This blog reflects Module 1 and Module 1 reflects Module 2! Yeh I know, the story of my life. iGoogle......revolution! a one stop shop for all your ITC needs. Students will be just as fascinated as I was in knowing that anywhere I go, my computer is with me. Hey, just like someone else I know!

Module 1 Web 2.0

Breakthrough! Aliciasan has a blog thanks to Chester and his in-school workshop. From here on end the san is in the view of all and can now assist her techno junkie students in their quest for saviness