Reflective Synopsis

Over the past six weeks of term, I have learnt that e learning is not just the incorporation of technology into a classroom; it’s also the pedagogy behind technology that is crucial within educational settings.  One must know the where, when, how and why of technology use in the classroom.  Communication in the 21^st century is evident in a global and digitally rich society (Ewing, Lowrie & Higgs, 2010).  Subsequently, it is extremely vital that all learning managers are skilled in knowing how to use these vital skills for learners to learn best in today’s society.  As an avid technology lover, I couldn’t imagine not using technology in my future learning experiences, even O’Donnell et. al states “one appeal of technology-enhanced learning and teaching is its potential to promote students’ engagement” (p. 460, 2012).  I’ve written quite a few blog postings over the past five weeks and have learnt a lot of helpful information.  Though I was already familiar with most of the tools, I still learnt about new programs and how exactly it’s best to incorporate technology, to ensure effective learning experiences and the importance of connectivism.

Though it can usually be an enjoyable learning experience when technology is incorporated, over the past weeks I’ve learnt that even though I am familiar with a digital tool – that may not be the case for others.  I definitely found myself not enjoying some of the weeks work as I felt like I wasn’t learning anything new.  For example, I knew a lot about the group 3 tools, PowerPoint, Prezi and Glogster and I didn’t feel challenged, it taught me a lot about how I could incorporate a certain tool if my students had limited knowledge.  Though teachers of the 21^st century have the advantage over the teachers of yesteryear, with their students being digital natives, teachers cannot expect students to know everything about a certain tool and expect it’s use to be successful.  As apart of incorporating technology, teachers need to use TPACK – Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge, as a foundation.  The biggest thing I learnt in the early weeks, is that it is vital that TPACK is used to the fullest extent before incorporating technologies – this helps to ensure effectiveness.

Aside from learning about TPACK, another great scaffolding tool for learning effectiveness was SAMR.  Personally, I found SAMR to be a wonderful scaffolding tool, when I was only familiar with De Bono’s Thinking Hats or PMI charts.  In some of the first blog postings I wrote, I reflected a lot on technology use against the SAMR model.  I personally found that, I was able to pull deeper meaning from technology use with SAMR than other scaffolds.  By effectively deciphering my technologies, I would be able to ensure that the learning experiences I conducted reached students at all appropriate levels, to transform their learning rather than just extend.  To Modify and Redefine, rather than Substitute or Augment.  The SAMR model is one that will be incorporated into my teaching practices. 

One of the learning theories that I really connected with – was connectivism.  I truly believe that the final frontier of ones education, lies in being able to find the knowledge you seek in your own ways.  There is such a myriad of ways to source information and learn new things that more and more doors are being opened than ever before.  In fact, there are even online courses available to those who would like to learn about being more connected in the digital world.  For the blog posting that we had to compose about our thoughts on the use of mobile phones within the classroom, I truly understood what connectivism was about.  I learnt that a lot of people think exactly like I do, and that I have the opportunity to learn a lot from others who had thoughts that didn’t even cross my mind.  We were able to work together on a single platform, which would prove to be a good resource for teachers of the modern world to ensure that all students are participating and can work together.  Connectivism is a learning theory that I definitely wish to incorporate, so my future students can know how they can find new information.

Though I believe I’m equipped with the tools of knowing how to use a technological tool, I have a long way to go in regards to fully understanding the when, what and why of technology incorporation.  Students of the 21^st century are more interested in technology than ever before and we need to harness that interest for successful learning.  Technology is ever changing and using technology within the classroom will ensure successful learning experiences and also learners who are prepared to use technology in their future careers.

(Tilley, Marsh, Middlemiss, Parrish)

References

Ewing, R., Lowrie, T., & Higgs, J. (2010). Teaching & communicating rethinking professional experiences. South Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Oxford University Press.

O'Donnell, Dobozy, Bartlett, Bryer, Reeve, & Smith. (2012). Educational Psychology. Milton, Queensland, Australia: John Wiley & Sons.