flower

Module 4:

Flickr! Although I am not as into photos as when my children were young, I can immediately see a use I will employ at the first opportunity! Photos on school excursions! Some students have trouble absorbing all the information presented on the day. The resulting worksheet/assignment can be enhanced by using photos to jog the memory, clarify information, indeed, use in their presentation.

Creative commons could be a very useful tool for our artistic students to share their talents.

I was recently invited to a celebration where the family provided photos of the guest of honour in many social settings that included many guests. This was quietly presented on a large tv screen in the background. It ran all afternoon, with many guests stopping for different moments to enjoy, many memories were discussed, shared and enjoyed. Would this idea be good for school open nights for incoming families? Would it enhance other occasions where those families of the school community are invited for a showcase night? It would highlight the strengths and opportunities of a school. Great for student morale?

Module 3:

g Docs. I am really looking forward to having a play with this. Theoretically, I think I can see some really great uses for this. For some less able students who find creating a piece of writing, or sentence structure difficult, the teacher/aide could start it for them, and have them complete and continue. With a few sessions like this, they would grow in confidence and create more for themselves. For example, recently some of our students, after viewing a movie, were required to report on themes portrayed and the techniques that were used to portray their chosen theme. Many less confident students were very reluctant to start, and needed support to continue. Apart from providing scaffolds etc, using this format, teachers could provide feedback and support outside the time restrictions of the classroom setting on an individual (or group) basis.

This may also provide a less public way to manage different learning levels within a classroom.

For less able students, this could be a great vehicle to use for modifying tasks, parallel planning (such as modifying curriculum into manageable tasks) for life skills students while still enjoying an inclusive approach.

Another students use that immediately comes to mind is our debating team! This clever group's practise and preparation might be enhanced by thoughts and contributions outside their school time.

Another suggestion where it may be useful is where colleagues are all contributing to the same piece of work in their own time and space. Each member can immediately see the others' contributions and continue on. For example, where a progress report on a student is required, each teacher could post his/her own observations to the same document. This approach could be used for curriculum planning, policy planning, calendar planning etc.

MODULE 3 PS..October 2010:

 P.S. Recently one of our teachers employed google docs to have his english students submit drafts of their essays. As I assist in this class, I was also able to assist students with completing their work. It was thrilling to be involved and watch the development of ideas and understanding of concepts of some of the students, until finally their polished final product was ready for submission. Later, came the excitement of results. So very rewarding. 

Module 2:

We've created a blog! In theory, I can see some uses already. Where a blog is created for a purpose by a group of students, the possibilities might be endless. A group of very creative and able lap top students (they all seem to qualify in this area) all working on the one group task, could each contribute using their particular strength be it photos/pictures, collecting data, creating editing text. Alternately, students with similar interests eg music/art, love to share their interest, could collaborate and develop their own skills through peer support, eg reading and writing skills. A group task could be completed on an excursion, camp, on line research, interviews, a school newspaper etc. Even a group brain storm blog. Any of these could all be presented to the rest of the class.

In addition and most importantly, this possibly provides a tool for those less articulate or confident students to “pull their weight” in collaborative tasks, using their sometimes hidden strengths. Working in their own space and time, they choose the pace, rather than not competing at all with the quicker “leaders' in a group say around a classroom table.

Web 2.0

Module 1:

I admit after my first post, I was reluctant to continue reporting as I didn't see its value for myself or other potential readers. I also thought that since I am only an aide where hours are dependent on funding, my applications are limited. True! But.. this very limiting condition of employment of not enough hours to help not enough students is shared by all active teachers. And, perhaps if I continue to learn this area of technology, some very useful tools may enhance my ability to assist students. Indeed, these young, keen, innovative teachers who seem to have this technology mastered still need support in some very challenging classes. Particularly in assisting some less able students in a class room setting.

So here we are. As I think I said, this experience is very daunting but working with a group of colleagues with an able leader, we should indeed manage with minimum heartburn. Looking at other peoples' blogs is interesting, I can't think of a personal use at this point, apart from documenting my progress through Web 2.0. We created an i google account and I am starting to see that the inevitable number of accounts some colleagues are mentioning will take some managing. However, its the door to progress I guess.