Reflective Synopsis

Throughout my blog I have explored many different tools for teaching with technology but now I’m going to take some time to share why eLearning is so important and why you should use this technology in your classroom.

What is eLearning?

My understanding of eLearning leads me to the conclusion that e-learning entails the learning and deepening of knowledge that occurs when students are engaged in technology.  Ruth Clark (2002) supports and builds on this understanding through defining eLearning as content and instructional methods delivered on a computer, and designed to build knowledge and skills related to individual or organizational goals. However as technology increases I believe this definition would not only incorporate computers but also technology such as; iPads, mobile devices and Interactive Whiteboards.

Why is it important?

With each passing year our understanding of technology, and the technological devices available to us, increases dramatically. Along with this increase and change in ICTs is the change that is occurring in our students. According to Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA) (2008) this means teachers and their teaching methods must also adapt. In their article ‘eLearning for a smart classroom’ DETA (2008) addresses that the traditional classroom learning, which is limited to the knowledge the teacher has and can access, is being advanced by the contemporary learners’ own ability to find information and construct new knowledge through connecting with the world outside the classroom. Because of this we not only need to transition ICTs into the classroom but rather transform the way we teach with ICTs to engage students.

How does it link to learning?

I believe that unless students are effectively engaged in what is being taught then they are not learning. The Constructivist Learning Theory is all about how students learn or construct knowledge. Having a classroom that supports the use of technology is ‘focusing on the learner in thinking about learning’ (Exploratorium, 1996). It is student focused and enables them to experiment and construct knowledge for themselves, each learner individually and socially; whether it is through research, the collaboration of a class wiki or an online simulation. Technology can bring a whole new dimension of learning to the classroom if used effectively.

What framework can I use?
Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) is a framework that identifies the knowledge teachers need to teach effectively with technology. As seen earlier in my blog. For learning to be truly successful there has to be an equal balance between these areas of knowledge. It does not matter how good your pedagogy is, without having a strong grasp of the content you will have nothing to teach, and if children are not engaged in what is being taught through the effective use of technology, then inevitably learning will be unsuccessful.DETA (2008) presents us with a similar framework claiming that eLearning is comprised of three components; Digital Pedagogy, Digital Content and eLearning Spaces which can be explored in more detail through the link addressed earlier.

Do ICTs require learners to think?

While using ICTs students are regularly engaging in higher order thinking skills without even realising it. They are analysing and evaluating the information that they are exposed to as they explore what information is important and of value and the functions and best way to use the tools they have. There are also endless opportunities for them to create and design new solutions, uses and ideas for the knowledge they are learning.

Am I being...

Safe? Ensure that the internet students are using is protected. Teach students how to effectively and safely use the internet, warn them of the dangers and encourage them to be careful. Also ensure equipment is being used in a safe manner; electrical items have been checked, no power cords are causing trip hazards, screens of iPads or mobile devices are not cracked.  

Legal? Ensure that students are familiar with referencing, help them to understand that it is illegal to copy other peoples work, this is called plagiarism. Lead by example, make sure that all your own work is referenced so that students can see it in practice.

Ethical? Ensure that technology such as computers, iPads and cameras are being used for their intended purpose - student’s education and not personal uses.

Where am I at with eLearning?

For me eLearning is not all about how tech savvy I am but rather my willingness to try new things. One of the points DETA (2008) makes about effective eLearning teachers is that they are ‘lifelong learners who are willing to take risks, fail and explore areas outside his or her expertise’. I believe that we don’t have to get everything right the first time as long as we learn from our experiences and keep working towards effectively engaging the learners in our classrooms.

References

Clark, R. (2002). The eLearning developers’ journal: Six principles of effective eLearning. Retrieved from http://faculty.washington.edu/farkas/HCDE510-Fall2012/ClarkMultimediaPrinciples(Mayer).pdf

Exploratorium. (1996). Institute for inquiry: Constructivist learning theory. Retrieved from http://www.exploratorium.edu/ifi/resources/constructivistlearning.html

Queensland Government: Department of Education, Training and the Arts (DETA). (2008). Smart classroom bytes: eLearning for smart classrooms. Retrieved from http://education.qld.gov.au/smartclassrooms/documents/strategy/pdf/scbyte-elearning.pdf