Final Course Reflection

I spent some time reading over my colleague's blogs, Rebecca Pederson and Damian Bernard, and I realised how much we have all learnt since we began this course earlier this year.
I am currently feeling very empowered by the knowledge and skills I have acquired. I have mentioned many of the things I have learnt in my previous blog entry but what I need to add is what I just learnt after learning about the iLE@RN model. More than ever before I understand the need for teachers to engage their students by creating contemporary learning environments. I am responsible for being a leader, negotiator, creator, possessor of knowledge, assessor and strategiest who embraces and sustains change. I need to know how I learn best, what skills I need and I contribute to the 21st learning community. These are ongoing questions that will be in the forefront of my mind as I continue my role as a 21st Century educator. Coming to know and understand this more clearly will help me to become a more engaging teacher who is able to foster inmproved learning outcomes for my students. Modelling to my students that I am a life long learner is one of the most valuable gifts I think I can give to my students as I hope they to nurture a love of and for learning.
Most interesting I have learnt that the focus of elearning is not on computers!
Last of all I think the Bloom's Digital Taxonomy will be a useful tool when programming student learning. Being able to see what digital skills are more demanding and being able to ensure that opportunities for these skills are developed is important. Having this taxonomy as a guide is a kind of checklist that I can use to ensure I am covering all domains.

Module 10

I think there is a strong need for education providers to use Wikis and Nings in their classrooms. Our students are living products of the 21st Century digital world. Without using social networking as an educational tool teachers will fail to effectively engage their students. However, this is not as simple as it may seem. Introducing such tools requires structure and careful monitoring. I know when I have set up classroom blogs for my students they often treat this like a facebook account where they can socially interact with their friends rather than a valuable learning tool. Thankfully, the blog I used needed the administrator to approve students comments etc. Students need to be shown how to use these kinds of websites within an educational context.
I know that I already use some of the tools I have been shown in Web 2.0 and I will continue to use these. However, I have inorporated many new skills that I have added to my existing knowledge. I am blogging and reading friend's blogs. I've added my blog to my facebook account along with photos added through flickr. I now follow my friend's blog on google reader. The list just goes on and on. I know I will continue to expand these skills as the fear of the unknown as subsided.
As my confidence, knowledge and skills with digital technology and online interaction increases I know that I am better able and willing to encourage and allow my students the opportunity to learn in a more meaningful and relevant way. I think I am becoming a more engaging teaching and I am keen to continue this journey along with my students.

Module 9

I had a look at the Scootle page and read the user guide but fond no possible way of becoming an actual user myself. What Scootle has to offer looks and sounds very interesting but how do you access it???
I am a user of social networking already and have been for quite some time. I enjoy using facebook to keep in touch with my friends, especially those who live far away. With life being very hectic it is great to be able to keep up with what everyone is up to by just clicking the fb app on my iphone. The iphone also encourages social networking with apps that link you with friends, such as 'Hanging with Friends'. This is a great word game that can be played with friends who could be in a different suburb or even State! You can also chat with your opponent.
I found the idea of Linked in very interesting. I see this as a great tool for professionals.

Module 8

I am totally bewildered by the idea of RSS feeds. Never would have the foresight to think such a thing imaginable. I can have the blogs, news etc that I want delivered to me. I was really thrilled to be able to add my friend's blog site to to my new Google Reader account. He and his new wife recently moved to Denmark to live for a while due to work commitments and they started up a travel blog. Now I can have their new blog posts delivered to me. Brilliant!
How could this be used in the classroom? Students could subscribe to websites related to their research topics and have up to date information delivered to them. Perhaps even the blog sites of thier peers. I'll introduce this to the class as part of their research topic and see where it may lead.