Module 5

I have had previous experience with podcasts and vodcasts in a learning community I am currently part of, which is online as well as face to face. I am completing a Certificate of Gifted Education and some of the units have involved learning through the use of podcasts and vodcasts. The use of these tools has provided a convenient and very relevant mode of study.

In the classroom I have used these tools with my Geography class. I used vodcasts to introduce the topic Natural Hazards and looked at some clips of various types of hazards that have occurred in Australia. The students enjoyed this method and many relevant questions and discussion starters resulted. As with all educational tools it is obviously important to check the content of what you are using and be clear as to what you want to achieve through using this strategy.

Module 4

Flickr is another good way of sharing information on the web, this time as photos. I could see how it could be good to upload photos of an event such as an excursion or school celebration and then students could view this and add comments. It could be good to add student work samples or have students view some photo stimulus and answer questions. I am sure once I reflect even more as I move through this course I will think of other ways to use this application. If putting pictures on flickr that you have taken yourself that would be okay, but with some sources you would need to check copyright.

Module 3

I feel like I am making some progress now and I am learning things as I go. I found Google docs to be an interesting tool. It is always good when you try one of these tools out and they are successful. I could see how we as teachers could use google docs to ensure a collaborative approach when working on an idea of putting together a document whether it be an exam for a class or a policy that is being developed. It would be of great benefit that everyone working in this collaborative environment would save time by all viewing the document in its most up to date form and that you wouldn't have to keep changing the document and the delivering again to all recipients. Rather the people involved become like the attached document and they view the one up to date document.

This could also be used in the classroom in a similar way by directing students to update one piece of work and add their thoughts and ideas. Rather than having seperate pieces of work on student USB's and other locations. I think it provides a more efficient way of having 'a working document'.

Module 2

I have had some previous experience (but not too much) with blogging through two online courses I have completed. I found it a good, quick and convenient way to communicate with others in the same community of learning that I was in at the time. It was a great way to hear from people from around the country as well as overseas. This method of communication helped to enhance my studies.

In looking at blogging in this module it was interesting to see what had been set up and it gave me some ideas for how I might start to use this with the students I teach and also my colleagues. I teach in the HSIE KLA and also the Learning Support Department in my school. I can see how setting up a blog can greatly assist us as educators and also assist the students we teach. It is a great tool for students to be able to have access to information that for some reason they might of missed in the classroom. It could also be a good way to engage students in projects as they can look at information at home and reinforce the work that is being doen in the classroom.

I am looking forward to developing more ideas as I progress through this course.