Cyber(smart:) + Skype + Google Archives

Cyber(smart:)
- Provideds materials, games and resourses for students devoted towards being smart on the internet
- Empowers students to be safe online
- Supports Australian Government's commitment to be cyber smart
- Links for parents included

Skype
- Inspire kids by using real life examples rather than using textbooks
-Learn about the world by being able to see the world
-Visual for students and they become captivated
- Meet other people from around the world and make friends
-Hear stories first hand
- Can be used for all ages
- Lesson ideas avaliable
- Different subjects and recources

Google Archive
- Provides resources such as newpapers from many years ago
- Students find very interesting
- Students observe social changes over time
- Can observe difference in language used in different times

Comic Life + Photofunia + ePal



Comic Life:


- All Catholic schools have it
- Used for all subjects
- It's a visual representation
- Able to put pages together to create a comic book
- Can storyboard
- Use for life cycles



 

 

Photofunia

 

- Use imgaes provided and add your face to image

- Realistic photos created

- Fun and enertaining for students

- Could be used as an ice breaker

- Art work around a classroom

 

 

 

ePal

- Online penpal resource

- Free to use

- Get in contact with people around the world

- Goof for communication and letter writing skills

- Learn about different cultures

 

 

BrainPop + Evernote + Stinto

 BrainPops allows you to:

-Watch cartoon videos
-There is a quiz which tests the students on the video
-You are able to review the answers you got correct or wrong
-Experiments are also avaliable

 Evernote:

-Used for organising or categorizing
- Can take pictures
- Can voice record



Stinto



-Instant free chat
-Create your own chat and invite any members
-Images and photos are able to be shared
- Can be used for questioning

 

Titan Pad, The learning foundation + Bingo

Titan Pad

- In real time (produced as you type)
-Import and export
-Colour coded
-Can track who typed what and when

The Learning Foundation

- uses colour, sound, images and involoves a heap of learning

http://econtent.thelearningfederation.edu.au/ec/viewing/L25/index.html
-link based on food chains

Bingo

https://bingobaker.com/
Good for concentration activities, good way to check for understanding of a topic, ice breaker, introducing a new topicGood for concentration activities, good way to check for understanding of a topic, ice breaker, introducing a new topic

Wordle on me + Bubbl

Five ways to use Wordle:

1) Ice breaker

2) Word wall

3) Spelling

4) Facts on a topic

5) Class rules/values



Bubbl
https://bubbl.us/

Build your wild self

http://www.buildyourwildself.com/

-Great way for students to be creative
- Students are able to explore different animal body parts and think outside the box
- Can be a class project and the students create a new world with their individual characters
- Could be used to build a creative writing piece for students
- Ice breaker

Mobile Technology in 21st Century

 

The author Justine Isard speaks about technology being a big part of our 21^st century lives and we can no longer live without it. Isard points out that, teachers need to embrace the use of mobile technology in the classrooms as the learning experience becomes more ‘real and relevant’. Isard is very clearly pro mobile technologies as the use of statistics were used very early within the article to pull readers in. I must admit that the statistics used were indeed convincing; I was shocked to learn that students with access to smartphones are studying 40mins more than students without. From recent media mind wash, I thought technology was the cause of lazy and unmotivated children. Although, Isard’s one sided article seemed to put some doubt within my mind.

The benefits highlighted within this article appeared to be never ending and it now seems silly not to use mobile technologies within the classroom. One which really stood out to me was “Less teacher centred and more student centred”, this factor is important as students become more driven through their own learning and therefore, curious to learn more. Isard also points out that, teachers will not be over shadowed and the mobile technology is merely there to enhance learning points. Personally I believe that that the school would need some kind of band on certain apps or rules in place, as students could get distracted off topic. Although, students are also then exposed to the wonderful apps available and is seems unnecessary for schools to band all mobile technology.

Mobile technology is popular because of its shear transportable feature and therefore, fits into our fast moving and wants now society. This means students can have access to their learning at all times and importantly parents are able to easily keep track. Students being allowed access frequently at home, normally means the issue of cyber bullying or internet predators come into play. Isard makes a great point by saying, “We want young people to have digital literact skills, be safe and responsible online”. The use of mobile technology should be seen as a positive future for classrooms and as long as it is controlled, students I think will benefit a huge amount.

Link to article:
https://learnit.nd.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-44797-dt-content-rid-46464_1/courses/F-ED2632-13ST/Mobile_learning_summer_school.pdf
 

Too cool for School? No way!

Article Link:

https://learnit.nd.edu.au/bbcswebdav/pid-44797-dt-content-rid-45530_1/courses/F-ED2632-13ST/mishra_koehler.pdf

I agree with the article Too cool for school? No way! Technology should be implemented into the classroom as it offers up a wide variety of opportunities for students to learn in fun and enjoyable ways. Technology also assists teachers with teaching a new topic or elaborating it.

Technology in classrooms also provides students with motivation as in today’s society students have grown up with and are surrounded by it. The reliance students today have on technology is at a high because, it’s a part of everyday life and incorporating it within the classroom only makes sense. There are also many available resources to use now and it is only increasing as technology is proving to be a hit with teachers, students and parents. 

I also believe that traditional methods of teaching should not be disregarded. Students still need to learn how to write without using a touch screen in front of them. The correct pencil grip I believe still needs to be taught because once high school is reached, writing for three hours in an exam is required. Personally I believe spelling is a big issue within society, because technology offers up auto correct option hence, an easy way out. Basic spelling skills still need to be learnt which of course can be done using technology e.g. smart board but, it is the question whether students remember and apply the basic skills without the use of auto correct.

Although, we are a technology based society and is a part of our everyday lives whether some teachers accept it or not. I believe teachers who don’t know how to use smart boards should attend courses to learn how to use it, because otherwise they shy away from using technology and student miss out on the wonderful resources available. A balanced use of technology, desk and collaborative work should be used within the classroom in order to expose the students to all angles of learning within the classroom. So in conclusion I agree with the article but, everything in moderation.

Few links here to a video, showing a 1 year old using an ipad:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHqbcGgf90o