Review of two other blogs

The blog’s I have reviewed were developed by:

- Rebekah Wilson
- Charlene Caspersz

I am not quite sure what is required of me in reviewing a blog, but the approach I have taken is to simply outline the blog, and make some comments about any aspect of it that made an impression on me.

Rebekah’s Elearning blog
http://rebekahelearning.blogspot.com/

ICT current trends (Literature Review)

Rebekah reviewed the article “ Computers as mindtools for engaging critical thinking and representing knowledge” by David Jonassen. Rebekah made two pertinent points, firstly, that teaching students to use computer mindtools may take up too much class time, and secondly, she questioned whether there was any great benefit in completing mindmapping style activities online rather than with pen and paper (besides the ease of digital communication of the final product).

I agree with Rebekah that the need for such activities being online needs to be assessed before taking up such elearning tools. I can see that in some circumstances it would be better to use online tools eg. if a group were working collaboratively (it is difficult for students to gather together outside class due to schedule differences).

Learning Styles

Rebekah had a strong read/write preference, and was quite happy as an external student to read through reams of information. She noted that having an aversion for the auditory mode has made her a more inventive lecturer, and she has never been drawn to delivering traditional ‘talky’ lectures.

She mentioned that asking students to complete the VARK survey in their first class may raise their awareness of their learning style, and that including a range of different activities to appeal to various preferences would be beneficial for students. She noted the potential for ICT to cater to various preferences

Digital Natives Debate

Rebekah pointed out that the reading on this topic assumes a particular profile for younger and older students, and that these assumptions do not fit in Broome. She writes that teaching online collaboration is essential, as it is a skill required for employability in the 21st centrury. Rebekah uses Elluminate, but has found that some students have difficulty making it to the assigned session times, and do not have easy access to the supporting technologies. She notes that all her Broome students have access to Blackboard however, and that using blogs and wikis may help provide better access to ICT tools for some students.

Web 2.0 learning in HE

Rebekah pointed out that in the readings there were assumptions about learners being school-leavers, with access to enough bandwidth and technology to easily use ICT tools. She wrote about needing to have plans in place to overcome barriers to technology for her students if she wanted to introduce the use of ICT tools in her classes.

ED6114 Charlene’s blog
http://ed6114charlenesblog.blogspot.com

ICT current trends

Charlene read the ‘Horizon report 2010’, which predicts emerging technologies which will have an impact. ‘Near horizon’ technologies (in next 12 months) were mobile computing, and open content; ‘Second adoption horizon’ (next 2-3 years) were e-books, and simple augmented reality; and “far term horizon” (next 3-4 years) were gesture-based computing and visual data analysis.

Charlene wrote that after reading the report she was finally excited about ICT. She was especially keen on the ‘far term horizon’ technologies, which she can imagine being applied in the medical field.

Comment – I am very glad to have also now learnt of the Horizon report through reading Charlene’s blog.

Learning styles – Day 3

Before taking the VARK survey Charlene predicted she would high in Read/write and low in auditory. After taking the survey she found she was V=1, A=3, R/W=7, K=5.
Charlene wrote of incorporating various teaching styles to cater to the range of preferences that exist, but noted that we need to accept that some people prefer to work alone rather than in a group. Charlene wrote that her teaching is based on actual demonstration, and so ICT tools may not be as appropriate for her classes as for other lecturers.

Digital natives debate

Charlene wrote that she found the terms ‘digital native’ and ‘digital immigrant’ distasteful. She wrote that the people who developed the initial web technologies are now of the age usually classified as ‘digital immigrant’!! (Good point Charlene). She wrote that labelling by age was counterproductive, and makes many assumptions about socio-economic circumstances, and previous exposure to technologies.

Higher Education in a Web 2.0 World

Charlene wrote that she had an increased need to be aware of new technologies, due to all the changes afoot. She writes of the benefits of elearning, but notes that the tools must be used only when appropriate. Charlene raised the question of legal issues arising from using networking tools, also mentioned that the extra work involved in setting up an elearning program for students would add to the extra unscheduled hours she already works.