Una’s Blog

When first beginning this assignment, I found that a lot of the literature and commentary I was reading was so focused on the technology part of education, that the more traditional methods were being left out, or forgotten. However, after spending these last three and a half months researching, reading, experimenting in class, and experiencing some of the methods myself, I have come to the point where I believe it is possible, and essential, to have a balance. It is the combination of technology based learning experiences, and traditional face-to-face teaching and discussion on what is being experienced, that is important. It is this balance that makes the new encounters and new understandings relevant and meaningful.

The one overriding thing that I have learnt through this subject this semester is that using technology in the classroom is not hard. There is such a myriad of different programs available, and different possibilities for incorporating them, that it’s possible to integrate technology into a unit in any KLA, maintaining a blanace between new ideas and skills, along with traditional classroom methods. The benefits of doing this include teaching new skills to the students, such as digital literacy[1], interaction with other students all over the world, and collaborative and creative new projects.

There are a number of major points and key issues that have had an impact on me personally through my experiences in e-learning this semester. Firstly, through my reading, discussion with others both in class and online, and my own experiences of this philosophy, I believe it is important to maintain a constructionist approach[2] to teaching, and more importantly learning, in my future classroom.

The second major point that has had an impact on me is the importance of sharing and celebrating student achievement, not only with other class members and parents, but also with the wider community (and where appropriate even a global community). The internet provides many tools that are designed for this purpose.

The third issue that had an impact on me through my reading in this subject, is the key role that collaboration in education should have in every classroom[3]. It is through collaborative experiences that students will gain the most insight into their own learning, and reflect on what is important to them. With projects such as the ‘One Laptop Per Child’[4] one in existence and already trying to achieve proper global collaboration in education, this goal seems even more important, and eventually achievable.

Through my experiences in this subject it, I have developed an appreciation for e-learning that I did not have previously. I am firm in my commitment to incorporate these skills, knowledge and philosophy into my future classroom, so that my students can benefit from everything these tools can offer.

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