Sunday, 8 April 2012

TPACK


WHAT IS TPACK?
TPACK is Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge.  You can now see why they call it TPACK. 

For me, who is fairly technologically ignorant that just sounds like complicated technology stuff.  If it were the heading of a newspaper article I am sure I would turn the page very quickly and simply ignore it.  But should we ignore it?
                                
TPACK is essential to teaching now and moving forward and we can not simply ignore it any longer if we want to engage students in the classroom. 

But what is TPACK?




To understand what TPACK is we must first understand the basis of:
·         Technological Knowledge;
·         Pedagogical Knowledge; and
·         Content Knowledge.

What is Pedagogical Knowledge?
Pedagogy is often referred to as the art, strategies or ways of teaching.  In other words, how teachers’ get the information they are teaching across to their students.
This sometimes looks or sounds easy but in reality can be complex. 
Teachers want their students to engage and ultimately learn.  It is only with the use of good pedagogical techniques that this occurs.

Think about the ways teachers’ teach.  Is it all just blackboard writing, lecturing etc or have these methods changed?

Pedagogical Knowledge is therefore, the knowledge that a teacher has of pedagogies or in other words, the knowledge the teacher has of how to teach and the affect of how something is taught affects the students.
There are many methods/ways of teaching.  To list a few:

·         Blackboard teaching;

·         Use of Internet;

·         Books;

·         Electronic whiteboards;

·         Powerpoint presentations;

·         Collaboration;

·         Digital technologies

The list is endless.


What is Content Knowledge?
Content is simply what the teacher is wanting the student to learn.  It is the subject matter, topic or skill. 
For instance, in the key learning area of mathematics the content may be adding and/or subtraction.

Content Knowledge is therefore, the knowledge that the teacher has of that content.
It is obvious that before a teacher can teach content to a student the teacher must have an understanding of the content being taught. 

The better the teacher’s content knowledge the more likely it is that such knowledge can be passed to the students.
PEDAGOGICAL CONTENT KNOWLEDGE

So if we put pedagogical knowledge and content knowledge together what do we have?

THE SUPER TEACHER

The teacher who has knowledge of the methods to use that are effective in teaching the content that the teacher has already got a good understanding of.
Surely, this makes for a super teacher!!

Or so we thought......
Until.......
Along came technological knowledge.

What is Technological Knowledge?

Technology.  This is something we all understand pretty well in today’s technological world.  It includes:

·         Computers;

·         Internet;

·         Email;

·         Software;

·         Digital technologies, such as Ipads, Iphones etc;

·         Word processors;

·         Excel/spreadsheets;

·         Facebook;

·         Ereaders.
The list goes on and on and continues to develop with each new technology introduced.


Technological Knowledge is therefore, the knowledge of how to use technologies.

TECHNOLOGICAL CONTENT KNOWLEDGE

Well we have already looked at what content knowledge is (in case you have already forgotten – the subject matter, topic or skill the teacher is teaching and the teacher’s knowledge of that subject matter, topic or skill).

So what is technological content knowledge?

It is the knowledge of technologies that can be used to teach the content.
Let’s look at some simple examples.....
·         Using mathematic computer programs to teach maths;

·         On line reading programs;

·         Use of the internet to get more information on the content.

Obviously, technologies are changing all the time so it is an on-going challenge for teachers to keep up with technological knowledge and continue to find technologies that can assist in teaching the content.

TECHNOLOGICAL PEDAGOGICAL KNOWLEDGE

Just as we saw before there is Pedagogical Content Knowledge (the knowledge of the ways to teach the content) there is also Technological Pedagogical Knowledge. 

Technological Pedagogical Knowledge is, quite simply, the knowledge the teacher has of the ways to use technology to teach and the knowledge of the affects that using these technologies will have on the students.

Think of how technologies can affect the learning of students?

Students may engage differently with different technologies.  For instance, if the technology is easy to use and exciting the students may interact more and want to learn but if the technology is complex and daunting the students may withdraw and become absent.

It is this understanding of how the technology can be beneficial or non-beneficial to the students that forms the basis of technological pedagogical knowledge.

TECHNOLOGICAL PEDAGOGICAL CONTENT KNOWLEDGE
So if we add Technological Knowledge, Pedagogical Knowledge and Content Knowledge together we will get the


SUPER TEACHER!
The teacher who:-
·         Has knowledge of the content he/she is teaching,
·         Has knowledge of technologies;
·         Has knowledge of how to teach the content and knows the affects that the methods he/she is using to teach the content will have on the student;

·         Has Knowledge of how to teach the content using technologies and knows the affects that using these technologies will have on students.

If teachers have technological pedagogical content knowledge and use this knowledge then it is more likely that there lesson plans will be engaging and the students will have access to information to learn more....

Referencing:

  • P Mishra and MJ Koehler (2006) -  Technological Pedagogical Cnotent Knoweldge:  A Framework for Teacher Knowledge.
  • ICT for Learning Design Coursework Material
  • Images by Google Images








































     








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Thursday, 5 April 2012

Google Maps



View Driving directions to Rockhampton, Queensland in a larger map

The above is an example of Google Maps.  This map is showing the driving directions from Brisbane to Rockhampton.

What is Google Maps

Google maps is much like a street directory and atlas combined.  It can show you how to get to and from each place together with details of the length and time to complete the distance.

In addition to this Google Maps can show you a street view of a place.  For example, below is a Google Maps Street View of Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast:-



You can see that it shows a capture picture of the street.

How to Use Google Maps


Google Maps is easy to use.  All you need to do is go to www.maps.google.com.au  From there you can simply enter the address you want to see and it will appear.  You can then select street view to see an image such as this.

For a more detailed explanation on how to use Google Maps please watch the following video:-


How Can Google Maps Be Used in the Classroom


Google maps is a great tool for Geography and History lessons as it can show places including historical places like the Eifell Tower etc.


However, it would also be useful in a mathematics lesson, such as looking at distance and time. 

PMI Analaysis


The advantages of using Google Maps is it is quick and easy to use and allows the learner to look at the exact image of the place searched rather than just a picture.  It provides specific details such as distance and time to assist with lesson plans. 

There are not many disadvantages to using Google Maps as it is an interesting tool.  The only issue would be to make sure that the lesson plan includes work that is not just visual but assists in higher levels of thinking.  Looking at Google Maps alone would not support higher levels of thinking, however, if used appropriately, such as a Mathematics lesson requiring students to look up the place and the distance and time etc and applying this information then it would support the Blooms Revised Taxonomies more appropriately (Blooms Taxonomyof Learning Domain)

I found Google Maps interesting as you can search places such as the Eiffel Tower.  It is also free to use.

Personal Reflection


Google maps is easy to use.  I have used it many times before when travelling.  It is a great tool and one I am sure I will use in the classroom.

References:







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Google Earth



What is Google Earth?

The above video is an example of what you can see on Google Earth.  Have a look it is amazing!
Google earth is an online information program which allows you to view pictures of the earth not from an abstract view of the earth like this picture


but rather an up close and personal view as was shown in the above video.

Google earth can even take you to the moon surface.

It is amazing what you will see.

How to Use Google Earth

Visit Google Earth at http://earth.google.com/ and start exploring.

For more information on how to use google earth please watch the following video:



How Can Google Earth Be Used in the Classroom

The uses are limitless.  For example, if space were the topic being taught you could use Google Earth to actually take your class into outer space. 
You can see images of the tallest buildings in the world and go back in time to look at historical images.

The students will feel like they have actually been to the place described - it is that interactive.

PMI Analysis

Plus
Minus
Interesting
The advantages of using Google Earth:
·         Keeps students engaged as they get to explore something they may have never seen before.
·         It is interesting and new images are published all the time. 
·         It is interactive and makes you feel like you have actually been there.  Some images are even in 3D.
·         It creates an understanding of the topic as it actually shows you what it is by taking you there.
·         That the use of Google Earth will support Cognitivism learning theories but also if used appropriately to engage learners in a collaborative way (such as discussing the images displayed on Google Earth) then the use of Google Earth will also support Constructivism learning theories (Elearning Pedagogy).
·         That the use of Google Earth will support Visual and Verbal Learners (Learning Styles and Strategies);
·         That the use of Google Earth will support Linguistic and Visual/Spatial Intelligences (Multiple Intelligences);
·         It will support a TPACK framework, provided the content on Google Earth is appropriate to the Key Learning Area being taught (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge).
·         It will assist in higher order thinking including the Blooms Revised Taxonomies of “Remembering”, “Understanding” and “Analysing” (Blooms Taxonomy of Learning Domains).
The disadvantages of editing images include:
·         Making sure copyright legislation is adhered to
·         The program can be slow to download images and this can be frustrating
·         That you need to get a licence to use it. 
·         It is amazing to see the images up close and personal.
·         You can see the moon, the stars, planets, underwater, historical images etc.
·         Things you would never get to see in real life you actually can see.


Personal Reflection

I found Google Earth fascinating.  The only concern that I had with Google Earth was the requirement to download which took some time.  The outcome is amazing and would be a great tools for classes, especially geography, science (looking at space and stars), history etc. It will come in very useful in lesson plans.

Referencing:

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Prezi


Prezi for ICT on Prezi

What is a Prezi

Click on the above image to see an example of a Prezi. A Prezi is an online tool which allows you to create interactive presentations. 

How to Make a Prezi

Go to http://www.prezi.com and join as a member.
Once you have joined it is free to create your own Prezi.
Watch this video below to get further information on creating your own Prezi:-


How to Use a Prezi in the Classroom

A Prezi is a great presentation tool so at any time that information needs to be given to students, Prezi is a great way to do this as it is fun, interactive, colourful and entertaining.
Prezi could also be used by students to present their own presentations for assignments etc.  There are many ways that a Prezi can be used.

PMI Analysis

Plus
Minus
Interesting
The advantages of using a Prezi include:
·         It makes presentations exciting and fun
·         Images and videos can be added to support the presentation;
·         The size and design of the presentation can be changed easily;
·         It is colourful and visually appealing;
·         It allows for the presentation to be presented in a certain way so that each image is given a set path to follow (ie.  You can decide which part of the presentation is displayed first, second and third etc);
·         No more paper presentations, students can do their presentations in an interactive online way;
·         It supports cognitivism and behaviourism learning theories if used mainly as a display but if used in a manner where the display engages the audience such as asking questions etc. then it may take on a more collaborative role and support constructivism theories (ELearning Pedagogies)
·         If used as a display tool it will assist visual, verbal and sequential learners.  However, if used by students to create their own Prezi it could also assist active, global learners also.
·         It will assist those with linguistic and special intelligences but also make help with interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences if used appropriately, such as allowing students to prepare their own Prezi within a group activity (interpersonal) or allowing students to prepare their own Prezi individually (intrapersonal) - (Multiple Intelligences)
·         It supports TPACK strategies as it allows the content to be displayed in technologically pedagogically sound ways (provided of course the content allowed for in the Prezi is suitable to the key learning area/s) (Technological Pedogogical Content Knowledge)
·         If used merely as a presentation tool it will support the Blooms (revised) Taxonomies of “Remembering”, “Understanding”, “Analysing” , “Evaluating” but if used by students to create their own Prezi it will also include the “Creating” and “Applying” Blooms Taxonomies.  (Blooms Taxonomy of Learning Domains).
The disadvantages of using a Prezi include:
·         It  can be difficult to create the pathways effectively and it took some time to understand how to create the Prezi.
·         It may be difficult for some students to understand how to create their own Prezi
*    It makes some people dizzy or uncomfortable watching the interactive slide show presentation
·         The Prezi is a free online tool;
·         It is possible to make as many Prezis as needed;
·         You Tube videos can be uploaded easily on the Prezi (see the above video for an example of how to do this).

 Personal Reflection

I had not heard of a Prezi before I commenced this course.  I have now created my own Prezi and am pleased that I have done this. 

Although creating a Prezi is relatively simple when I first started creating the Prezi I was confused at how to create the pathways. The page seemed to jump around a bit making it difficult to follow.  After trying to create many Prezis it has now become more easy to use.  However, I have to admit I like the set up of a powerpoint better than the Prezi (but that is just a personal preference).  I can see why both methods would support teaching and I am sure I will use both. 

I think the Prezi would be more beneficial when you have more step by step instructions to reach a certain goal.  That is why I provided an example of this type above.  However, there are many other possibilities for the Prezi.

References:


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POWERPOINT PRESENTATION




POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS
View more PowerPoint from janeenscqu

What is a Powerpoint Presentations?

A powerpoint presentation is used to display content in the form of slides.  It has replaced the old projector type presentations.
The above is an example of a powerpoint.  Unfortunately, I was unable to upload the sound through the free slideshare software.  It would be necessary to upgrade to a package to have the sound installed.  However, I was able to create a powerpoint presentation which included sound which I found to assist the presentation.

Please click on the following link to view an animated powerpoint presentation:-

Janeen's Animated Slides

How to Make a Powerpoint Presentation

You will need to have access to Powerpoint.  It is available on most computers and can be found in the start menu.  Once you open the program all you need to do is type in the information you wish to display and there you have a powerpoint.
For more information on creating a powerpoint please watch the following video:-


How To Use Powerpoint in Classrooms

Powerpoints are a useful tool in teaching.  It enables you to:-
  • Powerpoint can assist in presenting content in visually appealing ways;
  • Powerpoint can be used to present media - such as attaching video images;
  • Powerpoint can be used by students to present their own presentations
  • Powerpoint can be used to show the answers to quizzes, tests etc so students can check their own work
  • Anything that requires presentation can be done through powerpoint.

SWOT Analysis of using Powerpoint in the Classroom

The strengths of using powerpoint in the classroom include:
  • Powerpoint images can assist students with rote learning as they have the slides available for future reference which supports the behaviorism learning theories.  However, this will not promote higher order thinking and as such other supports should be used to assist in collaboration (such as class discussions of the slides) (ELearning Pedagogy).
  • The use of images, charts etc in a powerpoint will assist with cognitivism learning theories.  Again, this will not promote higher order thinking and other methods should be used in conjunction with this (Elearning Pedagogy).
  • If the powerpoint is used appropriately to enhance collaboration, such as presenting the idea and allowing the class to be divided into groups to discuss and collaborate on the idea and then returning to display some end results, then it will support a constructivism learning theory, as well as behaviorism and cognitivism learning theories (ELearning Pedagogy)
  • If students are invited to create their own powerpoints, this will assist active and also reflective learners.  Active as they can approach the creation of the powerpoint hands on and Reflective as it allows those learners to think about what information they will insert in the slides. (Learning Styles and Strategies)
  • Powerpoints support sensing learners as it enables them to learn the facts (Learning Styles and Strategies)
  • Powerpoints also support visual and verbal learners as they can show images, pictures and diagrams while at the same time providing written and spoken explanations (Learning Styles and Strategies)
  • Powerpoints support sequential learners as they normally have a step by step approach through the slides (Learning Styles and Strategies)
  • If the content is used correctly it supports a TPACK framework as it uses technologically in pedagogically sound ways to present the content (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge: A Framework for Teacher Knowledge)
  • If used appropriately to support collaborative learning and by allowing students to also use the tool to create their own powerpoints it can support all of the Blooms (Revised) Taxonomies of "remembering, understanding, applying, analysing, evaluating and creating" (Blooms Taxonomy of Learning Domains) as it:-
      • Identifies content (remembering)
      • It summarises the content (understanding)
      • If the lesson plan incorporates the powerpoint (ie. display handwriting techniques on the powerpoint and then ask students to write using those techniques) then should will implement what is shown in the powerpoint (applying)
      • It allows students to compare and provides outlines (analysing)
      • Powerpoint can be used to evaluate the overall lesson allowing students to check they know what they should know (evaluating)
      • It allows students to make their own presentations (creating) 
      • All of these will create higher order thinking which is the goal in teaching.
The weaknesses of using powerpoint in the classroom include:
  • There is the ability to abuse powerpoint by just using it as a type of textbook with masses of content being displayed.  This will disengage the learner.
  • Using powerpoints can make learners tune out as they may think they already have the notes they need.
  • May not encourage collaboration
  • If not used appropriately with images etc. powerpoints can be boring.
  • Obviously, power failure could result in problems in using powerpoint.
The opportunities that can exist in using powerpoint to overcome the weaknesses include:
  • Limit the amount of content and use bullet points. 
  • Make sure to stop and discuss the issues shown on the slide with students to ensure they are tuned in and use the slide as a prompting tool and then discuss the issue verbally
  • Bounce ideas off the students and allow for the powerpoint to be stopped and students put into groups to discuss the point on presentation
  • Use images, videos if this will assist in getting the content across.  But do not overload the images so that it becomes too busy and a distraction to students
The threats that may present if the weaknesses are not corrected include:
  • Students will not gain higher order thinking.
  • The powerpoint tool will be ineffective and learning will be jeopardised

Personal Reflection

I really enjoyed using the powerpoint.  Before this course I had never used powerpoint before but had viewed it.  When I am in a lecutre or tutorial I prefer that the material is presented with both visual and audio and so powerpoint has always been a benefit to me in learning.  There are so many ways that the powerpoint can be used, rather than simply a textbook method, that I believe powerpoint is one of the most valuable ICT tools that can be used.  It is easy and effective.  I was surprised that You Tube videos and images could be used in powerpoint.  As often in the past the lecturers that I had only used it for content.  I can see that it is much more effective when images and videos are also used.
I intend to use powerpoint in my classroom where appropriate.

References



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Wednesday, 4 April 2012

Glogster



Above is an example of a Glogster.


What is a Glogster

Glogger is an online tool which allows you to create interactive posters.  For example, see how the sun is shining and the childrens' eyes are blinking in the above example. 

How to Make a Glogster

First you will need to go to the website www.glogster.com and create an account.  It is very easy to use from there and quite self explanatory.  But for more information on creating a glogster watch this video:-



How Can Glogster be Used in the Classroom?

Glogster is a great tool for creating posters.  The posters can be used for displaying information about the learning area or just general information as is shown in the example above in relation to Sun Smart.  As the image is interactive it is visually appealling.
Students could create their own Glogster's to display projects and assignments.

It could be used to display poetry, maths, just about anything.

PMI Analysis

Plus:  Glogster was easy to use, was fun and provides a great visual aid to assist in teaching.  It will help support visual learners and if used appropriately could support higher order thinking, for instance by allowing students to get information through collaboration and then input that information into a Glogster.

Minus:  If printed the image will no longer be interactive, however, it still looks visually appealing.  A Glogster poster alone will not support higher order thinking and other activities will need to be included in a learning plan to achieve this.

Interesting:  Glogster is free to use and you can create as many as you like.

Personal Reflection

Again, I had never heard of a Glogster before I commenced this course.  I am now so excited that I have discovered it.  I found Glogster to be a great tool and can't wait to use it in the classroom.  It was so easy to use compared to other online tools but just as effective.  I would recommend this tool to anyone.

References:




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Editing Images

EDITING IMAGES



Edited Image



Original Image



As you can see from the two images above, the original image has been edited by reducing the size, creating a border and adding some text, including a text bubble.  This was done by using the online tool of Pizap.  However, there are many other tools available to edit images including Moba Photo.

Here is another example of an edited image using Moba Photo:-


Edited Image



 

Original Image



You can see from the above images that they have been edited to crop the image which delieted the blackboard and the size of the image has been altered and the colour changed.

How to Edit an Image Using Pizap


I found editing an image using Pizap to be more effective then using Mobaphoto.  However, both are great tools.

To edit an image using Pizap you will need to go to http://pizap.com and register and then just have fun editing the picture.  It is simple to use and self explanatory.

How to Edit an Image Using Moba Photo


Again, it is a simple and effective tool to edit images.  You will need to go to the Website http://www.mobaphoto.mobatek.net/ and dowload Mobaphoto.  It is free and only takes a few seconds.

Watch this video to find out more inforamtion on how to use Mobaphoto:-



How Editing Images Can Assist in the Classroom

Being able to edit images will be an essential technique required when using images as often the images online are too large, contain some content that you don't want to show or require text included. 

Images can be used in all lesson plans and can greatly assist in inspiring learning and help in understanding the content.

PMI Analysis

Plus
Minus
Interesting

The advantages of editing images include:

·         Being able to resize the image to fit in with the other content or design

·         Being able to change the colour to fit in with the other content or design

·         Being able to rotate the image to fit in with the other content or design

·         Being able to remove red eyes from pictures etc

·         Being able to crop images to remove unwanted parts of the image

·         That the use of images will support Cognitivism learning theories but also if used appropriately to engage learners in a collaborative way (such as discussing the images) then the use of images will also support Constructivism learning theories (Elearning Pedagogy).

·         That the use of images will support Visual and Verbal Learners (Learning Styles and Strategies);

·         That the use of images will support Linguistic and Visual/Spatial Intelligences (Multiple Intelligences);

·         It will support a TPACK framework, provided the content used in conjunction with the image is appropriate (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge).

·         It will assist in higher order thinking including the Blooms Revised Taxonomies of “Remembering”, “Understanding” and “Analysing” (Blooms Taxonomy of Learning Domains).

The disadvantages of editing images include:

·         Making sure copyright legislation is adhered to

·         Editing images is quick and effective.  It often only takes a few minutes to change an image;

·         Most programs to edit images are free online, including Pizap and Mobaphoto

Personal Reflection

I enjoyed editing images using Pizap.  I found that Mobaphoto was very basic and some of the colour changes looked ineffective.  Pizap was simple and did not require downloading.  I found the downloading process of Mobaphoto unnecessary compared to the other product.  I had not heard of either products before completing this course and am glad that I now know how to use them.  Simple things like removing red eyes from photographs will be great to use.  I will use images in the classroom and these editing tools will prove very beneficial I am sure.

Referencing

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