I have setup a Flickr account today and uploaded my first photos. I searched for Monty's profile and managed to add him as a contact via the blackboard link to his account. The ease with which photos can be uploaded is impressive and the space that they give you to add descriptions of each photo far exceeds the capacity of social networking sites such as Facebook and Bebo. I can see the benefit that using Flickr in a classroom can provide - especially since children are very excited about gathering photos and seeing them put all together. With the free version of Flickr I was only able to create three 'sets' for my photos so my album titles were limited and had to be general. Obviously in a class setting if you are using Flickr regularly with a number of classes you could pay for an upgrade and create a different 'set' for each of the projects and classes you work with. This means that a record/history of the projects your class have researched in easily accessible and can be accessed at a later date for parent/teacher meetings or assemblies.
I shall add more to this blog entry when I have had chance to explore Flickr further.
Monday, 27 October 2008
Tuesday, 21 October 2008
Reflection: Reports on ICT in Schools Published
‘Children’s experiences of technology’
‘In class have to power down’
The Guardian- David Puttnam
The world is moving at such an incredible pace that teachers are starting to feel left behind! Children are arriving at school having spent their weekends and most of their lives carrying out technological procedures and tasks that often intimidate and alienate teachers.
Children are coming into school and feeling that they have to ‘power down due to the lack of equipment and freedom to explore with ICT in most – but not all –schools. One child described the freedom he had at home to use ICT in a very positive light: “You’re free, you’re in control, it’s your own world”
If Children are feeling that they have to ‘power down at school in terms of their ICT capabilities- shouldn’t schools be looking into what changes and improvements need to made to connect with these children at their level and embrace the creativity and shills that ICT can provide in their lives and in their futures.
ICT is a passionate area and subject for the majority of children. Every day they use it as an integrated part of their lives and it has become a valuable source of stimulation – especially for those struggling with traditional styles of education, teaching and learning.
Education in schools today needs to bridge the gap between the experience children have at home and that in the school. Teachers must ignite and inspire children using IcT as a catalyst for improved and more in depth learning and improvement.
Reports on ICT in Schools Published
Teachers are trying hard to keep up with the times and attend course that help to improve their ICT capabilities. Schools are putting more money into purchasing ICT equipment that will enable the teachers to incorporate ICT into their lesson plans and adapt to use whiteboard to aid their teaching.
‘Effectively in Information and Communications Technology in Schools 2008-2013’:
“the Inspectorate’s evaluation recorded limited integration of ICT in the classroom at primary level. The evaluation found that ICT in primary schools in currently focused on developing students’ numeracy, reading and writing skills, and that it is also used in the teaching of Social, Environmental and Scientific Education (History, Geography and Science)”.
‘In class have to power down’ - Reflections of Guardian Article May 8 2007
The world is moving at such an incredible pace that teachers are starting to feel left behind! Children are arriving at school having spent their weekends and most of their lives carrying out technological procedures and tasks that often intimidate and alienate teachers.
Children are coming into school and feeling that they have to ‘power down due to the lack of equipment and freedom to explore with ICT in most – but not all –schools. One child described the freedom he had at home to use ICT in a very positive light: “You’re free, you’re in control, it’s your own world”
If Children are feeling that they have to ‘power down at school in terms of their ICT capabilities- shouldn’t schools be looking into what changes and improvements need to made to connect with these children at their level and embrace the creativity and shills that ICT can provide in their lives and in their futures.
ICT is a passionate area and subject for the majority of children. Every day they use it as an integrated part of their lives and it has become a valuable source of stimulation – especially for those struggling with traditional styles of education, teaching and learning.
Education in schools today needs to bridge the gap between the experience children have at home and that in the school. Teachers must ignite and inspire children using ICT as a catalyst for improved and more in depth learning and improvement.
Children are coming into school and feeling that they have to ‘power down due to the lack of equipment and freedom to explore with ICT in most – but not all –schools. One child described the freedom he had at home to use ICT in a very positive light: “You’re free, you’re in control, it’s your own world”
If Children are feeling that they have to ‘power down at school in terms of their ICT capabilities- shouldn’t schools be looking into what changes and improvements need to made to connect with these children at their level and embrace the creativity and shills that ICT can provide in their lives and in their futures.
ICT is a passionate area and subject for the majority of children. Every day they use it as an integrated part of their lives and it has become a valuable source of stimulation – especially for those struggling with traditional styles of education, teaching and learning.
Education in schools today needs to bridge the gap between the experience children have at home and that in the school. Teachers must ignite and inspire children using ICT as a catalyst for improved and more in depth learning and improvement.
Reflection on Marc Prensky's 'Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants'
Digital Native, Digital Immigrants
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Marc Prensky’s article ‘Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants’ as it provided me with new insights and ways of thinking but also due to the intensity of the argument (leaning heavily towards the favour of the digital world) made me realise how much I still value the traditional, unique and personal ways of teaching and learning.
This article has opened my mind to the pressing need for ICT to be incorporated more fully into the education system – so that children can be fully equipped for entering a world that is heavily dependant on digital technology and the interactive, technological world.
Born as a digital native myself – these views on ICT are appealing due to my own use of computers and the digital interactive world, however, my education and personal development has installed in me beliefs and values that fully appreciate and celebrate traditional forms of education – where children are inspired by people not machines!
Teachers have the ability to see potential in children through their drawings, stories and writing that is not connected to using ICT and the digital world. Not all parts of education are amenable to digital recording – experiences and reflection cannot be replaced by ICT and character is built through the one on one interaction with others in the world. ICT is a way of life but also can be a means of insulating and isolating people who rely on ICT as a crucial means of interaction. Individuals who have not learnt how to properly engage with others and learn through traditional means of education often find themselves alone with ICT and lack the vital social skills. Computers and technology cannot relate to children with the compassion and sensitivity of people.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Marc Prensky’s article ‘Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants’ as it provided me with new insights and ways of thinking but also due to the intensity of the argument (leaning heavily towards the favour of the digital world) made me realise how much I still value the traditional, unique and personal ways of teaching and learning.
This article has opened my mind to the pressing need for ICT to be incorporated more fully into the education system – so that children can be fully equipped for entering a world that is heavily dependant on digital technology and the interactive, technological world.
Born as a digital native myself – these views on ICT are appealing due to my own use of computers and the digital interactive world, however, my education and personal development has installed in me beliefs and values that fully appreciate and celebrate traditional forms of education – where children are inspired by people not machines!
Teachers have the ability to see potential in children through their drawings, stories and writing that is not connected to using ICT and the digital world. Not all parts of education are amenable to digital recording – experiences and reflection cannot be replaced by ICT and character is built through the one on one interaction with others in the world. ICT is a way of life but also can be a means of insulating and isolating people who rely on ICT as a crucial means of interaction. Individuals who have not learnt how to properly engage with others and learn through traditional means of education often find themselves alone with ICT and lack the vital social skills. Computers and technology cannot relate to children with the compassion and sensitivity of people.
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