Week 4 Reflection 3: Digital Tools

Voki Welcome

I just made a new Voki. See it here: http://www.voki.com/pickup.php?

Introduction

Multi-strategy approaches to learning have the potential to be far more effective than any single strategy approaches due to them being able to provide for a broader range of learning needs and capabilities.  Stansbury (2008), stated in her analysis report on ‘how multimedia can improve learning’ that research supports a notion that multi-modal learning is more effective than traditional learning due to it being able to cater for more individual needs of students.  When reading information around how the brain acquires knowledge through three types of memory, sensory, working and long-term it becomes obvious that multimedia could be very beneficial in the learning process.  Research suggests the sensory stimulation received through the use of multimedia has positive effects on memory and this is due to improved memory retention through the use of words and pictures rather that just words alone (Stansbury, 2008,  p. 3). 

In our reflection this week we were to consider three types of digital tools.  These include podcasts, images and videos.  I believe each one of these tools is complementary to the learning process.  As with most students I have appreciated all three of these digital tools during my learning experience and have found each one valuable during different stages of my learning.  For the purpose of this reflection I will focus on videos and the learning benefits and drawbacks for the use of this tool. 

Videos have so many benefits and it is easy to understand why they are a popular choice for educational learning gains.  Below is a list of the reasons I would consider using them in one of my physical education classes:-
1. Great for illustration purposes
2. They can be supported by text and interaction
3. Classes can become a part of the lesson and be in the video (great for video                       analysis in sport identifying good/bad technique.
4. The movement in videos have an advantage over stills and textbook shots and                  movement patterns can be determined
5.  Voice over are beneficial for those with language or reading problems
6. Students able to access videos online and continue with their study at their                       own convenience

As with the introduction of all media tools there are a few areas that need consideration before using videos in a classroom setting.  Firstly there should be thought around the curriculum and what it states surrounding use of videos for the subject area that one is teaching in.  Copyright and privacy rights also need to be considered when including videos for education purposes with permission for using or taking video footage obtained prior to use.   The drawback around the use of these tools is that teachers need to be vigilant around the monitoring of all the material to ensure the environment remains safe for students and that there is no breech of legal and ethical rights.  

SAMR 

Video Review Timeline

ENHANCEMENT                                                

                ↓          

SUBSTITUTION                                                                                                                               Different lesson presentation style                                          

               ↓  
 AUGMENTATION 
 Video for storytelling

               ↓

TRANSFORMATION 

               ↓

 MODIFICATION

 Videos now include text, photos and audio clips

                ↓

  REDEFINITION

                ↓

  Students make their own video and learn to place it in other spaces 

As a part of our reflection this week we were asked to use movie maker to make a short movie.  Attached is my fun attempt below:-

Other activities this week include:

Below is the link to a movie I uploaded into youtube for another assignment piece.

http://youtu.be/D2_MatLLNlY

Here is my play around this with microsoft research auto collage 2008

Summary:    
Attention in school + Retention of information = Learning Gains = Multimedia      

References

Henderson, R. (2012). Teaching literacies: pedagogies and diversity in the    

middle years. South Melbourne, Vic: Oxford University Press.

Russell-Bowie, D. (2005), MMADD about the arts! An introduction to primary

arts education.  South Melbourne, Vic: Pearson Education Australia

Stansberry, M. (2008, March 26). Analysis: How multuimedia can improve learning.                          eschool News. p. 1-4.

Week One - Learning Theories

On our first discussion topic of learning theories each one is most certainly relevant.  The significance of applying a particular learning theory to class settings is of course dependent on a variety of variables. These include the students involved, the content, the environment in which the learning is taking place and desired learning outcomes.  Killen (2003, p.1), acknowledged that no single teaching strategy is effective all the time for all learners.

I considered each one of these theories and how I might apply each particular one to a class setting in my teaching streams of HPE and Health Education. 

Behaviourism – through participation in physical activity, encouragement and positive reinforcement on the importance of maintaining healthy diets, students are able to make more informed and improved decisions in the area of health.  The desired outcomes for this learning theory being students alter behaviour habits opting for better choice and decision making.

Cognitivism – this learning design would provide the evidence needed for the brain to process which would allow students to comprehend and understand important concepts in relation to the subject matter.  Examples could include information on body systems and what role they play in one’s health and well-being or how diet can contribute to diabetes and other lifestyle diseases.

Constructivism – I believe this is where culture comes into the picture.  Students can be products of their upbringing and their social circle.  This theory would be best applied when teachers become familiar with their students, their background, motivation and their current knowledge on a the subject matter in question so they are able to then design lessons that compliment and extend the current knowledge of their students.  Activities in HPE sessions would be designed to match students’ ability and prior knowledge and experience to ensure the required learning gains are reached.

Connectivism – A lesson design based on this theory could be centred around identifying organisations that provide information on healthy food or food packaging examples.  This would require internet searches and it would require them to identify where to find information and extended knowledge.

References:

Killen, R. (2003). Effective teaching strategies: Lessons from research and practice, 3^rd ed, South

Intro

B-Blog - Basic and Boring But the Beginning of Building Bright ideas and Better Blogs.

Like many of you on this course this is my first attempt at blogging.  I confess to being non-digitally literate in the area of social media options and the associated tools surrounding the digital world of public communication.  That said, I am a continual learner (hence the reason for the post grad study) and with this in mind I need to overcome my apprehension and embrace the brave new world of modern technology.  I guess I can only get improve from here on and I am excited about the challenge ahead and being a member of a new community … The GDLT bloggers!