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.