Some of the technological tools you can take out of the classroom to Distance Education are Skype, blogs,
and social networks. These tools allow students to collaborate on group projects. Chat rooms, blogs, instant
messaging allow students to communicate with their instructors. Through blogs and discussion boards,
students can discuss sand debate the issues. The use of virtual field trips allows the student to learn through
the use of a visual format. They can visit museums, crumbling ruins and other classrooms. Using Skype, email
and wiki’s the students can not only collaborate with each other but they have access to experts in all fields
.
jshives11,
ReplyDeleteAs a kindergarten teacher I do not use many of the communication and collaboration tools/strategies that you mentioned in you graphic organizer, however the inclusion of these elements is essential in the learning process and can be modified to appropriately meet the needs of each student or student population. Establishing communication guidelines and methods is essential in the particular grade level, as they are forming the foundation of how to appropriately communicate. Developing an environment that allows each student the ability to communicate their thoughts, listen to their classmates, and be able to develop understanding; creating a stance on their belief or altering their idea based on the information presented from their peers sets the tone for future learning. The varied method in which you have listed under your category of content is similar in the way in which I facilitate instruction. How do you believe that these three elements, content, collaboration, and communication drive your instruction?
Hi, Joanne!
ReplyDeleteSimonson (2000) recommended the use of all available technologies to augment instruction. He further suggested that successful learning outcomes are not dependent upon what tools are used, but how they are used and what content they deliver. What are some of the strategies you use with your students to ensure their increased engagement?
Reference
Simonson, M. (2000). Making decisions: The use of electronic technology in online classes. New Directions for Teaching and Learning, 84, 29–34.
I think that you are correct about using available technology in our curricula. I believe that we set ourselves up to being closed-minded if we choose not to use it.
ReplyDeleteNick Jarrell
This site does not recognize my WordPress page for some reason.
ReplyDeleteNick Jarrell
Joanne:
ReplyDeletePatrick LaPollo's response-
I truly value the resources available online, with all of the types of communications and sources of information; but have we gotten to the point where this could be an acceptable substitute [replacement] for actually visiting places in the world? I have traveled extensively in my life, and there is nothing, in my humble opinion, available over the internet that can compare to gazing at the pyramids of Giza or standing afoot the acropolis!