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There are several technological tools that learners are using outside the classroom. In order to effectively reach today’s learners, one must bring into the classroom the tools with which the learners are familiar. One prominent tool is the iPod. Other tools which are frequently utilized by learners outside the classroom are those of the laptop computer and the eReader. Each of these technological tools offer an augmentation to daily lessons and engage the learners in inquiry based learning.
In regards to the iPod, tools such as Podcasts are best for this purpose. Podcasting is a powerful platform that can address multiple learning styles with recorded audio, music, photos, and video. Furthermore, podcasting delivers educational content in a portable format that learners can access and review anytime, anywhere, at their own pace, and as often as they need. Educators who go beyond "course-casting," or simply posting recordings of their class presentations or lectures, will find that podcasting can enhance lessons by engaging students with material for their review before and after classtime. Creating podcasts is also a great way for students to demonstrate their learning and develop their communication skills.
With the laptop computers and eReaders, online searches, document creations, and collaborations are all best for this purpose. First, e-readers can contain many books but weigh a few ounces rather than several pounds. In addition, there may be ecological benefits for using e-readers, but the jury is still out on this one. Costs of producing paper versus the cost of producing the electricity an e-reader requires along with e-waste require additional attention to the technology that potentially make e-readers eco-friendly. Textbooks are often out-of-date as soon as they hit print in some core curriculum areas.
Blogs Posted to:
Linda Hutchinson
Karen Connell
Charity
ReplyDeleteBringing strategies and tools of technology to the classroom, is indeed important to an online learning environment.
I love your graphic organizer, you have some great strategies/tools indicated on it, but I notice in your blogging that you did not discuss any of then. Why?
Also, why would you refer to the iPod, laptop computer, and eReader as tools of technology, and simultaneously calling podcasting a tool? Are they the same thing?
I see where you mention the benefits of the eReader, but you haven't said how it works. Why?
Thanks for your comments here Milton. I wanted to explore the specific tools in my blog as opposed to further elaborating on the tools in the graphic organizer. iPods, laptops, eReaders and podcasting are not the same thing; each in and of themselves perform separate duties and have differences and similarities. The eReader blog that is hyperlinked here also discusses how the eReader works as well. Again, thanks :-)
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ReplyDeleteNice post, Charity. I'm curious, have you used Adobe Captivate? Their webpage looks interesting, but it's surprisingly lacking in an explanation of some basic features. If you've used it, I'd be interested in your opinion of it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteCharity: What is ooVo?
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone! Mike, the Adobe Captivate is an amazing tool that allows educators (among other sectors) to create interactive quizzes, tutorials, demonstrations, all stored on the Internet. Another Adobe program that helps facilitate meetings when people are at various locations is Adobe connect Pro. I like both and have utilized both to facilitate webinars, online workshops, and meetings with co-workers.
ReplyDeleteProfessor Rogers, ooVoo is another tool which performs in the same capacity as Skype, with the ability to video conference in more than two people at a time. I have used this software to allow multiple persons to perform as an external panel to assess student presentations.