This week we did two readings.

The first reading was “preparing students for E-Learning”. This article comments and how students need to be supported whilst using technology to learn. they need support and structure which is often lacking in computer lessons.

The article states that learning in classrooms and learning online is very similar but learning online does not have hte same support that the classroom environment has. The environment for e-learning needs to be appropriate for it to be a success. To be a success students need to have some skills in how to use the technology and some knowledge of the subject matter thay are learning about. students also need to have study skills and support to make e-learning work.

Furthermore, the article recognises that the content of the work should keep students motivated, engaged and interacting with each other. it also recognises that the learner must be self motivated and have a need for learning. The instructor has to be aware of student needs and have to be organised. Also, the technology should become a tool used to help students connect with each other, the content and their teacher.

 Moreover it explains that e-learning generally occurs withou much teacher direction and if often done independatly which i feel is not the right thing to happen as students lose interest, however it does aid students in working at their own pace and level. For this to occur foundational skills must be developed.

Role of the instructor is to: make connections with students, encourage students, always communicate, keep students updated, be flexible. Before the teacher can instruct they must have the foundations themselves. 

An ideal student is: self disciplined, mature, willing to ask for help and independant.

I agree with this article as i feel that students need to be guided through technology and online learning.  I also feel that teachers need to be very prepared and know exactly what they are going to teach, just as they do with classroom lessons.

The second reading is “What is MEaningful learning”. This article talks about what drives learning and how teachnology can make learning a more meaningful experience.

Students are ACTIVE, CONSTRUCTIVE, INTENTIONAL, AUTHENTIC and COOPERATIVE. All these components are what i believe learning should consist of. Lessons need to be hands on, goal directed, contextual and collaberative. This is to achieve a greater learning ability as students will not just remember facts for a test, they will remember things for life as they are relevant and students are responsible for their own learning.

What Learning style does this ICT support?

This ICT, being a photo, supports a visual learner. Pictures can tell stories and lead children to the answer. If they are unsure of what their research is telling them ,they are able to look at pictures and try to understand what they are learning about.

How could this ICT be implemented as a good tool within the learning environment?

Pictures could be used as another way to represent what the teacher is saying. It can also be used to help children understand what they are learning. The old adage ‘a picture paints 1000 words’ is relevant here as the picture can tell children what they teacher is trying to say.

How is this ICT enabling the development of creativity?

Pictures can be used as a way to develop students imagination, and lets them discover before and after scenes. The students are able to develop skills of depicting where a picture was taken, what it is about etc and gives them the opportunity to use their imagination.