Multimedia: A thought

As educators embarking upon technology; we must keep the following in the back of our minds. Technology should not be seen as a means of replacing humans but rather a medium to enhance teaching and learning (Zang & Nunamaker, 2003).

Zhang, D., Nunamaker, J. (2003). Powering E-Learning In the New Millennium: An Overview of E-Learning and Enabling Technology. Information Systems Frontiers, 5(2), 207-218.

Considering the use of multimedia in the classroom

You Tube and its ability to enhance learning.

You Tube, the newest contributor to enhancing teaching and learning can fulfill both the educational and motivational components of the learning process (Duffy, 2008), replacing “passive learning with active participation” (Educause, 2006). You Tube, ‘the tool of the future’ (Bonk, 2008) has the potential to take what once went on behind classroom doors and turn it into a public art forum (Young, 2008). The video clips provide both verbal and visual channels ( Bonk,2008) and as one student reports “watching the video clips reinforces the material into my memory” (Cardine,2008, par 1).

For example, the grade 9 science curriculum requires students to understand chemical reactions; I use a behaviorist approach to teach the concepts, reinforce it in a constructivist nature via lab activities and wow them by showing them You Tube videos such as http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVScZntPksw

The availability of and access to educational videos can enhance traditional learning (Bonk,2008), tailoring traditional education to a more modern age (Cardine,2008). Due to the lack of authority imposed on You Tube sites, users, especially educators must act as their own gatekeepers ensuring the validity of its content (Lees & Smithhouser, n.d).

References:

Bonk,C. J.(2008). You Tube Anchors and Enders: The Use of Shared Online Video
Content as a Macrocontext for Learning. Retrieved October9,2008 from http://74.125.95.104/search?q=cache:znYbopJNIZgJ:www.publicationshare.com/SFX7EED.pdf+Youtube+Anchors+and+Enders:+The+Use+of+Shared+Online+Video&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1&gl=ca&client=firefox-a

Cardine, S. (2008). Education ready for You Tube? Converge online. Retrieved October
11, 2008 from http://www.convergemag.com/story.php?catid=231&storyid=107591


Duffy, P.(n.d.). Engaging the YouTube Google-Eyed Generation: Strategies for using
Web 2.0 in Teaching and Learning. The Electronic Journal of e-Learning 6(2), 119-130. Retrieved October 10,2008 from www.ejel.org

Educause Learning Initiative. (2006) & things you should know about YouTube, Retrieved October 12,2008 from
http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7018.pdf

Lees,J. Smithouser,B.(n.d). Is You Tube User friendly? Retrieves October 9,2008 from http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/protecting_your_family/is_youtube_userfriendly.aspx
Young, J. (2008) The Education Digest, you tube professors, scholar as online video
stars. 73(9,) 14-16.

Smartboards

Interactive Multimedia software
Smartboards have great potential, offering much in the way of enriching the learning experiences of our students. Perhaps the most exciting is the potential to reach learners that we might not be able to reach using a chalk and talk methods. "The board can accommodate different learning styles. Tactile learners can benefit from touching and marking at the board, audio learners can have the class discussion, visual learners can see what is taking place as it develops at the board"(Bell, M. n.d.). Interactive technology will certainly change the face of the classroom while motivating and engaging all types of learners.

HERE ARE SOME HELPFUL SITES:

This site concentrates on physical science
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/revision/Science/physical.htm

This site contains virtual field trips and lifecycles
http://www.waukesha.k12.wi.us/WIT/SmartBoard/specificapps.htm

Using smart board to incorporate Multiple Intelligences
http://www.sblceastconn.org/smartboard.htmB

Reference:
Bell, M. (n.d.). Retrieved on Oct 11,2008, from http://teachers.net/gazette/JAN02/mabell.html

Concept maps and Cognitive Theory

My understanding of theCognitive Flexibility Theory is that it attempts to make a connection between standards and the constructivist learning theory. Much discussion has arose around this topic throughout my graduate studies and I still struggle with the two. As educators we are dictated by outcomes, learning objectives and often times criteria referencing testing. As a result, we have to teach by more traditional methods, unable to differentiate learning.

Frustration with Technology!

In my attempts to incorporate different forms of technology in my classroom,I booked out one of my schools two new LCD projectors, only to be meet with total frustration.

I have used LCD projectors at other venues several times for presentation purposes. As a result, I thought nothing of setting up the projector a few minutes before my grade 8 science class. First, I went to book out the projector to be greeted by a piece of paper which was scribbled up with dates and times of when teachers wanted to book out this device and other audio visual material. I went to the office(where the projector was stored) only to find that the person who had it before me had not returned it on time. From there I embarked upon a search!!! After locating the machine, I proceeded to my classroom to discover the monitor cord was too short!! Upon trying to move things around I knocked out the internet connection, meaning I had to reload the computer before I could begin. Meanwhile 15 minutes of instructional time has passed.

At this point I was very tempted to scrap the idea of using technology to review a lesson on Global warming. None the less, I prevailed, got the kids settled in but the momentum was gone.

My point?
If schools expect teachers to incorporate technology in their classrooms then the equipment should be user friendly and easily accessible. For me at least I knew what to do,but what about those who hadn't had any prior experience?

Schmidit, as noted by Gurreco (2004) noted that while teachers were open to the use of technology, it was found that they felt they lacked both experience with and the understanding of technology as an instructional tool.

My frustration continues to mount with the fact that my school had a smartboard delivered on Aug 31,2008 which is still sitting in a box with no signs of it being hooked up in the near future.

I will keep you posted on any developments!!!

Guerrero, S., Walker, N., Dugdale, S. (2004). Technology in Support of Middle Grade Mathematics: What Have We Learned? Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, 23(1), 5-20.