My Podcast

My Podcast (Podomatic)

After trying a few different variations of websites that offered 'free' podcasts, I kept having a few issues with downloading the audio. Eventually I used podcast but had to download Audacity and LAME onto my computer to be able to convert the audio to mP3. This then enabled me to upload my pod to the website. I am still having some issues with the hyperlink from my blog to podomatic website, however with all the other hurdles that I have overcome just to do this pod, to me this is not a big issue. If the below hyperlink does not work, then please go to the podomatic website and type 'anikay' into the search directory. This is the link to the webpage

http://www.podomatic.com/directory

This is the link to my podcast on podomatic.

http://anikay.podomatic.com/entry/2010-08-19T06_44_07-07_00

This podcast was finished after I had written the PMI in a previous blog, as I was having problems getting everything set up. Even though it did take a few hours to get it done, I can see that the next time I add an extra episode to my series it will be quicker. I chose to do a podcast on a Mem Fox book "Shoes From Grandpa". If I was teaching a Prep to Year Three class, I would continue the series of books and use this as a tool in Literacy, SOSE and Science.

Digital Tool 3 Podcasting

Digital Tool 3 Podcasting

A podcast is a digital audio or video file that follows a series or theme in short episodes. ‘Pod’ stands for Playable on Demand. The term is modified and marketed by the Apple Computer Company for its products including iPod and iPod Touch. Podcasts are generally downloaded in a ‘subscription’ type format, and the one I am most familiar with is through iTunes, because I have an iPod. Although podcasts generally are an audio file, marketers have used the video and therefore visual aspect to tap into a market of listeners and viewers. A search of podcasts has revealed a library of enormous diversity of information. Because of the diversity of information, and its apparent ease to upload individual podcasts, it is an ideal tool for educational purposes. On most podcast sites there is a specific category in search facility for 'education'. There is also specific websites dedicated to education podcasts. According to Huann and Thong in their article "Audioblogging and Podcasting in Education" (http://edublog.net/astinus/mt/files/docs/Literature%20Review%20on%20audioblogging%20and%20podcasting.pdf ) audioblogging and podcasting is an extension of Vygotsky's constructivist theory on 'social interactions', they state "Social construction of knowledge and meaning making can take place when students interact with the artifacts placed in this social plane." (p5)

In an educational setting of a classroom, podcasts can be used both by teachers (as research tools, a hook, to develop literacy, as an assessment outcome, as a a form of recording an inquiry investigation, tutorials, feedback) and students (research tools, reviewing information/tutorials anywhere anytime, forums) to enhance the development of student/teacher interaction in scaffolding learning experiences for the students. Again, like other forms of ICT discussed in this blog, the time factor of setting up or researching podcasts for use in the classroom would be a factor in the teachers response to 'embracing' this digital tool, however once done, this is something that can be re-used or shared across the year level.

PLUS

1. Access to information from around the globe.
2. Unlimited access once a podcast has uploaded. Can be replayed or reviewed.
3. Availability 24 hours a day.
4. Easily accessible.
5. Can also have visual as well as audio content.
6. Only limited to imagination as to what information is recorded for what purpose and audience. Can be one podcast for one audience member, or one podcast for use as a lesson hook across a state wide curriculum, and then reviewed across the world. (eg Mrs Abernathy's class podcast on iTunes)
7. Can be used across educational spectrum and skills can be adapted for 'lifelong learning' into worklife for business purposes.
8. Can be used as an 'assessment' tool for educational purposes.

MINUS

1. Difficulties in setting up an original account. (Time factor; software etc)
2. Requires a form of portable media player (mp3; iPod) to access the information.
3. Limited to specific language (unless translated).
4. Time factor in setting up podcast account, then updating.
5. Time factor in searching for specific suitable content.

IMPROVE INTERESTING IMPLEMENT

In my Learning Management assignments, I have used 'podcasts' as an area of information for students to 'research' new information and 'review' different opinions and points of view,and also as a form of 'assessment' as an outcome for an inquiry. For younger students, I would use podcasts as a form of information review by downloading stories that can be listened to repeatedly at their own pace. This would work parrallel with books that are currently being used in the classroom, for example on a cross-curricular theme. For middle years students, I would use podcasts as a research tool for information across a Unit plan, and also as an assessment tool where the students develop their knowledge in a unit then make their own 'podcast' to demonstrate their knowledge. For older students, high school and university, I would use podcasts, not only as outlined above but also as a form of tutorial tool which can be repeatedly accessed but also as a form of review and feedback on lessons and learning.

As stated earlier, Podcasts are only limited to the publisher imagination and their intent as an 'educational tool'.

WHAT I THINK

As I am writing this, I am also trying to upload a podcast. It has taken hours and I still can not figure out what I am doing wrong, and what other options I have. This is very frustrating!!! My idea for my podcast is to record a series of Mem Fox books for younger students to listen to, then use their imagination to draw the images that they see in their head (apply social knowledge). Then use one of the books to do a re-tell and use the story line to put their knowledge into the book. For example "Shoes from Grandpa" would be an interesting twist if the student had a different cultural background as the clothing in the book would be different, or "Possum Magic" may be adapted using one of their pets.

I think that podcasts are definately a way of the future for learning, particularly as it is a form of building social knowledge which is consistent with the current 'effective teaching' strategies. Like all 'tools' it takes time to build the skills and research the information before it becomes an integrated tool in the classroom and one which is used across the curriculum and the year level. But sometimes it only takes one teacher to get the ball rolling, or in this case podcasting.....

Digital Tools 2: Images

Visual images and visual learning are a significant part of effective teaching and learning in today’s classroom. Whether we present an image as a visual stimulant or whether we use auditory cues for students to interpret and re-create an image, visual images are still dependent on social and cultural understandings and interpretations.
Because visual images are a powerful tool too many or too much may be over stimulating for certain learners, particularly some Autistic students, or may cause distraction for learners as they are mesmerized by the images. To others the images may represent a social or cultural experience which is significant or which they want to learn more. Images can be a catalyst for understanding or a tool for engaging, it depends on how the teacher or Learner Manager chooses to use the tool.



This is a photo that I took of Ned Kelly's Armour. The photo was taken at the Library of Victoria in Melbourne. I have re-sized the photo using MobaPhoto before uploading it to the blog. Prior to doing this, I tried to upload the full photo but it was taking a long time, so I stopped it. I resized the photo using MobaPhoto which only took a few minutes then downloaded it onto the blog.


The photo itself could be used 'educationally' for any number of purposes in a classroom. The image itself could be used to introduce a unit on Ned Kelly, or Australian Bushrangers, or even an investigation into armour. It could also be used as a stimulation for students to write a story or journal entry "When I was a bushranger" or "The bushranger next door". Many and varied suggestions come to mind with this image. Even, for photography students, "How to take good holiday photos!". There are other images similar to this that I found using Google Images, and they would also be suitable for a similar use.

This is a photo that I took of Australia playing cricket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in a one day test match against Pakistan. Again, this image, like any other is limitless in its application to use as a teaching tool. Even though it is just one image it could be used to indicate field placings on a cricket team; it could start a discussion regarding advertising in sport; horticulture students may be interested in the cross cut of the pitch and the field; maths students may be interested in the seating plan, trying to locate a person in the crowd. The image may again, similar to the Ned Kelly Armour be used as a prompt or started for writing a story or narrative for students of any age. In this instance it may engage students particularly interested in sport.

PLUS:

1. Images impact on emotion that is why we use them as a learning tool. It inspires students to take action or to do something. (In this instance - writing).
2. Images have different significance to different people, the same way that knowledge is built, so is the interpretation of images.
3. Images can be used as a 'hook' for a unit; or simply as a stimulus for discussion.
4. Images aren't just about what is seen, it is sometimes what isn't seen, and what the image represents that is the stimulus.
5. Different images can be used for different age groups. Single images for Prep students, Van Gough pictures for upper primary.
6. Images can be photos, art, drawings, video clips, anything visual that is used as a stimulant for learning.
7. Students can use images or photos as a form of displaying their understanding of knowledge through drawings, powerpoints, photos, along with written words or verbal information. This is an effective assessment tool.
8. Images can be used to maintain the focus or point of a lesson.

MINUS:

1. Cultural sensitivity may need to be adhered to with some images.
2. Overstimulation of senses may be stressful for some students including ASD or Autistic Students.
3. Some images may have different meanings indifferent cultures, so the teacher must place the image in the right context using verbal communication as well.
4. Images are emotional, so a teacher must be aware of this when prompting students to interact on a personal level with a partiuclar image or photo.
5. There are particular guidelines relating to use of photos or images on the internet. Whilst this is not particularly a minus, I have included it here as a reminder of responsibilities as teachers.

Interesting Improve Implement

Images are a strong emotional stimulant and their use in a classroom, particularly for younger and hearing impaired students should not be overlooked. One way to discover how powerful and diverse images are to students is to read them a story they have never heard before, without showing them the pictures. Have the students draw their own pictures or images. Then show the students the pictures in the book, and have them look at their own images they have drawn. This is an effective form of discovering 'prior knowledge' in younger students.

In this digital age, images are an important part of assessment in the form of powerpoint presentation and video recording of experiments or investigations. It not only helps the students to understand what they are learning and experiencing but helps to guide them to outcomes of lessons and learning. Visual images are everywhere for students from advertisements to musicclips to photos taken with phones and photos cropped to cut out friends. Images are a powerful tool, and as a teacher and Learner Manger we need to ensure that we choose the right images to engage and not enrage our students.

WHAT I THINK:

I love images in any form. I think they are a fantastic tool, and used the right way in the right context can stimulate students in one form or another. I use images as a teaching tool everyday, and it is fantastic to see students respond. As a teacher, I can use my words to tell about the blue oceans and the golden sands around Africa and the green strip which is the Nile, but to show students this image on an Interactive White Board is another understanding of the world altogether. Have a look for your self at Blue Beauty. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-g8KtFCiBDU

RSS Feeds

RSS FEED

RSS feeder or RSS aggregator or RSS feeds are different names for the same style of web feed format. RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication. This all relates to the concept of following numerous different web pages on the internet. Information on the internet through the World Wide Web is constantly updated, changed or modified sometimes quite quickly and in the case of news items it can change any number of times over a twenty four hour period. There are two anomalies that impact what information is put onto the internet. The first is the time factor. As the web operates in different countries in different time zones all over the world, there is no specific time that information is placed on the web. The second is that because the information put on the web is put on by people who chose when where and what to update or alter or report on, viewers are at the mercy of people reporting. Other factors include nature (natural disasters); seasons (seasonal sport, weather); politics (events happening in your own or different countries) and human behaviour (murders, missing person, car accidents).
Unlike television or radio where you are updated with news and weather of a particular channel, at a particular time (and watch items that they choose for you), with the internet you get to choose your feeds particular to your needs or interests. With an RSS feed, you have access to all this information on one web page at the same time, and can quickly see when and where updates are occurring.
Currently I am using Google reader as my blog is on BlogSpot with Google. However, I have seen other interesting RSS feeders and one that I quite like is called http://www.pageflakes.com/ it has weather, news, face book, twitter, calendar, email, and a ‘to do list’ amongst other features all on the one page. I would recommend pageflakes to social butterflies who want to ‘keep up to date’ socially whilst studying. I would recommend google.com/reader to anyone trying to follow and comment on blogs from others who are also studying Managing E-Learning. More general information can be found at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS .

Learning Management System Digital Tool No 7

LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
I have been studying on-line or flex since 2007. My first introduction to on-line learning was through the Learning Management System – ‘Blackboard’. 2010 is my first year using ‘Moodle’. Both Learning Management Systems or Virtual Learning Environments create a ‘virtual classroom’ where a student can access all the required resources and information required to undertake study. The teacher, educator or lecturer places all the required information into one area where the student has access, for security reasons, by use of a log on and password, to enable the student to undertake the study.
The ideals of the 'Moodle' Virtual Classroom are based on what is known as ‘social constructivism’ of which the theorist Vygotsky proposed the learning framework based on the social development of the student and the zone of proximal development. This area was the focal point in week one of the Managing E-Learning Course I am studying. The Learning Management Systems allow a student to progress at their own pace, usually with weekly guidelines, and providing support through on-line discussion forums, web conferences, e-mails, hyperlinked on-line resources through the auspices of a learning institution, in my case a Tertiary Institution – University. The system of a ‘virtual classroom’ is also available through Education Queensland -The Learning Place for the use of teachers to assist with lesson delivery to students.


PLUS:

1. Learning Management System is an effective tool for distance or flexible education across rural and remote Australia.
2. Provides independence for learning.
3. 24 hour access on-line.
4. Students can work at own pace through the units of study, without having to travel to attend lectures.
5. Uploading of assignments and on-line quizzes provide support.
   

MINUS

1. The system requires computer and basic ICT knowledge which would initially impact the age of the student, and younger students would require more support or assistance to use it.
2. Access to lecturer is usually through e-mail system and is reliant on the business or working hours of the university. This may impact learning.
3. Learning style is not suitable for all students.
4. Lack of face to face interaction with a lecturer may discourage a student from continuing with a course.
5. Frustration at lack of immediate feedback or response to questions or clarity on study topics may be a drawback.
6. Although collaborative learning is encouraged, because learners are self-paced, it is difficult to work effectively as a team or group.
7. Learners may fall behind and be unable to keep up with study as no definite structure or timeframes other than suggestions and due dates for assignments are in place.
8. It can create limitations in rural areas due to ‘broadband’ or ‘dialup’ access.
9. It also costs money to have up to date ICT equipment and internet access.
   

INTERESTING IMPROVE IMPLEMENT

I enjoy the idea of a ‘virtual classroom’ and believe that it is the way of the future. I think it is an effective teaching tool where teachers will be able to view the ideas and lessons of other teachers not only in their own school but around the world. Again, with all things new, it is not something that all teachers will want to use. As new technology teachers enter the classroom, it will be interesting to see the uptake of lesson planning through the virtual classroom. The problem is, as with all technology, it is changing and developing so fast that we must remember the importance of working individually with a student on a one to one personal basis and being able for them to appreciate the teachers’ enthusiasm for the lesson. This may not come across in an e-mail or a typed message.
I would use this technology tomorrow if I could. I would love for all teachers to have their lesson information up and posted in a ‘virtual classroom’ where students who do not attend class full-time or require support (in these cases either through illness or learning support) and the support teacher/teacher aide or student can have access to the lessons and curriculum planning that the teacher is using on a daily basis for the class.

WHAT I THINK
Virtual classrooms through Learning Management Systems simply open doors for learners. It may be a student who because of medical reasons cannot attend a class full time, or because of distance – they live on the other side of the world, it doesn’t matter. The point is that this is a new way that education is moving forward and it gives opportunities for students that they may never have had before. If supported by the education systems, the virtual ‘schools’ can only grow and get better.

Prezi Digital Tool No 6

PREZI
Prezi is a digital visual demonstration tool. It is similar to PowerPoint, however the attraction of Prezi appears to be the visual stimulation, manipulation and movement of text and graphics on a single page to tell a story or present an idea. PowerPoint on the other hand provides for straightforward graphics and texts that move from slide to slide.
Prezi is a new digital tool to me and I have not used it before at all so my opinion is one merely based on research and ‘playing’ with the website. In his blog Tim Leberecht http://news.cnet.com/8301-13641_3-10315737-44.html draws comparison between Prezi and PowerPoint and quite nicely states what I was thinking: “ Prezi differs radically from PowerPoint in that it requires an alternative mental model: Information is displayed in a non-linear fashion”
This in itself would not so much limit its educational use, but would require though on the learning style and age of the target audience (students), particularly if this was the only presentation tool used containing important information for assessment.

PLUS:

1. Visually stimulating and interesting for an audience, possibly captivating.
2. Would be excellent as a discussion tool, or ‘hook’ tool to introduce a new unit.
3. Possibly time consuming in initial stages of putting it together, certainly if it was a one-off presentation (same as PowerPoint).
4. Start with a blank canvas. Uses as a presentation tool appear unlimited.

MINUS:

1. Does the ‘what happens next?’ question overtake the importance of the message?
2. Does not allow printouts or handouts of (slides) information.
3. A student would have to go through all the presentation to search for the information he/she was looking for.
4. May be too confusing for learning support students.
5. As with all ICT, it is time consuming, until you get the ‘hang of it’ and experiment with what you can do.
6. General discussions on moodle website have alluded to feelings of ‘sea sick’ from the visual format of the canvas as it changes.

INTERESTING IMPROVE IMPLEMENT

1. Although visually stimulating, it may detract some students from the point of the lesson or message of the presentation.
2. As with PowerPoint it is only as effective in carrying a message, as the information put into it in the first place. It may be visually stimulating, but if the presenter has got carried away, the message or impact may be lost.
3. I would not use Prezi as the main form of information for a web Quest or similar, I would use PowerPoint because the information is presented in a ‘linear’ style which would suit the learning style of the majority of students in a class.
4. Prezi would be effect as a ‘hook’ for teachers, or to let student present investigation findings as a form of assessment. However I would caution, as I did with PowerPoint, the time factor involved and losing the impact of information or ‘message’ compared to how visually stimulating it is.
   

WHAT I THINK

I would encourage older or more computer literate students to play with Prezi to see what they come up with. I do not think it will replace PowerPoint, but I do see Prezi as an effective presentation tool. At this stage because of the ‘time factor’ I would only use it as a presentation tool if I was making a presentation that could be used a number of times, or used by others and shared across a year level. Teachers complain of being ‘time poor’ and I would have to weigh up the time factor beside its impact for effective learning/teaching.
As a student, it would be interesting where they could take this style of presentation as a form of a ‘mindmap’ of ideas.
I also have a problem with the Prezi’s that I have watched http://prezi.com/mojdt36mrozf/mixing-mind-and-metaphor/ and all I want to do is keep clicking the mouse to get to the end, and I find I am not reading the words. Therefore I am not getting the message.

PowerPoints Digital Tool 5

PowerPoint
PowerPoint is a presentation tool that is part of the Microsoft office package. PowerPoint is a visual or graphical ‘slide show’ style presentation that can be used as a stand alone presentation (with audio) or to assist in the delivery of an oral presentation by individuals or groups. It has wide ranging uses in the educational, business and recreational areas. The important thing to remember is that although wide ranging in its uses, its value in a presentation is only as good as the information that it contains. In an educational setting, a student may present a PowerPoint that is well put together, and is aesthetically pleasing, but may contain little or no information related to the research or outcomes of an investigation. In a business setting, a presenter may present a PowerPoint that contains valuable information that is imperative to the core workings of a business but may be presented in too many bullet points, with no other images or visuals to engage the audience. Both of these criteria are important aspects to think about when a teacher or educator uses PowerPoint’s as a teaching tool in education.

PLUS:

1. Ensures consistency with information to all students. Effective reflection tool.
   Support basis for learning support lessons.
2. Stimulus for visual learners.
3. Can be developed by any computer literate person of any age. Content will depend on requirement/purpose.
4. As a presentation tool it is unlimited as to range and style of use.
5. Can include images, visuals, hyperlinks, photos, graphs.
   Screens can be printed out for handouts.
   

MINUS:

1. PowerPoint presentation is only as good as the research and information that it contains and how it is presented to the target audience.
2. Can be time intensive for a one-off presentation.
3. Can be a time intensive for students whilst they are trying to make it ‘look good’ for assessment. Focus is removed from the content to the visual impact.

IMPROVE IMPLEMENT INTERESTING
In schools/education environments PowerPoint can be used as an assessment tool for students, either as individuals or groups.

1. It can be used to present consistent information by educators to a number of different classes.
2. Can be used as a resource for students for reference or for clarity in assessment or assignments, due to its consistency.
3. Can be printed out for students who require learning support or who prefer a hard copy of information.
4. Can be used as a web Quest starting point.
5. Can be added to or changed to modify for learning styles, student reflections etc.
   

WHAT I THINK
I personally love the ease of PowerPoint’s. They can be visually stimulating and provide consistency as a resource to go back and read clarity on an area. They are a powerful tool that I enjoy using through flex education. To me they are a briefing paper on what I need to learn.
The only thing that I would love to be able to do is have a program where a PowerPoint can be used like a wiki and others can add input. Robyn Petersen demonstrated a similar technique in a web conference for e-Learning on 19/07/2007 through the elluminate (http://www.elluminate.com/) program. This is something that I would enjoy learning more about. I have only listed a few positive aspects of PowerPoint, and could only think of a few minus. I believe that the adaptability of the program in an educational setting for use by teachers and students is immeasurable and ICT developments will only add to useability.