jessica’s blog

During this semester I have learnt a lot about e learning in the primary school and the range of benefits that can arise in regards to student education. Through the articles I have read and the audio’s I have listened to, the main aspect I have learnt is that the use of e learning in primary schools will significantly improve students’ level of education. (Coley, 1997, para.1 – 5) As technology is ever growing, I know see the importance of using technology as a useful tool for teaching to allow maximum learning to take place and achievements to be made.

Incorporating technology based programs into the curriculum will help increase students level of motivation, engagement and interest – a very important aspect I believe needs to be met. (Prensky, 2006, para. 3) It provides a different medium for students to learn with that is fun and interactive.

Throughout this semester I have become familiar with a range of programs that could be used in the primary school to aid students learning and development. Some of these programs include edublogs, garage band where one can create their own vodcasts and pod casts; there are also other useful programs such as wikispaces and Google calendar. (http://www.apple.com/education/digitalauthoring/podcasting.html) After investigating and learning about each program I am now able to see how students would find the lessons more fun and become more engaged. Some of the programs allow students to work in collaboration, display and share their knowledge with others which therefore allows for peer teaching to occur and develop a sense of ownership. (Boyd, 2008, para. 1) I believe this to be very important in students’ education as they have the opportunity to learn using different mediums and sources.

An article that I read stated the importance of e learning in the primary school to cater for ESL students. (Richardson, 2008, para 1- 3) This brought the importance of using technology in primary schools to my attention. It is significant for students to feel comfortable in their own learning environment and the use of computer based programs will enable this to occur. The programs support students’ level of confidence and cater for students’ needs and interests.

During this semester I have also learnt that e learning in the primary school is also beneficial to teachers. (http://www.apple.com/education/digitalauthoring/podcasting.html) It allows for teachers to set more interesting and fun lessons, and can also provide a useful communication tool between themselves, the students and parents.

 

In my future teaching practices I would aim to use e learning in every area possible. As said earlier I believe it is significantly important for students’ needs and interests to be met, and to create a safe and comfortable learning environment so students can achieve to their highest potential. I would incorporate the e learning programs in everyday activities such as classroom lessons or homework tasks, to increase students’ engagement levels and provide a variety of ways the students can learn and express their knowledge. I believe the use of programs such as edublogs will support this as it allows for peer teaching, individuals to share their knowledge, skills and strengths with others and provide a means of communication between teacher and parent.

 

References:

 

Boyd, R. (2008) Why let our students blog? Retrieved March 12^th, 2008.

http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=be6ec9b852b0a542e2f3

 

Coley, R. (1997) Technology’s Impact. A new study shows the effectiveness and the limitations of school technology. Retrieved April 10^th 2008.

http://www.electronic-school.com/0997f3.html

 

Prensky, M (2006) Educational Leadership. Listen to the Natives. Retrieved March 12^th 2008.

http://www.ascd.org/authors/ed_lead/el200512_prensky.html

 

Richardson, W. (2008) Articles. How to Use Podcasts at Your School. Retrieved April 10^th, 2008.

http://www.techsmith.com/community/articles/schoolpodcasts.asp?DCMP=NLC-edunews30&ATT=podcast

 

NA, (2008) Podcasting in Education. A new way to inspire learning. Retrieved March 21^st 2008.

http://www.apple.com/education/digitalauthoring/podcasting.html