Module 10

Hello!

I am a big fan of using Bloom’s taxonomy and often employ a simplified version of the technique in classrooms to different the curriculum. The revised bloom’s taxonomy is generally useful in planning work for the web. The various tasks that can be complete on the web range from remembering to creating. Most applications I can see be used in the classroom would sit at the middle of the taxonomy, for instance flickr and second life would be an ‘applying’ task as students are editing and operating systems for learning. Mind mapping would be an ‘understanding’ task as it requires students to categorise. Obviously the aim in any computer based application is to set tasks where students are creating projects and critiquing (ie blogging). I believe this is my next stage of development in the classroom. Only issue is in finding time for students to complete these types of tasks!

Wiki’s are something that I am fairly familiar with. I was fortunate enough to complete an ICT course about 2 years ago whereby the challenge for myself was to create a wiki for my year 12 economics students. The program began well, the students were enthusiastic. However, I found that as the course went on, the students began to use it less. It got to the point where I had to chase students to complete their parts! After reviewing some other wikis on the web using this course I think I tried to create something that was far too large. I expected the students to completely conduct their course on the web by adding notes, completing activities, posting questions about the exam and assessments tasks and review updated news feeds. The students were not in the habit of entirely using the web for their study so it was asking them to make a big leap from traditional study techniques. I think when I have another go at creating a wiki I would preferably like to streamline the application. I think I would purely focus on current economic news, or in the case of business studies, updated business news. Using this application as a way to extend students and encourage them to review each other’s work would be a better way to go.

Wiki’s in general, have much to offer in the way of education. They provide an opportunity for teachers to discuss ideas much in the same way that this course has been conducted. Whilst I am able to think critically I highly valued reading other blogs as a way to learn. The old adage is true – two heads are better than one! Currently teachers rely on meeting face to face to discuss ideas and often we fall short of the mark because of time. However, providing the opportunity to interact with others in our own time would serve as solution to this problem. Now an avenue just has to be created whereby teachers get into the habit of using the application.
Overall I have found this course valuable and enjoyable. I must admit that I was sceptical at first because I feel I can use the computer and the web fairly well. But what I found is that there are a range of applications that I had no knowledge of that are highly useful for schools. I look forward to completing further courses on web2.0 and the future developments that will be seen in schools as a result.

Thanks for reading!