Week 3 Tutorial

Week 3 explored the concepts of the set readings and allowed the class as a whole to experience what the tutorials were likely to contain for the duration of the semester. The tutorial for this week proved to be extremely beneficial and engaging, as a whole class discussion of the set readings was conducted. This discussion was led by Jason and focused on examining each reading in great detail to further consolidate our knowledge. I really enjoyed listening to the other members of the tutorial and hearing their interpretations of the the readings. Through engaging in the discussion, I learnt about a new website and educational tool, Khan Academy

 

Another key factor I found particularly beneficial in this weeks tutorial was learning to follow my other peers blogs. Jason outlined the processes involved in sharing our personal blogs and then subscribing to the blogs of our fellow peers by using the tool Google Reader. Through undertaking this activity, I can see how a digital tool such as Google Reader can be employed within the classroom to share content on a class wide basis. This exercise was quite useful, as it allowed me to see how my peers were faring with this course and their particular thoughts on each weeks tutorial and the set readings. I enjoyed reading about every ones opinions and believe that the blogs are a valuable education and communication tool.

Within the tutorial, I thoroughly enjoyed both watching and participating in the student led presentations this week. By engaging in each groups presentation, I am able to become more knowledgeable about certain ICT topics. I particularly enjoyed the presentation put forth by the

The concentration for my groups presentation were the digital tools Google Earth and Google Books, both of which are basic tools that can be used in a person's daily life. On a personal level, I have used both tools on numerous occasions for a variety of reasons. In working with my fellow group members for this presentation, we were all quite astounded at the multitude of educational benefits of each Google tool. The following points clarify how these digital tools can be employed within a classroom to make use of ICT integration:

Google Books:
Benefits:

• allows the user to search, bookmark, organise and share millions of books and magazines for libraries and publishers worldwide.
• provides access to millions of out-of-print books, many of which are currently difficult or impossible for readers to obtain.

How can Google Books be used in the classroom?
Students can use Google Books to:

•  to create a library of books consisting of bookshelves of titles they have read and titles they would like to read
•  read and write reviews of books
•  search for a phrase within a book or preview a book by reading the overview or a limited preview of the book
• find a book at a local library or purchase a book online

Teachers can use Google Books to:

• find a list of related books
• create an online classroom library
• embed a book in a classroom blog for easy access by students and parents
• familiarise students with a book they are about to read by previewing different editions and cover art designs of a novel

Google Earth:
Benefits:

• allows the user to fly around the Earth, Moon, Mars and the sky to view satellite imagery, terrain

How can Google Earth we used in the classroom?

• can be used to drop below the surface of the ocean to explore the sea floor in 3D

The set readings for this week concentrated on the 2011 Horizon Report and the 5 trends that have been identified as key drivers of technology adoptions for the period of 2011-2016. I really enjoyed this reading as it was extremely remarkable to actually see how fast technology is evolving in the 21st century. I can only imagine what our world will look and be like in the coming years! The Horizon Report mainly focused on describing the six areas of emerging technology and how they will impact upon education in the years to come. The following points outline my interpretation of the readings: