A useful blog

 

A blog that I have found useful is a blog written by José Picardo, in 2013.
There is information that gives advice on what tools she has found useful, within her teaching.  Also, experiences on her teaching from the first day onwards, and it is nice to see someone elses point of view. 
The link to the full blog is: http://www.boxoftricks.net/blog/

How has technology changed the way we learn?

Technology has changed teaching and learning drastically, some argue for the better and others for the worst. 

The way people used to be taught was to sit in rows with the teacher at the front, writing on a chalk board.  Now things have changed.  Teachers still stand at the front delivering information but the students can sit in groups, with electronic devices aiding their learning and various activities that help get and keep the students engaged, (Carbonara, 2005).

Games are even being used to educate people. They can help develop complicated skills and knowledge in an engaging and enjoyable way.   Who remembers the Brain training games? Even though they were math questions (right), or reading, people did them because it was a game, bringing out the competative streak in us, as we wanted to get a better score than you mum or your friend.  Well I did anyway. 

Technology has opened doors for those who would otherwise not have access to education.  All you need is an internet connection.  There are countless programmes on the internet that can help give people an education and knowledge.  This can be online schools such as the Open University to other sites such as 02 Learn and Youtube.  Online schools provide qualifications to people who study with them for a fee.  Other sites like Youtube and 02 Learn provide a free bank of lessons in many subjects that can help improve skills. 

Within Pembrokeshire College and other education establishments, technology is used to assess every single student to help getter a better understanding of their learning levels, so they can be taught at the correct level, whereas before everyone would get taught and treated the same, and if you could not do it then either they didnt care or there was a punishment.  These assessments are called Initial Assessments (IA).

I believe that technology has improved the way that we teach, but it can be used incorrectly, over used or not at all. As stated in a previous blogs, (bring your own device and pros and cons of technology) there are down sides to technology in the classroom.  For example, if an activity includes their smartphones, then they may not put them away.  If the teacher is not comfortable with technology then the students may disengage.  Students also need to be taught the 'old' way, to help with basic motor skills for example, as children are growing up in technology paradise.  There was a story a while ago that showed that a three year old could not turn a page in a book but knew how to work an iphone.

In education technology can be useful in all subjects, from english and maths to sport and animal care, even art and music. We just have to know where, when and how to use it. 

References
Carbonara,D. Technology Literacy Applications in Learning Environments. (2005). America: Information Science Publishing.

Education Business UK. Gove: Technology is changing the way we teach, learn and assess. 2014.
http://www.educationbusinessuk.net/index.php/features/5-/3371-gove-technology-is-changing-the-way-we-teach-learn-and-assess [Accessed: 8th December 2014]




  

Microteach experience

During the PGCE/PCE course we are all required to complete a 20 - 30 minute microteach. 
I chose to do mine on Canine communication, as I have experience with dog behaviour. 
I used the electronic whiteboard to present a PowerPoint to the group.  I found that PowerPoint helped me get the information across easily and clearly.  I like PowerPoint as you can customise it in many different ways, and link to other resourses easily. 
 

VocalEyes

VocalEyes is a tool that allows students to suggest ideas and opinions that can help change their learning or learning environment.  They can also vote on ideas that they feel are important. 

All registered students can access VocalEyes through their college or university, even if they are part time, remote or mature students.

'Those in authority can effectively hear the voice of those they represent and respond quickly and decisively. Using VocalEyes can enhance decision making in your organisation'.

Jane Davidson, Director INSPIRE. (2014).

In Pembrokeshire College this tool is greatly used by the students, who have helped develop and change things in the College. 

A tool has also been developed for staff, who are able
to suggest changes and state their veiws. 

I believe this is a great way for everyone to engage and feel like their opinions matter.

Here is a video of those who help created VovalEyes and students that use it. 


References
VovalEyes, Ideas into Action.  Community voting. 2014.
http://vocaleyes.org/ [Accessed: 6th December 2014]

Any meeting

In a previous session we were introduced to an online meeting software, called Anymeeting.  When it was explained I thought it was a good tool to use, but in practice it was not that great. 

Anymeeting is an online saftware that allows people to have meetings or lessons without being in the same room.  You can use the inbuilt microphone of some laoptops or plug one in and also use the webcam to have a fully interactive lesson/meeting.  You can also have an option where a presentation (PowerPoint etc) to be shown. 

Anymeeting screen shot.

 

Due to the wireless internet connection of the College, we were all experiencing lag and microphone failure.

As a software this would be a great tool to have access to, as it would allow thoses students who are unable to get to College can still join in the session.  Although, some planning would be required by everyone. 

Technology and animals

Technology can help various jobs and industries, and the animal sector is no exception. 

As technology develops, the need for animals in the scientific research will decrease, meaning that fewer animals will be used.

Animals have aided in many health discoveries that would otherwise not exist.  Below is a health timeline listing the medical advances that used animals to help, (Watson, 2009).




Health timeline.  Descoveries that used animals.

Testing new drugs on animals is still a requirement, although with the use of technology such as virtual computer models fewer animals will be used during the whole process.  New technology is making drug testing faster, cheaper and more accurate. 
Below is a video that explains how animal testing could be a thing of the past thanks to technology.

Geraldine Hamilton: Body parts on a chip

References
Understanding animal research. 'Health Timeline' 2014.
http://www.understandinganimalresearch.org.uk/why/health-timeline/ [Accessed: 5th November 2014]

Youtube.  Body parts on a chip. 2014.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpkXmtJOH84 [Accessed: 5th November 2014]

Watson, S. Animal Testing: Issues and Ethics.(2009). New York: The Rosen Publishing Group, Inc.

Microsoft Office

Microsoft office is a suit that contains various applications that allow people to create, organise and record information. 
The applications that are available and commonly used within the classroom are:

• Microsoft word
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Microsoft excel

All students that I teach have used or are going to use these applications, within their studies.  I have also used these applications as a student and now as a lecturer. 

Microsoft word allows people to create word documents about anything.  The students in my class use word to write up their assignments. Recent versions allow for greater creativity when writing documents. 

Microsoft Word screen shot

Microsoft PowerPoint is an application that allows people to create a slideshow of information.  This is commonly used in lecturing, as it is an easy and interactive way to deliver information to the students.  

Microsoft PowerPoint screen shot

Microsoft excel is a spreadsheet application that allows people to organise data.  The students will use excel during their business module, and other aspects of the course. 

Microsoft Excel Screen shot

I personaly like using these applications and use them all during every week.  I have grown up using them and am very comfortable and confident when using them.  I feel like I can also help others with these application if needed.