“Camera and I” by jeshua.nace is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
First impressions
I am looking forward to the EDU 572 course, as I feel it focuses on using digital learning tools in contrast to writing literature reviews. I am hoping that I can apply what I learn in this course towards my final project, which is the creation of a website between two remote communities.
Personal Experiences
Recently, I have transitioned into Google Docs as a way to share and store information for teaching in the classroom, but also find it a useful tool for my students. Earlier this week two of my students, without guidance, decided to use Google Docs in completing their research topic on digital formats in which both individuals were able to synchronously edit the shared document. As well, I was quite surprised how a few of my grade 10 students created a synchronous document for the purpose of writing HTML and CSS code for the creation of a website, again without any guidance or support from me. Overall, I am amazed what students can do when they collaborate together and use digital tools through self discovery or from their peers.
This school year I am teaching three new courses; Digital Media 8, Information and Communications Technologies 9, and Web Development 10. All of which have brought me into a steep learning curve of HTML coding, CSS coding, Javascript, and the use of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC’s) to teach the curriculum. Code.org and Khan Academy are two open online courses that I have adapted into a blended learning environment into my classroom.
As well, all of my learning and collaboration with colleagues has mostly been through phone apps, and synchronous video classrooms that are all new to me. Since we started in July 2019, I am feeling more comfortable to speak my thoughts with little worry of embarrassment of criticism.
Moving Forward
I am unsure right now how as a group which direction we are going to take with digital storytelling, or which technology tool will be the most optimal. Presently, I am biased towards learning more about Flip grid and using it as a tool for students to create short digital videos that relate to content in my Life Science 11 course. A peer in our cohort has already used the tool, and from listening to her experiences students can have an alternative communication forum outside of the classroom. However, I want to keep an open mind on considering how podcasts or alternative software platforms can also be used in our group. My colleagues all have varied experiences with teaching the Applied Design, Skills and Technology portion of the BC curriculum. Finding a common theme to build our digital story is a unique opportunity to grow and apply new skills into the real world. Setting myself up with creating a larger digital presence in virtual learning spaces for my students can optimally help support them outside of the classroom and connect young people to a greater community.
I agree with your assessment of this course. “I feel it focuses on using digital learning tools in contrast to writing literature reviews.” It is really nice to use technology for assignments rather then writing about it!
Writing is still integrated…. but…. I have to agree that this class emphasizes the multiple ways in which we can communicate with each other in digital learning environments. I look forward to “seeing, hearing and watching” what you create!
Verena 🙂
It looks like you are teaching a lot of really cool classes that could very easily relate to what we are doing in our program. This should be a lot of fun for you.