Reflective Synopsis.

Assessment 1: Reflection Synopsis.(For week 8).


Effective learning in technologies requires CrEatiVity, Management
 and Pedagogy. The SAMR model developed by Dr Ruben Puentedura is a valuable structure for teachers to utilise in creating learning technology’s for students and aiming for the higher order level of learning. I have found SAMR to be key in understanding, applying, analyzing, evaluating and creating technologys for the classroom. It is no coincedance that these words mirror Blooms revised taxonomy (Anderson & Krathwohl 2001). This can be seen in work by Kathy Schrock (2013) http://www.schrockguide.net/samr.html.

I have learnt and understood considerably about SAMR and Blooms and how to utilise these tools and philosophies into my pedagogy. I think referring to SAMR weekly (see blog posts) has helped me cement its meaning and how to apply it, I also found greater understanding from reading http://www.hippasus.com/rrpweblog/archives/2003_07.html

I am excited for my teaching practice next semester so I can try to implement some of these practices, even simple ones like apps on my phone for keeping score of games during a PE lesson, or in fact letting the students keep score using it, this may engage those who don’t normally participate, by getting them involved in the planning and organising aspect of sports.

I have realised that technologies are a key tool for engaging students. At the start I was apprehensive and overwhelmed, however by embracing it, breaking it down and being positive it has changed my thoughts on how I could teach. I believe to be a 21^st century teacher we need to embrace change and move forward with what is right for students learning. This deeply involves technologies and teachers need to be apt in using this and being able to suitably facilitate students to use technologies.

I think we need to move away from traditional teaching and being a sage on the stage and guide on the side to meddler in the middle, students are in control, they need to be able to freely create and share there learning through collaboration, in gathering evidence and presenting their findings on a local and global level.

As a teacher I need to provide that platform, by providing the resources and tools to challenge them and provide levels of complexity to their learning through technologies. One method is using the presentation tool this can be seen in blog entry  - Presentation tools, Thursday 9^th April 2015.

Whilst researching technologies over the last 7 weeks, I have begun to think that students are ahead of teachers with regards to digital technologies, that teachers are daunted by the prospect of using technologies; this is a little worrying something that needs to be rectified so that we can provide the best possible education to our students.

Picture 1. - Legal and Ethical considerations.

The photo above is taken from the website - http://www.ottodrome.com/about-the-company/

Below is a table that reflects my goals.

In hindsight I should of set these goals a lot earlier, but I think it works as a reflection tool, It is basic and rudimentary but has helped me to thoroughly analyse my learning on the technologies introduced.

The photos above in the table are from:

Goal post picture from -http://www.amazon.co.uk/b?ie=UTF8&node=324084011

Scale picture from - http://liz-green.com/2010/08/the-power-of-positive-thinking-desire-verses-doubt/

Reflection picture from - www.hickorywindranch.com

My view on teaching has changed I have been very caught up in the traditional picture, standing in front of the class dictating knowledge. This is one of the main reasons why it has taken me a long time to become a teacher because I didn’t think I would have enough knowledge to help students or confident enough to stand in front of a class, maturity and life experience has helped me overcome that and knowing more about learning in the 21^st century and the world of digital technologies available to use for lessons significantly changes my original thoughts and fears.

I thoroughly enjoyed this subject, it has been hard work to follow through on the work because so much of it is new and not simple to work out, but being patient and finding other ways to problem solve has been key.

There are still holes in my learning particularly on different methods to uploading articles to a blog or website. I also need further understanding of the size of documents and presentations, how to save them and embed or upload. I think that I have only touched the surface on what digital resources are out there. To develop my digital technologies toolbox I need to find time to try things out, I need to take risks and challenge myself with new methods and take opportunities through university and at work. One aspect I would like to improve is my professional collaboration, to join networks and organisations and connect with other educators.

As they say Images can show a thousand words. I have chosen a picture that represents my journey over the last 6 weeks AND this one speaks, watch the fireplace. I have embedded the talking image, or you can click on the link below to see and hear it.
http://blabberize.com/view/id/1275199