'Wiki Wiki"

Technology is becoming more exciting to me.  Imagine the great impact that it will have on our students when it is used in the classroom.  From using power point to creating videos and wiki pages, our students will enjoy learning.  It only gets better!!

For portfolio piece #7 we were placed in groups and had to create a wiki. Visit and be enlightened! Make a difference in the environment.  Our future depends on it!

http://wikistudious.wikispaces.com/Pollution

A wiki is a space on the web that is used to share ideas, pictures and videos. This wiki was created for a Grade Six class. It will be used for student collaboration and a source of information.Students will be encouraged to share information and interact with peers.

Using wikis can help to improve classroom instruction as students will be actively engaged in the learning process. They will no longer have to wait on the teacher to give all the information, but they will  be able to work in groups to collaborate on a particular project and glean necessary information themselves.

Reflection

This was my first experience creating a wiki. There were no major challenges faced as it was a simple process to follow. However, most of the time was spent toying with the features, to better understand how a wiki works.  I was able to overcome the challenges by tampering and collaborating with my group members.  The piece could have been improved by making the wiki pages more attractive, especially since we are catering to a young audience.

Exciting Videos for Classroom Instruction

Recently being enlightened of the seriousness of taking care of the environment, the group decided to create a video with that issue in mind.  The video is entitled "Saving Earth”.  It depicts pollution and its effect on the environment, Earth’s reaction to what humans have done and what needs to be done to correct the issues. The audio that was added to the piece enhanced it, as well as the still photos that were chosen. These aspects made the video come to life.  The content of the video is geared towards students of Grade three to Grade six.  It is my hope that after viewing, that students will think critically about what is displayed and begin or in some instances continue to make an impact on the environment.

Some students are visual learners. Therefore, I believe that videos can be used to improve students' approaches to learning.  Educators who utilize technology of this sort in the classroom will indeed capture student’s interest.   The can also use a video as an accompaniment to the lesson , so that they are not the only voice being heard all the time. With a video, instruction in the classroom will be enhanced, because the teacher will not be only source of information.

REFLECTION

For Portfolio piece #6, a video was created entitled “Saving Earth”.  The video will be used to educate students on the importance of taking care of the environment and bringing awareness to the situation.  The major challenges faced in creating the piece was that the Windows Live Movie Maker programme kept shutting down.  The group had to redo at least twice, what we had accomplished to a particular point of choosing the photos. Additionally, after completion there were challenges experienced in downloading the video unto the blog.  The piece could have been improved if we had a video with persons actually giving tips verbally about how to help care for the environment.

Using Podcast for Classroom Instruction

A podcast is an essential teaching tool because it provides more opportunities for students to openly express themselves and share their views on a particular issue. Utilizing a podcast in the classroom can make for a more interesting learning experience.  It can be easily manipulated by students and improves their ability to communicate professionally.  A podcast changes the way teachers teach and students learn. Students are no longer solely given information, but they are able to discuss and receive input from peers.

The podcast prepared dealt with a current issue facing education in Antigua and Barbuda. The principal and a fifth form student of the West Brook Secondary School were invited to share their views on the popular programme, Education in Focus.The issue discussed was that of circulation of pornographic material among school-aged children.  This issue affects education because the school may be seen negatively and eventually become stereotyped.

A podcast can be used in the classroom to help students share their work and experiences with others over the internet. It is a good way for students to be creative.  They will develop good writing skills and teachers can also guide students with formulating the information to be discussed.  However, with continued practice, they will be able to do it on their own. Additionally, students will be able to practice and develop their speaking skills as they  produce their podcast.  A teacher can use a podcast in the classroom to assist with story telling or recording jingles that would help to enhance delivery of a lesson.

It is essential that teachers move away from the traditional methods of teaching and allow students to become innovative. I think that a podcast is good way of doing this.