At this stage in learning we must ask ourselves, what is
e-learning? Well to answer this question we can look at the definition found on
oxforddictionaries.com/definition/English/e—learning/ which states ‘Learning conducted via electronic media,
typically on the Internet’. This in simpler terms means to learn via
technology. The importance of e-learning can be clearly seen all around us.
With technology advancements being made each day, it is without a doubt that
the basic knowledge on how to successfully use various electronic modes is one
of the upmost importance. Every student, teacher, family member even
grandparents, have all come into contact with something technological, for
example an x-ray machine, a computer, facebook , all the way down to that of
our mobile phones. Everyone has experienced some form of technology, and with
technology being such a large influence in today’s society it can be assumed
that learning via these means is one that will not only benefit the user, but
also that of our general society. I for one like to believe that technology is
everywhere and that I am an avid user, and an average human being, therefore is
I use such technology then so will most of the rest of the average population. This reflective synopsis will outline how to
work safely using the many technologies available to us now, as well as how
collaboration can help and support at students learning. It will then be
discussed as to how e-learning and pedagogy are so important.
Firstly that of safety, not only is this very much so an
important aspect of e-learning but it is also one of a legal matter as well,
yes many technologies these days can be secure and only be viewed by those that
the “creator” wishes it to be seen. However there are many technological
platforms available that allow plagiarism to occur. Not only is this important
outside of the school area, it is also highly important within the classroom. A
students work presented in class, must only be placed online, if the student
agrees as well as that of their parental guardian. This is highly important due
to the information presented in the work may be private, or something that the
student/parent/s wish to keep private. Another issue about being safe is that
of images and photos being uploaded online, with many photos being able to be
saved from computers, it is important to keep these private and limit the
audience of these images to maybe fellow teachers within the school you are
teaching, or if permission is granted maybe that of the fellow parents, e.g. on
the schools website or newsletter. Another aspect to look out for is that of
copyright infringement, by allowing access to the internet allows copyright to
occur, therefore it must be understood that referencing material used is a highly
important aspect of learning using technology.
It is also important for students to be aware of the many dangers of
working on the internet, such as some public forums. As a teacher it would be
of the upmost importance to keep students away from slanderous, hurtful
comments, violence and sexually explicit material that are published online. Whilst
technology is a very useful tool in the classroom, it must also be fully
understood, not only by teachers, but also that of a student and their family
about the many dangers of technology.
This then leads us to the second point of a more positive
aspect of technology, collaboration. By allowing students to learn using
technology, it will allow them to not only grow lifelong skills, but also allow
students to work together and become a tight knit group. Collaboration allows
students to work together, by allowing students to grow and look at things from
the many different perspectives. Constructivism allows students to listen to
others whilst also being able to construct their own ideas and thoughts about
particular topics at hand. Collaboration while sometimes may cause issues to
arise, there are also many positives. The positives far outweigh the negatives.
In week 2 of the subject of e-learning an activity was solely based around the
concept of constructivism (Reflection 1), which allows mature age students to
talk and collaborate on the debono thinking hats, which allowed students to see
the many different aspects the general population can and may have. Therefore
by allowing student to collaborate, allows expanding their thinking, which can
and will be used in the real world as well as in the confines of their
classroom.
This therefore leads us to the final topic and that is of
Pedagogy and the support e-learning gives to the importance of Pedagogy.
Pedagogy is a person’s personal learning style, for example hands on (learning
from doing). Incorporation of Digital pedagogy in the classroom allows students
of all leaning styles to express themselves and their ideas in a fun
interactive way. Whether it be making a movie (Reflection 3 – Photos, podcasts
and videos oh here we go), Powerpoint (Reflection 4 – Powerpoint, Prezi,
Glogster and me) and even that of Adobe flash and Google maps (Reflection 5 –
There and Back). With the many tools available for students and teachers alike
it can be seen as to why digital pedagogy is greatly supported in the subject
of e-learning. Incorporation of these technologies not only allows students to
use technology for real life situations; it also allows students to continue
their learning journey through the many new and interesting technological tools
available.
Throughout the subject of e-learning I, myself have learnt,
many new and fun ways to teach and learn, whether it be how to support a
student’s personal learning style or that of incorporating these newfound tools
in the classroom. Technology has its endless uses and although I struggled to
use some of the tools presented it has been a fun and enjoyable journey. One in
which I cannot wait to incorporate into my classroom and help aid my students
on their own person learning journeys.
