Module 9

This is a huge module and I am not sure my blog will do justice to all of the content that I have read, but here goes.

Let's begin with Scootle. This site provides access to a multitude of digital curriculum content. Users can find interactive learning objects, images, audio files and movie clips by browsing and searching content. While there are some amazing resources available on this site, it can be slow going to find what you need initially. Make sure you have time to search and view the objects so that you are able to obtain the best resources available. You are able to create a favourites list on this site which will allow easy access to these sites for future reference.

I plan to use Scootle over the remainder of the year, but in all honesty it will be intermittently as I do not have the time to research all of the resources. It is a shame as I am sure there is some great stuff out there. I'm sure that you're aware that teachers find time to be av valuable commodity.

When I first started teaching in the Sydney Diocese four years ago, I remember a bit of talk around elf's or Learning Objects. I am presuming that the Learning Federation Objects found on Scootle are the same as these elf's and that they have just been revamped into a more easily accessible web site than those previously found on myclasses. Please post a comment on my blog if you know anything regarding this.

Next on the agenda is social networking sites. I have been a member of Facebook and Myspace for some time and have found these sites a great way to keep in contact with friends, organise social events and to discover new music. Social networking allows people to stay connected to larger communities in a fast and easy way.

Social networking is individual-centred where in that each user has a unique profile page through which they can connect with others. Online communities are a little different as they are group centred. Social networking sites allow people to create and participate in communities as well as share content and collaborate with others.

I do not believe that social networking has a place in the classroom, although it is important that as teachers we are aware of them, as they are the main way that our students are communicating with one another in this day and age. To have an understanding of the benefits of these sites and they way in which they work allows us to educate our students on the dangers that also exist with these applications. The main problems are the existence of online predators and cyber bullying. To educate our students in these issues will allow them to use these applications safely. In addition to this, it is important to inform students of their digital footprint so that they are thoughtful about what they post upon these sites.

Twitter is site that allows people to keep their friends or 'followers'updated with short text based information. It may be beneficial in allowing people to keep up to date with your everyday life and also may allow insights into the aspects of your friends personalities that you were unaware of.

I personally would not use this site as I do not find this form of communication essential to my life, but I can see how it may be beneficial and interesting for others. Social networking carries with it the risk of creating a demise in interpersonal skills. I believe it is important to talk to your friends in person and while email and social networking sites allow for you to catch up quickly, it is important that this does not become the only form of communication we have.

I spent some time researching Second Life, a form of social networking I had not previously heard of. Second Life is a free 3D virtual world. I found it a little creepy and as it as an 18 and over web site it really has no place in the primary classroom. The videos posted outlined some valid ways in which it could be used in the classroom. These include taking guided tours of places you are studying e.g The Sistine Chapel, practising computer scripting skills and allowing for collaborative learning. While I am sure there are many interesting aspects to this 3D Virtual world, I think I will just continue to navigate my way around the one I actually live in.

What a mammoth module, two more to go!