Implementing technology innovation

Looked at these tools/frameworks which identifies the knowledge teachers need to teach effectively with technology.

Then developed an activity using GOOGLE earth which was informed by these tools.

Guided Tour
The teacher creates a guided tour using Tour Builder and Google Earth. Locations are pre-set for students which allows them to explore on their own. As each location is visited by the student, the teacher will have additional materials available such as video links, websites, facts and more. The teacher could embed a Google Form quiz at each location with a clue to move onto the next location and to receive immediate feedback on the students as an assessment of their learning.

There is much talk about bringing education in line with the modern world and there is also arguments against the use of technologies in the classroom. They have been depicted as being distracting hampering attention and perseverance. It has also been argued that they are isolating children and that these children are no longer able to communicate face to face.

I hold mixed feelings on the above, I agree that technology maybe distracting and that children still need to learn social interaction face to face. However, often technology is distracting when not used to empower the learners. I have found that students are really engaged in conversation about what they are doing when technology tasks are fun, challenging and engaging and this conversation is face to face and they are enthusiastic about showing and sharing. Technology also allows for communication anywhere and anytime. I also believe that we live in a world where innovative change and digital transformation occurs constantly and we have to prepare our students to be able to be part of it. There is a need to break with traditional models of education and bring it into the modern world.

This week also looked at augmented reality and experimented with apps which allow for this. looked again at Aurasma which have used in class briefly. This time added more layers and triggers using the Aurasma website. Also looked at apps which allowed for 3D viewing and for enhancement of objects which may not be available in the classroom and some which allowed for immersion in their learning.