I have not added to this Blog for over a year. I have re-enrolled twice but never got around to simply doing my course reflection! The good news is that since doing the Web 2.0 course, I have enrolled and been accepted to develop an iLearn project with my class this year. My main focus and influence has been the iLearn video. I used it as a guide to develop a rubric for my unit of work as well as to focus on the iLearn skills and strategies. The task I set my class was to write a short science fiction narrative and then animate the story using Legomation. This is how I based it on the iLearn model:
Engage- The students were highly enthusiastic and motivated working with Lego-mation and creating/producing their own story.

Learning - Through problem solving and collaboration students were continually developing new creative and critical thinking skills. Through a class Wiki, they were able to share their learnings with each other.

Environment - the classroom was turned upside down, the students were fully engrossed. It didn't feel like a classroom it felt like a learning/work environment.

Anywhere - students worked at home, in class, in the library and during lunch.

Reflective- with a class Wiki students were asked to write weekly reflections on their progress each week.

Networking - students worked in pairs, shared with others, as well as the teacher who also wrote comments on the Wiki.

Internationally - students found instructions on how to use MovieMaker, find copyright free music and sounds.

No boundaries - students who often don't perform in other areas, were fantastic at Lego-mation, particularly the boys. A great boys education task!

Global- information, sound, music was readily accessible from anywhere using the Internet.

It has been a successful unit in terms of skills developed, collaboration between students and learning. The technology, unfortunately was the main barrier to complete success, but, as the video says it is not just about the technology but establishing skills.

The Blooms Digital Taxonomy is a good way of marrying the level of thinking skills with the rubric I developed.

I have also used other tools within the classroom and with my family at home. My daughter recently presented her First Fleet assignment as a Prezi and loved it. She was highly motivated to complete and developed amazing technical skills along the way.

I am delighted to have completed the course an I am sure it will continue to have a strong influence on my teaching and life.

Module 10

I can see how all the Web 2.0 tools embrace and use technology to develop skilled, confident, resourceful, collaborative and reflective learners.

It is perhaps more of a challenge to develop skilled and confident teachers trying not only to stay abreast of the overwhelming tools available but to then introduce it successfully into the classroom without technical hitches, resource problems and in an educationally constructive way. Having said this, the students do love the use of technology and the world that Web2.0 tools open up. The use of bubble.us, glogster, wikis, you tube etc. has been fun and motivating for the children.

I hope I remain motivated and confident enough to continue introducing and using these tools after this course is finished. Having the modules and links to look back on and revisit will be a great help.

Module 9

Scootle:
I have used scootle a few times and found some useful resources however, I found that the process for searching and finding information very time consuming compared to other avenues and resources. I would use it if I was desperate but I find other sources such as 'get smart', 'topic box', 'sparkle box' and even the property searches in 'my classes' quicker and easier to use and with good sites.

Networking sites:
I find that I want to know about these sites so that I understand how they work and what they are about, however, I would never use one or encourage children to use one. Firstly, they seem incredibly time consuming and secondly, they seem like they could be quite addictive which then adds to the time issue. I can see how they can be a learning tool for older children in terms of immersing them in a particular learning environment but not for Primary.

Twitter:
No time for this. I wouldn't want do it or read it. However, I did find it interesting during the Gillard takeover where newsreaders were refering to it for an instant snapshot of people's reactions. At times like these I guess it is interesting, informative and unifying.

Module 8

Using an RSS feed would be beyond my needs at the moment. I do not have the need or the time to read through updates on my favourite websites or blogs. If I have the luxury of a spare moment to browse, I will go to the sites myself.

I do however like knowing about it and knowing what tools are out there and what is possible. Each week I am amazed at what else can be done on the web. I am sure that people keep creating new ideas each week. Actually, this would be good a good topic to be updated on automatically. Does anyone know a good blog site which discusses the lates Web 2 tools as they evolve?

Module 7

I like delicious. I have been saving video clips onto my facebook page just so I can have instant access to them in the classroom when I need them. With delicous I can save what I need from wherever I am and access them easily. I also think it could be a handy way of sharing useful sites with other teachers.

It is interesting reading other people's blogs and knowing their ideas. However, I couldn't add any comments as my the comment box would not activate. I'm not sure why.

Module 6

Bubbl.us
I can see some uses for this in the classroom. One could be for children to sort a given list into categories and sub categories eg. Australian identity- brainstorm a wordbank and then get children to sort it into categories. Secondly, in literacy, you could use it as a scaffold for joint construction of a text type such as narrative.I can also see benefits in using it for staff presentation and development.

Glogster
I see glogster as another way for children to present their ideas instead of making a poster. It is great for incorporating multimedia presentation and have it all on the one page. eg. A poster about bees with video, sound, information, pictures etc.
It would also be a creative way to represent ideas such as Pentecost, Easter etc.

Module 5

I love using U-tube and teacher tube clips for teaching. I have used them in all KLA's and find that it really engages the children and can illustrate ideas and communicate information much more effectively that just teacher talk. I have found clips on charity organisations , Mother Theresa, poverty and saints for RE. I have found great adds for analysing media inEnglish etc. There is so much available. The only limiting element is the time that it can take to search and find the best resource.

Personally, I also enjoy searching for podcasts from the ABC and radio on interesting programs and reports.

There is so much available that it really replaces the use of DVD's and is much more current.