Assignment 1- HPE and ICTs, it was meant to be

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The time has come for me to submit my first assignment. Whilst I am nervous, especially to have my work displayed on a public forum, I am ecstatic to have completed it. Now that it is completed, I am going to go out and party like its 1999.

I choose to base my assignment on a Year 9 HPE class. I utilised WIX, a website creator to highlight my three main reasons for using ICTs in HPE. Be sure to check it out.

Just to be certain here is the websites URL: http://u1029296.wix.com/icts-and-hpe

I hope you enjoy.. I’m off to celebrate.

Technology has Robbed me of my Speeling… or it is spelling ability

For assignment one I decided to use a website (WIX) to state my three reasons for using ICTs in technology. I wrote about 800 words which are on various pages. To my dismay, I soon realised the WIX does not have an automatic spell check. I, who would consider myself not to be a very confident speller decided to paste all my information into a word document in order to check my spelling. Luckily I did, as I had numerous spelling mistakes. This process whilst annoying allowed me to identify words that I commonly spell wrong but was not previously aware of due to most technological devices automatically correcting my mistakes.

This reliance on technology has reduced my ability to spell words and to identify words that I commonly spell wrong. This is an example Postman’s 5 things you need to know at technology change. His first point is technology is always a trade-off, where for every advantage a new technology may give you, this is also a corresponding disadvantage. In this examples, technology minimises my poor spelling ability, reducing my time spent on looking up a dictionary (or use Google) on how to spell works and helping to identify and rectify errors. However, it has also reduced my ability to spell words without the aid of technology as well as my ability to identify and rectify common incorrectly spelt words. Similarly, Schon, in his blog talks about his reduced spelling ability on written tasks.

It’s how you use it that counts

   by  jennip98 

When researching information for assignment one I came across a copy of ACHPER HPE Conference 2014. Whilst there were several key speakers and many important points one speaker really stood out to me. Jarrod Robinson, also know as PE Geek, gave a talk called “Making Technology your Best Friend in the Classroom”. He is a Victorian high school HPE teacher. Jarrod has an awesome website for items about technology integration in HPE, check it out here. Anyway, in his speech he highlighted that there is an array of technological tools that can be used in HPE. Here is a link to a list them.

However, what he stressed  is that just incorporating technology does not make the lesson better. He mentioned an on-going trend of teachers who use many applications, so widely available, but who do not actually think through the purpose of using the selected technology. He believes we need to ask ourselves these questions…

What is the benefit this resource?

How does it make the learning experience better? 

He points out that it is not the technology that you are using that will enhance the learning, it is HOW you use the technology that makes a difference. This echoes similar sediments that we have heard in the course. I know myself since starting this course I have been so excited about the many apps out there for HPE,  I thought sweet I can  use these in my classes, its technology its got to be good… right. WRONG! Similarly, Deanna, in her blog post talks about how you can get caught up with the bells and whistles of technology, that you can loss focus of what you want to achieve in the lesson. In future, before incorporating technology into my lesson I really need to consider: how does this ICT strategy help to enhance learning and assist in reaching my lesson objects. Only then, after assessing these factors will I consider using them in my lesson plans.

Unknowingly Breaking the Law… You May be Too

Have you ever used an image from Google or shared a video on meme on your Facebook… Did you know that you are probably breaking the law?

Until today I had no idea that the pictures I have been posting with every one of my blogs was breaking copyright laws. I blindly believed that because the images came up on my Google search, they were in the public sphere and were able to be used. WRONG! It appears I am not alone, Daniel in his blog talks of breaking the ;law by using a picture of the New York skyline in his blog. You cannot just reuse images, music or other resources found on the internet. A video explaining these laws can be found here. As Britt highlights in her blog there are some provisions which can be found here. As I am a student I have some lead way, as it can be argued I was using them to enhance my studies, which I am; however, the AITSL Professional Teacher Standards 4.5 highlights the need for teachers to use ICTs safely, responsible and ethically, I need to know how to legally use images, photos etc. Especially as the Australian Curriculum ICT general capability requires students “ have the knowledge, skills and confidence to make ICT work for them at school, work and in their communities”. I need to know , understand and be able to apply these requirements before I can ask my students to.

I am off find and source my pictures for assignment one. Wish me luck, I need it.

Is Gaming the Way?

                      Could using games in the classroom enhance student learning?

Today for on of my university courses I was asked to play a computer game called DragonBox. I couldn’t believe my luck, this didn’t feel like learning but in fact it was could be utilised to enhance my mathematics (Algebra) skills. I spent a while absorbed into this game, like many of our students do with their games on their IPhones or Xbox or PlayStation. On one of my previous practicum placements one of my professional development lessons talked about how students spend copious amounts of hours on these games but we, as educators often struggle to keep students engaged/applied for a 70 minute lesson. Could gaming can answer to helping students stay engaged and motivated in the classroom?

This blog by a primary teacher highlights how he utilised the very popular game, Angry Birds in the classroom to teach students about Anger Management.
Jaime, in her blog highlights that there is a common teacher perception to see games as a distraction to learning. I admit I was apprehensive at the start, However I research and trialled games and now I am from the viewpoint, like Schon, that games can be addictive and engaging and thus can enhance learning outcomes. There are many great educational games out there, I found this website particular useful. This is a new tool which I can add to my toolbelt, I am looking forward to trialling games on my practicum placement!

Banning Mobiles in the Classroom Fails our Students

Are we failing to provide students with a 21st century education by banning mobile phones in the classroom?

In the education world there is an acknowledgement that learning experiences need to be linked to student’s prior knowledge. However, it is also important to ensure our practices link with students prior experiences in using and interacting with particular types of text. It is imperative teacher’s make connections between the technologies students use outside of school.

However … Studies have found that many schools only use laptops and desktop computers as digital texts in the classroom (68). Even though research shows that many students perceive desktop computers as old fashioned, out-dated and slow. This was certainly the case when I was at school. Furthering this, what is the use of getting students to loan or buy out-dated texts, some five years old ? When we can find up to date and reliable information online. Similarly, Hannah points out in her blog, that ICTs allows students to explore the wealth of information on the internet.

Based on this evidence I have come to the conclusion teachers need to be aware of current technological trends. Today there is a rapid rise of teenage mobile phone use, with many using this as a main tool for internet access. Considering this I find it interesting that many schools have banned mobile phones in the classroom. In many schools where the computers or textbook are out-dated why shouldn’t we let students access this information on their phones? Many teachers site the main reasons as it allows students to be off task and get distracted. While this many be true, students can still be off task in classroom without the use of mobile phones? I’ve seen many students off task on a computer! I see this as a behaviour management and lesson planning issue, don’t blame it on the technology! I am interested in hearing your thoughts – should mobile phones be banned in the classroom?

Does SES status make you a winner or a loser?

This week we have been talking about Postman’s 5 things we need to know about technological change. Many students have shared there understandings of the 5 ideas and offered examples of each category.

Max in his blog when discussing idea 3, technology has winners and losers, uses an example of lower socio-economic level students having difficulty being able to source necessary technology, which could lead to a “winners and losers” mentality where kids with better tech access get better grades. However, I am not entirely sure I agree with this statement. Most schools offer various technological devices and lending schemes and many public libraries offer free computer access… Therefore, I believe those from lower SES status still have access to technological resources. I argue what is most important in the classroom it HOW the teacher makes use of the technology.

What is their strategy for technology and the purpose of its use?

If the teacher cannot use these tools effectively, instead utilising technology to simply transmit information it doesn’t matter how old or how much technology they have access to. Similarly, a U.S study found the role of technology itself is not a catalyst for change, change and reform were a result of teachers pedagogical beliefs, it is how they use the tool that makes the difference.

5 little things that may change your view on technology

According to Postman there are 5 things we need to know about technological change

1 Technology is always a trade off

Whilst new technologies offer advantages there will also be disadvantages. Personally, since using technologies with spell check my spelling ability has dropped. Interestingly Schon in his blog also highlights this as an issue. Sometimes I am not even aware I have spelt words wrong as it automatically corrects them. This becomes an issue when I handwrite essays or letters.

2 Technology creates winners and losers

The advantages and disadvantages brought about by technology are not evenly distributed among the population. For example, big companies such as supermarkets or chain stores benefit from being able to track customers purchases and gain personal information. This data provided to companies makes citizens easy targets for targeted marketing.

3 Embedded in every technology is a philosophy, epistemological, political or social prejudice

This prejudice predisposes users to certain perspectives and accomplishments. For example during the national election News Corp which controls 70% of the newspaper industry in Australia used their various media outlets – website, digital and print newspapers to run a slam campaign against Labour, with many suggesting it was instrumental in helping swing voters to the Abbot and the Liberal government.

4 Technological change is not addictive; it is ecological

Introducing a new medium such as standardised testing changes the way we think about education. Additionally, Rossco in his blog highlights how internet has changed education, bringing about the introduction of online learning, changing traditional teacher and student roles and the age old perception that higher education occurs on a campus.

5 Technology tends to become mythic

A tendency to view many everyday technologies as part of the natural order of things. For example, most of generation Y have grown up surrounded by mobile phones and the internet that they don’t question who invented it or cannot imagine a time before it these technologies existed.

Don’t Blame it on the Technology, Blame it on the Man/Woman

Does Technology make us antisocial ?

Many of my fellow students have made comments this week about this notion. Dirk questions whether we are over exposing children to technology, which could dull their creativity and make them boring. Conversely, I believe it doesn’t make us any less social, it just alters the way we socialise. Personally, I am kept up to date and communicate more with my friends, as technology allows us to share our experiences without having to be in the same location. One particular friend named Natalie, well, I could tell you what she eats for dinner each night and what time she goes to bed haha.

I believe Dirks question raises many other questions…

What is excessive technology use?

Where do you draw the line between normal and excessive use? 

A recent study has found ICTs are regarded by many as an essential tool for life, work and study. I believe it is not that technology makes us antisocial, its is how some people use technology that makes a select few antisocial. Benjamin in his blog echo’s a similar sediment, he believes it is not the technology it is how and when the person chooses to use that technology that can make their actions antisocial. Serge Benhayon believes antisocial behaviours such as cyber bullying, internet trolling, abusive language etc. can arise due to the faceless nature of the internet. Considering this, when using ICTs as a strategy in the classroom, teachers need to ensure students are taught digital literacies, such as, finding and evaluating information, appropriate use of technology and netiquette etc.

ICTs and HPE I didn’t think this was a possibility

At the beginning of the course the idea of implementing ICTs in the classroom seemed daunting however the idea of integrating ICTs into Health and Physical Education (HPE), particularly the practical side seemed impossible! I am not alone in my view; Schon in his blog post highlighted this as a concern as well. Previously I have implemented what I thought was ICTs in a theoretical lesson, generally every lesson I utilise a PowerPoint presentation with accompanying videos. However, I have come to realise this is a superficial implementation of ICTs. Socol, the inventor of the Toolbelt Theory points out it’s not the implementation of technology that increases student learning it’s how this technology is utilised. A direct teaching approach where I lecture with aid of a PowerPoint is not integrating ICTs. It does not teach students how to use ICTs, analyse tasks or make decisions, all purposes of ICT integration. I have seemingly limited myself by thinking ICTs can only be implemented into a theoretical HPE lesson. Upon researching I discovered some ICTs tools which can be useful for the practical side of HPE. Jarrod Robinson provides a comprehensive lists of ICT integration ideas. Additionally, Schon suggests another website for HPE teachers which I found useful, particular the heat rate applications (something I could have integrated into my last practical placement!). Discovering these ICT tools was quite easy, however utilising them effectively, considering the context and learners is another challenge all together. I am looking forward to testing out some of my new tools on my next practical placement.