Corinne’s Blogfolio

I viewed the video on Digital Learning in the Prairie South School Division, created by Dean Shareski, and I am amazed and surprised at the access these schools have to a variety of technological tools. As a result, their students will have more opportunities to build technological knowledge and skills as well as have their learning supported with new technology. It is great to see so much funding for technology.

I really like the idea of having microphones for teachers because I have a quiet voice. By using a microphone, I wouldn’t have to strain my voice, and my students would be able to hear me clearly. I also really like the idea of having a data projector in each classroom. I remember, in school, not seeing the television because it was too small or someone was in front of me. With a data projector, the screen is large enough to see, and you can view student work, videos, or other resources from the Internet to aid in the learning process. Also, I am interested to learn more about Smartboards because I have never seen one used.

I noticed one theme running through this video as well as in this class (ECMP 355) is: social learning. In the video, Dean discusses how students create work to display online, and students and adults from many parts of the world can comment and share their ideas on the student’s work. This same student can build his or her understanding by viewing similar work by other students and people around the world. Each person is learning from not only his or her teacher and classmates in the classroom but also from the online classroom, which includes many more people of all ages. Dean also mentioned how sharing work with a larger audience encourages the students to be more accountable for the content and presentation of their work. I think this is a valuable and important point to make because the students are no longer “doing a good job” just to get a good mark but to share their ideas with others, help others, and get feedback from others. I think social learning (social constructivism) is an excellent way for all ages to learn.

This is a great video, and an excellent way for me to learn how technology is used in one school division in Saskatchewan. This video also gave me ideas of how technology can be incorporated in the classroom.

Corinne

Filed under: Relfections and tagged Dean Shareski, digital learning, Prairie South School Division