FINAL COURSE REFLECTION

FINAL COURSE REFLECTION

What an incredible course to have been a part of. I have really learnt a lot throughout this course.

I considered myself reasonably capable of using web 2.0 tools - however the types of web 2.0 tools introduced through the course are ones that I have heard of before, but just have not had the time to investigate or see great examples of how they are used. I can see many of the tools being so useful for students to investigate and learn how to use themselves.

I am such a visual learner and I always appreciate seeing practical applications for how such web 2.0 tools can be utilised for planning, teaching and learning.

Do I find the adaptation of Blooms to digital technology helpful in curriculum planning?

• I have seen Bloom’s Taxonomy and the revised taxonomy many times - however I have yet to come across a version incorporating the digital realm. I am actually glad that I can utilise this in planning teaching and learning.
• The speed of the advancements in digital technologies even during the time I have been teaching has been astronomical. Pressure is placed on using technology - but it must be introduced and implemented with the right professional development.
•  We have students who are very savvy in using technology, applications, navigating websites etc, however students must have many skills to draw upon to make the best use of the available technologies. Central to using Web 2 tools is the primary focus on creating new knowledge and drawing together existing knowledge to create new understandings.

Where would I place other tools such as Second Life, Picasa or Glogster on this map?

These tools could be placed in many different areas on the digital taxonomy map.

• Second Life - in Remembering - social networking, Applying - by playing, Evaluating - networking or Creating - if they are to have a specific purpose in creating their second life realm.
• Picasa - Applying - uploading, sharing, editing, Analysing - tagging, Evaluating - posting, commenting, Creating - using their uploaded pictures/images to create a collage/album/movie/project with a particular purpose.
• Glogster - Remembering - bullet pointing, highlighting, Understanding - categorising, annotating, Applying - running, operating, uploading, sharing, editing, Analysing - linking, tagging, Evaluating - collaborating, Creating - to create many of the ideas incorporated into their Glogster such as videos, animations etc.

Key Course Highlights & Favourite Web 2.0 Tools

• bubbl.us - Definitely an application I can see being so beneficial to students in the classroom for a variety of tasks
• Delicious - reinvigorating my interest in this social bookmarking tool
• Feedly - the RSS reader - this will help me keep up to date with all school matters (and of course anything else of interest too)
• Wikispaces - will definitely be a work-in-progress going forward - but this is definitely a platform that I would like to spend more time investigating with my students.