VoiceThread, Example of a Web 2.0 tool

October 25, 2014 

 

                                  

       Web 2.0 tools and technologies allow access to a myriad of information around the world and help students think critically and solve problems. This collection of Web-based tools (e.g., wikis, blogs, instant messaging, podcasting, YouTube, etc.) allow students to interact and communicate with their teachers, peers, and learn about different cultures around the world. One such tool some schools use is VoiceThread.

 

VoiceThread is an online media album that can hold numerous media-like images, documents and videos. Its affordances are that it allows users to create their work, make comments using voice, text, audio file or video and share them with anyone they want. Students can also use it to upload images and tell stories about the images. They can type or speak their comments using a microphone or telephone. VoiceThread lets students interact with their teachers and classmates. One of its main features is that it facilitates collaborative work.  Some schools are linking VoiceThread and other student work to the school websites using WordPress, which is a full content management system that can be used as a publishing platform. One constraint related to this technology is that teachers can be overwhelmed by having to learn about the many digital tools available nowadays. Another constraint might be the inability to make connections with students who do not have computers or have a problem communicating with these social tools. Thus, it is important to understand the needs of students and teachers in relation to technology use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://voicethread.com/

https://wordpress.org/about/

http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/Web-20-or-Web-2

 

 

 

Technology Affordances and Constraints in the Classroom

The theories of affordances and constraints in relation to the use of technology in the classroom are important because of their potential value in the learning process.  J. J. Gibson's theory of affordances basically says that “affordances are the attributes that provide potential for action, while constraints are the conditions and relationships between attributes that provide structure and guidance for the course of actions.” Some of the most important affordances in education today, online technologies, allow for increase in communication and interaction capability. However, the learning outcomes do not depend solely on technology. There are several factors that contribute to the learning process such as the values and beliefs of the teacher relating to the importance of this type of learning. It is also helpful that the teacher understands the affordances of a range of technological tools and resources and how they might best help students in making use of those affordances in their learning interactions.

 Technology tools and resources are affordances that offer capabilities for learning support in the classroom. These types of affordances can allow for collaborative learning and information retrieval. Teachers can then help with the constraints by providing students with affordances that motivate and engage them. They can also increase the degree of an affordance, for example by prompting students to predict the results of an assignment. Teachers can eliminate constraints by providing additional information about the affordance, for example by explaining and demonstrating a feature of software used with the assignment. An understanding of the affordances and constraints is important as well as learning of the students’ attitudes in regards to using technology for educational purposes.  

http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/J._J._Gibson.

http://web.stanford.edu/group/WTO/cgi-bin/wp/

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14759390100200105#.VEQuqBZGUg8

Flipped Classrooms

        The idea of a flipped classroom, traditional classwork is done at home while homework is completed in class, can be traced to a 2008 experiment by Aaron Sams and Jonathan Bergmann http://flippedlearning.org/site/default.aspx?PageID=1. In a classroom where teachers have adapted this form of blended learning, students work at home and at their own pace. They watch short, interactive videos that contain content and objectives. The students then use class time to improve lessons and teachers engage with them on a one-on-one basis.

          I think this is just one more tool in the teaching toolbox and should not be used every day. But if it helps students take more interest in and responsibility for their own learning, I would implement it in my classroom by, first of all, devising a flipped strategy. I would start by asking myself a series of questions about technology and pedagogy: Will I make my own videos or use others’ material, such as Khan Academy? If I decide to make my own videos, what software should I use? Most importantly, I would need to plan valuable classroom time accordingly. Since I would not be lecturing as much, the time can be devoted to activities that lead to deeper knowledge and more on-on-one discussions.

           I would start small and videotape a short lesson in the beginning. I would introduce the concept to my students and teach them how to watch the videos. Ideally, I would also teach the parents about flipped learning so parents could be involved and comfortable with the idea.

I would start videotaping lessons for the following day using an interactive whiteboard and microphone. I would then post the videos to YouTube for students to view as homework or during part of class the next day. I would probably start with simple screen casting software such as Jing and Screencast-O-Matic http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lND52-k15tw. If I had difficulty in making good videos, I could use a tool called FrontRow Juno lecture-capture system http://gofrontrow.com/en/juno.  I would give them practice problems to complete at home. During class time, I would have them briefly review the corresponding section in their textbook, thus reinforcing the knowledge they had gained by watching the video. Finally, I would give the students a quiz to determine the areas requiring more practice.

Important Best Practices for Technology in the Classroom

 

CPS (Chicago Public Schools) has found a great way to incorporate technology in its school system that some parents and students find is the best choice for them. I came across a hybrid school called The Chicago Virtual Charter School http://www.k12.com/cvcs#.VDGq1xZGUg8. It is tuition-free, and according to their website, it has the latest internet technology. Its K-12 online curriculum is teacher guided and requires parental support. The school has physical classrooms that students attend on occasion. All students are loaned a computer and printer, and they also get an internet stipend. They receive technological support, if needed, along with all the textbooks and other instructional materials in grades K-8. High School courses do not require textbooks. This school is a good example of best practice of incorporating technology in the CPS school system.

This hybrid school replaces traditional pen-and-paper lessons and is an opportunity for students (and their parents,) to use technology tools and resources while they learn from the convenience of their home. Since they receive tech support, the students do not need to be computer experts, and they learn about the many resources available to them. This school is also helping reduce paper use since most of the students’ assignments are viewed and completed on the computer and High School students do not have any books- everything related to their coursework is online for them.

This new way of learning also encourages online research that enables students to get information on many topics. Since there are a myriad of resources online, students do not have to rely solely on books to complete their assignments. This can be an effective way to work at a convenient pace, and they can find the field that interests them the most. 

http://www.greatschools.org/school-choice/virtual/6983-hybrid-blended-learning.gs?page=2 

http://cps.edu/Pages/home.aspx