eLearning allowed me to realise the opportunities that ICTs provide within the classroom and how it is able to enhance learning. Furthermore, the introduction to eLearning allowed me to recognise that the implementations of ICTs within the classroom are not always the most effective tools. Whats more, the implementation of ICTs within the classroom need to be implemented purposefully in order to gain any meaningful learning.
eLearning allows a door of opportunities within the classroom at a click of a button. It also removes the walls from learning - creating a classroom of endless opportunities to explore and discover the world around them.
Simple concepts available from the World Wide Web can be manipulated and tailored to suit the purpose and assist learners throughout their learning journey.
Week one of this course introduced me to several different features available from the web that could be used to assist learning. The main focus of this week was
1) Concept maps (available from http://bubbl.us/)
2) mind maps (available from http://www.text2mindmap.com/)
Both these tools are able to be implemented effectively in the classroom and can be considered as useful in the learning context of both the learner and the professional.
Firstly, the learner is able to work independently or collaboratively. By using concept/mind maps learners are able to document their learning about a particular learning focus. Such maps can be used as a brainstorming activity in order to identify prior knowledge, or used within the learning journey. Either way this is an opportunity to make learning visible and to establish what learning has taken place, or directs further learning. By brainstorming in this manner, alterations can take place easily and accordingly. Unlike the old butcher's paper and pen - alterations/modifications make for a complicated document. Whats more, this tool allows for learners to organise information in a manner that suits them. This can be seen to advantage different learning styles and ways of processing information. Learners are able to format the maps in a manner that allows them to process information effectively. This can be seen to advantage all learners within the learning site.
However, the draw backs that can be seen by using these tools from this particular website may in fact include the layout or setting of the website. In particular text2mind map. The tab or indent concept for each different heading may be seen as confusing for young learners. Perhaps a more user friendly and less confusing concept may need to be implemented to gain the most out of this particular tool. Furthermore, the tool can only be consider as effective if a intended purpose of its use is identified. The LM must implement the tool to assist the learners learning for a particular focus or else the learning can be consider as lacking purposefulness.
However, overall I recognize the potential that these tools can have within the learning site to enhance learning.
Evidence of using one of two tools introduced in eLearning - Week one.
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