We explore the program available from Google that allows us to view the world in different ways.
Google allows you to look at maps and satellite images of most places across the world. Even more amazing is the ability to roam the streets of different cities and towns across the world.
What an amazing experience! It's endless to think about the possibilities that this could bring to one's learning.
For instance we looked at creating a tour guide for a sister/brother school from a different country. We looked at compiling directions, images and other specifics such as tourist attractions; opening times, costing etc.
Furthermore, this allows an opportunity for students to compare the differences in the two countries or even more relevant to the students, the differences between both towns. Students could look at an array of different aspects such as political, environmental, social, economic, and ethical. This makes for an exciting and relevant SOSE unit. Students take ownership of their learning which furthermore, contributes to motivation and interest. And better yet students become experts of the topic they wish to focus on.
At present my focus class is within the mist of a unit that focuses on Bundaberg's toursit attrations. Within the middle of the unit a excursion was planned for students to have a bus trip visiting some of the major tourist sites. However, funding for this excursion was not possible hence the excursion was canned. My observations suggest that teachers attitude to the unit was that it was no longer relevant to teach the unit. I was able to see how ICTs could be easily introduce to assist withi this unit. I believe if the teachers were confident enough in using ICTs this unit could have even been MORE effective then the propsed excursion. (Not to say the exursion wouldn,t contribute to meaningful learning or gained knowledge)
A thorough and encouraging look at how e-learning tools can illustrate non-electronic environments in a new light. The addition of a much bigger picture, such as study of weather systems, would be the only addition I would suggest to use these tools even more. One further point is, this explanation highlights how e-learning tools can bring added value to your pedagogy compared to using another pedagogical approach.
ReplyDeleteI agree, a student driven trip around the world, complete with street view, cutural aspects etc. Do you think that the majority of the students would be excited with the task?
ReplyDeleteStudents definately would be excited with a task such as this. It is a perfect example of using ICT to facillitate and expand upon a learning experience. Students could not realistically experience these opportunities without the aide of ICT. It shows that ICT should be used alongside other learning methods and when used appropriately it can open so many more learning opportunities and experiences for students in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteI feel so sorry for those kids! I agree with your comments Belinda and think that a great "field trip" taken place right in the classroom could have been just as engaging, if not more! Why take the kids to the sugar mill or the rum factory (where they have probably visited before) when they could compare Bundaberg's tourist attractions with those of a town of similiar size in say... Canada, Italy, Spain? See how other towns like Mackay promote and advertise their sugar driven tourist attractions. How about linking a live feed with a turtle rookery in another state or country? A great opportunity for learning goes begging...
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