It is important for teacher to be educated about the medias of today as children are exposed to technology and have been for all their lives. Prensky (20011) explains, ( as cited in Gibson (2007)) explains, "They have been referred to as “digital natives” because they are all “’native speakers’ of the digital language of computers, video games and the Internet”. (no page given). Therefore, a teacher must be aware of the technology which pupils are using and try to incorporate it into the learning environment. With the aim of engaging pupils, making it more relevant to them, which is one of the outcomes of the Curriculum For Excellence.
Today we began by discussing synchronous and asynchronous communication within social media tools. Synchronous is simpler meaning at the same time and we gave examples such as Skype and Facetime, whereas asynchronous is more complex and means not at the same time, such as emails and Facebook. Communities of Practice was the next area of learning today and Wenger (2006) gives a definition, “Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.” (no page given). I had previous knowledge of how they could be used from the social justice unit in first year but I wanted to build upon my knowledge and make them seem more relevant in the classroom setting.
We then discussed Belbin’s Model of team building and how this could be applied in the classroom. The manger role would be undertaken by the class teacher and this would be managing, organising and facilitating the learning to aid the pupils. Assigning children different roles would have an impact on the successfulness of the task as each child would have strengths and weaknesses. This group collaboration would induce social constructivism in the classroom as the pupil’s would be learning from one another and progressing in their development.
Today we began by discussing synchronous and asynchronous communication within social media tools. Synchronous is simpler meaning at the same time and we gave examples such as Skype and Facetime, whereas asynchronous is more complex and means not at the same time, such as emails and Facebook. Communities of Practice was the next area of learning today and Wenger (2006) gives a definition, “Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.” (no page given). I had previous knowledge of how they could be used from the social justice unit in first year but I wanted to build upon my knowledge and make them seem more relevant in the classroom setting.
We then discussed Belbin’s Model of team building and how this could be applied in the classroom. The manger role would be undertaken by the class teacher and this would be managing, organising and facilitating the learning to aid the pupils. Assigning children different roles would have an impact on the successfulness of the task as each child would have strengths and weaknesses. This group collaboration would induce social constructivism in the classroom as the pupil’s would be learning from one another and progressing in their development.
Here is a picture of the roles which Belbin suggests.
A good start to blogging where you have provided the reader with the key aspects that you took form the input along with reference to reading.
ReplyDeleteTip of the week: now think of discussing one area in a little more depth.