I believe I am in the middle of the static and dynamic
continuum, but definitely moving closer to the dynamic end. Throughout my educational life I relied on
PowerPoint’s, print materials, web pages, and DVD clips to gain content
knowledge. These static technologies do
not help learners build their own knowledge, but only allow them to access
information (Moller, 2008, para. 2).
BlackBoard discussion areas were used as a way for students and
instructors to communicate questions and concerns, or it was not used at all. In order for small groups to collaborate we
had to log into a chat room, which for some reason gave many people problems. Even if students and teachers are using
technology in the teaching and learning process, it does not mean they are
implementing it effectively.
Dynamic technology allows the learner to explore, think,
analyze, create, and experiment on a much higher and engaged cognitive level of
learning (Moller, 2008, para. 6). I am becoming
more familiar with using Google Docs, simulations, web conferencing, podcasts,
blogs, etc. It is interesting to see how
something that was used only one way is now being used differently, or in more
ways than one to offer new benefits. This
course through Walden University has made me re-think the means of Wikis and
blogging. For example, I have now
created/used blogs and Wikis to communicate and collaborate within small groups
or the entire class. The middle of the
continuum has learners using Wikis, blogs, and discussion boards to interact
with content, and analyze the opinions and ideas of others (Moller, 2008, para.
3).
I know I still rely heavily on the use of static media
within my classroom as a teacher, and for students to use as a means of
learning. As I continue to move toward
the dynamic end of the continuum, I must remember it is okay to step outside of
my comfort zone and embrace the new technologies that are evolving. Both teachers and learners should take risks
because the exploration creates learning through the encouragement of them
trying to figure it out (Moller, 2008, para. 6). I should allow my students to take a more
active role in their learning, and technology is making it easier to meet the
needs of all students. Dynamic technologies
are allowing students and teachers to communicate and collaborate easier, and
in real-time. Teachers, like me, have to
change the way we teach because we are constantly learning when technology is
effectively combined in the learning process the student is engaged, and
information is being retained.
References
Moller, L. (2008). Static and dynamic technological
tools. [Unpublished Paper].
Hi Mary. Nice graphic. I noticed that you included Google docs as a dynamic collaborative tool. I'll be honest - and I'm sure this is simply my personal technological deficiency - I've had very little success using Google docs in my classes and due to its minimal functionality have just stopped using it. I kind of feel like I've missed the boat with it! Can you tell me how you've used Google docs as a dynamic collaborative tool? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJeanna
I have used it for work to assist with re-writing the library curriculum for my district. The librarians and Technology Resource Teachers (TRT) used it. We would split the parts of the curriculum, meaning one TRT and one librarian would work together on one section. We constantly uploaded our progress to Google Docs, and could view the other groups progress. We commented on each others, and would assist out where needed. It is very open, and allows you to see everything which helps out. It is synced through Gmail and would send an email every time a change is made. The layout is user friendly as well. I am sure everyone has their "go-to" resource, and there are many out there like Google Docs. It becomes more of a preference thing to me.
DeleteHi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI bumped into a very interesting blog (Beth’s blog) where the author stated that there is no difference between weaving networks face to face and weaving networks online. The author mentioned that the use of artifacts is vital for effective collaboration for both face-to-face and online environments (Beth’s Blog, 2010). The example, the author spoke of an attempt to play tic-tac-toe game without the paper drawing in either environment. Of course, in either environment this was practically impossible. In relationship to static versus dynamic technologies, I would say the more a technology allow learners to collaborate instantly, the easier it is for learners to construct knowledge. I believe if an artifact or medium encourages synchronous collaboration with immediate feedback (which can stimulate learners’ deeper cognitive levels), then it should be seen as dynamic. What are your thoughts on live collaboration such as learning within virtual worlds? Do you think that there are other ways of achieving this level of collaboration?
-Ena.
Reference
Beth’s Blog (2010). Weaving together online/offline collaboration in a network context. Retrieved from http://beth.typepad.com/beths_blog/2010/03/weaving-together-onlineoffline-collaboration-in-a-network-context.html
I agree that if immediate feedback is given it should be seen as dynamic. I also believe dynamic technologies allow a user to interact with the program and interact with users. I do think live collaboration is great, but it does take away from the whole “flexibility” aspect of distance education. While it sounds like live collaboration would be effective, I believe realistically it will pose more problems with getting everyone together during a given time. As I have mentioned before, if this level of collaboration is going to occur it should only be one or two times during the semester. I currently question if there are ways of achieving this through distance education classes. It is a very difficult area considering people and universities have different interests and ideas.
DeleteGreetings Mary,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the information you shared in your Module 5 Blog concerning how students and teachers are using technology in the teaching and learning process, does not mean they are implementing it effectively. I completely agree that I am becoming more familiar with using Google Docs, simulations, web conferencing, podcasts, blogs, etc. Your Module 5 Blog post helps me to understand how dynamic technologies are allowing students and teachers to communicate and collaborate easier, and in real-time.
You mentioned that you rely on the use of static media within your classroom, rather than dynamic, why do you think this is? I've noticed many schools still use static media rather than dynamic because of budgetary issues and/or the school not having the technological tools available. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteI agree that budget plays a major role in a teachers use of static or dynamic media. Our school system does not have the budget that other school systems may have. We do not even have enough laptops for our teachers. If we were provided with the technology I am sure the movement from static to dynamic would be more apparent.
Delete