Reflective Synopsis

Five weeks’ worth of blogging saw the investigation of a variety of different ICT tools for classroom use. Considering each of these web tools has opened my eyes to the extreme potential that each technology holds is relation to enhancing and extending learning. This reflective synopsis will link the functionality of the tools with e-learning theory. Weekly reflections will be drawn upon as the SAMR model will be considered at each level.

ICT’s can be used to facilitate, support and enhance learning through meaningful implementation. It is important to view technologies as learning tools that students can learn with, rather than from. A shift from technology being viewed as teacher, to technology being viewed as partner in the learning process is necessary (Jonassen, Howland , Marra, & Crismond, 2010). Technology is much more than hardware; it can consist of any reliable technique or method for engaging learning, such as cognitive learning strategies and critical thinking skills (Jonassen, Howland , Marra, & Crismond, 2010). Technology can assist learners to actively engage in constructive, intentional, authentic and cooperative learning.

In today’s technological world it is ever so important for these tools to be supplemented into our classrooms to provide for the modern day learner, also known as a digital native. Students are becoming increasingly digitally literate; therefore technology must be incorporated into the classroom to feed their style of learning. This creates the need for teachers to ensure they are effectively managing e-learning in their classroom. Technology provides for positive change in pedagogy as the modern day student can be catered for in ways once unimaginable (Smith, 2013). The modern day learner craves a mixture of collaboration, social interaction and engagement to complete a task, evidently hard without the incorporation of technology. Technology can be used as a tool to go beyond the simple construction of knowledge into a world where technology acts as a vehicle for exploring knowledge to support learning by construction, allowing for social mediums to support learning and also acting as a learning partner to support reflection (Jonassen, Howland , Marra, & Crismond, 2010).

Technology fosters meaningful learning as it requires students to think and reason (Jonassen, Howland , Marra, & Crismond, 2010). Experiential learning is promoted through the use of technology as experiences result in meaningful and resistant memories. Problem solving is also supported by the inclusion of technology in the classroom as students are required to decide what information to include and exclude, how to structure the information and what form it should take. Thus complex decision-making processes are supported by technology.  

There are many online technological tools that provide for student learning and propel technology to support higher levels of thinking. Some of these include Blogs, Wikis, Prezi, Glogster, Pinterest, Wordle, Tablet devices and many more. Tools specifically addressed in weeks 2-6 of this blog include wikis, blogs, images, Prezi and mobile phones. Blogs and wikis are particularly functional as they facilitate many learning outcomes. A blog has the potential to be used in many creative and collaborative ways that support critical thinking. Much like a blog a wiki acts as a platform for many collaborative and creative activities. The characteristic of a wiki are reflective of cognitive and social constructivism theory. This is evident as knowledge is socially constructed through interaction and negotiation of the ideas of others. Cognitivism seemingly aligns with the educational tool of a wiki as knowledge is approached in such a way that students existing knowledge structures are added to via new learning experiences.

It is important to acknowledge that safety is imperative when learning with technology. The teacher must model safe, legal and ethical behaviour. Ensuring students are aware of online safety and legalities should be addressed as a priority and revisited frequently to confirm appropriate social and ethical protocols are being followed (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, 2014).

The SAMR model can prompt one to deeply consider each technology and how it should be implemented. With careful consideration of the SAMR created activities can facilitate higher order thinking to not only to produce meaning learning opportunities but also promote redefinition of task (Department of Education, Training and Employment, 2013). 

How a blog and wiki can be used to enhance learning through the SAMR model:
Substitution	The blog is used by a student as a tool to substitute hand written or typed process journal in Home Economics (textiles, or food technology). A word document is copied into the blog post with comment on the blog non interactive.	A wiki can be used as substitution to a class discussion. Students can be anywhere, and communicate at any time.
Augmentation	The blog is used as a platform to publish the process journal. Hyperlinks, images/photographs, videos/audios are used to support written text and processes undertaken. The blog post becomes a digital organisation of student’s process journal through tagging and categorising of work.	The wiki can  be used to hyperlink to information and resources- the virtual class discussion can be given depth via links and resources etc.
Modification	Students demonstrate the use of hyperlinked writing on their blog to show and connect thinking, influences, relationships and process between published content and external resources. Communication occurs in multimedia and transmedia ways- students upload evidence of themselves completing a certain task/criteria (a sewing or cooking technique). The work present encourages conversation, invites multiple perspectives and allows for constructive feedback. The work in non-linear.	The virtual class discussion can progress into group work, where collaboration and can occur through connection of the wiki.
Redefinition	The blog documents evidence of learning, reflecting, sharing and receiving feedback in order to consider revision. Students are demonstrating self-directed and self-motivated lifelong learning habits as they are organising, building and maintaining their own online learning records (Tolisano, 2014).	The wiki can act as a platform for a group presentation which depicts evidence of learning, reflecting, sharing and receiving feedback in order to consider revision

Overall, implication for my future practice will revolve around the notion that e -learning is valuable and supports the modern day learner. I have learnt valued knowledge through the investigation and exploration of many e-learning tools. This process, allowing for experimentation of the different tools, was conducive to my learning as I first hand experienced the benefits and functionality of certain technologies.  Each week I was able to practice using the SAMR model which allowed me to improve my understanding of its ability to support teachers to develop and integrate learning technologies to support high levels of learning achievement. 

Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority. (2014). Information and Communication Technology capability. Retrieved from Australian Curriculum : http://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/generalcapabilities/information-and-communication-technology-capability/introduction/ict-capability-across-the-curriculum

Department of Education, Training and Employment. (2013, April 3). The SAMR model: engage in deep learning and authentic contexts. Retrieved from Classroom Connections: https://classroomconnections.eq.edu.au/topics/pages/2013/issue-7/samr-learning-technologies.aspx

Jonassen, D., Howland , J., Marra, R. M., & Crismond, D. (2010, July 20). How does technology facilitate learning. Retrieved from Education.com: http://www.education.com/reference/article/how-does-technology-facilitate-learning/?page=2

Smith, P. (2013, October 22). Great benefits of Technology in Education. Retrieved December 9, 2014, from EdTechReview: http://edtechreview.in/news/705-benefits-of-technology-in-education

Tolisano, S. R. (2014, May 23). Upgrading Blogs Through Lens of SAMR. Retrieved from Langwitches Blog: http://langwitches.org/blog/2014/05/23/upgrading-blogs-through-lens-of-samr/ | Langwitches Blog