FINAL ENTRY:
The Victorian Curriculum document incorporates Information and Computer Technology (ICT) within an interdisciplinary domain that focuses on providing students with the tools to transform their learning and to enrich their learning environment through integrated learning experiences. (VCAA, 2007). Though the Victorian Curriculum sets out distinct learning domains an integrated approach to ICT is seen as beneficial as it “enables all student to have the opportunity become competent, discriminating, creative and productive users of ICT.” (Curriculum Corporation, 2006, p.2).
This unit has developed numerous new understandings that include personal learning and learning attributed to attaining new skills and understandings.
Personally I have learnt to not be afraid to explore new technologies and as “the Digital Native generation says, “Just do it!” (Prensky, 2001, p.6)

By simply jumping right in and having a go to explore and engage with new technologies my understandings of the magnitude of resources and teaching and learning opportunities has expanded.
In addition through ‘active participation’ within the learning module activities my technology skills have also improved, I can now create my own blog http://lnrankinblog.blogspot.com/ , have used wiki confidently to collaborate on tasks and have participated in my first web conference.


The unit has supported my view of the importance of collaboration, instilled by the opportunity to work collaboratively on assessment 3 task. This experience broadened perspectives, ideas and approaches and built on team work skills such as communication, encouragement, respecting, listening, sharing, questioning and participating. Technology was an essential part of the collaboration with other students through wiki, chat room and discussion board. The use of ICT skills to participate in learning activities confirms how Information and communication technologies are fundamental to participating in the world that we live in (Curriculum Corporation, 2006).

In regards to the integration of ICT, this unit and supported readings have instilled the importance for a shared vision for technology integration through school policies, whole school practice and leadership (Robyler & Doering, 2010). Within this whole school approach it is vital that teachers are vigilant and aware of the dangers associated to web based resources. Blocking particular sites to restrict access and education in respect of cyber bullying are two essential elements for successful and safe use of web based technologies within the school environment. To promote ICT integration, the Victorian Professional association provides support to schools in the use of technology. www.ictev.vic.edu.au/ -

Whilst exploring web based learning tools I discovered that there are web sites that provide a modified version of web based tools such as Microsoft and powerpoint, to support special needs students through a less complex site. Such as (http://www.maxssandbox.com/) This knowledge will support my teaching practices as an integration aide and teaching practices of the future to support and promote an inclusive learning environment.

Acknowledging that ICT is the language of todays students it is vital that teaching and learning experiences integrate ICT across the curriculum to ensure that learning is engaging, meaningful and authentic to students. (Prensky, 2001). Though ICT is not my first language I am excited about the opportunities that the integration of ICT has on student learning. This vision and understanding is supported by the You Tube video www.youtube.com/watch?v=_A-ZVCjfWf8.






References:
Curriculum Corporation. (2006). Statements of Learning for Information and Communication Technologies. Carlton South, Victoria, Australia. Retrieved September 2, 2009 from www.curriculum.edu.au/verve/_resources/SOLO6_ICT.pdf
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants.On the Horizon, 9(5). Retrieved August 16, 2009 from utas library.
Roblyer, M.D., & Doering, A.H. (2010). Integrating technology into education (5th ed.). Boston: Pearson Education
http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/1179023/Lisas_Blogs

The unit thus far has reinforced my view that web 2.0 technologies hold a valuable place in todays classrooms. New learning in relation to the variety of web 2.0 technologies such as wordle, Bing, Blogs, wiki, Diigo., etc have informed a multitude of learning opportunities for students a c r o s s all domains of learning. Scholary literature constantly supports the need for learning to have meaning and web 2.0 technologies supports such meaningful and engaging learning that is reflective of a technologically driven society.
This unit has allowed for endless hours of valued exploration and learn as
you go opportunities of web 2.0 technologies,
Though I was initially daunted at the fact that todays students can be quite proficient in these technologies and I am a novice, my view that powerful and successful learning involves collaboration, problem solving, investigation and sharing has made me appreciate the benefit of all classroom members teaching and learning new skills alongside one another. An invaluable tool for me throughout this unit have been the youtube videos which provide endless amounts of support on how to use web 2.0 technologies and implementation of web 2.0 technologies.
This unit has also encouraged me to think broadly about the benefits of web 2.0 technologies within a classroom, including having a global audience which I believe adds to students’ purpose of participation. In addition the web provides a multitude of teaching tools to support learning across the curriculum, such as cool tools for schools
It was a coincidence that when considering the negative effects of technology, namely cyber bullying, that the multimedia – Newspapers, radio and television was flooded with the tragedy of suicide as a result of cyber bullying. The reality of this issue thereby became very real and the discussion board allowed for valuable discussion on this issue and sharing of prevention ideas, such as blocking certain sites and web forums from students and vigilance in overseeing students’ computer use. Thereby classrooms need rules in regards to computer access, vigilant checking and consistent consequences.
In summary I think that computers have a valuable place in schools and I am excited about the prospects that web 2.0 technologies will have on my future teaching and personal learning experiences.
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http://lnrankinblog.blogspot.com/ .
References:
Images retrieved August 2, 2009 from http://images.google.com.au
word count 372

DANGER

DANGER
As it has been discussed within blogs to date, Web 2.0 technologies offer an abundance of teaching modes and resources that make learning experiences meaningful and engaging for todays students. It is vital that both within the school and home environment that students are aware of the dangers of web 2.0 technologies. The main danger and cause of recent news is cyber bullying. It is up to parents and teachers alike to make students aware of the dangers and to give them strategies and skills to handle the dangers.
This week all the grade 5/6 students were spoken to by our school principal in regards to cyber bullying and accessing appropriate web sites. Every grade 5/6 student within our school has a mini lap top and the vigilance of our staff is crucial for the successful use of this resource and teaching tool. The students all watched a cyber bullying video on the classroom electronic whiteboard from the Victorian Department of Education and Training. This can be accessed from: http://www.digizen.org/cyberbullying/fullFilm.aspx
There is several website that provide supportive information on the dangers of technologies such as:
http://www.nfschools.net/106120826102117440/site/default.asp (love the picture on this site)
http://www.education.vic.gov.au/management/elearningsupportservices/www/classroom/video.htm
If we looked at the dangers associated in all activities that students engage in we would find possible dangers, the key here is providing students with the knowledge, skills and ability to protect themselves in addition to setting a level of expectation and rules of technology use.

SHOULD STUDENTS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS BE ACTIVE CONTRIBUTORS AS WELL AS PASSIVE ABSORBERS?

Students in primary schools should definetely be active contributors to learning. When students contribute they feel valued, their sense of belonging is promoted, they take ownership of their learning and are engaged. From observation when teachers include student contributions in terms of establishing classroom rules, rewards and learning experiences their classrooms have minimal behavioural disruptions and students learning outcomes are promoted.

From a personal perspective in regards to online study, I find that when I actively participate in online discussion forums, blogs (as this unit requires), wiki's and verbal interaction with teaching colleagues my learning is enhanced, concepts and understandings concreted and perspective broadened.

Technology is a great avenue to promote active participation through web 2.0 technologies.

In reflection upon web 2.0 technologies and blog 1 postings I think it is important to consider the importance the teachers understandings of these technologies to ensure that the learning outcomes are achieved.

This unit has already opened my eyes to exciting technologies that would support student learning within the classroom setting, such as; wiki, twitter, flickr, Ning, Youtube, slideshare, del.icio.us, wordle and of course BLOGS.
http://www.techsoup.org/toolkits/web2/








I believe that all of these Web 2.0 technologies have a place within the classroom as each technology supports learning that is relevant to students current lives and thereby suports learning that is meaningful. In addition Web 2.0 technologies provide a variety of stimulating forums for students to express themselves in writing and with symbols or pictures and can be implemented into teaching across all domains of learning. It is viable to consider however that thought Web 2.0 technologies support valuable learning experiences these forums should not saturate teaching and learning, simply form part of teaching and learning experiences to ensure that all students learning needs are supported within the classroom context.

I have seen first hand the benefit of technology as a tool to teach students within a classroom as at the school that I work in each of the twelve grades has an electronic whiteboard that incorporates technology across all areas of the curriculum through educatioal websites, powerpoint presentations, Youtube and search engines to name a few. In addition all students within grade 5 and 6 have their own mini lap top. From my own observations technology has supported engagement, interaction and new skills.

I am looking forward to all the new challenges and learning this unit of study will bring and the impact my learning will have on future teaching practices.