Electronic learning space
The electronic learning space is a an extremely useful and well used tool in todays classrooms. Although there is a wide range of technology that can be incorporated into the classroom, the teachers need to know how to effectively use it to allow students to get the best out of it.
"Students and teachers are using technology to access new knowledge, communicate with experts outside the school, tap into resources across geographical boundaries and collaborate with parents and the local community (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, 2012)"
There is a number of technologies that are being used in classrooms and they are;
Smart boards are a great way to have interactive learning experiences with the use of technology. Most schools have these installed into the classroom but unfortunately through experiences in the classroom not all teachers have been taught how to use them let along effectively use them. This is something that needs to happen, teachers need to know how to use the particular technology other wise its a waste of good resources.
Students that are in schools now have been brought up into the world that consists of internet. Its a good aspect to remember that children now have been born into this life and using these electronic tools are the norm for them (Monza, J 2010). Although students have been brought up in the electronic world it doesn't mean it doesn't come with its weaknesses along with those important strengths and they are the following;
Strengths;
Weaknesses;
Curriculum and Pedagogy:
The Electronic learning space which also refers to the use of ICT- Laptops, iPads, Smart boards, students research task by using wiki, google, blogs and much more. These ICT tools need to be incorporated when available into lessons in the classroom to give the students the hands on experiences with understanding how to use and understanding the technology itself. Technology education provides important opportunities for students to create connections between their own prior experiences and the ability to develop knowledge and confidence in meeting the challenges of a highly technological future (ACARA, 2012 (2)).
Teachers and Students
An important and key component to Electronic learning space is the education for teachers and students. Teachers need to know and understand the important aspects and how to effectively teach with it. Its vital teachers have the correct training to be able to effectively implement the electronic learning space into the classroom. Another key component is the education of the students, although students now have been brought up into the world of technology there are still important components students will need to be taught. Also for those students that don't have the opportunity to use technology outside of school they will be at some what of a disadvantage with how to use technology. Teachers need to be able to adapt their lessons to provide each student the appropriate technology education; students need to understand and be able to know how to use this particular learning space and the importance of rules (Bowles, 2004).
"Students and teachers are using technology to access new knowledge, communicate with experts outside the school, tap into resources across geographical boundaries and collaborate with parents and the local community (Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, 2012)"
There is a number of technologies that are being used in classrooms and they are;
- laptops, netbooks and tablets
- the internet
- digital microscopes
- iPhones, iPads, iTouchs and iPods
- robotics
- interactive whiteboards (smart boards)
Smart boards are a great way to have interactive learning experiences with the use of technology. Most schools have these installed into the classroom but unfortunately through experiences in the classroom not all teachers have been taught how to use them let along effectively use them. This is something that needs to happen, teachers need to know how to use the particular technology other wise its a waste of good resources.
Students that are in schools now have been brought up into the world that consists of internet. Its a good aspect to remember that children now have been born into this life and using these electronic tools are the norm for them (Monza, J 2010). Although students have been brought up in the electronic world it doesn't mean it doesn't come with its weaknesses along with those important strengths and they are the following;
Strengths;
- More stimulating
- it allows for more personalised learning
- Learning is more engaging, interactive and hands-on
- Unique source of learning
- Easily allows for collaboration of learning from others
- Available anywhere on demand, especially for those students that want to further learning whilst at home using the uniqueness of electronic learning.
Weaknesses;
- Students are relying on the internet and not the library
- Not all students have access to ICT outside of the classroom and school
- Having the appropriate resources can be very expensive
- Students need to be taught and aware of cyber safety
- Information that is false and inappropriate can be found
- The risk of students plagiarising
Curriculum and Pedagogy:
The Electronic learning space which also refers to the use of ICT- Laptops, iPads, Smart boards, students research task by using wiki, google, blogs and much more. These ICT tools need to be incorporated when available into lessons in the classroom to give the students the hands on experiences with understanding how to use and understanding the technology itself. Technology education provides important opportunities for students to create connections between their own prior experiences and the ability to develop knowledge and confidence in meeting the challenges of a highly technological future (ACARA, 2012 (2)).
Teachers and Students
An important and key component to Electronic learning space is the education for teachers and students. Teachers need to know and understand the important aspects and how to effectively teach with it. Its vital teachers have the correct training to be able to effectively implement the electronic learning space into the classroom. Another key component is the education of the students, although students now have been brought up into the world of technology there are still important components students will need to be taught. Also for those students that don't have the opportunity to use technology outside of school they will be at some what of a disadvantage with how to use technology. Teachers need to be able to adapt their lessons to provide each student the appropriate technology education; students need to understand and be able to know how to use this particular learning space and the importance of rules (Bowles, 2004).
This picture shows the effective use of smart boards in the classroom. Smart boards can be used for a number of things, they can be used for interactive educational games, finding and viewing information and can be used as a white board but with the use of your finger or particular pens.
(Murray J, 2012)
(Murray J, 2012)