My 2nd post: Using Digital Video to Re-Think Teaching Practices

Summery: 

Technology in the classroom has greatly increased over the last several years and throughout this process digital video production has become more accessible to teachers. This article explores the possibilities of digital media when used as a tool in the classroom, which could have a positive impact on strengthening an existing curriculum. Participating teachers N=38 who were taking part in two separate graduate level teaching programs located in the Pacific Northwest, took part in a project where each individual produced a digital video in order to present existing curriculum topics in their classrooms. At the conclusion of this project participants took part in discussions exploring their experiences in both producing digital videos and the effectiveness of such videos in the classroom.

Reaction: 

Teacher produced digital videos as a teaching tool for the classroom environment is a fascinating topic of inquiry. Two observations cited by the participants stood out interesting. The process of producing digital videos forced the participants to examine how and what emphasis they wanted to place on specific areas of the topics they were teaching. The other observation was that of layers. A digital video is made up of several separate layers which must be manipulated and synchronized in order for the video to have its desired effect. This process allows participants to become aware of the layers that exist in their classroom environments and how they can affect the learning experience. For example lighting, background noise and music etc. The main drawback to this research was that there was no student input. It would be interesting to hear how students perceived teacher produced digital videos, and their effectiveness on student learning. Another issue is that of time. Though producing digital videos as a teaching aid sounds like a good and innovative idea, the time involved for this process and the technical know-how required may not be realistic for the average teacher at present.

References

Girod, M., Bell, J., & Mishra, P. (2007). Using Digital Video to Re-Think Teaching Practices.

Journal of Computing in Teacher Education, 24(1), 23-29. Retrieved from ERIC database.

My 1st Review: Instructional Strategies for Blogging Statement categories and the development of the individual learning voice By Ruth Reynard

Summary

Ruth Reynard in her blog post on 05/09/07 discusses the importance of personal reflection as a practice within curriculums.  She has found that blogs can be used as a constructive tool for students to engage in reflection both personally and in a social classroom context.  Through looking at student blogs, she is able to better understand student’s grasp of course materials through blogging by using questions such as “How individual is a comment? How personalized is the voice of the student? Are students aware of a developing voice? Does this voice raise the confidence of the student in the learning process? Do students perceive the blogging process as helpful or just another task/assignment?” (Reynard, ¶3).  Analyzing the answers to these questions in the student blogs allowed Reynard to demonstrate a pattern of subject exploration.  She has broken these responses into the categories of reflective statements, commentary statements, new idea statements, and application statements.  Reynard notes that student responses do not necessarily follow a linear pattern; however, new ideas and application statements usually are reflected towards the end of the learning process.

Reaction

I would agree with Reynard that blogging can be a useful tool to allow students to reflect upon course material.  I feel it would be important to use blogging as one of many options that students may use in order to start the reflective process in their learning experience.  The important part to the engagement of the student in learning is not the blog but the actual reflection.  Another concern is that of computer access.  Have we reached a point when we should take for granted that all students have access to computers/internet within their homes and the level of technical literacy needed to participate in this process?  I’m not sure as to the answer to that question; however, it should be a consideration for any teacher giving out of class assignments where a computer and internet access is necessary.  The development of a student’s individual learning voice can successfully be fostered through many ways such as journaling, blogging, and discussion.  In terms of developing this skill, I feel all options should be on the table for each individual student.

Source: 

Reynard, R. (2007, May 9). Instructional Strategies for Blogging. Retrieved from

     http://campustechnology.com/articles/2007/05/instructional-strategies-for-

     blogging.aspx