E-Learning

In response to a posting by Amy on the benefits of teachers sharing resources and ideas, I thought it would be appropriate to share some links I found whilst doing some research into podcasting. I have found a school in the United States that have embraced technology with students producing their own podcasts. Willowdale Primary School has their own website with links to information on podcasting as well as a section showcasing student work. I am a big believer in students having a platform to showcase their work as it provides a motivator for students in increasing the quality of the work they are doing as a result of a wider audience. I would recommend you check out some student work samples on the showcase section of the school website.

I have just watched a Teacher Tube video produced by Dorothy Bird from Point England School in New Zealand. She gives insight to the way in which podcasting is used by students at the school. Some key features of their podcasting is the fact that students are podcasting about books they have read and because students have been so keen to podcast, they in turn have been increasing the amount that they are reading. Students are also encouraged to work collaboratively in the production process of podcasting. The video runs for just over 8 minutes but is a good rationale for podcasting with primary students.

Download Video: Posted by kpetv at TeacherTube.com.

I was interested to read Linda’s thoughts on student motivation after trialling podcasting with students she tutors. Technology in this instance as well as in the case of Jenni’s son in year 4, has proven to be a motivator for students engaging in learning. I feel that for students to learn they do need the motivation to do so. I think it is wonderful that Linda took the risk with the students she was working with and gave podcasting a go with them and I am sure that many other students would be interested in such experiences. Each individual students will be motivated by different stimulus, it is up to us as teachers to find out what will help our students achieve their best and for some students this will be enhanced by the use of technology. I would recommend also that you read Jen’s comments about an article she read on the six C’s of motivation, which are choice, challenge, control, collaboration, constructing meaning and consequences. I’m sure you would agree that this is a good basis for motivating students.

I have listened to the podcast on Amy’s blog page as a result of reading comments from Linda Miles about the podcast. I agree that Garage Band was a very user friendly program that I feel students would be able to utilise in the classroom. I was excited about using Garage Band myself and I am eager to explore the other possibilities of the program. I had a conversation with the Computers teacher at my practicum school who is hoping to have students use Garage Band to create their own soundtrack for a Claymation project that they are working on. I will be interested to monitor the students progress and hopefully learn some more skills myself.

This Podcast is a response to the Teacher Tube videoDownload Video: Posted by rachelboyd at TeacherTube.com.

Please listen to my views by clicking below. Thanks!

matt-ellis.mp3

My great passion involves cricket as does Tim Sparke

I would enourage you have a listen to his podcast as well.

matt-ellis2.mp3