It has been an
interesting time for me, trying to identify something in my class that could be
resolved by the use of one of the educational technology tools. However, it has
shown me that upon taking the time to identify the causes of even the smallest
problem, one will find the solution to having been right there for them to
discover.
The use of something new
can be easy to accomplish. However, what determines the impact of a new tool is
the theory upon which it is grounded. During my presentation, one of the
strongest points that came out from the colleagues comments is that grounding
my prototype/tool on ‘Self-discovery’ can prove to be helpful. To an extent, I thought
of this. However, I have greatly underestimated the need for researching more when
it comes to self discovery as the theoretical framework.
When this suggestion was
made in the online meeting, it tied the loose ends for me as I was still unsure
about whether this alone would be enough as a theoretical framework, or whether
I had to look elsewhere for that. I felt that colleagues affirmed that I would
certainly yield positive results if this were done.
I sent this (exercise 2
prototype) to a colleague to evaluate for me. The feedback received via email
was positive as they thought that the teaching of referencing through
additional online platforms, coupled with the practical exercises that would
teach students how to actually compile and manage sources was a great concept
as most students are familiar with social media platforms, which would enable
them to pick up very easily what is required of them in the classroom
exercises.
I have already looked at
how my assessment will be formed as the caution from the colleague was that the
assessments would need to be directly aligned with the teaching outcomes. Also noting
that the outcomes should not be misunderstood in anyway, as the students may
feel that it is ‘social networking’ time in my class sessions.
The main task currently
is to review literature on self discovery, the use of wikis in higher education
and the use of social bookmarking. The technical ability that I posses alone is
not enough to turn this from just a practical exercise for the students, to a
real meaningful learning experience. The exercises need to be entrenched in
pedagogy that informs the practice of Higher education.
Dear Luvuyo
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting your reflections for us to read, they are nice to read and do indicate the journey that you have made through the 4 weeks up until now. From being generally informed about using different technologies (Facebook, e-mail etc) to engage with your students, through pinpointing a very specific problem (referencing) that needs t be addressed, to deciding on a wiki coupled with an introduction to Mendeley, the growth is clear and some theoretical underpinning is indicated.
I do miss using the theoretical model of design in the background of how you talk about your project/ prototype, and would suggest that you try and work some of that into your final presentation.
The fact that you are going to build a wiki for information is great, I am just wondering how that would be different to creating slides, or documents, or other text-based materials (seeing as it is just links to other resources). The wiki's biggest affordance is collaborative authoring, and is usually used when students themselves create (alone or in teams) on a wiki.
Just wanted to mention that fact (maybe something you could reflect on in your presentation.
I think the issue at hand is very important, and so wish you best of luck with your idea, and believe it will make a big difference in your students' lives.