Module 7 Activity 10 - Sharing (publishing) online

The use of technology has made it easier for persons to share and demonstrate their knowledge with other.   In this activity we examines a few tools that are available for sharing and publishing.  These tools include blogs, wikis, movie maker, photo story and websites.  They all provide a different media for teaching/learning compared to the traditional classroom.  Teachers can store all their tools and aids which can be made readily available for their students when needed.

Module 7 Activity 9 - Learning and Collaboration online

Collaborative learning promotes higher level of knowledge it requires students to investigate and research problems, evaluate and examine possible solutions, interact with others to gather information and make adjustment to findings based on results and information.  In the collaborative process each member   works on solving a problem that beneficial to all parties.

Module 7 Activity 8 - Communication and Collaboration

During the activity, I discovered many different web tools that can be utilized in the teaching/learning process.    A few of my colleagues and I worked together on a collaborative document outlining the advantages and disadvantages we discovered working with some of the web tools.  We were able to discover some of the challenges faced when working on collaborative project.  There a things to consider such as different work schedules, access to tools and information.  However with mind mapping  software, Google docs and other collaborative tools members are able to add their ideas and thoughts.

I have uncovered during this activity a lot of information and tools to share with my colleagues and teachers that will assist to make a change in the way teaching/learning takes places in our schools.

Module 7 -Activity 7 - Learning through Social Media

Social media is used by teachers and students to communicate with their peers.  No one used the postal service to communicate with their love one anymore. With social media we are always in contact no matter how many miles a part we may be.  This media can be used in the learning/teaching process to communicate with our students, to collaborate with others and to share information.  Our classes are no longer the four walls or confine to the assign text but is open to the whole world.

Module 7 - Activity 6 Real World Collaboration

I have concluded that the following standards are necessary for any authentic problem solving activity

1	Students are given opportunity for Problem Solving
2	Students use critical thinking skills
3.	They build on previous knowledge
4.	It allows   students to apply skills to solve problems
5.	Evidence of interaction/collaboration
6.	End product is shared with an audience
7.	Students are allowed to be creative
8.	Work should be produced over a period of time
9.	The task needs to be multidisciplinary
10	There should be evidence of and opportunities for  in depth investigation/research
11.	Guidelines should be given
12.	The role of the teacher is facilitator/guide
13.	Students should be responsible for their own learning

The project should
1. use hands on approach
2.  be 'real world' oriented
3. accommodate various learning styles
4. allow students to be creative

Module 7 - Activity 5 Engaging 21st Century Learners

This activity dealt with understanding student engagement.  We were required to contribute to a concept map    identify evidence of students engagement.  In order for students to be engaged, there should be
1. inquiry based learning
2. activity should be multidisciplinary
3. a reflective learning environment
4. performance based assessment
5. use of problem solving skills
6.active and collaborative learning
7.  able to use critical thinking skills
8.  creativity

A combination of all these elements would engage the students throughout the learning process.

Module 7 - Activity 4 Knowledge Building

In this activity we looked at knowledge building as an element of 21st century learning.  We were required to assess whether or not we provide the kind of learning environment in which knowledge building will thrive.    I have concluded that in order for learning environment to encourage knowledge building it requires
1. planning for all the needs of the learners,
2. it should be a place that is fun and the learners enjoy coming to,
3. an atmosphere of lifelong learning and not just individuals absorbing information
4. the use of more student centred approaches to learning
5. students to use critical thinking skills