Week 2

Managing E-Learning Reflection Week 1

The mobile phones wiki allows us, as future teachers to consider the topic from different angles (pros and cons, our own opinion, how it is beneficial, new ways that the resource could be used, the future of the resource, and our own knowledge). The activity can be considered a constructivist approach. This can be seen through the use of combining our previous knowledge about technology in the classroom, with new information about the use of mobile phones as a resource. The questions prompted us to consider these. Along with this, before completing the activity moodle provided new information about mobile phones in the classroom. Therefore this information was then directly applied to the task (The Institute of Development Studies, 2010). The activity also includes the learning theory cognitivism. This is included through the use of questions that require higher order thinking (Learning-Theories.com, 2015). For example “What sort of thinking is needed?” and “What is the next step?”. Both of these questions suggest that “problem solving” solving is required to complete the activity (Learning-Theories.com, 2015).

My participation in the wiki required me to consider my personal opinions and prior knowledge about technology’s role in the classroom, but specifically the use of mobile phones. Along with this I used higher order thinking and creativity to carefully assess the resource. Participating in this activity allows me to consider ways this activity could be beneficial in the classroom.

The activity is beneficial for learners to evaluate a topic and/or information from different valuable perspectives. It also provides them with an opportunity to represent their ideas and see others’ ideas in a clear format. The use of the different coloured hats also gives learners a visual connection its objective and perspective. An issue/drawback with this activity is it does not allow face-to-face contact, discussion and multimodal input. Learners may also become fixed on the ideas of others’ work before them and have difficulty using higher order thinking. This activity would help contribute to the learning of my students through independent learning (causing learning to remember information easier), gain confidence, examine information with depth, note taking skills, use of graphic organisers and possible group work skills. In order to scaffold the learners’ understanding of each perspective they must all be explained in depth. A lesson could be carried out using each hat/perspective with actual colour hats to create a physical association. When applying these later on a visual representation such as a poster, should be displayed for learners to easily access. This will help them to recall what they have learnt.

Works Cited:

The Institute of Developmental Studies. (2010). ‘Constructivism’ the educator as facilitator.

Retrieved from http://www.slideshare.net/bldsinfolit/constructivism-an-educational-theory

Learning-Theories.com. (2015). Cognitivism. Retrieved from http://www.learning-

theories.com/cognitivism.html