Reflection on the combination of the three topics 'Flexibility', 'Pedagogies' & 'Technologies'
In the post about 'Flexible learning' it became clear that flexible learning can have a lot of advantages. For example it can be interesting and motivating for both teachers and students. On the other hand flexible learning also puts a high responsibility for self-direction and self-motivation on the students. Therefore I think when choosing the degree of flexibilty it is always important to consider what kind of flexibility is appropriate for your target group. For example a high level of flexibility in topics might not be suitable in Kindergarten, because children of that age are not ready for so much responsibility in self-direction. In addition flexible learning also asks more time and effort of teachers than more traditional ways of teaching.
In the second post it became clear how pedagogical approaches can be supported by a CMS like BlackBoard. The main ways of support are the communication functions (i.e. feedback from the teacher, discussion forum, chatroom and document sharing) and the information functions (i.e. providing literature on theories and methodologies, task descriptions and context information through text, pictures, videos and relevant links to other websites).
In the third lecture we explored other technologies that can support teaching, namely Nintendo, IPod, cameras, Wikipedia, GPS and Online Games. All these technologies have their advantages and disadvantages when they are used as a support for pedagogical approaches. For example Wikipedia offers large possibilities for collaborative learning, if a teacher uses it to develop a Wiki with a group of students. However, this approach asks a lot from the teacher, since he or she needs knowledge and skills on developing Wikis, has to manage the progress and has to keep an eye on the quality of the information that is used.
All these technologies also support flexible learning. For example Online Games give students the chance to learn wherever and whenever they want. Unfortunately this again can come with a disadvantage, because it puts a lot of responsibility on the learner for self-motivation.
An obvious conclusion seems to be that both flexible learning and the use of technology in education come with advantages and disadvantages. If that is the case, then how can flexible learning and supporting technologies be implemented in such way that learners and teachers benefit most, with the least disadvantages? Probably, this is a matter of seeking balance over and over again in every new situation, but perhaps there are some general guidelines. I hope to learn more about that in the upcoming lectures.
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ReplyDeleteReflection on the combination of the three topics 'Flexibility', 'Pedagogies' & 'Technologies'
Why should ‘ a high level of flexibility in topics not be suitable in Kindergarten’ Leonie? Children in Kindergarten take a lot of responsibility, although at their own level. Have a talk with kindergarten children about the rules to apply in the playground, they will really come up with great ideas a teacher would not have thought about. They are ‘ready for so much responsibility in self-direction’ believe me. Also Kindergarten children a fond of computers and sometimes know more about a computer than adult teachers do. I think as a teacher kindergarten children should be given the responsibility and they should be self-directing, Maria Motessori thought so too by the way.
I agree on the topic that flexible learning does mean a lot of time investment by the teachers. But, hey, guess what, its their job. What could be more exhilarating than spending time on flexible learning, in order to teach children a lot better. Se my post on flexible learing and the advantages for a teacher (concerning time)
Don’t you think BlackBoard is rather annoying, it is very hard to get to the wanted information I think. There are far to much spaces/environment in which information can be found. If I have to look for info on pedagogies it can be found under schedule, course information etc. When I click assignment in either one of the environments, I suddenly end up in the same screen. I think BB is very weird to work with. There are better CMSs I think. What do you think?
Nice playing with Nintendo, IPod, cameras, Wikipedia, GPS and Online Games. Yesterday the head of Microsoft was on the Dutch television. You should look at this program, see my blog. I wonder why the competition of Microsoft has most of the features we played with. In the past personal computers were for companies like Commodore or Apple. IBM only started building a Personal Computer when they thought it was interesting to do so. Then the PC became a part of everybodies live. Do you think once Microsoft is focusing on the market of Apple, Google etc, technologies will improve?
For example Wikipedia is still a book, couldn’t it be more interactive. Say for instance that you can ask Wikipedia a question and it will answer. I mean like really ask, with once voice.
Rinse
Yes, flexibility is the matter of fitting into every individual's need.I think the main point here is to make technology available to choose from including support(help). Thank you both of you. I like your adeas.
ReplyDeleteHey Leonie,
ReplyDeleteI agree with your statement that when choosing the degree of flexibilty it is always important to consider what kind of flexibility is appropriate for your target group. I believe that for some groups too much flexibility does not have the positive effect which would hope for. In some classes it is necessary to have strict order and almost no flexibility. I was thinking about classes with moeilijk opvoedbare children, or children/people with a learning disorder. Or what about people (classes) with Asperger (Autisme)? With those groups it is essential that flexibility is as minimal as possible. Good considderations about the target group is therefore indeed very important.
Good thinking of you!
Mirjam
An addition to the discussion: you say that it is a matter of seeking balance over and over again in every new situation and you wonder if there are some general guidelines. Yes and no.. No, because every situation is unique. And yes if you look at approaches such as TPACK.
ReplyDelete