Computational Thinking (CT) is a process that generalises a solution to open ended problems. Open-ended problems encourage full, meaningful answers based on multiple variables, which require using decomposition, data representation, generalisation, modelling, and algorithms found in Computational Thinking.
Workshop task: Work collaboratively to use computer coding and electronics to create your own personalised musical instrument
We used scratch to create music.
Benefits - Links with Technology, Music, Collaborating, creative. Building an electronic instrument.
Design and Model
So then we had to evaluate how our given task worked??
Collaborative - Yes, working together,Planning together to solve and plan (smaller groups)
Constructionist - learn by doing then there ( highlight strengths for students...
Constructivist - is using knowledge to help you construct new knowledge ( how to utilise the resource
A learning theory is about changes in observable behaviour. It addresses: how such changes become relatively permanent, whether the change is immediate or potential, what role experience plays, and what aspects of reinforcement are present.
Olsen, M. & Hergenhahn, B. (2013). An Introduction to Theories of Learning (9th ed.) Boston, Mass: Pearson.
Ten learning theories that are relevant to digital and collaborative learning (see the Mind Lab YouTube video on these theories)
Conditioning
Connectionism and the Law of Effect
Progressive Education
Constructivism: Social Development Theory
Constructivism: Equilibration
Social Cognitive Theory
Situated Learning / Cognition
Community of Practice
Constructionism
Connectivism
What is a theory? How do I choose a theory from my DCl 1 assessment
Theories are analytical tools for understand, explaining and making predictions about a given subject matter.
Theory and style?
leadership theory vs leadership style ( embedded in your practice - way the theory is presented in your practice)
Learning theory vs Learning style
Theory is conscious
is it testable - ....
So in our groups we were given the task of creating a Stop motion movie to describe a chosen theory ( we had to choose from a hat)
Our group was luck enough to get one of the newest theory - Connectivism. We could relate to this easily.
The Learning Theory for the Digital Age
As a relatively new learning theory (Siemens, 2004) connectivism is unproven and refuted by some educators (Verhagen) who don’t believe that this is in fact a learning theory, but is instead a pedagogical view on education.
Connectivism is a learning theory which explains how Internet technologies have created new opportunities for people to learn and share information. Connectivism asserts that learning in the 21st century has changed because of technology, and therefore, the way in which we learn has changed, too."at its heart, connectivism is the thesis that knowledge is distributed across a network of connections, and therefore that learning consists of the ability to construct and traverse those networks
Wikipedia states:
The theory and practice of online learning; The relationship between work experience, learning, and knowledge, as expressed in the concept of ‘connectivity, is central to connectivism, motivating the
theory's name.
Now to figure out how to use stop motion.
These were some of the ideas/ apps shared with us.
Stop motion - how to create stop motion (chrome)
Monkey Jam
i motion on ipad
stop motion studio
my stop motion (ipad)
Here is our video -Robyn, Rosene, Shirley, Natasha and Me (Joyce) Excellent team effort guys.
We were also asked to create and share using the 'elevator pitch' method. (Elevator pitch - 45 seconds to get main bits across)
(Elevator pitch - The name elevator pitch reflects the idea that is should be possible to deliver the summary in the time span of an elevator ride)
For this we went outside and walked up and down the carpark to share our findings with others. This was fun and engaging. Must try with my kids.
The principal of Rowandale School did I fantastic job filming us - Their explanation was for the community of Practice theory - You can see me to the left of the video ( this is a screenshot of the video).
Our tasks for Week 4 LDC
Complete Google Form: Educational Researchers...so many I had not heard of. But this why I am here studying so that I can read and learn from others literature and research. ( interesting information about Researchers - more for me to learn about
Install and populate your Mendeley reference library:We were introduced to Mendeley referencing so that we could apply this method to our assignments if we wanted to. We were shown how to use word plug in.
Still learning how to use Mendeley!!! Here is hoping before LDC 1 is due!
Week 2 - Leadership in Digital & Collaborative Learning (LDC)
"Learners are most likely to develop and strengthen their capabilities for living and learning when they learn with teachers in a school whose leadership creates conditions that stimulate key competencies." - NZC online
Reflection : How might teachers’ strengths in developing capabilities in thinking, using language, symbols and texts, managing self, relating to others, and participating and contributing, be recognised and celebrated? - online forum such as google+ communities - VLN/VPL -blogging to celebrate our success and next steps with others
Thinking - using a platform to reflect on practice (actually think about what we are doing, whey we are doing it and what impact this may have on our learners?) Using a blog could be a good way to reflect. Challenge my own thinking and practice. Relating to Others - Being able to communicate effectively with colleagues, Senior leadership, parents, students and the wider community. Having the interpersonal skills. Bearing in mind the 'open to learning conversations' concepts by Viviane Robinson
Using language, symbols and texts - this diagram shares what this KC is all about.
Acknowledging - Karen McMillan Waterloo School
Managing Self - using my 'school hours/time' effectively. Being able to meet deadlines. Taking responsibility at work by leading other colleagues/ students/ projects/ Keeping a work-life balance...
Participating and Contributing - within the school and wider community. Sharing and learning online eg using VLN, VPL, twitter, facebook, Google +, pond...attending conferences (educamp, TENZ). Sharing appraisal folder on 'Interlead'
Sharing my knowledge and practice with my colleagues at school has helped build good relationships.
Reflection: How might students’ capabilities in thinking, using language, symbols, and texts, managing self, relating to others, and participating and contributing, be recognised and celebrated? Students capabilities needs to be celebrated in assembly, postcards home, instant rewards.. PB4L tokens, instant positive feedback. I use class Dojo within my Technology classroom to help me celebrate the learning and KC's in my room. This is aligned with our school PB4L and school expectations.
referring to Christinekw blog https://christinekw.wordpress.com/2014/07/15/badges/ - I like the idea of online badges. Something for me to look into for 2016 - it is engaging and rewarding and fits along the 21st C learning ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Reading/Video Reflection:
Key Competencies in Leadership
Mary Anne Murphy links the key competencies with the skills and qualities of leadership. She challenges leaders to embody the key competencies with the same expectations we have for our students.
Hanuscin, D., Cheng, Y., Rebello, C., Sinha, S., & Muslu, N. (2014). The Affordances of Blogging As a Practice to Support Ninth-Grade Science Teachers' Identity Development as Leaders. Journal Of Teacher Education, 65(3), 207-222. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0022487113519475
the way it is set up now...silo industrial model to create work/employment...
Now the world needs people who can innovate...be adaptable...have resilience
We need creativity within learning….
We need to be heading towards adaptive competence…
SAMR is a model designed to help educators infuse technology into teaching and learning. Popularized by Dr. Ruben Puentedura, the model supports and enables teachers to design, develop, and infuse digital learning experiences that utilize technology.
Task: Design a learning activity using either Google Earth or Google Maps informed by SAMR and/or TPACK
Google Earth - Refugees arriving in New Zealand
Key Competencies
Thinking
Participating and Contributing
21st Century Learning Design Rubrics links:
collaboration, knowledge construction, real-world problem-solving and innovation, the use of ICT for learning, skilled communication
Introduce problem
Ten refugee families have just arrived in Auckland from Bangladesh. The council has asked your school to investigate the best possible location to house these families.
Learning intentions
By the end of the lesson learners should be able to
Use Google maps to explore and discover geographical features on New Zealand and Bangladesh.
Use effective collaborative skills
Communicate their learning to an audience
Activity
Using Google Earth explore community life in Bangladesh to inform your decision about life in New Zealand for these refugees. (learners are free to explore an aspect which interests them)
Learners are given the opportunity to work in pairs or groups of 4.
Redefinition
Learners are expected to collaborate to make a decision for the place/ area
Learners are expected to choose a communication/presentation platform to showcase their findings
What is Innovation??.. - dots??? - Known dots=status quo - new dots come along...some people agree..some don't..some are not valid dots... The source of the dots.. notions, unexpected connections, ideas, possibilities, imagination... Innovation is the dots....that are missed....Focusing and embracing those missed dots will enable us to move forward.... https://vimeo.com/77911159
Reflect: Does your choice of career path meant that you don't have to learn about technology?
My thoughts
It is not learning about the Technology itself but about how we are applying the Technology to our careers
We don't need degrees to get a job anymore ( we can self teach)
We do need knowledge...Knowledge does not have to be given to us...we can find it...but it is how we use this knowledge to empower ourselves is the key
Virtual reality - We were asked to create a small worlds account https://www.smallworlds.com/ and create an avatar. I found this a great way to avoid doing what I actually needed to...great time waster but good for switching brain off and getting lost 'in this small world'. Much fun...it reminded me of the days I used to play farmville on facebook.
Mindlab Notes :Virtual Reality
VR is the computer-generated simulation of a three-dimensional image or environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real or physical way by a person using special electronic equipment, such as a helmet with a screen inside or gloves fitted with sensors. Examples include Second Life and Minecraft. We will explore the world of Minecraft and discuss the value of and possible dangers of virtual worlds for educators
In class this week Mindlab gave us a package...when I received the package I thought to myself it is a google cardboard...Neat. I have been so excited about using one that during the week I purchased one online and kindly got my husband to put it together for me the night before. Now my challenge (no hubby) was to problem solve and put the cardboard template together...so much fun once it was set up. It reminded me of my childhood using view masters.
Google cardboard + Phone = Virtual reality right there for you to use
Then we explored various Apps for - Augmented reality
a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view.
Mindlab Notes :Augmented Reality
Augmented Reality (AR) allows people to add digital content to printed material, geographic locations and to physical objects. Then using a smart phone or tablet, viewers can scan an object and an overlay of digital content will appear. The digital artifact displayed can range from an interactive 3D model, a video, an image or a message eg. a phone number.
AR not only changes the environment around children, it also allows students to construct their own exciting learning worlds as small as the atom or as big as the cosmos.
4D anatomy app - Anatomy 4D enables students, teachers, medical professionals, and anyone who wants to learn about the body into an interactive 4D experience of human anatomy. Visually stunning and completely interactive, Anatomy 4D uses augmented reality and other cutting edge technologies to create the perfect vehicle for 21st century education.
this is an excellent App I think can be used at all levels to learn about body parts...Amazing
Aurasma is an augmented reality application that allows you to overlay any video or image on top of anything that your tablet, cell phone, or any other mobile device can scan with its camera. ://studio.aurasma.com/login
Enchantium is a 4D platform that uses augmented reality and cutting edge technology to connect games and toys with interactive experiences.
