12. MY PROGRESS SO FAR

Well...I have come a long, long way since my first blog. I have indeed been on a technological journey of discovery, and I am amazed at how much I have learned. I have come out of the darkness of complete and utter chaos, panic and ignorance. Out of the 20th century, and feeling, lately, like I am very much part of the 21st - and it's exciting! I am 'literally' moving out of the darkness, out and into the cloud - (yes, I do know what that means) If I can embrace technology and challenge myself to do better...then we all can. We all must!

Mobile technology, teaching and learning are our future. Let's enjoy the journey - it's only just begun.

11. BARRIERS TO THE EFFECTIVE USE OF TECHNOLOGY IN EDUCATION (iii)

Despite the global changes occurring within the world of education and mobile technology, there are still many barriers to effecting those changes, so that all citizens may benefit equally.

One of the first barriers is lack of vision: Lack of vision and lack of good leadership can create barriers in educational institutions 'keeping up'. It takes good leadership to say, "Teachers, we are going to use technology in our school - and that is not optional". However, if the leadership says, "Teachers, we are going to use technology in our school, but you decide how and when", then failure to adopt is assured. So, when technologies are adopted, full support networks need to be in place for training and monitoring. These are the themes being discussed and addressed at the BETT conference this week in London.

People like me, who, as I mentioned in my first blog, come from the 'chalk and board', "have you remembered your text book", era of teaching and learning, will find change a difficult thing too embrace at first. Support and training is absolutely essential in getting (often older) individuals to have the confidence and the inclination to change their attitudes and, even more challenging, their old 'tried and tested ' methods. Their fear of the unknown and their fear of failure are very real barriers to overcome. Ignorance and lack of technological knowledge should no longer be an excuse; and this will only be possible, if there is easy, supportive access, that is embedded in to each and every school, college,or learning institution.  

Of course, aside from the cultural and socio-economic barriers; lack of resources and lack of proper spending and investment in the right areas, can contribute to an apathy to the effectiveness of new technologies. 

"The future is already here; it is just not evenly distributed"

(William Gibson)

This is so true! The problem, and the irony is, that mobile technology has the ability to change the future of all our lives for the better; not just in terms of education, but the effects of having an educated world, will create opportunities to improve the socio-economic, political and intellectual landscape for everyone. Those boundaries that imprison people to poverty, ignorance, and war, are the barriers that deny all people access to the freedom of knowledge via mobile technology. Easy access to education for all, that is the new challenge for the 21st century.




References and sources:

http://www.slideshare.net/ghenrick/breaking-down-the-barriers-to-learning-technology-imoot-2012-keynote?qid=5db0b9fa-017d-4307-b892-4d1be7680e35&v=default&b=&from_search=6

Brown University:Sheridan Centre for Teaching and Learning.
http://www.brown.edu/academics

Younie S, Leask,M.(2013) Teaching With Technologies.Oxford University Press.

Sharples,M.Taylor,J.Vavoula,G. A Theory of Learning for the Mobile Age. Sage Publications (2006)

10. HOW TECHNOLOGY HAS CHANGED THE WAY WE LEARN (ii)

‘A society which is mobile, which is full of channels for the distribution of a
change occurring anywhere, must see to it that its members are educated to
personal initiative and adaptability. Otherwise, they will be overwhelmed by
the changes in which they are caught and whose significance or connections
they do not perceive.’ Dewey (1916, p. 88)


When John Dewey wrote Democracy and Education, the industrialised world was
undergoing a huge technological and social disruption. Railways and paved roads had enabled mass travel, wireless communication had bridged the Atlantic, and a mechanised war was being fought across continents. Today, we are experiencing similar social and technological disruption, with the Internet and mobile technologies providing global access to information and mobility of knowledge. Ten years ago a school in Russia teaching English had no access to contemporary language sources; now it has the worldwide web. Five years ago, a farmer in rural Kenya had no communication with the nearest city, now he carries a mobile phone. We live in a society in which the “channels for distribution of change” are carried with us as part of daily life.

 Over the span of few decades, the education structure and ways of imparting education have undergone massive changes. With the advent of digital devices and education oriented online programs & applications, the essence of the education system has been completely redefined. New opportunities are emerging for stimulating, provoking and engaging students. With the proliferation of digital devices and their apps designed for novel interaction with educative content, coupled with ubiquitous and omnipresent communication capabilities. However, the effective use of technology will now require thoughtful planning and consideration for the future, and with reference to my previous blog, this is why the main themes of the BETT conference being held this month , will be dealing with future embedding  and implementation of mobile technology,  not just a new padagogy, but as a new way of educating the world.

Technology oriented education has also penetrated the boundaries of renowned institutions in order to enhance the effectiveness of teaching methodologies. By coupling technology with traditional teaching approach, educators have become stronger than ever before and are preparing the students in an effectual way. There are many applications that help faculties who are looking forward to explore their options with mobile devices in order to support their learning and teaching objectives.

This new way of learning has now become a strong global force indulged in shrinking the world at one’s fingertips...and seeing the world at the touch of a button, or the blink of an eye.

...education is changing and we must change with it. Teachers must recognise their new and changing roles, and become facilitators of learning. But let us not forget...

"Any teacher that can be replaced by a computer, deserves to be."

David Thornberg 

References:

Brown University:Sheridan Centre for Teaching and Learning.
http://www.brown.edu/academics

Younie S, Leask,M.(2013) Teaching With Technologies.Oxford University Press.

Sharples,M.Taylor,J.Vavoula,G. A Theory of Learning for the Mobile Age. Sage Publications (2006)

9. THE VALUE OF MOBILE TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING.

Mobile technology has mobilised human interaction in all dimensions, by supporting mobile collaboration. Collaboration is the key word, and it is widely acknowledged that this is the future of learning in the 21st century teaching and learning environment. BETT, the worlds leading learning technology event, has been bringing innovation and inspiration to the education sector for over 30 years. Collaboration was the 'buzz' word last year...The opinion was pretty much unanimous:

" education of children by children, equal access for all, globally linked and teaching each other. The teacher will become evermore the 'facilitator' enabling collaboration between students for a brighter future and more sustainable world."

The value of connecting everyone and everything worldwide, has already paid dividends, and been firmly acknowledged in terms of teaching and learning opportunities. This year, in recognition of the massive(as yet unfulfilled) potential, and support benefits that mobile technology can have (and are having) on education; BETT (along with a general world consensus) recognise the value of ensuring that the teaching environment is aware and prepared for the future of learning - because mobile technology and education is all of our future!

Main Themes For 2015

• Future-proofing your university:meeting the next generation of student expectations
• The changing landscape of technology in Higher Education
• Behaviour change: creating a community to encourage educators to adopt technology and change pedagogy.
• Business forum: maintaining your institution's competitiveness
• Mobile technology: Utilising and integrating to improve teaching and learning. 

http://www.bettshow.com/Content/whats-on-at-bett-2015

Today, one can witness asynchronous technology helping and teaching students from across the globe. The use of smart mobile devices has brought the world at a juncture from where technology oriented learning has taken precedence. Mobile devices; the latest tablets and smart phones, today, define the future of education, with a deluge of learning oriented applications which have brought education to the fingertips of those interested in extensive learning.

Innovations in education technology vastly and continuously impove the lives of millions across the globe.

With the advent of Podcasts, eBooks and other technologies, we have achieved the feasibility to provide education that will vastly assist communities and individuals in the places which are under-served by traditional bricks and mortar institutions. However, the focus must always be on achieving the objectives of education and development, and not about popularizing the gadgets or applications.






References:

Brown University:Sheridan Centre for Teaching and Learning.
http://www.brown.edu/academics

Younie S, Leask,M.(2013) Teaching With Technologies.Oxford University Press.

Sharples,M.Taylor,J.Vavoula,G. A Theory of Learning for the Mobile Age. Sage Publications (2006)

8." ON DUMBING UP". THE POWER OF THE WRITTEN WORD : Review

                   

 The Power Of Words.

My interest, when reading blogs and articles, is firmly fixed in the arts & culure, education, history and politics sections. But this blog is a journey of discovery into the world of cyberspace; of clouds and digital, virtual worlds. So my focus has been on finding out as much as I can about technology in 21st century education. If you trawl through the maze of educational 'stuff' on the Internet for long enough, you can find some really informative websites and articles.I have read so many interesting blogs lately and have found some excellent sources..I did therefore want to review a blog that had something to do with technology; an obvious theme, and there are many - but instead , I came across this. I found it via The Guardian. (I was browsing through the archives in the education and politics section) It's not about technology, but it is about education. It's a great blog by David Crystal "ON DUMBING UP" and I strongly urge you to follow the link at the end of this post, and read it.

There was huge outcry and widespread media coverage reporting accusations of 'dumbing down' A-levels, after the news that Caitlin Moran's twitter feed, and the language of celebrities like Dizzee Rascal,Russell Brand and Jeremy Paxman, will now be studied as part of a new A-level English language and literature syllabus.

David Crystal's blog is a MUST READ. He's a linguistics lecturer, writer and public speaker, and he responds so excellently and so eloquently to the media cover accusations. It's a very powerful blog, yet it is subtle, and his words fizz with conviction and wisdom. He explains why an interview with Dizzee Rascal as a topic of study, belongs alongside classical literature on the A- level English language and literature syllabus.

He writes: " The press juxtaposes Russell Brand and Shakespeare, and calls the process a dumbing down. But we appreciate Shakespeare, by contrasting him to non-Shakespeare - both in his time and afterwards."

" We appreciate literature by contrasting it to non-literature. The process can be unconscious - it usually is - but is enhanced when made conscious, which is what A-level courses are all about. It is enabling students to develop a more sophisticated understanding of the language of literature. It is not dumbing down. It is actually dumbing up."


Follow the link to read the rest of David Crystal's Blog . It's wonderful and everyone should read it, if only to appreciate the power and the beauty of the written word - the power of language and reasoned argument.

Check out these other great blogs and websites too:

David Hopkins - Technology and Enhanced Learning http://www.dontwasteyourtime.co.uk/          

EDUCAUSE
http://www.educause.edu/research-and-

100 Best Tools
publicationshttp://c4lpt.co.uk/top100tools/powtoon/ 


http://www.edupad.com/blog/2014/09/edupad-partners-technology-learning-lab-special-learners/

http://tylerducas.blogspot.co.uk/




Source:

http://www.theguardian.com/uk/commentisfree

7.VISUAL PRESENTATIONAL TOOLS (PART TWO) : PREZI

PREZI

Prezi is a whole new concept on the take of visual aids. It is a presentation software and storytelling tool that allows the user to create and present ideas on

a large, blank, unlimited, virtual canvas. It allows you to make colourful, informative presentations that bear almost no relation to the traditional, slide by slide approach taken by PowerPoint.It is free (for the most basic version) and takes just seconds to sign up.

Like PowerPoint, Prezi lets you seamlessly integrate images, text, videos, animations, and sounds - but in a non linear way.It is interactive and collaborative. This creates a more dynamic and engaging visual experience, as opposed to the boring lists and bullet points that we (all too often) have to endure with PowerPoint. However, there are not the same integrated tools that PowerPoint has, such as graphs and flow charts. Other images have to be created outside of Prezi and brought in.

                                        This is how it works..

This is what you can do with it..it's great!

PREZI ADVANTAGES 

1. ZOOM - Prezi's unique differentiation is it's zoom function. This allows the user to simply click the background with the mouse and the presentation zooms out to an overview, then you can zoom back in to any area you please. It allows you to explore ideas,places; smoothly and naturally. In other words, if you want to 'zoom in' for emphasis you can. If you want more detail, you can zoom in deeper, and then once you're in a specific area, you can change, or introduce connecting images or ideas, then 'pan' to expand on that idea or gain more detail.

2.Non Linear and Interactive - allows the user to choose his/her own paths. Users can jump in and out with ideas and are given more flexibility when presenting their ideas.

3. Collaborative - can share presentations online with up to 10 people. This makes working on group projects easy.


PREZI DISADVANTAGES 

1. Limited Design Options - limited backgrounds to choose from and each has pre-chosen fonts and colours that can't be changed.

2. Cost - Only the basic version is free. There is a student discount version provided online, but this still offers limited file space and storage.

3. Dizziness - It's easy to over zoom the function. Too much zooming and turning and panning, can make your audience feel dizzy...detracting from the message you want to deliver.

4. Learning Curve - whilst Prezi is fairly simple, it does take a little bit of getting used to if you are not very creative or design orientated. The software is easy to learn, but non designers may need to practise.


SO, WHICH IS BEST?

Well it seems clear that which ever you choose, the important thing is to put some thought into it, and select the one that will deliver your message most effectively. For the best results, you need to continuously practise your presentation skills, ensuring that you are providing a stimulating and engaging presentation. Both Prezi and PowerPoint have their place. PowerPoint has it's advantages for illustrating flow charts, graphs and simple facts, while Prezi has it's benefits if you want to create a more interactive presentation.

Whatever tool you select, take the time to master it, and use it to create dazzling, rather than dull, presentations. The other important point to make is that if your story or content is poor, then neither tool will help you.They are just tools. Whichever you choose, it will only add value to your presentation if it effectively helps to deliver your message. If you have strong content and want to express complex ideas that are simply linked to your message with memorable visuals, then these tools will help you do that.

If you have limited time, and need to display ideas, facts and figures in a simple way, then stick to PowerPoint. However, if you want to create an interactive experience for your audience with a strong 'WOW' factor, you might consider Prezi.

The biggest problem it seems with PowerPoint, is that users generally fail to, or don't understand how to create fun or dynamic presentations with it. It's not PowerPoint that is the problem, but the presenter who has created it. Most of us, including myself (and my students), equate PowerPoint with tired bullet points and cheesy clipart because that is what we generally get. This BORING format is what gives PowerPoint a bad press, and teachers a bad reputation.If used creatively and to it's full potential, PowerPoint can be an effective, dynamic, and informative learning tool.

Design secrets can easily be learned though. To unlock the true potential of PowerPoint, and design exciting, persuasive and engaging slides that will get your students attention, there are a number of books and websites that give great tips and resources.








Reference:

Garr Reynolds: Top Ten Slide Tips
http://www.garrreynolds.com/preso-tips/design/

Presentation Tips To Wow Your Audience.
https://www.udemy.com/blog/powerpoint-presentation-tips/

Presentation Panda: Slides Made Simple (ebook)
http://presentationpanda.com/book/

6. VISUAL PRESENTATIONAL TOOLS. ( PART 1 ) POWERPOINT

                       POWERPOINT  or  PREZI

This blog will be written in two parts. Part one will look at PowerPoint. Part two will look at Prezi.

It may seem like a simple accomplishment, and nothing to jump up and down about, but to me, mastering PowerPoint and giving my very first presentation with it, was a real milestone on my technological journey.  I was convinced that it was so complicated, that I would never understand it in a million years. I was terrified too, of the prospect of 'having' to learn it - but guess what.. it was easy! I'm starting to realise that my fear of technology is more to do with my attitude and preconceptions; my age and my background, and fear of the unknown, rather than my ability to learn new things. I must reiterate once again: Technology isn't hard; change is hard.

So imagine how delighted, (and surprised) I am with myself, that I should now be sitting here writing a blog discussing the advantages and disadvantages of using either Prezi or PowerPoint! (Ooooo err! Get ME!)

Talking to my students, they tell me that PowerPoint is overused in the classroom ( I agree), and (dare I say?), "BORING" (their words, not mine - but I also agree). When "Oh no, not another PowerPoint to sit through", becomes a common reaction, then it's time to question whether it is being effective. This surely means that teachers are not using it creatively enough and not for the right reasons. A presentational tool should be used for just that, presenting information...but not as a bandage or a lazy alternative to providing real stimulus for learning. I must admit, that nearly all PowerPoint presentations I have ever had to sit through (I'm sure that some were effective, I just can't remember which ones) have been dull and pretty uninspiring.None have been memorable. Also, there are far too many of them. I can't think of many classes or meetings I've been to, when the PowerPoint wasn't used. It's relentless.

In a teaching and learning environment, there is a danger of simply using PowerPoint as a prop; a prompt as to what will come next. Very helpful for the teacher, but not for the student if it has been poorly designed or put together. It is teacher centred though, as it relies utterly on the teacher's input. PowerPoint is a visual stimulus; it demands creativity, and in it's defence, it does allow for that creativity to take place.Unless teachers are creative with that medium, with the way they deliver information, then the PowerPoint is boring, ineffective and completely pointless. That's not because it's a bad tool, it's because of ineffectual and lazy teaching. 

Garr Reynolds writes an interesting blog (Presentation Zen) on presentational design. In this one he responds to an article published by The Sydney Morning Herald, entitled, Is It Time To Ditch PowerPoint? The article highlights findings by researchers from the University of New South Wales, in particular, John Sweller, who developed The Cognitive Load Theory in the 80's.

Check it out:

http://www.presentationzen.com/presentationzen/2007/04/is_it_finally_t.html

In his blog, Garr assumes that what Dr Sweller means is, that the way PowerPoint is used should be ditched, not the tool itself.

Richard Mayer, author of Multimedia Learning makes a good point. He says,

" I do not think it makes sense to refer to PowerPoint as a method. Instead... PowerPoint is a medium that can be used effectively - that is, with effective design methods - or, ineffective design methods." 

Despite it's possible misuse and overuse, PowerPoint is the standard 'go to' software though - in the workplace, and more specifically, in the classroom. There are over 500 million users and it holds 95% of the presentation software market. Reason: It's an easy way to tell a linear story, (a story that starts at point A, progresses through events which build toward a climax, finally reaching point B).

POWERPOINT ADVANTAGES

1. Very user friendly - technically, PowerPoint is simple to use.

2. Control - PowerPoint provides seemingly endless possibilities when it comes to slide design. You can choose from a multitude of colours, fonts, graphics and backgrounds.

3. Builds, transmissions and animations - you can use these visual enhancements to add to the explanatory power of the presentation and also enhance your visuals.

4. Hyperlinks - allows you to click on a link and be taken directly to the link's location on the web, or somewhere else in the presentation.

5. Syncronised with SlideShare - lets you upload your presentation to the web, so anyone can view it online.

6. Can print handouts of the slides - allows people to follow along without having to focus on writing notes during the presentation.

7. Charts and Tables - helps you present various types of data.

POWERPOINT DISADVANTAGES

1. Linear format - PowerPoint follows a script, (linear) format, that is not easily adaptable to an audience when needed. Getting to a specific slide once the presentation has begun, can sometimes be problematic and can cause the whole presentation to become confused.

2. Large file size - PowerPoint can create really large files, especially when images, audio, and video are added. This can make emailing a pain.


Reference: 

Younie,S and Leask,M. Teaching With Technologies (2013) Oxford University Press

Garr Reynolds: Presentation Zen.