Hi, my name is Patrick Mackey. I am a Stage 3 teacher at St John's Primary School in Riverstone. Currently I am classroom teacher, LTST and Literacy Coordinator. Technology has always been very important to me and I have witnessed first hand the impact technology can have on students learning. I am hoping this course will give me a better idea of how to use technology more effectively in the classroom. I am also hoping it will provide me with a springboard into getting my fellow staff members enthusiastic about technology in education.
I have been using Google Apps for Education with my kids for the past couple of years. I don't believe I have untapped its full potential as yet. I have begun using twitter as a form of professional networking (@patjmackey). This is my first real blog attempt. The background picture is one I took in Oxford, 2012. It is the Bodleian Library and it is one example of a tool that was once used regularly. It was once the only method of retrieving information at Oxford university. How times have changed. In May 2013, I was fortunate enough to attend a workshop run by renowned technology education expert George Couros. He enlightened those that attended that Web 2.0 tools are pretty much essential in today's classrooms.
The one thing that stood out to me watching the videos was how much power we all have as users of the internet. There are also so many tools available that sometimes we can get lost in selecting tools that will have a positive impact on teaching and learning. One of the challenges for us, as educators, is to disseminate reliable websites and information. I believe that the skill of being a responsible user of the information available. Critical thinking skills that will assist students in finding more reliable resources. If they are armed with these skills they then will be able to be valuable contributors to the Web 2.0 world. After all we all are Web 2.0.
Hi Patrick
ReplyDeleteLisa has asked me to comment on your blog. I work in Secondary education as a TL at Patrician Bros Blacktown. I am interested in your comment about the potential for technology in student learning. What areas have you seen improvement in? Do you think it has helped your students with basic literacy and numeracy?
HI Susan,
DeleteI have noticed a real improvement in student motivation. Last year I created a website for students to access and complete their homework. There was a noticeable increase in the amount of students logging on and actually completing their work.
The reason it is being fulfilling its true potential is because of the lack of fluidity in the students using the technology. At times the system is slow logging the students in. This holds back a great deal of students who by the time they log in it is time to pack up.
I have used technology with my vulnerable children in Numeracy. With some really focused apps there is real potential for growth. When aiming for 200 hits on a particular mathematical concept it works well.
With a new focus on Multimodal texts in Literacy I am building up a multi literacy library of resources. There is a great increase in student engagement. Using websites such as Inanimate Alice and ABC Splash provides the students with alternatives to pen and paper literacy learning.
I hope that answers your questions.