Informal Blog Task 4: Harnessing New Technologies

Informal Blog Task 4: Harnessing New Technologies

During the seminar you have engaged with Web.2 technologies/new literacy practices. Please upload you created text/s and reflect on the implications of this session for your future practice, drawing on any relevant sources.

During the seminar we were learning to use some Web.2 technologies such as wordle, JigZone and Tagxedo. These technologies were fun and interesting to use and would clearly be something which children would enjoy to see and to use. I believe that I have developed a good understanding of how these technologies work and am keen to use them more and research others which are similar. One key implication is my personal development, I believe form the session I have a basic understanding of how to operate and use these technologies myself but to effectively use them and teach them to children I believe I will need to develop my confidence and knowledge further in order to be able to answer any questions children may have or to be able to extend the knowledge of those who are gifted and talented. The Richardson (2008) argues that web.2 technologies can promote learning through a social, creative and participatory way.

These technologies provide a platform for key ICT skills to be taught to children. These web.2 technologies are becoming an influential element of life and are used regularly. It is key that the skills required to use and access these form of technology are overtly taught to children. Before the session I was unaware of some of the key features of the technologies and the way that many of the can be incorporated, such as posting them in the blogs.

I also believe these Web.2 technologies are essential tools for incorporating ICT into all areas of the curriculum. ON a previous school experience we used Wordles, with the children, for them to develop their own word banks relating to newspaper report and the key language they could use. It was easy and effective for children to look through newspaper and jot down, onto iPads, any useful words they would like to steal. After the session they had created Wordles that they could then use to inform their own newspaper report writing. I believe this example is one which can be carried into many areas of the curriculum and is something which I need to endeavour to use.

Richardson, T. (2008) How Web 2.0 has changed the face of education. NCC [online] http://www.ncc.co.uk/article/?articleid=13295 (accessed 26/02/14)