Final Course Reflection

I have really enjoyed participating in the Web 2.0 course again. Since completing it previously in 2010, there have been some changes and I have learnt some new skills. Pleasingly, I have been lucky enough to do the course with some very dedicated and knowledgeable colleagues. Many thanks to all of them for this journey an enjoyable one.
I have reviewed the iLE@RN model and I agree totally with the principles that underline the thinking behind it. Computers definitely aren't the focus. It is all about engaging learners by developing an environment where students want to learn. Allowing students to have control over their own learning by modelling and teaching them how to be reflective, responsible learners is imperative.
On a personal level, I am responsible for my own learning and developing the learning communities that will continue to foster my growth. I joined up to Yammer and I've invited some of my colleagues to do the same. Hopefully, this will establish a personal learning community where we can share our knowledge and expertise. Our ICT coordinator, Nancy, has also shared with us the Samr model and new Bloom's. We are working towards being able to incorporate technology in the HOTS (higher order thinking skills) more effectively at a school based level.
In considering the where to from here?...I believe I learn best as part of a professional learning community and I am pleased with the online and school based communities I am already actively involved with. In terms of the skills I have acquired, I feel I have a good grasp of the cloud share tools out there. I'd like to skill myself further with Google sites and you tube as I am still a novice. Similarily, I will endeavour to become a more competent contributor of 21st Century learning in the classroom by being a more creative user of technology, incorporating some of the tools I have been exposed to during the Web 2 course.
As a Catholic school educator, I encourage appropriate use of ICT in the classroom which supports Catholic beliefs and values. It is my role to teach and model to children the importance of making appropriate judgments about the use of online media and content.

Module 10 - Learning Communities

Wikis are a website that allow a coordination of ideas and is more effective than the old method of emailing. Currently, I have been using Google sites which is a free and easy way to create a website. I created a grade website which shares information with my students. I have also created a professional website where I am tracking my portfolio as a teacher.
I really like being able to share and collaborate using technology and would like to try out some education wikis with my students as I believe it is important for them to engage with 21st century technology as part of their learning.
I joined the classroom 2.0 community and my membership is pending approval. I hope that this will assist me to improve my use of technology in the classroom.

Module 9 - Social and Professional Networks

I really enjoyed playing around with Scootle. I found a great learning path about National Parks. I was, however, unable to add students and provide them with their unique PIN which would allow them to view the content and activities. This is something I will endeavour to do because I think it could be an awesome way of being able to flip the classroom. I also really like the links to the Australian Curriculum. I think this aspect will be a fantastic tool when programming in the future.
I already have a well established digital footprint. I have a facebook account with high privacy settings. I use this form of social media more for my personal use. Although, the content I put on it is nothing I would be concerned about sharing. On the other hand, my twitter account has been set with a clear professional purpose, as is Linkedin. I follow other educators and educational blogs via twitter and feel this is a great way to grow professionally and to continue as a life long learner.
I was very surprised when I googled my name. I found a comment about Telstra that I had made on their online blog. Thankfully, my complaint was made in an appropriate manner or this could be embarrassing.
In regards to Second Life, I think this would be a valuable educational tool for many of my students. I have a growing number of students who are extremely interested in Mindcraft and other such online gaming programs. I need to learn more about it and try it out personally before I introduce it to my students.
As an educator, I cannot ignore the importance of understanding social networks and how these can be both positive and negative experiences.

Module 8 - Managing Your Flow of Information on the Internet

I downloaded the feedly app and I really like the idea of being able to keep the content of sites in one place where you can read it and share with others. I accessed the feedly app on my mobile too and all the education sites I had added were there. I love that I can easily access professional readings and then tweet these simply. Have spent a lot of time playing round with this app and I'm loving it!
In terms, of using this in the classroom I thought maybe the children could find content based on the topics we are covering in class. I put in National Parks as an example and I was pretty disappointed with the material that came up. It was related to American National Parks and the content wasn't appropriate for primary aged children. This would be more suitable for high school children.

Module 7 - Building Online Communities

This module was about building on-line communities and bookmarking resources so they can be remembered and shared. I signed up for a Delicious account and added the +Add to Delicious button on my bookmarks bar. I found it really easy to add links with the click of this button.
I don't know how much I will use Delicious because I have already got my bookmarks organised in folders and I am able to access these on any device when I sign into Chrome. This allows me to access my bookmarks on any device with Chrome, including my mobile phone. Although, I will give it more of a go and see.
I also signed up with Symbaloo and I have bookmarked this. I would like to use this web-based bookmarking tool that I will endeavour to use more in the future.
I read some colleagues blogs and found these very interested. I commented on a couple and hope that someone will comment on mine too.

Module 6 - Exploring Photos and Videos on the Web

I have been using Picasa, Flickr and more recently Google+ Photos. I love the fact that I can access photos on any device I own. When using pictures in the classroom, I take photos using my Smartphone and save these in Google Drive. I am then able to share photos of excursions, students work samples or activities. Just recently, Year 4 went on an excursion to the Royal National Park and we were able to write about what our experiences and add these pictures. I find it easy and fuss. 

I believe it is really important to add as much visual content as possible to our teaching and learning. I would really like to use Youtube more with students as a form of visual media. I know many of the students are already self confessed Youtubers and I would like to be able to tap into their interest. It is a matter of working around age restrictions.