Week 4

Tutorial 4 began with a group discussion about the required readings for the week. This discussion should have been beneficial as a group discussion of ideas although it was obvious that many people either did not complete the readings or they were not engaged in them. Personally I found the readings for the week to be quite extensive and wordy and although I completed them I did not feel as though I could contribute to a discussion about them. I have provided a summary of them as shared on GoogleDocs: 

After the discussion the presentations began. 

Early Phases- 

• Introduction to the only 2 clicks website at http://www.only2clicks.com/home.php?cat=526697
• discussion about the website and its uses in the classroom with the students. 

One to one- 

• for this tutorial this group focused on how to implement the one to one program in schools. 
• schools need to develop a plan of attack detailing a financial plan for how you will get the laptops and also  a task force should be identified which includes admin, students, parents and community members. 
• avoid isolation- how will the one to one program fit with other technologies used within the school (it should complement the existing)? 
• maintenance plans and strategies for this. can utilise the skills of the tech teacher or students, senior students, parents etc. plan for upgrades. 
• policies procedures and guidelines e.g. acceptable use policy, theft and loss, social networking guidelines, security procedures etc. 
• just start get in and use the software and test it out. 

Games in learning-  

• motivating, fun and engaging. 
• example website shown http://www.amblesideprimary.com/ambleweb/index.htm http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/  
• disadvantages - differing skill levels of the students, system failure, access and time management.
• useful game consoles such as xbox kinect and wii. 

Google tools- 

• google translate. free online tool that translates 57 languages, sentences, words, pages, books and websites.

Mobile learning- 

• apps in the classroom. 

Programming and computational thinking- 

• focus on programming. using microsoft windows logo. http:..www.transum.org/software/logo/ <-- a simple website for students to use to learn basic programming skills.