Reflection Task 1 - Web Spaces
WEB SPACES
Overview of Web Spaces
Websites, blogs,
and wikis are different types of we spaces that offer various technical
features for educational purposes (Victorian Government, 2019).
Websites can be used to provide a range of information, including multimedia content such as images, videos, and audio. Websites like Quizlet (Figure 1) and Monkey Survey typically allow for customizations in terms of layout, design, and functionality, with features like interactive forms, online surveys, and quizzes. Websites can also be optimized for search engines, making them more discoverable and accessible.
Blogs are online
platforms for writing and publishing articles, usually in a chronological order
with the most recent entries at the top. Blogs such as Blogger (Figure 2) and WordPress (Figure 3)are highly customizable and offer a range of features such as themes, plugins,
and widgets. Blogs can allow for multi-author collaboration, with different
levels of users to restrict access to their content.
.png)
.png)
Wikis are collaborative websites that allow for the creation and editing of content by multiple users. They typically have a hierarchical structure with pages and subpages that can be linked together. Wikis like Wikibooks, Wikiepedia (Figure 4) and Wikinews allow for version control, so users can track changes and revert to earlier versions if needed. They also have features like discussion forums, search functions and user permissions.
.png)
In terms of technical
considerations, it is important to consider ease of use and the experience
required to operate the platform. Some sites may require technical knowledge or
coding skills, while others offer user friendly interfaces and drag-and-drop
functionality. It is also important to consider the types of media that can be
shared, including images, videos, audio files, and documents.
Overall, online
sites offer a range of technical features that can support educational
activities and facilitate collaborations and knowledge sharing. By carefully
selecting the appropriate platform based on the specific needs and goals of the
educational activity, instructors and learners can create engaging and
effective learning environments.
Legal, Safe and
Ethical Protocols
As a teacher, it
is important to ensure that your students are aware of the legal, safe, and
ethical protocols of web spaces, particularly when they are using technology(Queensland College of Teachers, n.d.).
Some key aspects that you should consider include:
1.
Privacy.
Ensure that your students are aware of their privacy rights when using web
spaces, and they understand how to protect their personal information online.
Emphasize the importance of strong passwords and teach them about the risk of
sharing personal information with strangers.
2.
Copyright:
Teach your students about copyright laws, and ensure that they understand how
to respect the intellectual property of others wen creating and sharing content
online. Emphasize the importance of properly citing sources and obtaining
permission before using others’ work.
3.
Cyberbullying:
Educate your students about the impact of cyberbullying, and ensure that they
understand how to behave appropriately and respectfully online. Encourage them
to report any instances of bullying and harassment they encounter.
4.
Online
safety: Teach your students how to protect themselves from online predators and
scams and ensure that they know how to use web spaces safely. This includes being
cautious when sharing personal information, avoiding suspicious links, and
reporting any inappropriate behaviour.
By considering these
key aspects and teaching your students about the legal, safe, and ethical
protocols of web spaces, you can help ensure that the have a positive and
productive experience using technology.
Pedagogical
Benefits
Online spaces
offer a range of pedagogical benefits, including increased engagement,
collaboration, and opportunities for creative and critical thinking. In order
to use these spaces effectively, using the SAMR model (Edutopia, 2020) to guide my thinking
about how to integrate technology into my teaching.
Substitution: At
the substitution level, online spaces can be used as a replacement for traditional
pen to paper activities. For example, students could use online tools like Google
Docs or Padlet to collaboratively brainstorm ideas or take notes during a class
discussion.
Augmentation: At
the augmentation level, online spaces can be sued to enhance traditional activities
by adding new features that are not possible without technology. For example,
instead of simply discoing a reading assignment in class students could use Flipgrid
to record short video responses to prompts related to reading. This level of
use allows students to develop communication skills and encourages higher order
thinking.
Modification: At
the modification level, online spaces can be used to fundamentally redesign
learning activities. For example, instead of writing a traditional essay,
students could create a multimedia presentation using tools like Canva or
Prezi. This level encourages creativity and allows students to demonstrate
their understanding of a topic in a variety of ways.
Redefinition: At
the redefinition level, online spaces can be used to create entirely new learning
experiences that were previously impossible without technology. For example,
students could use Minecraft to create a virtual model of a historical site
they are studying in class. This level of sue encourages collaboration,
creativity, and critical thinking as students work together to solve problems
and design their virtual world.
By using online
spaces at all levels of the SAMR model, my students would have the opportunity to
develop a wide range of skills and competencies, including communication,
collaboration, creativity critical thinking, and problem solving. By creating
with technology, rather than simply consuming it, students would become more
active and engaged learners to better prepare them for the demand of the 21st
century workforce.
.png)
First time blogging, Fingers crossed I have covered the assessment content for Week 3.
ReplyDeleteHi Michael,
ReplyDeleteYou’ve made a great start to your digital pedagogies blog. Your use of headings and pictures throughout makes it well spaced and easy for the viewer to read.
Your summaries of websites, blogs and wikis are brief but do highlight the main features of the web spaces, well done. As you have created a blog before, you could have enhanced your post by taking a deeper look into Blogger and the features and customisations available.
I look forward to reading your future posts.
Stacey