This activity asked us to reflect on the
learning design of the wikispace activity on the use of mobile phones in
classrooms using the de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats process in order to scaffold
higher order thinking.
Personally, I found this activity to be quite interesting. I was very surprised with how well it works. It was clear that the aim of this activity was to expand our thinking and consider a range of perspectives whilst becoming familiar with technology and I can honestly say it did just that. It was very daunting at first but I was so pleasantly surprised with the outcome. I thought it was going to be so much harder than it actually was. The thinking process used and the way of presenting the information prompted me to think beyond what my beliefs are and begin to explore other perspectives, both negative and positive, and also prompted me to discuss and evaluate other student’s perspectives. I found the task to be extremely intriguing, creative and innovative. The topic discussed and the use of de Bono’s hats scaffold in conjunction with the wiki presentation worked excellently.
I think both Bloom’s Cognitive Taxonomy and parts of the SAMR Model facilitate this activity. The activity used the five different thinking processes of Bloom's Taxonomy including application, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, knowledge and comprehension, as it prompted higher order thinking skills whilst analysing and strengthening existing knowledge and then evaluating this knowledge. You needed to prepare, analyse, integrate, defend, identify and report your personal perspective and other student’s perspectives. The SAMR Model is also supported in this activity, particularly the modification and possibly even redefinition levels of technology use. Without the use of technology, it would be very difficult (if not impossible) to allow numerous students the opportunity to present and evaluate their ideas in one place where they can all visit. Previously, students would have had to put pen to paper and then display their ideas around the classroom for everyone to see, they would not have been given the opportunity to really use complex thinking techniques to justify and identify their ideas.
The benefits I identified through participating in the wiki activity include the opportunities of collaboration, discussion, evaluation, innovation, creativity, presentation, input, participation and the ease of use. Although I do believe there to be more benefits then drawbacks or issues with using the wiki, there is an increased risk of plagiarism, inappropriate comments, distractions, discrimination, and bullying. Because of the increased risk of these, teachers would need to be constantly monitoring the site to ensure students are participating in the correct manner. To reduce the risk of these issues, teachers could ask students to post anonymously or give them a number only you and the student would know in which they use to post. This will also allow any students who feel uncomfortable or are shy to participate in the activity without being identifiable to other students.
Using this digital learning tool, I believe it will engage students in learning activities more as it is a 'fun', different way of completing activities and gives them the opportunity to use their creative side. The learning process becomes easier because students become less bored which leads to less stress resulting in a willingness to actively participate and get involved. The nature of the wiki allows students to draw on others ideas and arguments to improve their own understanding and go on to discuss why every student believes in what they do. It also allows students to take ownership and become responsible for their own learning. The scaffold of this activity gives every student the opportunity to develop different perspectives from all angles enhancing higher order thinking. The use of de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats promotes critical thinking and therefore enhances the learning experience.
For me, this has definitely assisted me in making a leap in the direction of supporting digital technologies and ICT in classrooms because of the ease of use and the endless doors it opens for students and their learning experience. I feel confident in saying I will use this scaffold and technology piece in my own lessons in the future.
Personally, I found this activity to be quite interesting. I was very surprised with how well it works. It was clear that the aim of this activity was to expand our thinking and consider a range of perspectives whilst becoming familiar with technology and I can honestly say it did just that. It was very daunting at first but I was so pleasantly surprised with the outcome. I thought it was going to be so much harder than it actually was. The thinking process used and the way of presenting the information prompted me to think beyond what my beliefs are and begin to explore other perspectives, both negative and positive, and also prompted me to discuss and evaluate other student’s perspectives. I found the task to be extremely intriguing, creative and innovative. The topic discussed and the use of de Bono’s hats scaffold in conjunction with the wiki presentation worked excellently.
I think both Bloom’s Cognitive Taxonomy and parts of the SAMR Model facilitate this activity. The activity used the five different thinking processes of Bloom's Taxonomy including application, analysis, synthesis, evaluation, knowledge and comprehension, as it prompted higher order thinking skills whilst analysing and strengthening existing knowledge and then evaluating this knowledge. You needed to prepare, analyse, integrate, defend, identify and report your personal perspective and other student’s perspectives. The SAMR Model is also supported in this activity, particularly the modification and possibly even redefinition levels of technology use. Without the use of technology, it would be very difficult (if not impossible) to allow numerous students the opportunity to present and evaluate their ideas in one place where they can all visit. Previously, students would have had to put pen to paper and then display their ideas around the classroom for everyone to see, they would not have been given the opportunity to really use complex thinking techniques to justify and identify their ideas.
The benefits I identified through participating in the wiki activity include the opportunities of collaboration, discussion, evaluation, innovation, creativity, presentation, input, participation and the ease of use. Although I do believe there to be more benefits then drawbacks or issues with using the wiki, there is an increased risk of plagiarism, inappropriate comments, distractions, discrimination, and bullying. Because of the increased risk of these, teachers would need to be constantly monitoring the site to ensure students are participating in the correct manner. To reduce the risk of these issues, teachers could ask students to post anonymously or give them a number only you and the student would know in which they use to post. This will also allow any students who feel uncomfortable or are shy to participate in the activity without being identifiable to other students.
Using this digital learning tool, I believe it will engage students in learning activities more as it is a 'fun', different way of completing activities and gives them the opportunity to use their creative side. The learning process becomes easier because students become less bored which leads to less stress resulting in a willingness to actively participate and get involved. The nature of the wiki allows students to draw on others ideas and arguments to improve their own understanding and go on to discuss why every student believes in what they do. It also allows students to take ownership and become responsible for their own learning. The scaffold of this activity gives every student the opportunity to develop different perspectives from all angles enhancing higher order thinking. The use of de Bono’s Six Thinking Hats promotes critical thinking and therefore enhances the learning experience.
For me, this has definitely assisted me in making a leap in the direction of supporting digital technologies and ICT in classrooms because of the ease of use and the endless doors it opens for students and their learning experience. I feel confident in saying I will use this scaffold and technology piece in my own lessons in the future.
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