Week 1 Reflection

What is E-Learning

I am considered a Millennial, and even though I only finished high school 5 years ago and a lot of technology was around at that time, I find myself wondering if I was taught anything in relation to digital technologies other than that of film and TV (which was practically all based on computer programs etc) and I can honestly say I don’t believe any learning was e-learning based. I believe that the current generation (Generation X) has grown up with these technologies and advanced with them, learning about all the products or programs and have been using them for majority of their life. I know of year 1 students who use an Ipad! This has shaped the culture around teaching with the use of technologies. There is a much broader access to knowledge, more ways of presenting it and so many avenues. I think it is important for teachers to recognize this and use it to their advantage as it may prove to be more effective than other learning strategies.

Creativity and 21^st Century Learners

The main messages I took away from the video include creating curiosity and sparking an interest in the class, create a safe environment, develop students problem solving and analysis skills, students can become bored (resulting in stress) quite easily so scaffold learning to be engaging, I think the author was really trying send a message that everyone starts with a creative side, but loses it over time and education should bring out the creative side in innovative ways. I think the author has done a great job at describing the 21^st century learner and has made some very compelling points.

Digital Technologies and ICT in a range of contexts

I believe that Digital technologies and ICT could be incorporated into all classes. There are no real limits as to what you could do. Most schools now use Ipads that have downloadable applications that could be used to assist in almost any circumstances. I didn’t get to use much ICT when I was school due to the lack of knowledge and I guess resources at the time also but after seeing what technology can do, I strongly believe I could have done most of it using that to my advantage. So, moving forward, education needs to move with the times and that means incorporating digital technologies and ICT in classrooms. Technology is only going to improve…its not going to slow down.