Exploring Learning

One of my latest projects for my MEd, required me to design a computer lab. I had a budget of $45,000 and it had to accommodate 30 learners. My total, outlined in more detail below, came in at just under budget, at $44,171.90 - and goes against the grain of the traditional lab design. Having had the luxury of re-designing and implementing a new classroom design whilst working in Singapore (see any posts regarding  The Octopus's Garden Project , and photos in posts from 2013-2014 in particular) I already had a few ideas that meant I very much wanted to move away from a traditional layout.  For more inspiration, I asked for the dream design of educators I have worked with in different countries and different schools. What was interesting to me, was those who have worked in tehnology-rich environments, where the idea of a dedicated computer lab is outdated and technology infuses everyday learning, had many more suggestions that broke the mould of lab design and fitted w...

Here is an infographic I created for my final project. It is based on THIS essay . Create free infographics with Venngage

To What Extent Does a Successful BYOD Programme Affect the Engagement and Motivation of Secondary School Learners?  This paper outlines current research into Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programmes in schools based on the experience of institutions currently employing the system. It explores the impact BYOD programmes have had on the engagement and motivation of secondary school learners, as well as the affect on achievement in tests and assessment in comparison to students not utilising mobile technologies in their learning. The experience of both private sector businesses and schools informs guidelines and advice for the successful implementation of a BYOD programme. SEE INFOGRAPHIC OF THIS ESSAY HERE Whilst some see technology in education as a “democratizer”, as a way of allowing “students from all backgrounds to access the same resources and tools”, to others, it potentially causes “great harm, widening an already substantial achievement gap related to issues of equity...

The ‘Digital Divide’ is a term originally coined by Lloyd Morrisette to “describe the growing gap, or social exclusion, between those who have access to the new services of the information society, and those who ­do not” (P2P Foundation, Nd). As an educator in today’s world, I see this Digital Divide concerning also an understanding of the benefits of using technology in the classroom. There is a pull between seeing technology “as a magic black box with the potential to create a learning revolution or a black hole that consumes resources that might better be devoted to traditional classroom activities” (Jenkins, Purushotma, Clinton, & Weigel, 2006, p. 7). I agree that technology can sometimes be used for technology’s sake, and that sometimes, learning is best supported through ‘traditional’ paper and pen. Sometimes though, learning is advanced through both low-tech and high-tech choices. This can provide those with different learning styles the chance to shine (or to challenge). On...

Effective technology integration is achieved when its use supports curricular goals.  It must support four key components of learning: active engagement,  participation in groups, frequent interaction and feedback,  and connection to real-world experts. Edutopia, 2012 What strikes me most about the video above from Edutopia, is that it posits that technology is just a tool - one of the many we have our disposal and that our responsibility as educators is to use "whatever resources [we] have to the best of [our] abilities". I am lucky enough in that I have at my disposal:  experience of working in a 1:1 environment for two years an ever-increasing knowledge about educational technology and how it might best integrate into the classroom stemming both from my experience but also from the learning I do to feed the burning desire to understand how best to use this growing tool a supportive school that encourages us to take risks and try new ways of...