Distance Learning, mLearning, Digital Education, Technology

This article has provided me with so much vision and inspiration on the possibilities that I as a future maths and business teacher am able to incorporate in order to both make classes less confusing, more enjoyable, and more efficient. Not only does this technology need to be used to provide homework, but it also provides the perfect means for educators to go through topics with students, as well as re visit aspects students struggled with. Since the platform is online, by incorporating this, we as teachers also save time on checking homework during class time as we are able to see exactly which students completed their homework and at what time. Not only this, but the platform allows us to see which students struggled and which students had a firm grasp on the concept, so that we can decide whether or not to spend more time on topics. The format is also great for giving students a more exciting outlook on mathematics and is able to both expand a student’s worldview and engage their natural curiosity. In accordance to the unit lesson plan, this article will support my thinking and activities, as it conveyed to me that when teaching a particular topic, especially in maths, it may be a great idea to both make it more exciting so that students are more engaged, as well as make it far more efficient so that students have more time to practice. What this article made me realise was that it would be far more effective if I was to take out all the wasting of time writing on a board and getting students to copy down, which is both disengaging to students and time consuming. I came up with the idea that instead of following this structure that takes up so much time writing notes, that students often have inadequate time to finish let alone start the exercises, leaving them for homework, I would instead give students lesson videos for homework that were far more fun and engaging than writing notes. I find it flawed that a lot of the time students are attempting questions from home, due to not finishing them in school, and a lot of the time students who do not finish are struggling, and from home they do not necessarily have adequate support. Instead by using the lesson structure I am proposing we are able to eliminate students from struggling at home, as they are only watching videos educating them and preparing them for the topic at school. Moreover, by watching the lessons at home, we as a group are able to discuss what we learned for more extended periods of time, and are able to clarify any misconceptions. The advantage this has to writing notes would be that although students write notes, many of them are disengaged, and it is hard for an educator to tell whether or not students actually understand the topic, where as by providing fun videos, students are likely to be more engaged, and also have opportunity to have class discussions to clarify their problems. Moreover, the video lessons also allow students to tackle the information without any class distractions, and also are online for the entirety of the year, meaning students are able to look back and revise topic easily, where by writing notes the lesson will be forgotten and all a student has to remember the topic is their notes. This comes even more in handy when students are away for the day, as it is easy to catch up. Lastly, by having extra time to perform exercises in class, student will be benefiting as unlike at home, they are able to call upon help whenever needed. I am also able to use this opportunity to go around the class and really get an understanding of student capabilities.

I think this scoop and the teacher who created this idea have done a fantastic job. As for me when I was going through school a few years ago. I did not enjoy the homework at all, as I found it boring and not interesting at all. As more often than not, the teachers had made the homework up on the spot at the end of the lesson because they ran out of time. The theory of this scoop that suggests pre-planning homework, using videos, and investing five-ten minutes in the class to explain what needs to be done. Would make a dramatic change to the way students see homework, and would help the students better their learning. What I thought was the best aspect of the scoop, was how the teacher had a range of choices so the students could pick what interested them. Overall, I think this theory of teaching would work well in all subjects of teaching.

This article aspires to inspire students to extend not only their knowledge on the world wide web but to broaden their ICT capabilities. Students in contemporary society, are subjected to digital technology than any other generation and just like most adolescences they despise homework, especially if it is to be handwritten with using resources like hard copy books. This article assists the teacher by providing suggestions and examples to create homework that utilises technology to support their learning. Encouraging educators to ask feedback from students emphasises the point that learning works from engagement from both parties. More specifically, it enhances student based learning. By assigning tasks like this, students are directed on what and how to effectively search, collect and collate resources and information. Also, parents can be involved at home. However, a limitation to this digital homework is that some students may come from low socioeconomic families that do not have access to technology or live in black spots. All in all, this is a fantastic method to engage students and improve their learning and technological experiences.

Excellent resource. Lots of great stuff out there. 

Sítios internet para vídeos educativos gratuitos.

A great list of free video sites

More instructors are using video these days in their online blended settings. These a great tips to keep in mind.