My E- Learning Blog

 Parkes, R. (2005). ‘A WebDilemma: Intellectual engagement on the internet’. In Independent Education, vol. 35 n1 pp 34-36. Accessed Feb. 22 2008 from: http://athene.riv.csu.edu.au/~rparkes/webdilemmas/

This article by Parkes, R. (2005). ‘A WebDilemma: Intellectual engagement on the internet’ is extreamly helpful for those who 1. Are new to computers 2. Are interested in creating their own WebDilemma site 3. Want a greater understanding of how WebDilemma can promote higher order thinging within your students 4. Need to know the softwares that can be used in building a site 5. will tell you other links for support and online workshops on WebDilemma.

6 C’s of Motivation
Wang, S. & Han, S. (2001). Six C’s of Motivation.

As stated in Wang, S. & Han, S. (2001) article the the Six C’s , have the potential to enhance students’ motivation when applied to open-ended tasks (Turner & Paris, 1995).

In summary, the Six C’s of Motivation are:

Choice – to provide choice towards motivation.

Challenge – To provide tasks just beyond the skill level of students  to challenge learners e.g. The Flow theory

Control – To give students the sense of control to encourage responsible, independent learners.

Collaboration -  To provide group work that encourages collaboration and communication to enhance thinking and learning within students.

Constructing meaning – To give students the opportunity to construct meaning behind their activities and involvement. 

Consequences – To understand that all actions have consequences. As stated in the article, through the student’s hard efforts, they were able to gain positive ownership and achievement.

I feel we can apply these strategies in all aspects of our lives, be it as teachers, as learners, as parents, or as global citizens. Everyday we are faced with challenges be it big or small. We as human beings live to learn. If we can apply these strategies in our everyday lives, it will in turn motivate us to learn more about the people we come in contact with be it by chance or destiny. 

 Computer as Paintbrush:
Technology, Play, and the Creative Society
Mitchel Resnick

In this article by Mitchel Resnick (2006) he states that we as educators need to stop looking at computers as televisions and more like paintbrushes, that is; “we need to start seeing
computers not simply as information machines, but also as a new medium for creative design and expression.” Resnick (2006)  goes on to say that; teachers need to open new opportunities for children to playfully explore, experiment, design, and invent using computer technology. Resnick ultimate goal is to create creative technologies that foster creative
thinking and creative expression. In his article he lists some principles for creating a new medium for creative design and expression for children in our classrooms.

Principles:

1. Start seeing computers as a new medium for creative design and expression.

2.Learning through design; by creating their own robots, children gain a deeper understanding of the ideas underlying the workings of robots.

3. Supporting Playful Learning that fosters creative
thinking and creative expression.

4. Make technologies personal; children become most engaged with new technologies, and learn the most in playing with these technologies, when they work on projects growing out of their
own personal interests.

As a student teacher it can often be difficult to imagine how I would deliver and facilitate a computer enriched session for my students, with these recommendations I shall endeavour to use these principles as a foundation on how to use computers as  a new medium for creative design and expression.