EDTK 2030

Justify the use of Web 2.0 tools for development of higher order thinking skills (500 words)

Web 2.0 is a World Wide Web site that uses technology beyond the static pages to increase changes in the way web pages are made and use. It allows users to interact and collaborate with each other in a social media dialogue (Wikipedia.org, 2014). Students are given the opportunity to share what they have learnt with the use of technological tools of web 2.0 as these tools gives students more engagement through choice of topics. Web 2.0 calls for a major shift in the way education is provided for children as education should be collaboratively constructed, meaning, that an open atmosphere is created where children can participate and engage in class discussions. Students can take control over their learning which will help them to be successful, however, teachers and parents are worried about the negative outcomes that may derive from using web 2.0 tools such as gossiping, time wasting or engagement in dangerous activities (Wikipedia.org, 2014).

Higher order thinking according to Thorne & Thomas (2014), is the thinking of an individual on a higher level rather than memorizing and restating facts. It requires the individual to understand, infer, connect, categorize, manipulate, put together then apply the facts to seek solutions to new problems. Higher order thinking skills can be learnt and or increase with practice (Thorne & Thomas, 2014). Web 2.0 tools change the way we create, collaborate, edit and share contents online. Some web 2.0 tools are; presentation tools, video tools, mobile tools, community tools and related links (Discovery Education, 2014). For the purpose of this assignment I will show how community tools can be used to develop higher order thinking skills in children.

Community Tools are a set of tools which enables teachers and students to collaborate, communicate and share work with each other. These can be in the form of social networks, wikis and google docs (Discovery Education, 2014). Community tools offers community features which enable users to post and like photos and forums, customize their profile and form unlimited sub-groups. Publishing tools- this gives users access to advance blogging features, add multiple blogs, invite members to co-publish and unlimited custom HTML pages. Social Integration- allows members to sign in via facebook, twitter, linkedin, instagram, integrate youtube with other video sites, it also allow real time aggregated activity feed. Gadgets readiness- this feature allows memebers to create their own mobile app. Custom design and URL- allow members to use their own domain. Privacy control- members are able to appoint multiple administrators, take control of their privacy and choose their anti-spam protection.

Web 2.0 has proven to contribute in the development of higher order thinking skills in children. Instagram is one such social network that give teachers the opportunity to help children learn or increase their higher order thinking skills while interacting with each other through the use of web 2.0 community tools. Teachers can integrate these activities into their curriculm, it can also be used as a form of assessment. You may click on the link provided to see an example of a lesson provided through web 2.0 community tools https://discovery.app.box.com/SOS/1/2649248337/11784709163/1 (Web2.0.14, 2014).

                                                                                                                     References

Discovery Education. (2014). Web 2-0. Retrieved from Discovery Education: Web 2.0: http://web2014.discoveryeducation.com/web20tools-presentation.cfm

Thorne, G., & Thomas, A. (2014). Higher order thinking. Retrieved from Reading Rockets : http://www.readingrockets.org/article/higher-order-thinking

Web2.0.14. (2014, July 23). Instagram. Retrieved from Discovery Education: Web 2.0: http://web2014.discoveryeducation.com/blog/

Wikipedia.org. (2014, November 12). Web 2.0. Retrieved from Wikipedia the free encyclopedia: http//:wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0

Be creative and think of ANY topic in ICT that interests you. You need to independently think about something that you are curious about as long as it relates to this course. (You need to fully come up with a topic on your own) 

As an early childhood educator I have to keep up with trends of the present century. Lately I have been hearing about Pinterest a lot, as I triggered my mind trying to figure out what it is, the question was even asked at a BBC session I had but was ignored. The interest to find out what exactly Pinterest is gradually died down as I set my mind on tasks at hand. This assignment gives me the opportunity to learn all I want to know from about Pinterest.

According to Wkikpedia.org Pinterest is a free websites that one has to register before being able to use, after registration the individual is able to upload videos or pictures to their page, this page is called ‘pin it’. Pinterest can be used as an educational ICT tool by creating a page/group so that persons in the same class can interact with each other by adding their comments to a particular topic .

The reason for choosing this topic is so that I may be able to learn about Pinterest, why everyone seem so interested and how Pinterest can be used in education. Like Facebook, twitter and WhatsApp, Pinterest is another social media that allows you to see the latest trends and happenings through the World Wide Web. Pinterest can be used to connect with long lost friends and relatives and also keep in touch with present loved ones.

Pinterest can help me teach mathematics or any given topic to person that are in my contact or persons desiring to learn through this medium of communication. What can be done is that I could post a question or work and persons can access the question and give their answer by using the ‘pin it’ page. A conversation thread would then be created and everyone could be able to see what each other is doing, give their feedback and work the problem together.

Describe the affordances and constraints of email as an ICT tool for learning.

Information Communication and Technology (ICT) includes a range of technology and other resources used to create, store, communicate, disseminate and manage information (Tinio, as cited in EDTK2030 Essential Readings, 2014). The use of ICT tools in education are very important, students are required to use their efforts to understand the different applications. Teachers incorporate these tools in teaching and learning by including them in the various content areas of the curriculum. In order for ICT tools to be effectively utilized in teaching and learning the knowledge of how people learn should be taken in consideration (Uwiopencampus EDTK2030, 2014). According to Stevenson, “the use of Information and Communications Technology ICT as an aid to teaching and learning has been adapted largely as an act of faith” (as sited in Kennewell, 2001, p. 101).

According to the online Macmillan Dictionary affordance is define as the “quality of an object or environment that allows someone to perform an action.” The same dictionary defines constraints as “something that limits your freedom to do what you want” (Macmillan Publishers Limited, n.d.). Affordances and constraints are related and are necessary for any activity to take place. A persons’ abilities and what they will do with ICT tools must be considered when thinking about affordances and constraints (Kennewell, 2001). Theories provides support for understanding different developments that takes place in the learning environment (Uwiopencampus EDTK2030, 2014). Theories that support the use of ICT based on unit 2 is the constructivist theories with emphasis on the three dimensions: activity based teaching and learning, reflective teaching and learning and teaching and learn that focuses on social negotiation.

An example of affordances within my professional environment is the ability to communicate and interact with e-tutors and peers about given topic. I can send email to myself as reminders of important dates, work I have done and stored on laptop or flash drive as backup in case of malfunctions. This email can be retrieved from any computer saving me the time of having to redo the work. I am able to communicate and stay in touch with relatives in the island as well as those abroad. I am also able to meet new friends from different parts of the world and interact with them.

An example of constraints as it relates to email and learning is the unauthorized use of password to access email, writing down passwords for future reference and not properly storing it or not properly logging out from a public computer are risk for person to loose important information if found out by troublemakers.

A possible solution to the constraint identified above is to ensure that the computer is properly logged off after every use and recommends the use of simple passwords that are easily remembered such as a child’s name.

Whilst “the use of Information and Communications Technology ICT as an aid to teaching and learning has been adapted largely as an act of faith” (Stevenson, as cited in Kennewell, 2001, p. 101) students are required to use their efforts to understand the different applications. In order for ICT tools to be effectively utilized in teaching and learning, the knowledge of how people learn should be taken in consideration, (Uwiopencampus EDTK2030, 2014).

                                                                                                                    References

Kennewell, S. (2001). Using affordances and constraints to evaluate the use of information and communications technology. Journal of Information Technology for Teacher, 101.

Macmillan Publishers Limited. (n.d.). Retrieved from Macmillan Dictionary: http//www.constraintbyMacmillanDictionary.htm

Uwiopencampus (2014). EDTK2030 Unit 2. Development and Characteristics of Information and Communication Technologies ICT. [Essential Readings], p. 3.