To what extent are practitioners’ skills and knowledge important for the effective use of ICT?

Ensuring that practitioners are able to teach ICT effectively is an essential skill particularly evident throughout the curriculum. Many researchers emphasise the importance of teachers being comfortable and knowledgeable using these methods of technology. (King-Sears&Evmenova,2007). Starr stated teachers view computers as valuable teaching tools when they themselves were comfortable using them (Starr,2003)

Do you agree that practitioners are more likely to use a variety of ICT methods if they feel confident that they can use them effectively? This video identifies this.


Austin, L.(2013)ICT in teaching. .Brown, H. (2014) ‘Teachers Attitudes and Confidence in Technology Integration’, Marshall-University Marshall-Digital-Scholar-Theses,DissertationsandCapstones,

The Effectiveness of Using and Creating Podcast's/Vodcast's in Educational Settings

On the Cardiff Metropolitan University website and YouTube page, a range of vodcasts are available. Here are two vodcasts, one giving a virtual tour of the Cyncoed campus and the other reviewing Cardiff’s accommodation/halls.  

1 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UDqAw31jYow

2 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll6eEhhRmyY

I would say both these vodcasts are effective, and very beneficial for students contemplating studying at the university. International students could view the university before arrival or open days. All information is given through vodcasts, which is easy to access and cost effective. If individuals have questions or queries about accommodation, they can watch the vodcast for personal experiences from other students.

Pena and Challoo stated ‘teachers today need to be savvy in the ways they present material and how they get and keep their students’ attention’ (2011). Therefore vodcasts seem to be supporting teachers when presenting or setting work. However creating these vodcasts can be very time consuming for filming, editing and researching. Not all students would know how to access these videos, neither would some want to be filmed.

Pena, R., & Challoo, Linda. (2011). The Impact of Podcasts, Screencasts, and Vodcasts on Student Achievement in the Science Classroom, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses.

Podcasts and Vodcasts in Education

It is becoming increasingly common within education, that lessons are no longer taught with traditional book learning, but through the use of Audio and Video tools.  More and more education systems, such as schools and universities, are making information available online.  One of the most common systems to use are Podcasts and Vodcasts. But what are these and how useful are they really?

Below is an interview I conducted with 2 students of Cardiff Met University to see what they thought about Podcasting and Vodcasting and how useful it really is:

 

It seems that although this type of resource can be useful in education, there are some negatives towards using it effectively. 

I do believe however that using podcasts and vodcasts will become a more common way of teaching as technology continues to improve.

The Importance of Multimedia and Multimodality within Compulsary Education

The prezi I have created identifies the difference between multimedia and multimodality whilst providing examples of how practitioners involve both within their pedagogical techniques. It then continues to explain the importance of these methods within education.

http://prezi.com/dvntd19fbiw0/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

The Importance of Multimedia and Multimodality within Compulsary Education

This prezzi explores the importance of children being exposed to multimedia and multimodal methods debating if this is distracting or enhances learning. This identifies examples of this in practice within the education sector, recognising the effects that this has overall on a child’s learning. 

https://prezi.com/gwx6dd10wjf8/edit/#1_24309637

The Importance of Multimedia and Multimodality in Compulsary Education

Maria D' Avgerinou (2016) notes that "Meaning and Knowledge are built up through many different Modalities and not just through text."  It is there for key that teachers and practitioners embrace the idea of using different forms of Multimedia and Multimodality, to provide and encourage a more complex and fulfilling learning experience to children.

The use of various forms of Multimedia which incorporate multimodal effects, can often encourage children to engage in activities, can lead to more focused learning and can stimulate new ways of thinking (Jewitt, 2006). 

Below is a video that looks at how using multimedia tools can encourage learning:

Multimedia in Education: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Aw4ANubXDo 

What needs to be remembered is that not all students learn in the same way, and much the same as all teachers have a different approach to teaching.  Through the use of multimedia and Multimodal resources, teachers and students can enjoy a more enriched learning experience.


D'Avgerinou, M. & Gialamas, S (2016) .Advances in Early Childhood and K-12 Education: Revolutionizing K-12 Blended Learning through the i²Flex Classroom Model. Hershey PA. IGI Global

Jewitt, C (2006). Technology, Literacy, Learning: A Multimodal Approach. Oxon. Routledge

The Importance of Multimedia and Multimodality Within Compulsory Education

I believe it is very important to expose children from an early age to multimedia and multimodal methods. These forms of technology can also be used for educational purposes which seems to be functional. Study conducted by Cutrim Sechmid, E. (2008) demonstrated that students found 'paper handout for the delivery of information were boring', stating that they 'either catch student attention nor stimulate their interest in learning'.

Engaging a classroom with young children can be challenging, however the use of technology helps children interact. Using technology such as PowerPoint slides, CD’s, audio books, digital videos and IWB’s instead of words can help construct and understand ideas.

Here is a video presenting why teachers should try multimodality within the classroom.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWPrevUejwE

Cutrim Schmid, E. (2008). Potential pedagogical benefits and drawbacks of multimedia use in the English language classroom equipped with interactive whiteboard technology. Computers & Education, 51(4), 1553-1568.