FINAL POST - HOORAY!

iLearn Model & Blooms Digital Taxonomy

Check out the spelling at 3:38 on the video (and seriously, the designer must have been trying to max out BS Bingo in the 2nd half of the video). These made ME reflect on my Module 2 post. Creating is the top of Blooms taxonomy but merely creating does not mean that the 'creator' has mastered all the 'lower' rungs of the ladder. So where do you place Blogs, Wiki's, Second Life etc on the digital taxonomy - well it depends on the quality of the product and/or how the tool is being used.

Which leads me to a big question in this whole Web 2.0 push. Are we supposed to be using it for motivation OR are we supposed to be using it to foster collaborative 21st century 'creative' learning. I think there are mixed messages throughout this course on this topic. Ideally both (I know) - but time is finite. Students may be computer literate - but not necessarily expert at the full range of skills required LEARN through the use of Web 2.0 tools. Students do need the skills identified under the iLearn video - but these need to be taught. Again time is finite.

Before elearning can be effectively done the curriculum needs to be rewritten to incorporate both the needs of teachers (guidance and direction and time to plan) and students (to allow time do develop the required skills) - a little late I suppose considering that new curriculum has just been done ? Or perhaps the design and structure of schools needs to be rethought.

Essentially whatever happens it comes down to the teacher - choosing the best tools, electronic or otherwise, to help the students achieve to their potential. AND this is where it's important that teachers use and are aware of the Web 2.0 tools out there. Without this knowledge they are limiting their resource set, limiting their ability to best help their students. Yes, I think that most of the Web 2.0 tools I previewed are gimmicky wastes of time BUT there are some gems in there and perhaps some of these tools will prove themselves useful for a future project or problem. (My new Web 2.0) Knowledge is power WMUAH HA HAAAA!
What an incoherent rant - ahhh the joys of blogging!