Reflection Synopsis

"Good teaching is good teaching, no matter how it's done."

(WorldWideLearn.com)

‘Digital learning is any type of learning that is facilitated by technology or by instructional practice that makes effective use of technology’ State Government Victoria Department of Education & Training (2014). Digital learning includes virtual learning, game based learning, collaborations and reporting online. E-learning is the use of digital technologies in a traditional classroom setting which creates a learning environment with endless possibilities. There are many ways that e-learning can improve learning gains in an educational environment.

By using e-learning in and out of classrooms students have the ability to search topics further and in more detail. E-learning and digital learning allows information to be readily available to anyone with internet connection and enables the use of digital tools to help the student study at their own pace. For example, if a student misses out on a lecture they can watch it at a later time online. They can study what they want, when they want, where they want – information is ready at the touch of a button, in the palm of their hand.

Another encouraging feature relating to e-learning is that students with learning disabilities or with English as a second language have access to these digital technologies which have advanced so that those students can still learn with their peers. For example, if a student has English as their second language, there are apps or language translators readily available for mobile devices, tablets and also computers that they can use so that they don’t fall behind.

E-learning lets students learn in the ways that they learn the best. For students that are auditory learners, they can look up informative videos and mp3’s. Visual learners can look for interactive websites and games, images, slideshows and videos. With no time limits on e-learning, information is accessible 24/7 which makes learning and studying easier for students to partake in their own time and this will motivate them to learn by themselves which makes them more efficient learners. As for where they want to learn they can learn anywhere that they feel comfortable and anywhere that is a suitable learning environment for instance at school, at home, the library, a friend or relatives home or on the go.

Aside from all of the positives that come with e-learning and the use of digital tools in classes, there are also negatives that are attached to the use of these technologies. For one, online safety is a major concern for teachers, schools, parents and students. There are so many cases of online bulling – with some cases not being reported - that websites used for classes must be monitored carefully and continuously for inappropriate language, links and comments. Teachers will have to make sure that the websites they want to use are approved by the school so that they have the best protection and lock certain websites that they know students will visit from being accessed.

Cyber (smart :) is a website made by the Australian Government that contains information on how to be safe online and the consequences of unsafe behaviour. This information is available to students, teachers and parents to ensure that whoever uses the internet is safe online and offline. Teachers, parents and students all need to be aware of the dangers of being online and this website is the place to get that information. Cyber (smart :) has information for young kids, kids, teens, parents and schools. There are fun games and videos for the young kids quizzes to test how cyber smart kids and teens are about cyber safety.

Substitution	Augmentation	Modification	Redefinition
Students can use digital tools to easily edit their writing. Instead of handwritten work, students can now print their work. Internet is a source of information for students to utilize for their writing topics.	Students can use Spell check Grammar check Find synonyms Use thesaurus View word count Students can insert images to their documents to make them more interesting.	With teacher direction students can use collaborative spaces for writing tasks. Students can also use online collaborate sessions to share information and ideas with peers. Work can be done away from school.	Collaborate sessions can be shared with other school classes globally. Information is shared in virtual classrooms. Each student can contribute ideas to be utilized.

The SAMR model is on digital technologies that talks about evolving from handwritten text to using digital technologies to improve spelling, grammar and how they can by using digital technologies, insert pictures and videos into their documents. Using digital technologies in classrooms helps the students to develop their writing, reading and listening skills as these three areas all have technologies designed to develop them. While this is a good process I’m afraid that the future generations will only know how to use technology and will not know what a pen is or how to write a handwritten letter.

References

Australian Government (2015). Cyber (smart :). [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/. [Last Accessed 22 April 2015].

State Government Victoria Department of Education & Training (2014). Teaching with Digital Technologies. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/support/pages/elearningcurriculum.aspx. [Last Accessed 22 April 2015].

WorldWideLearn (1999-2015). Benefits of E-Learning. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.worldwidelearn.com/elearning-essentials/elearning-benefits.htm. [Last Accessed 22 April 2015].