For me, what is motivating about our software discussions in the CI 556 course is that we don't just look at theoretical concepts behind various types of software but actually do "hands-on" tasks with those software in order to have a feel of how it works and the kind of learning strategies and skills that can be developed by students who use these technologies. These activities help me address the burning question I have on my heart as a ESL teacher in Ghana : How can I help promote the use of modern technology in teaching Reading and Writing to ESL students in Ghana?
The class activities on Comic Life, Bailey's Book House, Kid Pix Duluxe and Bookflix gave me some food for thought.
Reflecting on our discussions on Comic life and Kid Pix Duluxe in class, I came to the conclusion that these two software can promote students' creativity and innovation because students can generate new ideas, products and processes and create original works of personal or group expressions. This creativity and innovation is what I see lacking in Bailey's Book House.
As a teacher, using such software in my instruction will help me facilitate and inspire student learning activities because I will be promoting creativity and innovative thinking and inventiveness.These can help promote communication and collaboration among students because they can interact on and collaborate as they work on common projects with peers, learn how to communicate ideas and information to multiple audience. Comic Life and Kid Pix Duluxe will also help students develop critical thinking and decision making strategies.
My motive for using Bookflix will be because digital images are very effective in aiding comprehension among students with various learning styles. This software can help me as a teacher to design and develop digital-age learning experiences and assessments, an approach that will make my teaching very effective.
As I sum up my reflection on these software, I recall that imortant advice that was given by Bull and Bell(2005) that the aim for using digital images in teaching should be to help students ACQUIRE, ANALYZE, CREATE AND COMMUNICATE.
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Nice job in seeing how these activities actually connect with standards and really just the basics to designing engaging learning experiences for our students. I hope to continue that thought process... as we continue to explore many possibilities.
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