Theme 7: Reading Three

Brown, J. & Innes, J. (2003). Using digital video in the classroom: Another fad or feasible technology for all teachers? Computers in New Zealand Schools, 15 (2), 44-50.

Brown & Innes found that the benefits of using digital video to enhance student learning included;
The social nature of students’ learning – encouraged discussions related to planning, filming and editing, and developed group communication and co-operative skills.
The positive interdependence between students – sharing roles ensured no student was inactive or excluded.
The reflective nature of students’ learning – Video cameras allowed students to receive instant visual feedback, reflect on and analyse decisions using their subject and media knowledge.
The authentic and complex nature of the task – The work was complex and the final product had a real audience.

Theme 7: Reading Two

Turner, S., & Handler, M. (1997). Hypermedia in education: Children as audience or authors? Journal of Information Technology for Teacher Education, 6 (1), 25-34.

Hypermedia refers to a unique kind of software environment that combines the characteristics of both hypertext and multimedia. Hypertext refers to an environment in which we can jump around electronically within large amounts of text. Hypermedia extends this concept to include other forms of media, such pictures, sound, animation, and video. Ideas and concepts – whether represented as text, sound, or images – can be linked to related ideas and concepts. Different people exploring the same body of information are likely to follow different paths, depending on their interests and objectives.

Theme 7: Reading One

Smith. H., Higgins, S., Wall, K., & Miller, J. (2005). Interactive whiteboards: Boon or bandwagon? A critical review of the literature. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 21, 91-101.

IWBs (or electronic whiteboards as they are perhaps more accurately called) are large, touch-sensitive boards, which control a computer connected to a digital projector. The benefits of IWBs for teaching include;
flexibility and versatility
multimedia/multimodal presentation
efficiency
supporting planning and the development of resources
modelling ICT skills, and
interactivity and participation in lessons.