Mobile technology for teaching

Over the last couple of weeks on the PCET course we have been touching on the topic of mobile technology in the teaching environment. In my own teaching practise, I have been fortunate enough to have had opportunities to expand on my use of technology (interactive whiteboard, video and audio clips), however, mobile technology is still a relatively new concept.
The reason for this come from the fact that my teaching experience come mainly from the secondary education, particularly within schools who have strict policies against such devices being used, which is a shame as it is my opinion that mobile technology could enhance the learning experience, rather than distract from it (as most teachers seem to fear).

Over the last few weeks on the PCET, mobile technology has become a hot topic, as well as the ways that it could be integrated into the teaching practise and classroom environment. Mobile tech (in my opinion), when used effectively can become a vital tool in a teachers practise, enabling classroom discussion, group activities or any number of tasks which can improve the learning standard.

In a recent ICT session the topic abuse or teasing among younger learners with regards to 'gadgets' was raised, which I would admit has always been a concern of mine when it comes to integrating technology into my own practise.  However, an interesting point was made that any abuse or teasing would take place regardless, as such things have been a factor prior to the introduction of such tech. I have never looked at it in such a way and I must admit, this realisation has enabled me to breath a sigh of relief and reassured my faith in the value of teaching using mobile devices as I have always hoped to use technology in my practice regardless.

Personally, I have been debating the pros and cons of purchasing an iPad for myself. Seeing the benefits it could have to my teaching practise and the benefits it could have to the learners as a result has made a purchase all but certain. watch this space, in all likelihood future posts will be closed with the infamous 'sent from my iPad' message.

image: http://www.whittington-school.co.uk/page/?pid=102 (Via Google images)

My eperiences with microsoft

Microsoft Word Vs Apple's Pages

 

 

Image: http://applesencia.com/2013/08/word-antes-que-pages

As I am a mac user, my exeriences with Microsoft programs and applications have become, for the most part, a thing of my past. I have in recent years made the gradual transition from microsoft word over to Apple's pages app as I feel this to be more user freiendly (this is just my opinion). That being said, in a recent ICT lesson in university we were show the fantastic referecning system included within Microsoft word, which I feel could result in me reverting to Word for university based assisgnments.My preference with Pages over Word comes with the ease of the funtions (such as layout and importing features), the flexability of the program and of course, the fact that I feel it has a more visually apealing layout. However, I am still a huge fan of Microsofts Powerpoint and it is always going to be a preferencer of mine, however, I am trying to make the move over Apple's Keynote to see what that has to offer. Watch this space for feedback in the future

Issues with word on Mac

If you dont have the issue mentioned above with the referencing system on Mac then good for you, concider yourself one of the lucky ones, however, if your stumped, then read on!
Thanks to the power of Youtube, I came across a fanstic video showing the step by step guide to downloading and installing a veriety of referencing systems on Macs version of Word (Judging by the comments, this comes as a great relief to students and Word users everywhere)

Heres the link for Mac users having trouble putting the referencing system in Word: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dj4xoJzJRvo

Blog review: All the music technology 'stuff' you could ever need!

So I've been exploring the internet over the last few days, hunting for blogs that could be useful to my subject of music technology or to teachers in general. There have been a few excellent examples of what i feel are useful and informative blogs, but to me 'Music technology at Simon Belle' is a glowing example.
The blog provides music technology educators with an excellent insight of the specific modules or units or work students are expected to study, along with a basic overlay of information on said subjects and a number of resource examples to use as a guide while planning.
The layout is excellent, broken down into individual tabs which you can select to view by year or study (A2 or AS), or if you wish, by topic. There is also a wide selection of videos, mark schemes, homework examples and documents to help fellow music tech educators along their way.
Personally, as I begin my studies on the PCET course teaching Music Technology, I can already see this sight being a valuable asset and a go to for new ideas and any subject information I need.

Check it out at http://sbsmusictech.wordpress.com or select from 'my interesting teaching and music tech' blogs tabs.

Tedtalk: An interesting look at the education system

I remember seeing this video a few years back and decided to give it another watch. Ken Robinson raises a lot of interesting points to think about. I particularly like that it mentions the challenges of teaching for the next generation of learners when we can't possibly guess what the next generation is going to bring in terms of technology or job prospects. An interesting watch for anyone studying education (of any age group) or just a general interest in the matter.



Reference:
The RSA. (2010 October 14). RSA Animate - Changing education paradigms [video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U#action=share

Reflective practice: Bubbl.us activity

Bubbl.us is an online resource used for creating interactive 'Mind-maps'. Having used something similer in the past while teaching A-level students as part of a few revision lessons, this is an excellent resource. This example was completed during an ICT session on the PCET course when asked 'what is refelction and why is it important?'.





There are other such applications are quite similar. I myself am a Mac user, and as such am a slave to most of the new and exciting applications Apple's App store throws at me. As a result I have been a longtime user of the application called Mini node pro. the application offers similar features as Bubble.us, but its available as a download rather than a web-based app. There doesn't seem to be any functional difference between the two, the only obvious one being the visual differences. The app is available on the App Store for free as a lite version, the pro version is available at a small cost (which varies depending on offers). In all honesty, if your considering this App then you could stick with the lite version as there are few differences (or noticeable difference) between the two.

Above: Mininode screen shot

Bubbl.us would be excellent in terms of resources within lessons. Personally I can see myself adapting this into my own teaching practice in the future for such activities which could include classroom discussions, group or individual discussions or even as a handout or printed resource. Its not hard to understand how Bubble.us could not only enhance the quality of learning taking place, but also create a teaching environment which is both enjoyable and productive.


Mininode is available from: http://mindnode.com on Mac, iPad and iPhone

Bubble.us can be found at: http://bubble.us

'What do you think of social media in education' - Todaysmeet.com PCET discussion

PCET: From the start

Week 2 of studying the PCET course in university and already enjoying and learning alot. Really excited to begin teaching within Music Technology.

This blog marks the first of many throughout the course of the year and my studies.

Looking forward to seeing what the coming year will bring.

Nick