My name is Natalie
I am currently studying a Bachelor of Education in early childhood at Curtin University. My passion in life is quality care and education for children. I live with my husband and two amazing daughters. I have been an education assistant for the past thirteen years and have worked with children from kindergarten to year seven.
The aim of this portfolio is to present five work samples. Each work sample will discuss a technology used as well as concept explored during this unit.
Work Sample 1
Technology – Microsoft Word
Topic – Technological Enhanced Learning (TEL)
Summary
The technology I have used in this work sample is Microsoft Word. Microsoft Word is a word processing software. This program aims to simplify office and home tasks by assisting the user to create and organise documents easily. It can be used to write simple notes or complete novels. In week one of this unit, I wanted to make sense of my readings, lecture and tutorial. I also wanted to produce a document that summarised my learning. This work sample is the product of this process. Microsoft Word is part of Microsoft Office software and is available for purchase from a variety of retailers. I had Microsoft Word installed on my computer. I opened the program, entered my information onto a page, and then edited and formatted the document.
Reflection
This work sample demonstrates the concept Technological Enhanced Learning (TEL). TEL is using information communication technology (ICT) to enhance teaching and learning. The university of Queensland states that “Technology enhances learning as it Technology-enhanced activities can help you to achieve better learning outcomes through increased interaction and engagement, or to achieve educational experiences not previously possible, and to reduce the per student teaching load” (2010, p.1).
Using Microsoft Word for the purpose of this work sample has demonstrated Technology enhanced learning, as Microsoft Word assisted in making sense of large amounts of information and aided in the production of a document that represented learning.
There are two main benefits of Microsoft Word for classroom learning. Firstly it teaches the basic skill of word processing. Howell states that “Word processing is a basic and important skill needed by student throughout their formal schooling” (2012, p.147). Secondly it assists students to make sense of information and supports students in creating documents. Howell further discusses how word processing assists students to develop as digital content creators; he reports that “They develop skills in producing text-based digital artefacts that can be shared, uploaded or printed (p.148).
A disadvantage of Microsoft word is that as it is a commonly used program it can be used by digitally challenged educators as a basis for their teaching of technology. Howell discusses educators and explains that “Most teachers tend to be self-taught or peer-taught. Their technology skills tend to be limited to what is in their home and work environment” (p.6).
Work Sample 2
Technology – iPod
Topic – Digital Pedagogy
Summary
The technology I have used in this work sample is an iPod. An iPod is a portable device that has multiple functions such as an audio recorder, mp3 player, and a camera. In week four of this unit, a teacher I work with had asked me to help her plan her technology program. This prompted me to ask my lecturer for advice. I was encouraged to use an iPod to record my voice whilst reading a story and then provide children with the opportunity to do the same. I explored this suggestion at home with my daughter. This work sample is the product that was produced. IPod touches can be purchased new from a variety of retailers or second hand online. I owned an iPod touch. I opened the voice memo application on the device and pressed record, my daughter then read a story. When my daughter was finished reading I pressed pause. To play the recording I opened the audio application and selected the last recording on the list and pressed play.
Reflection
This work sample demonstrates the concept of digital pedagogy. Digital pedagogy is defined by Howell as “The ability to teach using digital technologies” (p.239). Howell explains that, a digital pedagogy is not a skill that can be taught, it is an attitude and aptitude. It requires teachers to try new technologies and use their knowledge of learning theories to explore if and how the technology will benefit their teaching (p.239).Using an iPod for the purpose of this work sample demonstrated the concept of digital pedagogy as it required a positive attitude to try new technologies for teaching and an aptitude to identify the learning opportunities that may be revealed while using the device.
There are two main benefits of an iPod for classroom learning. Firstly it teaches basic skills of how to use a common technology. Howell states that “Increasingly, parents, employers and the wider community expect the education system to produce technologically fluent students” (p.6). Secondly it provides a different mode of learning. Kennedy and Barblett (2010) discuss considerations for planning play environments and explain that educators need to consider “Providing equipment and resources which children can use in multiple ways to promote exploration and creativity” (p.14).
The disadvantages of an iPod are that there are applications on the devices such as YouTube which can link students to websites, videos, or images that are inappropriate. Therefor safety measures need to be implemented prior to use in order to protect students from these risks.
Work Sample 3
Technology – WordPress
Topic – Digital fluency
Summary
The technology I have used in this work sample is WordPress. WordPress is a free personal publishing platform commonly known as a blog. In week nine of this unit, I was required to explore a selection of platforms that I was able to present this e-portfolio on. This work sample is a screen shot of the platform WordPress. WordPress is found online at http://www.wordpress.com. In order to use WordPress I needed to create an account. Once I had an account I selected new post and upload images and entered in my text.
Reflection
This work sample demonstrates the concept of digital fluency. Howell defines Digital fluency as “The ability to use digital technologies in a confident manner” (p. 239). Prensky (2001) refers to the students of today as Digital Natives. He states that “Our students today are all “native speakers” of the digital language of computers, video games and the Internet” (p.6). Prensky refers to the majority of teachers as digital immigrants. He states that “They range along a continuum of those who have attempted to use information and communication technology (ICT) to those who have not embraced the use of ICT in the instructional process” (p. 6).
Creating a blog on WordPress for the purpose of this work sample demonstrated the concept of digital fluency as it reveals a confidence and ability to use new technologies.
WordPress enhances classroom learning in many ways. One benefit of using WordPress in the classroom is that students are engaged in writing when they are writing blogs. Howell explains that “Blogs offer an interesting new space for writing and literacy development” (p.157). Another benefit is that WordPress develops students digital fluency as blogging provides students with opportunities to use a smartphone, computer, and upload images, audio or video files.
A disadvantage of WordPress is that information that is posted can be seen by anyone. Howell explains that “What is posted is public – anyone can read the posting (p.157). For this reason students need to be careful about what they write to ensure it is correct, ethical and does not release personal information.
Work Sample 4
Technology – Microsoft SkyDrive
Topic – Cloud computing
Summary
The technology I have used in this work sample is Microsoft SkyDrive. Microsoft SkyDrive is a cloud storage that provides 7GB of free cloud storage that is accessible from anywhere that has internet access. It is an alternative to storing information on a personal computer, thumb drive or hard drive. In week one of this unit, one topic discussed was cloud computing. I was experiencing difficulties with the locality of my documents as they were stored on various devices and I wanted to explore cloud storage as a possible solution. This work sample is a screen shot of my SkyDrive that I created. Microsoft SkyDrive is available at http://www.microsoft.com. I did not have a Microsoft SkyDrive installed so I went to http://www.micorsoft.com and created an account. I then installed SkyDrive onto my computer from the Microsoft website. Once installed I was prompted to choose to either sync all folders or only particular folders from my computer to SkyDrive. I chose which folders I wanted synced and then uploaded them to SkyDrive where they now remain stored and are accessible from any computer that has internet access.
Reflection
This work sample demonstrates the concept of cloud computing. Cloud computing is a storage system that uses the internet as the place of storage and provides an alternative to common storage systems such as hard drives, thumb drives, or CD’s. Howell defines cloud computing as “A storage facility located in cyberspace, or the internet” (p.247).
Howell explains that there are four types of ‘cloud models’ which are:
1. public cloud which is used by the general public
2. community cloud which is shared by a number of organisations
3. hybrid cloud which combines two or more clouds
4. private cloud which is for one organisations sole use (p.212).
Cloud computing has been demonstrated in this work sample as the sample is a screen shot of a Microsoft SkyDrive which holds a number of files that were previously stored in different geographical locations and are now stored in one location online that is accessible from any computer that has internet access.
Microsoft SkyDrive enhances classroom learning in two ways. Firstly SkyDrive enables students to store information in one location that is easily accessible. Secondly SkyDrive offers flexibility as students can enable other students or their teacher to access their documents which facilitates collaborative projects and teacher monitoring and scaffolding. Lastly, Howell discusses that cloud computing assists students as it provides them with opportunities to use a current technological tool as well as develop necessary skills such as uploading and downloading information (p.214).
A disadvantage of Cloud Computing is that information is stored on the internet therefor it is susceptible to hacking.
For this reason safety needs to be a priority when using Microsoft SkyDrive for classroom learning. Teachers need to ensure that their students have passwords that are strong and safe.
Work Sample 5
Technology –Facebook website
Topic – Ethical on-line behaviour
Summary
The technology I have used in this work sample is the website Facebook. Facebook is a Web 2.0 site that enables social networking on the internet. In week nine of this unit, a topic discussed was ethical online behaviour. I had a Facebook page online and I wanted to assess and if need be edit my Facebook page to ensure it was ethical. This work sample is a screen shot of my Facebook page which includes a post from me explaining my professional profile and requesting friends to refrain from linking me to anything inappropriate. Facebook is found at wwww.facebook.com. I had a Facebook account. I logged into my account and viewed all past activity since its creation. I deleted everything that I felt could be taken the wrong way. I then wrote a post to all my friends explaining that it had come to my attention that as an educator I need to ensure that my Facebook page was ethical and appropriate for anyone to see. I also requested that my friends be mindful of my professional position and refrain from posting anything inappropriate on my page. In addition to this I set my privacy setting so that I need to approve all tags of me prior to friends posting them.
Reflection
This work sample demonstrates the concept of ethical online behaviour. Ethical online behaviour is ensuring that a person is behaving appropriately online. The Department of Education WA (2010) states that “As a school staff member, you are subject to a level of public scrutiny over and above most other public sector employees because you work with children” (p.3).
Ethical online behaviour has been demonstrated in this work sample as the owner of this Facebook page has checked her page to ensure it is ethical and also written a post on her wall that informs friends of her professional profile and requests that friends are mindful of this and refrain from posting inappropriate material on her page or linking her to inappropriate material on their page.
One main benefit of Facebook for classroom learning is that it allows students to network with friends and share ideas or resources. Howell explains “A Web 2.0 site allows users to interact and collaborate with each other in a social media dialogue as creators of user-generated content in a virtual community” (p.158).
A disadvantage of using Facebook is that even though settings can be set to private, there are ways that information can be accessed by strangers. For this reason it is imperative that users maintain ethical online behaviour by making sure that things that they post online cannot be taken the wrong way.
Reference list
Department of Education, Western Australia. (2010). Social media in schools: Guidelines for school staff using social media and other technologies. Retrieved from http://www.det.wa.edu.au/standardsandintegrity/detcms/cms-service
Howell, J. (2012). Teaching with ICT: Digital pedagogies for collaboration and creativity. South Melbourne, VIC: Oxford University Press.
Kennedy, A., & Barblett, L. (2010). Learning and teaching through play: Supporting the Early Years Learning Framework. Canberra: Early Childhood Australia.
Prensky, M. (2001). Digital natives, digital immigrants. Retrieved from http://www.marcprensky.com/writing/prensky%20-%20digital%20natives,%20digital%20immigrants%20-%20part1.pdf
University of Southern Queensland. (2010). Technology-enhanced learning and teaching: A guide. Retrieved from http://www.usq.edu.au/learnteach/topics/tel
CV
Natalie
E-mail: natandgaz@optusnet.com.au
Objective
To secure an early childhood teaching position within a caring and supportive school where I can share my love of learning with all that I teach.
Education
2013, Curtin University, Bentley : Bachelor of Education – Early Childhood
2010, Notre Dame University, Fremantle : Bridging course
1990, Cyril Jackson Senior High School : Year 10
Positions Held
2005 – 2013
Caralee Community School
Education Assistant
1999 – 2005
Maylands Peninsular Primary School
Education Assistant
References
Pamela Dow
Teacher
Caralee Community School
Sarah Wohlsein
Teacher
St Jerome’s Catholic Primary School
natslearning 