8
April
2008
So I was looking through Erica’s blog when I came across her entry on the article “Computer as Paintbrush: Technology, Play, and the Creative Society.” I remember reading this article at the beginning of the semester and it’s definitely the best read when it comes to first getting into e-learning. It offers an interesting comparison between a computer and paintbrush, and thinking about it more wouldn’t it have been obvious to me? Paintbrushes are a traditional method of doing certain tasks, and even though computers offer digital results, you can still create the same outcomes only using different mediums.
Now, why would anyone use a computer as opposed to just a paintbrush? Many people might believe that computers are just an “escape route” and might result in little interactive learning (like a television), but this article totally proves that wrong. It moved on to talking about a girl named Jenny who created a bird house that took pictures of birds using a little computer called the “cricket.” 
Not that kind of cricket. (Source)
Source: Robotics
Not as cute, but certainly a helpful little thing!
Jenny had to experiment and test her little contraption for a period of three months before it was finally able to take pictures, and that is definitely a very dedicating hands-on experience! So computers aren’t all about sitting down, there are still so many activities that can be done, that require just as much effort as using a paintbrush on a canvas.
Posted: Education, Gadgets
20
March
2008
Ahh, podcasts. My absolute greatest fear.
Week two of e-learning introduced me to podcasts and whilst I was fiddling in my chair dreading having to record my voice, I thought, “.. what does this have to do with educating children?”
Reading Podcasting in Education and watching Michael Cowling’s example on how to use podcasting to engage student learning did open my eyes a bit, but I still consider podcasts a bit of a gimmick at this time. While I don’t necessarily think podcasting has a place in every lesson, I feel that if students wish to use podcasting for showcasing an assignment in progress, or the various other examples presented in the Apple Education page, then that’s fantastic and I would encourage them to experiment and take risks with this new-found knowledge.
For the most part I imagine podcasts being used more as another form of presentation – nothing more. While Cowling’s demonstration was unique and creative, I have seen poetry lessons that rely on cutting out “wind-chimes” which were just as engaging. Podcasting provides an opportunity to think outside the box for a lesson, but I don’t really see it as a “revelation” or a “must do.”
And now for your listening “pleasure,” here is the first podcast I ever recorded, created on the 6th of March. It relates to my greatest passion when it comes to teaching. Hope it doesn’t sound too convoluted! It was made in “Garageband.”
vvpodcastfinal.mp3
Posted: Education, Gadgets
20
March
2008
Source: Flickr
Isn’t this just the cutest little laptop? This is the XO laptop. It was presented in my e-learning class last thursday, and after a while of attentive listening, it hit me that I’ve actually seen and used one of these little gadgets before! For more information about XO laptops and the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) organisation, I implore you look at the main site. It’s even got a wiki!
At the time, I didn’t think much of it, and the person that owned it (he had access to a pre-production model somehow) explained to me about how it was being distributed in third-world countries for a relatively affordable price. I feel that’s a great way to spread the wonders of technology to children who might have otherwise never laid eyes on a computer!
Playing with it was interesting. It was definitely the kind of laptop fit for a child to use, considering the incredibly small keyboard. As you can see in the picture, I was trying to draw, but failing miserably at it. It’s pretty clunky, but I’d imagine this is just the beginning.
I don’t want to seem like I’m fawning over this thing too much – I’m sure there are going to be problems with it. But it sounds like an inventive, interesting tool for kids to use. For instance, it apparently has a socket on the side of it that puts out some kind of adjustable voltage that allows those using it to experiment with electricity. I think it is ideas like this that truly make it an educational device, and hint at the possibilities these these kinds of multipurpose devices could have in schools everywhere.
One thing’s for sure, though. I can’t help getting the image of Shrek in my head when I look at the thing.
Posted: Education, Gadgets
