Mobile Phone wiki

Mobile Phone Wiki Activity - Reflection.

As part of E-learning, this week we have been looking at the use of mobile phones in the classroom. To allow us to do this in a truly collaborative E-way, a wiki was set up for us all to comment in. De Bono’s six thinking hats were used as the structure for discussion.

The activity utilised the five Dimensions of learning theories, which is the framework on which effective learning is built (Marzano & Pickering, 1997). In particular, aspects of dimension three, such as analysing perspectives were used, as well large chunks from all parts of dimension five.

The collaborative use of the thinking hats framework truly allowed our group, which is scattered across the nation, to have a free flowing exchange of ideas, while still keeping us within defined parameters. The thinking hats themselves, I find, really push and challenge my thinking, forcing me to question preconceived ideas. The subject matter of this task, mobile phones in classrooms, was an excellent choice for this exact reason. My first thoughts were all very black hat; seeing the elements of added distractions in the classroom, with limited, if any, ideas of how they might be used effectively. Being forced to think outside what I thought I knew, I started to become quite excited about the possibilities that the technology may offer. The use of the wiki allowed me to witness other students going through the same thought process.

Reference

Marzano, R.J. & Pickering, D.J. (1997). Dimensions of learning teacher’s manual (2nd ed.). Aurora, CO: Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning.

Image

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