1. Consider the breadth of concept development – how much has this person broadened their perspectives about the concepts we have investigated and discussed this week? All of the presenters were knowledgeable in their topics. All of the presenters discussed ways that they have either used ICT or are trying to sort out what to do with it. All of the presenters discussed both their uses, and desires to revise and improve on their usage.
2. Consider deepening understanding of concepts – is there evidence that this person has deepened their understanding of the concepts covered this week? I found that by using their ICT site/resource all of the presenters showed a good understanding. I was impressed by how colourful and enticing Michelle’s blog was. I was indeed sidetracked by taking on the of personality tests… Overall I felt that all of the presenters knew how to manipulate the ICT resource that they chose.
3. What about this person’s use of ICT [in their blog] – how have they used digital media to represent their learning? I felt that all the presenters had good visuals and that they were used appropriately. I felt that their pacing was good and that it was easy to follow along if I so desired.
4. What would you cite as exemplary uses of digital media in this learning context? Again I was greatly impressed by Michelle’s initiative to start and maintain both an educational and fun blog for her classroom. I do not know her circumstances at her school, but I found myself both exploring and enjoying her site. There were some good ideas and I liked the colourful layout. It was easy to navigate and I feel that she has accomplished her goal of being accessible to both student s and parents. It is a good model for other teachers who are perhaps looking into this method as a means of classroom or subject maintenance.
5. What would you suggest as ways to improve uses of ICT in this learning context? I cannot give comments on this as every teacher is in a different situation. Every province, school district, and administration has different rules, resources, and expectations of their teachers and their use of ICT.
For example: I am overseas, I live in Singapore which have their own rules on IP, I belong to an IBO school, we are accredited by Edutrust, IBO, and WASC which all have their own expectations and rules for us. My administrations are males who are obsessed with ICT; I am in an Apple hardware, Google software, 1-to-1-laptop school. I am expected to be online from 8:15am – 4:30pm daily, I need to be one and maintain my PowerSchool duties, maintain prompt communications on my school Gmail account, to use ICT in every summative assessment that I use in the English department, and I am expected to us the laptops in class instruction for both my subjects. I am connected to this laptop from 7:30am – 6pm daily. Not to mention the fact that I will then have to take it home to grade assessments on, as we have gone paperless in the English department, and I use Google docs for the Drama reflections as well.
Now, that being said – who else is in the exact same situation? Most likely none, therefore I cannot comment on them just as much as they cannot on me. However if anyone can figure out a way for me to work smarter – not harder – with my laptop, then by all means please speak up!
6. Did you find anything problematic in their uses of ICT? Please describe and suggest a way to rectify this situation. I felt that the presenters all used their ICT well in their presentations. Again due to not knowing their circumstances, I cannot comment on this.
7. Think about this person’s contributions to the learning group – how would you describe their contributions? I felt that the presenters were all well spoken and took ownership of their topics. They admitted when they might be wrong or needed more experience with their chosen ICT. I feel that that is a great quality in a lifelong learner and a teacher when they have the courage to admit and say, “I don’t know how to do this, but I am trying to get better at it.” I feel that students (and an adult audience) will respect them more for being honest and showing curiosity. It was also great to have some “real world” applicable examples in use for the people who might need either information or inspiration!
8. What have their contributions to the learning group meant to you and your learning experience in the course to date? I enjoyed the presentations and I liked their ideas and notions. Again I constrained by my own schools’ rules, however I did make bookmarks and notes on their topics and websites for future use.
Thanks, Jen, a unique interpretation of the exercise, for sure. Thank you for your innovative response to the peer review exercise.