Technology+in+Education

By Dipal K. and Lan Z.
 * Research Paper - Emerging Technology in Education**

The children of our world are significantly engaged in the use of technology, especially outside the school. If education is meant to prepare these children for their world, use of technology must become the norm in our classrooms and schools. (Canuel, 2011) "Today's read/wroite web technologies have the power to create informal peer-to-peer social connections and to open new avenues for learning environments that go beyond those that are linear, teacher-centered and lecture-based to ones that are divergent, dynamic, student-centered, constructive and communication-rich. " (unknown author, 2007) Under this social web connected environment, students learn beyond the textbooks and walls of the classroom. Teachers, though most of them were not born as digital natives, should lead the way to change their teaching concepts, mothods, strategies and technologies; should develop curriculum that allowing students to work collaboratively both in the classroom and with others around the world.

The term "Web 2.0" is commonly associated with web applications that facilitate interactive information sharing, interoperability, user-centered design, and collaboration on the World Wide Web. A Web 2.0 site allows its users to interact with each other as contributors to the website's content, in contrast to websites where users are limited to the passive viewing of information that is provided to them. (Wikipedia definition) Emerging technology in education in the current sense can be mainly focused on applying Web 2.0 in the classroom.

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Web 2.0 Tools
Here are a few examples of how Web 2.0 tools can be implemented in the classroom.

1. Moodle
Moodle stands for Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment. It is free, open source software that was designed as a course management system (CMS). Image Moodle as a platform that comes with many sets of bricks. On this platform, there are many foundations (called courses), this is where bricks (activities, resources, modules, plugins, etc.) are in use. Moodle enable teachers to deliver lessons in a virtual learning environment. Through Moodle, teachers and students are able to conduct four major functions:


 * Store Webpages, Files, Links, Database, Folders, Portfolio, Labels, and LMS package.
 * Communicate through Forums, Chatrooms, Messaging, Calendar, and RSS.
 * Collaborate through Lesson, Wiki, Blog, Forum, Glossary, Social Network, Workshop, etc.
 * Evaluate with Assignment, Quiz, Lessons, Survey, Grade, Gradebook, Ratings, etc.

On the paper //Moodle: Using Learning Communities to Create an Open Source Course Management System//, author Martin Dougiamas (Moodle's creator) and Peter C. Taylor raised a major question, “How can internet software successfully support social constructionist epistemologies of teaching and learning? More specifically, what web structures and interfaces encourage or hinder participants engagement in reflective dialogue within a community of learners - by reading openly, reflecting critically and writing constructively in a way that engages their personal experiences?” By March 2010, Moodle has been tranlated into 78 languages and is being used by many hundreds of educators in 206 countries, including universities, schools and independent teachers.

2. Blogging
Blogging is one of the ways to get students interested in education via technology. According to Jay Cross “a blog is a Website with dated entries, usually by a single author, often accompanies by links to other blogs that the site’s editor visits on a regular basis.” Jay Cross suggests there are three major types of blogs: personal – an online journal or diary, news and resources – posting and links to online resources, and collaboration – a group of participants posting comments and information in a single blog. If an instructor wants to include blogs in their curriculum, the blog should be written with keeping students in mind and there should be a direct relationship between teaching and blogging. (Kirkup, 2010) Proper use of blogs in classroom will help extend the learning activities outside the classroom, increase the opportunities for student to student and student to instructor communication and encourage students to reflect on their work. (Glogoff, 2005)

3. Podcasts/Vodcasts
A Podcast offers another innovative way of combining technology with teaching and learning. Podcasts can be used for recording of lectures, class discussions, instructor feedback, study support, multi-lingual education, training instructions and etc… Like many other technologies, the podcasts offer the student the flexibility to learn anywhere and anytime. The development of software such as iTunes, Audacity presents opportunities for instructors and students to collaborate at another level. (Beldarrain, 2006) Audacity is a great tool to record and edit audio for a podcast. It is a free, opensource application that allows the user to create a high quality multitrack recording.

A Vodcast (also know as a vidcast) is a podcast that contains both video and audio content. There are several tools that allow people to capture videos.
 * **Screencasts** - Using **SMART Notebook Recorder** or online program like **Screenr**, people can capture video of any action occuring on the computer screen, and record audio narration along with the video capture.
 * **Video** - Using a webcam to record audio and video directly on the computer. Or, import video using the **FLIP Video**cameras or video enabled digital cameras. The videos can be directly uploaded to one's webpage or it can be edited using Windows Movie Maker.
 * **Video Conversion Tools** - Some video recording devices do not record in a common format that is recognized by some video players or editing software. Websites such as [|www.zamzar.com]provide the opportunity for people to convert to more accessable formats.
 * **Video Editing Software** - Using software to add transitions, titles, credits, and special effects to the video.

An audio/video file doesn't automatically become a podcast or a vodcast. People need a website to host podcasts/vodcasts.

4. Wikis
Wikis are websites that allow people easily create and edit pages. Wikipedia is a good example of wikis. One of the most obvious benefits of using a wiki in the classroom is that it provides a quick way to collaborate using text. A collaboration of wikis can help students develop their writing skills by collaborating with other students and instructor. (Lamb, 2004) Some of the biggest benefits of using wiki in education are that it is free, provides greater storage capacity and enhanced privacy settings. Wikis are also easy to use, flexible and it is easy to learn. This makes technology novice integrating in learning the material easy. In comparison with blogs, wiki is similar to a whiteboard, except it records everything that is written on it and lets you see the history of revisions. One of the best features about wikis is that it allows members to keep the history records and revert to the previous version.

5. Glogster for EDU
Glogster is a graphical blog, this social networking site allows people to create posters; text, images, photos, audio and videos can be added to make poster interactive for students. The Glogster EDU is geared toward the education environment. It allows instructors to create posters for their class and exclusively share with their students. It gives a student fun way of learning material also fosters teamwork and collaboration. One of the big benefits of using this technology is that it keeps instructors up to date with modern technology to keep in the 21st century. (Glogster EDU) Even though this web-based program is quite easy to use, when students are requested to conduct an online poster through Glogster for the first time, teachers need to scaffold students with some specific steps such as how to hyperlink a document, how to upload an audio or video, etc.

6. Google Apps
Google, the world's largest search engine, provides many free options for educators. Here are a few of the excellent options for the classroom and professional collaboration.


 * [|Google Docs] is a free, Web-based word processor, spreadsheet, presentation, form, and data storage service offered by Google. It allows users to create and edit documents online while collaborating in real-time with other users. (Description courtesy of Wikipedia).
 * Google Maps is a web mapping service application and technology provided by Google, free (for non-commercial use), that powers many map-based services. [|Google Maps] offers street maps, a route planner for traveling by foot, car, or public transport and an urban business locator for numerous countries around the world. According to one of its creators (Lars Rasmussen), [|Google Maps] is "a way of organizing the world's information geographically" (Description courtesy of Wikipedia).
 * Google Reader, Google Site, Google Search Engine, Google Earth, etc. can also be easily used in the classroom.

In January 2011, Google announced that they developed Google Apps Marketplace - EDU. In the new EDU section, people can find services designed for school use, and add to their Google Apps for education domain. (Google Apps Marketplace - EDU, 2011)

7. Skype
Skype is a software application that allows users to make voice calls or hold video chats over the Internet**.**Skype can be used to create unique learning opportunities by allowing students to interact with experts from around the world without ever leaving the classroom. By the end of 2010, Skype announced that they created directory for educators to connect with each other on Skype in the classroom. Skype in the Classroom is a free global community that invites teachers to collaborate on classroom projects where they might use Skype, and share skills and inspiration around specific teaching needs. Teachers all over the world are using Skype to make learning more exciting and memorable. It's easy to see why: Skype offers an immediate way to help students discover new cultures, languages and ideas, all without leaving the classroom.

Once teachers create a profile that sets out their interests, specialties and location, they can create projects. Projects are a way for teachers to find partner classes, partner teachers or guest speakers for a specific learning activity. You can browse through projects or even search by keyword, which makes it easy for teachers to share expertise and collaborate on projects even when they don’t already know each other. Teachers can also browse through a members-only directory to find teachers who can offer them help, or whom they might be able to help. Once teachers find someone they’d like to connect with, they can add that person as a Skype contact. There’s also a directory of resources to help teachers share inspiring videos, links and tips around using in their classrooms. (Skype Education, 2011)

8. Youtube
YouTube is a video sharing site where its users can upload, download and share videos. Most of the students agree that they would like to learn or listen to a lecture if a video is involved. Inclusion of video makes students more interested in topic and some understand the topic more clearly. "Online video has been a central feature in a growing discusion about the impact of user-driven 'Web 2.0' technologies. YouTube and other video sharing sites (i.e. UnitedStreams) are often held up as powerful examples of both the social and monetary value of applications build around user contributions." (Madden, 2007) YouTube, being part of social networking websites, is full of both educational appropriate and inappropriate contents. It will be educator's job to filter the contents that are userful and appropriate for students. Depends on individual school district's policy, Youtube can be either blocked to the target group(s), or totally accessible to anyone. In the case that Youtube is blocked in the school district, classroom teachers can do a few homework before showing the desired videos to the class. For example, download the videos by using Catch Youtube at []; Convert Youtube at []. In addition, Richard Bryne's 47 Alternatives Using Youtube in the Classroomcan be a great resource to many educators. More information about using Youtube in the classroom can be found in.

9. Social Bookmarking
Social bookmarking is also a good example of gathering and organizing information online. Many teachers are overwhelmed by all the sites. There are too many to remember and too many add to your favorites. Social networking sites make website information remembering and tagging them easy. By adding tags to all sites they will be organized by tags and easier to find information. Teachers can also save some reading material via social bookmarking sites and share this information easily with students. Many sites allow you to create group accounts so it will be safe and useful option to incorporate in the classroom. The popular social bookmarking websites are Dilicious, Diigo and Google Bookmarking, etc.

10. Social Networking
While Facebook, Twitter & MySpace are connecting people's private lives, social networking websites like Classroom 2.0, Edmodo, and Ning are using Web 2.0 tools to help educators build the online communities. Even though Twitter has demonstrated some exciting results in the higher education, it is still quite unrealistic to twit in the K-12 education. Whether Facebook can be used in schools remains in a grey area due to boundary issues and other liabilities.

Pitfalls and Concerns
Success in the 21st century requires lifelong learning. Effective use of technology can help instructors redefine their education strategies to teach students. Some of the biggest reasons for instructors have a tough time adding technology to their curriculum is, lack of knowledge about technology, technical restriction – not enough computers in the classroom, and environment where instructors aren’t encouraged to use technology as a part of teaching with appropriate time, training and resources. Meanwhile, the fear for changes will be always there. The rapid changes in technology has brought educators a golden opportunity to be a role model of life-long learners.

Technology alone does not necessarily encourage learning, well integrated technology and practice often do. "We need to use technology to get kids engaged in the curriculum, not just in the technology." (Stager, 2011) To avoid pitfalls in implementing technologies in the classroom, when integrating technology in any course, it is critical to determine which technologies are most appropriate for delivering the content to your students. Interaction with student is the main element of student learning. (Beldarrain, 2006) Before integrating any technologies in the classroom, educators should ask themselves some questions. Will the technology support the course or the objective and content? Is the technology feasible for the learning environment? Does the technology provide for group or independent learning? What type of interaction does the technology support? There are multiple ways to address diverse learning preference for different types of students. Combinations of podcasts, Vodcasts, Wikipage, blogs, social networking sites, social bookmarks, and audio and video conferencing tools need to be used to satisfy students with different learning styles and preferences.

In addition, copyrights, online safety and privacy should also be taken into consideration while integrating technology in education. The existing law protects teachers little from First Amendment right of free speech in terms of personal matter. Schools need to help educators raise their awareness on the issues like online safety and privacy, well prepare them for the new era that involves massive sharing on the online social network. For the purposes of demonstrating professionalism, teachers should have separated accounts if they are actively involved in the social network like Facebook or Twitter. For example, one account can be used for connecting with students; the other one can be used for their private lives. In order to uphold the integral image of being an educator, one needs to be extremely cautious when it comes to online safety and privacy. One of the easy solutions is that to adjust the account privacy setting – ie. don’t allow search engine to find your profile, don’t disclose personal information such as address, or full birthday date, etc. The bottom line is to use common sense, make good judgments. Understand what not to do in this social network; be responsible for each online post.

No matter how the society evolves with technology, schools will always be the frontline to face the challenges and try to meet the requirements, prepare students to become the key players for the future. With open and innovative minds, people will find more compelling educational uses in technology, to improve their teaching and enhance student's learning.