Thoughts on learning resources 

The 21st century has had a significant rise in technology and with it our intrinsic dependence on device use. Being surrounded by technology also means that we are constantly surrounded by information, whether it be the internet or advertisements on our favourite television shows or websites. This information can be categorized into different sections depending on needs for it at that very moment. For example, If you are interested in acquiring a buzz of entertainment you could log onto Facebook and scroll through interests that you may have. Alternatively, for the purpose of work, you may want to research information relative to your topic navigating through credible sources to support your proposal in your next meeting. Whatever the purpose, the flexibility and range of the internet allows for more opportunities to elicit information. This is particularly important as a teacher, having valuable resources and information to apply in classrooms to support learning allows for multiple teaching situations.

 

In response to this, I asked myself; what are some options that I can use to store information which can be further implemented and readily accessible for my future teaching? When deciding on a learning resource platform there are a few things to consider. Which resource platform i.e google chrome, ring binders and so forth is likely to be the most effective for my purpose. Because there are so many options throughout the internet it also pays to navigate and experience which one you may prefer. Here are some questions I had to consider when thinking about learning platforms, which platform have you found to be the most reliable? To that end, is it prone to corrupting or losing your files? Is the learning resource user-friendly and easy to navigate or operate? Is the platform able to hold a huge amount of information? Can the platform be accessed from anywhere? Is the platform large and bulky, making it difficult to transport? Can this platform be added to by other professional departments? Is this platform engaging? Will this platform motivate yourself to continue adding to it?

“‘Why is it important to have learning resources?”

 

With the large amounts of information we’re given over time we can lose key or important resources from our classes. (For example Kevin's lessons)

 

As a teacher, having an effective learning resource can lighten the load in relation to planning and executing lessons.

 

We can easily refresh our memories on a topic we haven't taught in a while

As a teacher, our time is precious.

Ask yourselves this, as a student, have you accumulated all of the valuable teaching and learning resources over the past few years?

 

In relation to the questions mentioned above, I decided that throughout this course I will design and develop my own resource which can be used in my teaching. This will be inclusive of all the valuable information I have obtained over the course of our degree. As some limitations, I have Identified that in case of a situation where there is the absence of the internet, or the website is currently down for whatever reason, I need to have a backup, this is a necessary confinement when using the internet. Therefore, I have ensured that Google drive and my computer are connected so that in case of an event where my website may go down I have other options to fall back on. It is also important to note, although I have these resources at my fingertips they should not be used as a focus of the lesson. As discussed in our lesson with Alan’s master student technology although fun and exciting it should not be the objective of the lesson. Learning intentions and objectives of the curriculum should be the focus of the lesson. As long as the resource or application is able to assist in bringing out these outcomes then that is when it is appropriate to use

Some negatives and positives:

 

Internet:

 

Positives

• Can be accessed by anyone (regardless of location)

• Other teachers or professional departments can collaborate and contribute to your learning resource

• Clearly documented (easy navigation)

• Large amounts of information can be added instantly

• The type of media or information is not limited (videos, websites, useful applications)

 

Negatives

• No internet connection

• Server failure (or hacking)

• File corruption

• Over-reliance on technology

• Schools or students do not have sufficient technology

• If the website does not gain enough revenue the platform may shut down

 

 

 

Hard copy:

 

Positives:

• As a preference, some may enjoy a more physical copy (easier to read off of)

• Does not require an internet connection

• is organised in a way that the teacher understands

• Is a traditional and typical way that teachers  may store classroom information, activities, tasks etc.

 

Negatives

• Physical copy can be damaged or misplaced

• If not maintained, difficult to access exact information instantly

• Not environmentally friendly

• Large and bulky, difficult to transport (if it is a large resource)

• Cost on printing

 

Exploring other options:

 

• Weebly

• Wix

• Google drive

• Pinterest

• School drive

• Usb

• Hard Drives

• Ring binders

• Drop box

• Facebook groups

• Icloud

• Flickr