Blog Entry Three
Online resource – Studywiz- iPod application
Students today use mobile media devices as a matter of course in their daily lives. Difficulties however are arising due to the fact that the rapid development of these technological devices is creating an ever-increasing gap between students’ everyday use of the devices, and the tools that are used within school settings. (The digital divide) To keep pace with emerging technologies, teachers, students and parents need to be provided with support and opportunities to experience the potential benefits and uses of these tools.
One particular application, Studywiz is making headway in providing a framework which can be accessed by teachers, students and parents in assisting them in developing a pedagogical framework which is more learner centred.
Studywiz is an e-learning application developed by Australian company, Etech. Originally designed for use with iPod technology, it has now been adapted for use with iPhones and iPod touch technology also.
The aim of this application is to provide teachers and learners with the opportunity to create and interact with media rich content in flexible ways. Teachers and students are able to share and store information that they can then access in their own timeframes, and in their own environments, school, home or elsewhere.
A particular strength of this application is that it enables teachers to adapt activities to suit individuals, groups of students, or whole class. Teachers are also able to create activities, plan lessons and share resources with other teachers.
Students are able to use the application to collaborate with other learners on tasks, and are able to access lessons, homework tasks, assessment information, chat groups, and online discussions regardless of their physical location.
Significantly all of these activities are not restricted to the walls of a classroom. This particular application has potential to make a significant contribution in bridging the digital gap which exists between school and home.
It is important that school communities ensure that they develop policies and practices that will maximise equitable access for all students. In order for a tool such as Studywiz to be successfully integrated into a learning environment, educators need to ensure that any new technology and innovative practices are underpinned by sound pedagogical practices and discussions on a whole school level.
Jo, I found your entry “Studywiz Application” interesting to read. From your posting the potential of this online application seems immense with the ability to be used across a range of mobile media tools.
ReplyDeleteOf particular interest was the ability for students to interact using their mobile phones. Enabling personalized learning spaces or experiences is one of the opportunities that Carly Shuler outlines in her study “Pockets of Potential: Using Mobile Technology to Promote Children’s Learning” (Shuler, 2009) Using tools such as mobile phones and iPods, caters for flexibility in the classroom and allows for different types of learners and their ability level. The ability to adapt and change lessons or activities based around the individual learner will hopefully result in motivation and success leading to further engagement and lifelong skills.
The ability for teachers to collaborate and network with other users of the application is another positive of this learning platform. With teachers able to manage and personalise their own learning resources will no doubt enhance their workflow, communications and curriculum.
What was interesting to note was that the Australian company Etech that developed Studywiz – has since gone into liquidation. No doubt highlighting how volatile and dynamic computer technology is in the competitive 21st century.