As a teacher of some 45 years experience (and not set in my ways) I would agree with you as far as you go. But we all know that despite students having ‘preferences’ I would argue that ‘Teaching and Learning Styles’ is much bigger. I quote the old Puritan mantra, ‘That by all means some might be saved.’

I would be saddened if readers came away from your post thinking that all they have to do is present multimedia material to their classes in the same didactic styles as before. I am convinced that I have repeatedly obtained higher than average class scores by regularly changing the format of class activities so that, like it or not, students are faced with experiencing learning activities which are out of their habitual comfort zones – that the same concepts are approached from different directions.

I have discussed this with Gardner and am convinced that teachers should regularly check their lesson plans to ensure that all 10 teacher-directed learning styles (including ethical/spiritual and problem solving) are regularly included.

But, as teachers, are we not also secretly pleased when others adopt our ideas, even if unwittingly? I should have been delighted to see my own teaching ideas presented at that conference – imitation being the sincerest form of flattery… No joke.

Nice article. Please write more.

Thanks for the feedback and support. I am really enjoying writing for this blog.

Thank you for a most well thought-through article. As a teacher I would argue against Alistair’s re-arrangement of your list. The collaboration and feedback can only come after the child has actually attempted to do some work for themselves!

I also comment on my blog at:
http://efoliointheuk.blogspot.com/2010/08/multimedia-and-eportfolios.html

Best Wishes,
Ray T

A key to children’s learning retention is through practice and much of this can occur at home. The disadvantage of some of the school facilities is the cost to replicate these at home.

We are actually in total agreement. I will only carry out training sessions as workshops where every trainee has a computer in front of them (with the whiteboard software) so that they can work along with me and do exercises on their own. All my training is set in a teaching context with specific subject examples for them to construct.

Thanks for your comment and best wishes

Michele

Yes, I agree with almost everything that you say. But it seems such a pity that 10 years on we are still having to encourage proper use of the IWB. Perhaps one additional point to your list, ‘Where do you start?’ is to ensure that training is provided by a real ‘performer’ rather than just a ‘demonstrator’.

The main outcome of my report, produced some years ago, was that the person providing the training (particularly in Secondary schools) should be capable of sitting alongside the teacher and gently suggesting ways in which the IWB can enhance the delivery of their particular subject.

See: http://maximise-ict.co.uk/IWBs.pdf

Best Wishes,
Ray T

Yes, I was at the AAEEBL ePortfolios conference in Boston (MA) last week and it was obvious to all concerned that there is a world-wide impetus for the use of digital tools in order to support teaching and learning.

However, my main reason for writing is that I have been tasked by Serge Ravet at EIfEL to organise speakers and a K-12 competition for ePortfolios in schools for a conference in London next July. This time not ‘talking about’ ePortfolios but rather celebrating good case studies and examples of work going on in schools throughout Europe.

If you or any of your readers can help, please reply.

Best Wishes,
Ray T

As you argue, “everyone does it and always has” seems to be recognised by everyone informally, as long as someone is paying the creators, Market forces sort the rest out.

Of course, this doesn’t apply to systemic abuse making money from ripping off other’s work, but is quietly accepted with a nod and a wink for informal barter.

My conclusion differs though. While cc licenses are great, I try to adopt the “don’t be a hipocrite” route and apply as open a cc as possible while only limiting use for financial gain (without at least letting me know) for things I create – but then, I’m creating for myself not for profit, which is where things would need to change.?

In my work with schools, I’ve seen children as young as 7 and 8 blogging and enjoying sharing their comments and thoughts with others in the class. They live in the digital age so having multimedia content right throughout teaching makes learning more real and fun. If they are enjoying their lessons and are engaged, they’ll be learning without realising it!