Module 4

Through completing this module I have begun to see that Flickr can have lots of practical uses for myself as a teacher of Media and Visual Design. I am impressed by the fact that you can upload large file sizes and realise that this could be a useful way to share students work, particularly some of the higher resolution photoshop work that they create. In both Media and Visual Design the students are required to do some image analysis and Flickr gives me lots of images to choose from. It is also a useful site for the teaching of photographic technique as all styles of photography are covered, including some that I hadn't thought of (camera toss? throwing your camera in the air to create abstract images, maybe something not to encourage the students in with school equipment....!). I also like the fact that the site has options to edit and create new work using photography that you have taken and will explore how these could be used effectively to engage students in the process of image manipulation. Lastly, in teaching vocational media I am require to cover issues around copyright and legality and this module has given me ideas in ways to go about teaching this potentially "dry" area.

Module 3

In Module 3 I have spent some time exploring Google docs and learning how to create new documents and upload existing documents alongside 3 other colleagues. It was great to do this as a shared experience as I was able to fully appreciate the power of the format, especially as we were all typing responses to each others documents at the same time. I will use this in the classroom as a way for all students to complete work on shared group work and as a way for myself as a teacher to disseminate information such as surveys. 

Module 2

In Module 2 I have learnt about the process of setting up Blogs. I can see that this will be a useful tool in the classroom in engaging my students and allowing for communication between students and myself within a class. I like the way that the communication can be instant and can see the possibilities for peer assessment. In teaching my subject of Media and Visual Design, students can upload examples of work in progress in order to receive feedback from myself and other students. They can then use this feedback in order to further refine their work. I will be encouraging blogging in my classroom over the coming months!

Module 1

It has been great to get started on Web 2.0 and customise my iGoogle page. I am looking forward to familiarising myself with all of the tools and regular information updates that can be accessed through this!