A cake

Push technology

I set up an Audioboo to use with my Physiology class, that allows them to subscribe to the 'board' and for me to continually update the information that is there. As they are subscribers, this means that every time I update the content, they receive push notifications of the new audio files, thus keeping their knowledge of class information as current as possible. There is also the scope for students to subscribe to each others boards, notifying them when new information is uploaded.

Student audioboos

I used Audioboo in a lesson with my Physiology students recently. They had previously carried out a practical task, and it had been 2 weeks later that they were expected to write a report about it. I thought that it might work well to use Audioboo as a way of them recapping what they should have achieved, while giving them ownership of their work. Therefore, I asked them to download the app as soon as they entered the lesson. They clearly loved the opportunity to use their phones for something, and I could see straightaway how powerful this was as a way of getting them to 'buy in' to the lesson. They then had to research a small part of the topic we had been working on each, and it was their individual responsibility to collect together information that they could then put in to a recap Boo for them and their classmates to use at their leisure. They immediately saw that there was a benefit, as it meant that they could collaborate on their work. But it also allowed them to use a medium (audio) that they are familiar with being engaged in constantly. The Boo's are now up on a 'physiology' board, which they can access at any time in order to help them with their assignments.

Box

This is my 'Box' so far. Basically, it is digital storage online to allow for information, work etc to be stored remotely, in a cloud. I have been able to use it for all the resources I have needed to save on the course so far. I have also been able to use it in my private time, saving files that were taking up lots of room on my laptop hard drive. The 2 benefits of this (among others) are that if my laptop breaks at any time, this information is no longer at risk of being lost. It also saves me space on my laptop, whose disk space is limited.

Observation review

https://www.box.com/s/113ye75eyrf9ugrf1dms

Podcasting

Video night is also podcast night! Another excellent opportunity to cringe to the sound of my own voice. I decided that I would use this as an opportunity to put together a self help/assignment workshop for my fitness training group who seem to be continually forgetting how to correctly fill in an exercise programme. The benefit of this is that the students can immediately engage with the material on a range of different mediums, such as PC's, but also Ipods, tablets and smartphones. There are so many ways you can use a podcast, such as for plenaries, quick recaps on different topics etc. They rely on you having the equipment though, and your equipment working properly....I will be uploading the second podcast in a series of 3, because at the current time I cannot get the first or third to upload to the PC!

listen to ‘Teaboo’ on Audioboo

Youtube, web 2.0 and social media in teaching

Tonight was video night! Martin had pre-warned us that we would be making a video, or using previous video footage....but I dont have any previous footage on my smart phone that would be appropriate, so Gareth and I got creative! Actually, we made an awful video about the merits of the Ealing campus. My camera work was awful, and I couldn't even stand to listen to the whole 4 minutes of rubbish we talked. Nevertheless, it has been uploaded to my personal youtube channel for all to see! Youtube is a useful social media tool, made social by the fact that (as you will see) the videos don't have to be professionally produced, any old shaky hand can produce one! As well as uploading your own videos, you are able to make comment on those uploaded by other amateur hand!

As always a number of useful learning points emerged. Firstly, no video is a bad video. Using footage that isn't very watchable or user friendly can in itself be used as an example of how a better job could be done. A poorly put together video will still probably be engaged in by students (especially if it allows the opportunity for them to laugh at you!). Students can also watch the video, and make suggestions for how they could do a better job themselves. Finally, it gave us the opportunity to actually upload the video to youtube - another skill under the belt.

Downsides - well, I HATED having to listen to my own voice. I know it sounds hideous on camera, and so was reluctant to talk in the first place. Having this issue when students make the videos could actually stop them from engaging with the learning properly. Trolling may also present itself as a problem. Comments can be disabled from the video though, so this may get around the issue. However, turning off the comments section takes away a large part of the social media element.

Anyway, here it is.....don't judge too harshly!