Adult online learning and teaching S2 2017

" [C]arpenters use their tools to build things; the tools do not control the carpenter. Similarly, computers should be used as tools for helping learners build knowledge; they should not control the learner " (Jonassen, 1996, cited in Kanuka, 2008, p. 4). In this blog I examine my personal philosophy of using digital technology for teaching and learning adult literacy and numeracy. My personal philosophies relating to the use of technology for adult literacy and numeracy (L&N) learning is in part summed up by Clark (1983, cited in  Ally, 2004 , p. 3) in his statement that "technologies are merely vehicles that deliver instruction, but do not themselves influence student achievement".  I think that computer technologies have introduced new and innovative ways to provide instruction, and that they support learning in ways that have not previously been possible. However, I also support the view that "it is the instructional strategy and not the tech...

Kia ora koutou For this blog, I talk about 'A day in the life of me', to highlight the literacy skills we utilise in our everyday lives.  A stand-out moment for me was my experience of the barrier arm failing to open at the Waikato Hospital car park, in the midst of peak traffic flows.  Whilst I didn't quite employ the same antics as Mr Bean to escape this dilemma, I hope you enjoy his video all the same ... 😊 LITERACY AND DIGITAL MEDIA Part A:   Please fill in the following table.  The objective is for you to reflect on the amount of digital technology and non-digital you use in an average day for reading and writing.   Tick Tick Tick Tick Read Write Study/ Work Neither study nor work Source ( Non digital )  e.g. pen, book Source ( digital ) e.g. email, Internet Time (approx. how long) ü ü ü (work) Read and reply to email mess...

Fun lesson fillers used to consolidate learning … Occasionally I will incorporate some of the games from the BBC Skillswise site into a lesson, to add an element of fun, and also to consolidate some of the learning.  These games are brief, they provide instant feedback, provide a competitive element (for those that may enjoy this), and are also light-hearted and fun to play.  As an example, the Silent Invaders game ( http://www.bbc.co.uk/skillswise/english/games?page=2 ) is very similar to the old Space Invaders game that was around in the 1980s.  The object of the game is to identify the silent letter in a word, then to use this letter to shoot and destroy the word as it weaves its way down the screen.  Instructions are provide in writing, but these are also read aloud, which is helpful for learners with low-level literacy.  Not all of the games provide an audio with the instructions however, and I have found that some of the text used in the i...