As stated in my profile I am a second year BLM student, and in my time on prac in primary schools, I am yet to see teachers utilising these great digital learning tools. According to Jackie Miers (2005) learning objects are digital resources which provide content to support learning, usually provided in multimedia format, consisting of any of the following components; sound, graphic, text, video and animation.
For another point of view and definition on learning objects see, Stephen Downes (2004) here, who argues that “what makes a learning object is not what it is, but rather how it is used”. Here he is suggesting that a learning object may not be a digital resource.
In the classroom learning objects can be used to engage learners, gauge prior knowledge, present information, and create interactive learning opportunities. There are many positives with using learning objects, these include:
• Students can complete the learning object individually or as a class.
• Students can gain knowledge and skills from completing the learning object.
• Learning objects are interactive.
• Learning objects can be fun.
• Learning objects are easy to access and reliable sources that support learning.
In my maths lesson on Tuesday, I am planning to use two learning objects which as a class we will complete. These learning objects have been added to the lesson to make it more engaging and gauge the students’ prior knowledge. The first of the two learning objects (with username and password can be accessed here) is one that requires students to read the digital time and move the analogue clock hands. The second learning object (accessed here), requires students to read different analogue clocks and write the digital time.
In my second lesson on Tuesday, which is on the Dimension Three process, Analysing Perspectives, I am planning to use, the learning object which can be accessed here. From this learning object I am going to click on the whale image and click to hear the different opinions and/or thoughts on this. While this learning object is not interactive, I believe it will be engaging and make my different perspective point clear.
After my lessons on Tuesday, I will be back to comment on how effective these were within my lessons and what my students thought of these.
Kelly.
Hi Followers,
ReplyDeleteI am back to blog about my lessons with the learning objects utilised to support learning.
The maths learning objects on time, one did not work well while the other was great. The first one I used did not show the two hands on the clock and this cause some confusion and then to make things worse it wasn't clear what number the hands were on, so there was controversy. In this instance the learning object did not support the learning. The second learning object, did however work better, supporting the learning, engaging the lesson and fitting with the overall outcomes of the lesson.
The analysing perspectives learning object fit well and it really encouraged discussion within the class. The discussion then highlighted and pointed out that everyone has a different perspective, the students then realising that maybe they need evidence for their points of view.
I am really glad, that I finally found a use in utilising these great digital tools.
I would love to hear about your experiences with learning objects.
Kelly.