Re: Dean Groom's post - I critically think therefore I’m confused

Groom’s 28/4 blog post led to some pondering. My take is that too often we educators get caught up in teaching and learning trivia (eg decisions involving which content, which device, which system) and that these masquerade as major decisions leaving us hamstrung, unable to make decisions that are worth spending time on to work out (what will help learners to survive in an increasingly complex world and how do we fit into this picture). In working out the ‘real’ decisions such as these we may see how we can help learners to be able to discern which decisions are weighty and so should be allocated resources such as time and critical thinking skills (not to mention paralysis from cognitive dissonance) and which decisions can be deemed insignificant and so should be treated accordingly. Discerning decision-making (meta decision-making?) – what is the importance of making this decision.

video

#9 Virtually Online

Second Life trends in education: The benefits of simulated environments in learning have previously been demonstrated. I have participated in Quest Atlantis which is a 3D multi-user learning environment specifically designed to immerse children, ages 9-14, in meaningful inquiry tasks. A 3D virtual world probably allows for a user to be more deeply immersed in the environment and therefore experience more "real" interaction and engagement with the people and objects in the environment. There is still plenty of scope for experimentation of virtual worlds in education.

#8 iGoogle

I had used iGoogle previously, but played around again today and found some new gadgets. I was very happy when I found Australian news as I had trouble finding Aus news last time. I also looked for gadgets with an educational aspect but still looking, so this would be my only suggestion. Still, it seems to pull together information that I can use, so will see if I find it more useful this time round. As for Googleplex, I would you like to work in a flexible environment where I have more control in managing my own projects - but for a teacher, that's what school holidays are for, aren't they? :-}

#7 Google Book Search

Google Book Search is a great tool with much potential. There is the sense that Google is the new Microsoft in their success in attracting and keeping users for their products. Google seems to have done this by creating products in the clound that fulfil a need (a need that the users didn't necessarily know about before). And, just when the user thinks she might try a product from someone else that is Google...+, she finds that Google has developed some other nifty thing so she hangs around in their space for a little longer. Switched-on marketing I guess. Microsoft seems to be able to hold their own in machine based applications though.  <edit 24/9> Note this article from USA Today of 21/9/09 Microsoft takes notice as more people use free Google Docs <end edit>

I am still trying to figure out how to use Google book search in an educational setting other than for the purposes of my own research, particularly the cross-referencing. I might read other's posts and reap the benefit of collective wisdom!

#6 Google Maps

Use Google maps to find businesses, addresses and places of interest and view them by map, satellite or streetview. You can also get directions and distances from place to place for walking or driving. Google maps  also has a feature where a user can add a point of interest, details and photos to the map for others to see. Go to Google maps Australia. I have found Google maps very useful, from booking accomodation; to finding the restaurant phone number when I couldn't remember the restaurant's name but knew where it was located; to following a friends overseas trip.

#5 Google Docs

Discoveries about Google Docs