Collaboration in the Technology Classroom

Kelley F. DavisLamar University

Educational Technology

The 3Rs 4EsTo prepare for an ever changing environment, we

must aim to equip students with the ability to teach themselves.

To do this, we must rewrite the fundamentals.The 3Rs-Reading, Writing and Arithmetic, must

now become:

Exposing Knowledge

Employing Information

Expressing Ideas Compellingly

Ethics(Armstrong and Warlick, 2001)

Using Web 2.0 ToolsUsing tools such as Chat Rooms, blogs, wikis, and

networking sites in the technology classroom can achieve the 4 Es by:Exposing students to a wide range of digital arts

information .Employing alternative and engaging methods of

communication and evaluation of digital projects and topics.

Encouraging students to express themselves visually and through writing.

Allowing students to evaluate and make ethical choices about posting and viewing digital information on networking sites.

Concerns with Web 2.0 ToolsPersonal SafetyOnline PredatorsUnauthorized access to student personal

informationCyber bullyingAccess to inappropriate content

Internet safety ranked 5th in Parents Top 10 Health Concerns for Children in 2009

(University of Michigan Health System, 2009)

A Safe AlternativeThe Learning LANDSCAPE for schools

(LL4Schools) is a social learning environment specially created for schools.

Includes access to Web 2.0 Tools such as:BlogsForumsWikisVideo StreamingPicture Galleries

(LL4School, 2009)

4 Easy StepsTo register for LL4Schools:

1. Go to http://www.ll4schools.co.uk/school/register.php.

2. Complete the registration form.3. Complete the validation process for security

purposes.

4.GET CONNECTED!

(LL4School, 2009)

Uses in the ClassroomBlogs and wikis allow students to express

themselves through writing in new and innovative ways.

Students can share videos of sample work with a global community.

Students can create RSS feeds of audio created and post online in a safe environment.

Students will be able to evaluate and receive evaluation of work from a global audience.

Digital Arts EducationTo effectively teach Digital Graphics and

Design, students must have access to online collaboration.

Deviant Art is a popular choice but contains inappropriate content and is often blocked by district Internet blocking software.

(DeviantArt, 2010)

Digital Arts Education- A Safe AlternativeDigital Arts Education offers a safe place for digital

arts students to converse and display student work.Site Features

ContestsArticles and TutorialsSample WorkContent Specific Forums

Check it out!http://digitalartsed.ning.com/

(Cauthron, 2010)

Uses in the ClassroomDigital Artists can share their work with a

safe online community.Students can access tutorials and participate

in “real world” communities that share their interests and specialty areas.

Students will receive exposure to contents and have opportunities to have their work published to a global community.

SummaryEducators cannot continue to shield students

from collaboration online learning experiences.

Online safety is a primary concern so safe alternatives to traditional online sites must be found.

LL4Schools offers a safe online alternative for social networking.

Digital Arts Education provides a teacher led, student centered environment for student learning and collaboration.

ReferencesArmstrong, A. ,Warlick, D. (2001). The New Literacy-The

3rs Evolve into the 4Es. Technology & Learning September 2001,20-28.

Cauthron.(2010). Digital Arts Education-A Place for Digital Arts Students to Converse & Display. Retrieved from http://digitalartsed.ning.com/.

DeviantArt(2010).DeviantArt-Where Art Meets Application. Retrieved from http://www.deviantart.com/#.

Hackett, J. (2010).The Learning LANDSCAPE for Schools. Retrieved from http://www.ll4schools.co.uk/.

University of Michigan Health System(2009).Obesity Remains No.1 Health Problem for Kids in 2009. Retrieved from http://www2.med.umich.edu/prmc/media/newsroom/details.cfm?ID=1247.