How NOT to use PowerPoint!

According to Don McMillan (Comedian), here is a humorous & yet insightful viewpoint on how people (teachers included) should not be using PowerPoint.  I found this video on you tube and thought it was very funny! It may prove to be more appropriate to teachers than students, however this video, whilst humourous is highly relevant to e-learning and the incorporation of technologic tools and devices.  It is important that we as teachers use technology for variety and deeper learning rather than just another tool that a text book or blackboard could be just as appropriate for.

 

 

 

Technology Advancements…!!

Whenever you hear the words “Technology Advancement” you straight away think of these amazing, new pieces of equipment from out of this world.  Pieces of equipment that are seen to change the way we either think, learn, work, interact and some are even meant to revolutionize the way in which we live!

But what about the downsides to some or maybe all of these advancements?  There is a famous quote which I have forgotten who it was said by, but it goes something like, “To every disadvantage there is a corresponding advantage”.  But I believe that quote can often be turned around and certainly in terms of this related topic it can become, “To every advantage there is a corresponding disadvantage”.  The topic I am referring about is “Cyber-Bullying”, which is one disadvantage I have come across in terms of technological advancements and I’ve talked in more detail about it below.

…..For Bullies.

Below is a short video on “Cyber-Bullying” in the primary school and how, with all the new technology now available, it makes bullying that much easier to not only carry out but also to get away with.

http://www.teachertube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=816798f3144061053bff

With the increase in technology within our classrooms and the increased independence of students in online discussion forums and blogs etc, it makes bullying someone anonymously that much easier. 

The definition of cyber-bullying is:

- Bullying which is carried out through an Internet service such

   as email, chat room or messenger service.

It can also include bullying through mobile phone technologies such as short messaging service (SMS).  Bullying can happen to a person by a group or by an individual and children must be aware that saying something mean or disrespectful through another source, even if it may be through a virtual means, is still considered bullying. 

I think that the main key to solving the problem is that schools should also inform parents about cyber-bullying as often it is the case that they turn a blind eye towards it when they don’t understand technology as well as their children.  It also comes down to the teacher to ensure they give a talk on cyber-bullying before conducting any lessons with the use of technology.