E-xhausting

E-learning comes in many forms and is often an extension of other learning. However using it as a tool to study whilst continuing to work puts extra pressure on people and can seem quite overpowering at times. I think this is particularly true when working in groups when the rest of the group are depending on you to meet a deadline. But on the other hand it keeps you on your toes and helps to focus the mind!

E-xciting stuff

From the courses I have undertaken as part of this MA I realise how exciting e-learning could be for the pupils. I have watched clips from Teacher’s TV of children using avatars to aid in their foreign languages for example. Yet I see none of this in the school I teach at. Why? I think mainly due to the lack of computers. With one computer suite that requires children to share computers and classes to share the timetable, opportunity is limited. I do wonder however, even if these limitations were not there, how many of the staff would embrace the technologies.

E-ngaging

Within my own context, despite the limitations mentioned elsewhere in this blog, one positive move I have seen is for the school to introduce a maths based website called Mathletics. I was teaching a year 2 class at the time it was shown to the children and was able to witness their interest and excitement as they saw how they could create a character and add to it as they gained points from completing tasks. The certificates they were able to print off were an added encouragement, as well as the satisfaction of achievement. They enjoyed playing against children from around the worlds as well as their immediate peers. But it wasn’t long before the differences between children of engagement with the program became obvious and to some degree interest has reduced as time has gone on.

E-xclusion

We are being encouraged to embed e-learning in schools yet what of the children who do not get the opportunities at home to access computers? The government have launched the Home Access scheme but I believe, whilst this may improve the situation for some, there will remain many children who are disadvantaged. This in turn causes problems as they fall further behind their friends and feel more inadequate at school when using the computers.

E-nvisioning the future

One of our aims as teachers is to prepare children for an adult life. Today many jobs involve the use of computers and no matter what worries we may have about health risks, social issues, safety and security issues we cannot stand in the way of progress. I would therefore like to see all schools, both primary and secondary with the facilities being provided under the Building Schools for the Future initiative.