ESC413 - Web Pedagogies (Education) _2 - Assignment Example

ESC413 - Web Pedagogies (Education) _2 From a list of Web 2.0 learning tools, the Websites that cater for Design and Technology where NSW HSC Online - Design and Technology is chosen to investigate, evaluate and assess tools used for teaching and learning. The discussion in the discourse would address the following concerns, to wit: a brief summary that includes: (1) the URL chosen and title of the resource or tool; (2) screen dumps of the site; (3) the suitability for stage/age grade; (4) a suggestion on the suitable topic/ unit of work for each site; and (5) its accessibility in one’s school/s or college (information technology).

ESC413 - Web Pedagogies (Education) _2 (1) The URL Chosen and Title of the Resource or Tool To comply with the requirements of investigating Online Web Resource and Web 2.0 Learning Tool assessment, the chosen site is the Websites that cater for Design and Technology where NSW HSC Online - Design and Technology is evaluated. The site provides various opportunities for both teaching and learning specifically through an investigation of “the importance of evaluation, the role of computer-based technologies, management, communication and collaborative design, as well as exploring current and emerging technologies” (HSC Online: Overview, n.d, par. 2).

As averred by Groff and Haas (2008), “social networking technologies help teachers and students extend their learning into an additional space, a space for communicating, collaborating, sharing ideas, and sharing learning” (12). (2) Screen Dumps of the Site The site offers major resources (audiovisuals, excursions, references and other web sites), innovation and emerging technologies, and designing and producing. Audiovisuals, for instance, offers options for designing a chair or dream machines and discussing the social and ethical issues in IT, among others.

There are also access to syllabuses, exams, assessment, glossary, site review and career. With the screen dumps available, options for navigating and learning are enhanced, consistent with Richardson’s contentions that the teachers’ main role in the midst of these technology sites focus on being a “connector for our students, not simply content expert. As teachers we must teach and model for our students the ability to create, grow and navigate personal learning networks in safe, ethical and effective ways” (Richardson, 2011, pars. 1 & 2). (3) The Suitability for Stage/Age Grade As indicated in modules for technology design and education, the programs and exercises are designed for Stages 4 and 5, as well as for professional levels.

Other learning modules like Vegemite and Powerhouse Museum are stipulated to be suitable for Stages 1 to 6, as well. (4) Suggestion on the Suitable Topic/ Unit of Work for Each Site The site was designed in a more formal and structured presentation appropriate for teachers and students of more advanced levels. Whitby (2007) in the 21st Century Pedagogy emphasized “we're not advocating burning books in favour of computers. It's about striking the right balance. We cannot ignore the potential of Web 2.

0 in creating powerful learning networks for exchanging ideas, knowledge” (Whitby, 2007, 1). Therefore, each site could be made more interesting with visual illustrations and colourful pictures despite its applicability to higher educational levels. (5) Accessibility in One’s School/s or College (Information Technology) As one could navigate and access the site globally, it is readily available in one’s college. However, one’s personal contention is that the site’s offered features and resources are limited and not presented in an attractive manner to entice students to frequent it.

With the options available from technological applications on web resources, one can actually offer suggestions for further improvement. Conclusion The HSC Online site offers options for collaborative learning in the area of design and technology. However, the site is not visually enticing to younger audiences. Exploring the Gizmo Experience shown in ExploreLearning (2011) could easily compare diverse advantages of making learning sites fun, colourful and innovative. References ExploreLearning. (2011). What are Gizmos?

Retrieved 16 March 2011. Groff, J & Haas, J. (2008) Web 2.00 today’s technologies tomorrows learning. Retrieved 16 March 2011. HSC Online. (n.d.) Overview. Retrieved 16 March 2011. Richardson, W. (2011). Wikis, Blogs, Podcasts and other Powerful Web Tools for the Classroom. Retrieved 16 March 2011. Whitby, G.B. (2007). 21st Century Pedagogy. Retrieved 16 March 2011. < http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l72UFXqa8ZU>