Assignment Task:
"Design and create a digital profile which reflects on your journey as a learner in this module"
IntroductionI have created this page within my website to identify and explore my strengths and weaknesses as a Lifelong learner, and explain why they are important skills to possess when considering learning as a lifelong journey.
Within this page I will also be exploring the contexts in which my learning has occurred, and I will be considering what I am discovering about myself. |
Strength Number OneI have developed the ability to challenge taken for granted assumptions or, as I refer to it, the “Why Reflex”.
I can identify times when I have previously been very assuming that the information being given to me was completely correct and true. I did not take into account that the information may be false or biased and I did not query where the information was from. I just believed it. |
Below, I have used Screenr to record a Powerpoint presentation that expresses why I think it is important to ask questions. |
I now have increased respect, and tolerance, for the opinions of others.
This demonstrates both my developing autonomy in my learning and me taking responsibility for my learning, as I am always seeking further information and justification to deepen my learning. |
It is an important skill to possess as a Lifelong Learner because it allows me to assess a situation in order to inform my own opinions and views.
Inevitably, I will encounter different opinions to my own, however it is important that I respect that other's opinions will be informed by their own experiences and still valid. |
Strength Number TwoWorking within groups has developed my skills within group work.
I have recognised the importance of gaining a widespread experience of group work and as a result I have worked in varied group sizes. I have used Audioboo to record the Audio- Clip which explains how we used our Learning Network Groups and what I learned through this experience. |
Working within a team environment is a recurring necessity and requirement within the Teaching profession. It is therefore important that I reflect and analyse my experiences of group-work in order to identify areas of success and areas for improvement.
Being able to successfully work within groups demonstrates my developing autonomy in and responsibility for my learning, because I actively practising skills that will enable my learning to be constructed socially. |
Strength Number ThreeThe third strength I feel I have developed is the ability to reflect deeper.
Before, I would often identify my strengths and weaknesses and try to use my experiences to better myself for 'next time'. Reflecting on a much deeper level has had greater benefits to me as a learner; I am now considering how I can further develop myself, and identify what I am learning about myself as a learner and future teacher. |
Below, I have used Prezi to create my own version of a Reflection Cycle; this is inspired by Kolbs Learning Cycle referenced in How to Succeed at university; An Essential guide to Academic Skills and Development.
I chose to demonstrate this as a cycle because the act of Reflecting should be a cyclical and continuous state within my learning. |
This is an important strength to possess as a lifelong learner, as an autonomous learner and as a student who takes responsibility for her own own learning, as it enables me to continuously further my learning through self-analysis.
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This is an important skills to possess as a Teacher as it will help me to assess the success of lessons, identify areas for development and consider how I might accomplish this.
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Weakness Number One
I need to further develop and commit to my Professional Learning Network (PLN).
Below is a Mind-map I have made using bubbl.us of the process I went through and questions I considered when completing the task of developing my PLN. I have presented this information as a Mind-map as I find it helpful to visually represent connections between a central focus. |
I have used colours to represent the the different "layers" of my thinking as this helps me to compartmentalise different aspects within the same topic; this informs me that I like learning to be visual and interactive.
Please note: you will need to zoom in to at least 100% in order to view the Mindmap. You can click, hold and drag the page to move around. |
Lifelong learning is not just an individual pursuit, but it is often a social process that requires input from others as well as myself. It also requires commitment and persistence.
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My attitude towards this task has taught me a lot about myself as a learner, which leads me into my next identified area of weakness.
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Weakness Number TwoI need to become more flexible and adaptable as a learner and teacher.
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Click "Play" on the Screencast-O-Matic below to see a slide-show of my thoughts and feelings regarding the Twitter task, and what this experience has taught me. |
It is important to be open minded and flexible as a teacher, as there will be many times when activities or lessons do not go as planned and I will need to think of alternatives and adapt where necessary.
There will be many times in the future where I will need to use new digital technologies, and therefore it is important that I practise being adaptable and flexible now in order to be prepared. |
Contexts for Learning
Press Play on the Screenr below to view a table I have created to explore the different contexts in which my learning has occurred. Alternatively there is a link to download the document below.
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ConclusionDuring this module I have recognised that learning is not confined to only occurring within the "school walls", and I have come to the understanding that it is important to develop the necessary learning skills that encourage and enable Lifelong Learning.
These skills include organisation, reflection, planning, communication, motivation, discipline, and time management to name but a few. |
Through exploring my learning contexts I have concluded that my learning is greatly extended through social interaction, both formally and digitally. Learning is a continuous journey and it is important I view my learning as process which is likely to change and develop with time. |
ReflectionI have allowed what I have learned so far about my learning, to largely influence how I have prepared and presented the information.
For example I have used images, videos and mind maps because I myself have found that my understanding is extended when I have a variety of resources to support and encourage my learning. I have also used my newly developed planning skills to design a writing frame to ensure I fulfil the Learning Objectives for this assignment. |
I have also struggled to remain concise within my writing, and have therefore had to rely a lot more on digital media than I previously felt comfortable with. This has been a beneficial challenge as it has pushed my boundaries of comfort to explore new learning tools. |
Bibliography
Camp, L & Ross, T (2008) Why?
Facer (2001) Learning Futures: Education, Technology and Social Change
Geake (2008) Neuromythologies in Education
http://creativeeducation.co.uk/blog/?p=1906
http://creativecommons.org
http://teacherchallenge.edublogs.org?p=1627Smale. B. (2009) How to succeed at university: an essential guide to academic skills and personal development.
Social Networking: A Guide for Trainee Teachers and NQTs. Available:<http://goo.gl/wGTBW>
Turkle, S (2012) The Flight from conversation. Available: <http://goo.gl/y3KIQ>
Facer (2001) Learning Futures: Education, Technology and Social Change
Geake (2008) Neuromythologies in Education
http://creativeeducation.co.uk/blog/?p=1906
http://creativecommons.org
http://teacherchallenge.edublogs.org?p=1627Smale. B. (2009) How to succeed at university: an essential guide to academic skills and personal development.
Social Networking: A Guide for Trainee Teachers and NQTs. Available:<http://goo.gl/wGTBW>
Turkle, S (2012) The Flight from conversation. Available: <http://goo.gl/y3KIQ>
References
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