Week 4 - Group 2 Tools – Images / Podcasting / Digital Video

 Images
I think the first most important rule to using images with e-learning is PERMISSION, PERMISSION and PERMISSION. Whatever the image! The person creating the learning space needs to have full permission from the person whom the photo is taken of, or if it is an image from online a reference from where the image was retrieved from. There should be no names used in any images placed online when placing them on school sites etc.  Also permission needs to be granted for any student’s work that may be used online whether it is the property of the school or the individual. Either way the producer of the item needs to fully understand what is happening with their work.

When teachers are using images on a website, wiki or blog they are able to use them to create an interactive environment that engages learners with the advancing technologies of the 21^st century. Images can aid teachers in encouraging students to think outside the box and reflect on individual thoughts and feelings about certain images that may have been used.

Images can be used in a wide variety of ways to enhance all learning whether it is for English, Maths or any other Key Learning Area.  The right image used in the right context for learning can achieve great things for students.  Images are a way that all students are able to engage even if they do not have access to the technologies in their home environment. Teachers are able to print out pictures so that students are not disadvantaged.

Podcasting

Podcasts are useful for learners that like to hear and revisit information that is given about a topic or assessment item that is due. However a lack of resourcing can lead to students not being able to engage with podcasts. These are a little more difficult to print out so that students are able to look at them at home. Podcasts are a great way to engage learners in writing also as they are able to record themselves to listen to in private. This will help students to build confidence and the knowledge to create and edit these under their own steam.
This is a great way to portray an idea but I feel that content and detail is best not delivered in this format.
Below is a link to a podcast from the ABC Radio - Titled: Performance Pay For Teachers

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/performance-pay-for-teachers/3698628

Digital Video

This to me seems very similar to a podcast only we are able to see an image behind the sound that is being communicated to us. This is a great way for teachers to convey a message to students and it allows students to discover and play with the technology. If students are creating items for various educational purposes it will allow students to observe, reflect and analyse what and how they are presenting their topics. This may help groups of students as if they are trying to convey a particular message they are able to watch and decide for themselves if the message is clear and the areas that may need to be worked on.  

Christmas Lights Story
http://media.brisbanetimes.com.au/life-and-style/essentials/christmas-lights-soon-to-go-out-2822584.html

References
Christmas Image Retrieved from: http://www.allthingschristmas.com/
Podcast ABC Radio Retrieved from: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/lifematters/performance-pay-for-teachers/3698628
Digital Video Retrieved from: http://media.brisbanetimes.com.au/life-and-style/essentials/christmas-lights-soon-to-go-out-2822584.html