For the structure of my weekly reflections I would use an interview style for fun: Ernie and Bert have kindly accepted my invitation to be my interviewers.
Q1. Ernie: So tell me Derrick, why did you pick us to be your interviewers?
A1. Derrick: Great question Ernie! I kind of think of myself as a neophyte in the world of ICT so I thought you guys would be appropriate as interviewers - in addition to keeping it fun!
Q2. Bert: Jeez thanks, Derrick. So, it sounds like you have a lot of learning needs in regards to inquiry and IC T?
A2. Yes indeed, Bert! My background with ICT comes mainly with statistical software in an econometric setting, because of my background as an economist, but I am not familiar with most of the platforms or tools used in an educational setting. In addition, I have noticed that the secondary schools seem to prefer Microsoft programs, whereas the primary schools seem to prefer apple programs... There is a lot to learn! I think one of my strengths is a willingness to try different programs, and not get too stressed about the result.
Q3. Ernie: So you are a beginner! What's your interest in and knowledge of educational technology?
A3. Well, my main interest is twofold: 1) familiarization with the educational tools used in our school systems, and 2) developing a level of proficiency with those educational programs to enhance the learning opportunities in my classroom. As stated, I have a pretty basic background with the educational technology: I enjoyed using D2L and the Smart Board during my field experiences, and found those tools fairly user friendly. One thing I am looking for are supporting documents for each of those programs (user manuals would be great), and some resources so we don't have to reinvent the wheel each time.
Q4. Bert: Sounds like you have some work ahead of you, Derrick. Any specific topics of interest to you?
A4: Yes indeed, Bert! I am interested in how technology can be applied to enhance the social studies curriculum. One of the challenges of the social studies curriculum (especially the secondary curriculum) is keeping the material fresh. For example, the Gr 12 curriculum concentrates on Ideologies - trying to interest G12 students in political philosophy can be a real challenge!! However, if we I can utilize multimedia software programs that highlight some of the historical challenges of the period (famine, disease, war, death) and give a flavour of what it would have been like to live in that particular period (as a serf in Russia at the time of the Revolution) I might be able to interest the students in why a particular political philosophy or economic system was sought as an answer to those problems.
Ernie and Bert: Sounds like a real challenge! Looking forward to seeing what kinds of educational technologies you find!
