Managing E-Learning Assessment Task 1-4: Reflection on Glogster

Managing E-Learning  Assessment Task 1-3: Reflection on Glogster

This week we explored the use of different presentation tools. The three that we looked at were Powerpoint (widely used because of its very easy use), Prezi (seemingly another, more interesting format of the powerpoint), and Glogster (a dashboard format that enables that aids in organisation of information). I have, again, had opportunities to experiment with all of these tools throughout the Learning Management course. 

I have chosen the Glogster to focus on this week as I found that it was the one that was most challenging for me when I initially used it. 

http://www.glogster.com/jamesgeiger/smilie-push-cart-technology-challenge/g-6kpcq7rtfhj7qi8j135a6a0

This tool has the ability to create fantastic learning journeys for students of any age group. As with the other two tools this week, links, pictures and videos can be added to the screen or dashboard. The difference here is that the students can see all of the available information on the one page, without the need to scroll through a series of pages searching for relevant information. It could be a little confusing for students though as the learning path through the page may not be as organised or lineal as that of a Powerpoint or a Prezi and I believe that teacher supervision and appropriate supportive pedagogy would be required to keep students on track if they were viewing a Glogster page for learning journey purposes.

Student creativity is limitless with this tool and it could be used in a myriad of  innovative ways when completing presentations. Again, supervision and supporting pedagogy would be needed as the incredibly fun ways of exploring could actually overshadow the task itself and students may stray somewhat off task.

With all of the positives of this 'on-line poster', my concern  was that myself and others who were using this tool to complete the assessment task had great difficulty in getting the images and additions to align as we designed. Text, pictures and graphics were strewn across the page any time we tried to save it. This took a while to figure out but seemed to be rectified by the use of Google Chrome on our computers. What the problem was.......will remain a mystery....forever...... It would have to be looked in to further if this was the case in a classroom. 

The other problem I could see is the fact that it is solely an on-line resource and those children that do not have internet connections available outside of the school may find access difficult.

Overall, I will certainly be using this tool to promote learning journeys and presentations in the classroom. Though the embedding of  resources into a topical page, students can be guided on a discovery of learning opportunities. It also gives these students an instrument to create their own evidence of learning......on whatever subject they choose.

I have also added my examples of use with Powerpoint and Prezi. I created these for use in various  assessment pieces. They were also very simple to use and their lineal format creates a great way of leading students through a particular topic. I found that the Prezi was a more engaging tool with its moving display but the Powerpoint was more userfriendly....one slide at a time. As with the Glogster, video, images, text and sound could be added to enhance the presentation. All very functional tools for use in the classroom.....

My Prezi... I constructed this one for use as a display for a group assignment. It lead the class through our presentation in an informative and engaging way and could do the same in a classroom.
My Prezi by Jim Geiger

My Powerpoint....I put this one together as a learning journey for a class through the 'Gold Rush' in Australia. By following links students were given relevant and informative information that provided further understanding on the subject.
My Powerpoint...