Oral Communication

The oral communication strand in the Ontario language Curriculum is perhaps one of the more fascinating, informative components which students are able to study. The strand aims to develop and strengthen an individual’s understanding of self and society through the exploration of numerous outlets. The Ontario Curriculum handbook for language claims that oral communication skills are “fundamental to the development of literacy and essential for thinking and learning...To develop their oral communication skills, students need numerous opportunities to listen and to talk about a range of subjects, including personal interests, school work, and current affairs” (p 10). Oral communication focuses on educating students on effective listening skills so that they may become influential communicators. Students are expected to listen to a selection of texts and formulate a personal opinion and/or reaction to respond to what is being asked. The development of oral communication skills significantly impacts the way in which individuals are able to succeed and grow academically.  Oral communication skills effects an individual’s every day way of living therefore it is essential that educators work to enhance and provide students with different resources to improve and increase their vocabulary.

Twenty first century society has evolved into one dependent on technology. Contemporary individuals gather and retain a majority of their knowledge through different digital outlets and resources. For student’s to thrive in the twenty first century digital era it is essential that educators take the time to discover digital data bases which support academic development. Pod casts are an example of an educational facilitator which individuals can access for information on a variety of academic subjects.  These outlets are also developed to assist educators and students on questions which the may raise in regards to different areas of study. A resource which I had the opportunity to investigate was titled 50 Educational Podcasts You Should Check Out. This resource provides users with a multitude of podcasts and blogs which discusses different transformations within the contemporary classroom.  Podcasts have significantly grown in popularity over the years and continue to be introduced into the classroom as they are engaging and increase a user’s likelihood to retain information as their focus shifts from text to sound. The resource which I paid particular attention to was titled EdTechTalk. This outlet features a collection of teachers who work in collaboration to discuss a multitude of teaching strategies and issues faced within the everyday classroom.  “This podcast is called Teachers Teaching Teachers and is a collaborative effort. Teachers discuss new software and tools they are successfully using in the classroom”.  A resource such as this one becomes beneficial towards an educators growth within the classroom as it provides an assortment of perspectives and opinions on how to improve teaching techniques.

Oral communication allows student the exploration of different resources and ideas in an innovative way which may increase their interest level and enjoyment of study. In the Tedtalk provided the speaker, Julian Treasure, discuss the importance of developing listening skills as he claims that individuals no longer practise the art of listening due to the constant noises and distractions around us.  The message which the speaker relays coincides with the oral communication strand as it emphasizes the importance of developing and utilizing listening skills within academic studies.  An individual’s listening abilities coincides with their capability of becoming valued members of society.  When we are able to  absorb what is being said to us and respond in a logical manner our understanding of self and society increases.

Link to Ted Talk Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSohjlYQI2A

Link to Images:

www.slideshare.net

https://www.pinterest.com/dyoon9112/listening/

Writing

For a student to thrive academically they must develop cohesive reading and writing skills for they are integral components in all areas of study. The establishment of proficient writing abilities relies on continuous practise to strengthen, expand and apply understandings of different concepts. As well, educators must provide their students with a variety of appropriate tools and resources to allow for a more in-depth exploration of the language. The Ontario Curriculum for language, document provided below, claims that “students need to become disciplined thinkers in order to communicate their ideas clearly and effectively. Conversely, they need numerous opportunities to write, as the process of writing enables them to clarify their thinking and sort out and express their thoughts and feelings” (12). The face of the contemporary classroom continues to undergo constant revision in order to establish the most effective teaching strategies for educators and students. As a result educators must be willing to continually update their knowledge in order to provide the most for their pupils. 

inspiremykids.com

Through the years the amount of students who suffer from physical and intellectual disabilities has significantly increased yet there continues to be minimal support made available in the classroom. As a result these students may struggle to express their concerns and ideas which can lead to a multitude of different behavioural issues. As an educator it is our responsibility to ensure that all students are given the proper support so they too can succeed academically. We must be willing to take the time to discover and provide resourceful outlets so that students have the ability to accurately express their thoughts and concerns. 

blog.writeathome.com

An example of such resource is Ghotit which was designed for students who suffer from dyslexia and other learning disorders that impair an individual’s ability to read and write. The resource prompts users to learn from past mistakes and generates suggestions for spelling and grammatical errors. The article 15 Assistive Technology Tools & Resources for Students with Disabilities (provided below) discusses the creation, function and utilization of numerous resources specialized to assist individuals that require extra support in the classroom. The reource ghotit caught my attention as the author proclaimed that “ghotit predicts words, check passages of text contextually, read text aloud using TTS technology and recognize split and merged words. It also includes an integrated dictionary for students to quickly look up a word” (Nessa). A resource such as ghotit should be examined by educators and incorporated into the classroom as it addresses a multitude of different needs for a variety of students. The application ghotit exemplifies a resource which I feel will have a large impact on a students want and ability to perform academically. Future educators such as myself must continually discover and explore the available applications for students and incorporate them into their classrooms so that the needs of all are satisfied. Classrooms have and will continue to be comprised of individuals varying with a multitude of different abilities therefore as an educator we must be willing to continually expand our knowledge.

The Ontario Curriculum for language speaks about the importance of educating students on how to implement the writing process in all realms of their academic studies. “The overall expectations focus on the elements of effective writing (ideas/content, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, language conventions, and presentation) and on the stages of the recursive writing process (planning for writing, drafting, revising, editing and proofreading, and publishing)” (13). As an educator we are responsible to create interest within the English language so that students are motivated to become independent thinkers. The speaker in the TedTalk examines the importance of including creative writing within the classroom as it aids in the development of independent thought and creativity. 

                                            

             https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwjxDtVeibk

The speaker argues that when educators deny their students the opportunity to explore their writing they are denying them the chance to grow academically. My journey thus far through teachers collage has enlightened me on the importance of educating both ourselves and students on twenty first century society. We must work collaboratively with our students to discover new outlets in order to encourage personal and academic growth.

Link to Ontario Language Curriculum Document 

http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/elementary/language18currb.pdf

Link to Website 15 Assistive Technology Tools & Resources for Students with Disabilities 

http://www.teachthought.com/uncategorized/15-assistive-technology-tools-resources-for-students-with-disabilities/

Reading

Over the years the advancement of technology has significantly shifted the face of the traditional classroom. Numerous programs such as “Bring Your Own Device” have been implemented to encourage the exploration of different outlets within the classroom. Now more than ever students have access to a multitude of applications and resources which aim to expand and strengthen knowledge and understanding of various subjects. The expansion has led to a questioning of traditional methods of teaching prompting change within the contemporary classroom in order to satisfy the needs of all. The rapid influx of technology has altered the pace and method in which individuals learn, process and retain information. As a result educators must be willing to shift traditional practices and ways of thinking in order to offer the most for their students.

"The Ontario curriculum focuses on developing the knowledge and skills that will enable students to become effective readers. An effective reader is one who not only grasps the ideas communicated in a text but is able to apply them in new contexts. To do this, the reader must be able to think clearly, creatively, and critically about the ideas and information encountered in texts in order to understand, analyse, and absorb them and to recognize their relevance in other contexts” (11). Reading is the most valuable skill an individual can learn and practice as a student as it affects their entire academic career.  Reading expands an individual’s knowledge and sense of self for it allows the exploration of numerous thoughts and ideas. When individuals lack the fundamental skills of reading they are deprived of the opportunity to grow and succeed. Over the years the transformation of technology has allowed individuals access to numerous resources to improve skills they may lack.

The internet has transformed into the most reliable outlet for individuals to gather information as it gives users the freedom to explore and find deeper meaning behind what interests them most. The article “Video Games in the Classroom” written by Drs. Emmanuel Duplà and Shervin Shirmohammal addresses and highlights the necessity of incorporating innovative teaching strategies for demonstrating information within the contemporary classroom. Studies have proven that the inclusion of video games and computer stimulators offer students interesting and informative context for learning prompting individuals to become active learners due to the high tech graphics sounds and motions. Through play participants realize that their actions create a reaction allowing their level of interest to increase. The idea of introducing electronic video games stimulators in the classroom is addressed in the Ted Talk Video produced by Jonathan Best. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKpo5SeZWns

The speaker argues that through the integration of video game elements educators prompt their students to become better, active learners. The speaker suggests that in order to benefit the contemporary learner educators must be willing to enhance and modify what was once the accepted way of teaching. These stimulators work to engage learners as they have the opportunity to interact with individuals from all around the world to achieve a similar goal. Studies have proven that an individual’s likelihood to succeed academically is heavily based on their ability to connect emotionally and mentally with what is being taught. When educators allow these resources to be introduced into their classroom they prompt and support their students to succeed.

The exploration of numerous digital outlets has been extremely interesting and beneficial for my own personal development as a future educator. I concur that the modern classroom is in need for a tune up however I do not believe that we should abandon all past practices. Education has grown monumentally throughout the centuries and it is important that current and future educators realize how far it has come.  If we completely disregard the growth of our education system we deprive future students the resources and opportunity to thrive.  Although technology provides users with several benefits many individuals struggle to learn and adapt past ways of learning. Will learners that are unable to understand this new wave of learning be deprived of an education? Although I agree that technology is an integral part of contemporary society as an educator we must be willing to take into consideration the needs and struggles of all individuals. Educators must create a balanced learning environment for their students to gain the most out of their education career.

https://sites.psu.edu/technologyineducation    

Media Studies

Over the past few weeks we have explored various social issues through different texts and digital outlets. Over the years there has been, and continues to be, a vast expansion on the manner in which different issues are addressed due to the increase in the production of technology. Individuals have greater access to the news around them.  As well issues which were once concealed have been exposed allowing for more awareness of the changing world.  As a future educator I find it fascinating to be able to study these resources as they will be reliable when engaging in media studies within the classroom. Media studies prove to be a vital component of a student’s academic study as it allows them to investigate and become conscious of different political and economical concerns.

The twenty first century has evolved into a digital generation as most of the information individual’s retain comes from different digital sites. We studied this theory in greater depth last week and discussed whether or not as an educator we should promote the use of digital devices in the classroom. Shockingly enough, I now believe that it is important for teachers to incorporate various digital devices in their classroom as leads to and promotes individual exploration of self and society. I say this because I myself have never been a large user of digital devices as I prefer the “old fashioned” style of receiving information. However these past few weeks have revealed to me that technology is not something to fear but to embrace as it leads to monumental opportunities for both educators and students.  The article A Vision for Mobile Learning: More Verbs, Fewer Nouns written by Julie Evans is an informative, educational piece that discusses the issues surrounding the ongoing growth of technology and its effect within the contemporary classroom. Evans addresses a new program currently in place which encourages students to bring in their personal devices such as cell phones, tablets and/ or laptops to use during a lesson.  Evans provides support for her various claims through various studies and statics. Although I agree with what \Evans is arguing, I found myself questioning how such a program might take away educators authority.  To better understand and appreciate the theory produced by Ms. Evans, I watched a TED talk by Shelly Wright which also addresses the idea put forth in the Evans article. Ms. Wright shares similar view points and opinions as Evans and demonstrates how resourceful technology can be to enhance a student’s academic career.  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fMC-z7K0r4

Media studies have been geared towards unveiling different social, economical and cultural practices through various communication strands to allow the contemporary student knowledge on past and current issues. Educators are responsible to mediate these messages in captivating ways in order to inspire students to research and act against different social ills.  A valuable lesson I have learned so far is that an educator cannot shun nor discourage individual growth. We work to foster student’s academic success and provide them with outlets that will allow them to express who they truly are so that they can better understand their role as a twenty first century individual. When we foster individual growth we are feeding their ability to succeed. It is our responsibility to become aware of what they world has to offer our students so that we can provide them with the best learning environment possible.  Our job is always changing, we will never reach a point which we can be stagnant because there will always be new, different ways to engage and educate those around us. We must be willing to take on this responsibility so that we can create positive, intelligent individuals for the future.

Media studies is a subject which I feel will have the greatest impact on an individual’s understanding of self for it allows them to explore the world in a new way they may not be familiar with. Without knowledge of the world how are we expected to grow? I am excited to take students on a journey into media studies that allows them to see the true beauty and wave of possibilities the world has to offer. 

https://www.pinterest.com/makingcentsofit/technology-in-the-classroom/