Mobile Phone Wiki Reflection

 

 

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I found this engagement activity to be a very useful and enjoyable one. I approached this activity with a clear set of beliefs and points of views in regards to the topic outlined. Through this medium I found that very quickly my thoughts on the matter were changing. 

Throughout the wiki there are several 'learning theories' present - Behaviourism, Constructivism and Cognitivism.

 

Behaviourism - This theory applies to the behaviours that each individual (who took part in the wiki exercise) displayed when they were attending school. Would a mobile phone have been a help or a hindrance to their learning?

 

Cognativism - Through this theory each participant reflected on their own personal learning 'schema' from their schooling days.

 

Constructivism - This theory is present through the development and building of individuals beliefs and ideas towards the topic at hand. 

 

Using the wiki as a learning tool in the classroom has both its benefits and drawbacks/ issues. The benefits that would come from using this medium in the learning process are that it provides a platform for discussion, critical thinking, is able to be monitored and edited, allows points of view to be voiced and heard and allows the teacher to scaffold the discussion through links and other postings. The drawbacks/ issues that could arise in the use of the wiki is the availability of Internet/ computers (both at home and school) and this type of medium takes away the social interaction (face to face discussion) from the subject. 

 

Throughout the journey of De Bono's Six Thinking Hats I felt I fell into the Black Hat category. I was a staunch defender of my own beliefs and opinions. However, when forced into thinking under the other hats I soon realised that there were definitely other alternatives to my beliefs form the beginning of the exercise.

 

Scaffolding is every present in this type of forum as the break up of the ways of thinking allows the teacher to build/ challenge the students to grow from their own knowledge, beliefs and perspectives on this subject and think about them in different ways, thus 'scaffolding' the students knowledge and understandings to new levels.  

 

I found this a great exercise as it challenge my ways of thinking. This would be a great tool to use in the classroom for a collaborative exercise or even a project or homework medium.