Thematic Monitoring: Learning Through Collaboration 13th October 2010, National College of Ireland

1. Learning through CollaborationSharing Experience and Best Practice in School Education Donal O’ Mahony Portmarnock Community School Dublin City University © Donal O' Mahony

2. Teaching and learning ...is through relationships ...is through dialogue ...is enhanced through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) © Donal O' Mahony

3. My research interests... ...the communicative, creative and collaborative nature of social software... ...the representationalnature of social software... © Donal O' Mahony

4. Social Software ...encourages group collaboration Discussion forums Blogging “...cognitive presence...” © Donal O' Mahony

5. ...online learning environments © Donal O' Mahony

6. ...blogging at school © Donal O' Mahony

7. ...blogging to support my studies... © Donal O' Mahony

9. Opportunity to meet teachers from Europe and learn some new skills

10. Further insights into collaboration© Donal O' Mahony

11. St. Clare’s College, Malta © Donal O' Mahony

12. 31 teachers... © Donal O' Mahony

13. ...from Belgium, Ireland, Spain, Iceland, Italy, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, Romania Primary, secondary and adult education, a few IT specialists, most general subject teachers, including learning support... ICT abilities at various levels Course Director – Emil Vassallo © Donal O' Mahony

14. The technologies: Photo Story Three Concept Mapping Monkey Jam (Animation Software) PowerPoint for Special Educational Needs WordPress for blogging Wiki-spaces Audacity for podcasting Windows Movie Maker Prezi for flash based presentations Comic Life Photosynth - stitches several digital photographs of one image together © Donal O' Mahony

15. Most are ‘free’ or bundled in Microsoft packages Need practice by the teachers involved Student friendly Build into a teaching and learning plan © Donal O' Mahony

16. Time... ... in Malta ...to practice individually ...to collaborate in groups ...to consider use in eTwinning - Angela Andersson, a consultant from the eTwinning National Support Service in Sweden gave a presentation along with Emil Vassallo. © Donal O' Mahony

17. Time... ...is the greatest challenge in using ICT to sustain teaching and learning ...is a challenge across all projects ...whether eTwinning or Leaving Certificate History © Donal O' Mahony

18. Projects Keep them straightforward Focus on teaching and learning Find a technology that supports you Find a teacher that thinks like you! Use the resources available © Donal O' Mahony

19. © Donal O' Mahony

20. Some advice Greater training in the eTwinning Desktop Some element of e-Moderation a driver / digital-champion © Donal O' Mahony

21. A challenge Presumption that an online environment will imply dialogue and relationship Presumption that teachers will easily enter a collaborative educational relationship online Online dialogue can be difficult to achieve despite the fact that we are so connected... © Donal O' Mahony

22. Thank you www.elearningisland.ie © Donal O' Mahony