mira's+blog+response

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I was drawn into [|Mira's Blog by her title 'Now THIS is engaging for students...'] not only beacause the title interested me but also I wanted to know //what// was so engaging for students; what teacher's tips could i find that could help me engage students? =====

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I could relate back to the experience (during my firsat prac) as I read on about the [|podcast posted online on the year 5 class' blog.] The phone was between a group of Scientists in Antarctica and two year 5 Sydney based classes. I feel it was an amazing oppurtunity for the students to participate in.It must have been exciting for the young ones to ask their questions //directly// and //immediately// to the scientists who were such a long distance away. Also it is something different from their usual day at school, and the added bonus of talking to the people while they are actually in Antarctica is the real thrill. Whereas you would lose that if the scientists hopped on a plane to come and speak formally at the school hall. =====

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Another advantage was that the students were open to a range of expert opinions and voices at one (there was about 3 scientists who took part in the phone call), providing students with a variety of perspectives and greater engagement as students could listen to different voices. Other advantages were that students could ask questions relevant to their interests (eg. 'What do you eat?' What does a typical day look like for you?'). Also it showed the classes had done previous research about Antarctica and could ask questions that had arisen form that research. =====

As I was listening to this interview I thought about how useful tools like podcast, SKYPE and online blogs can be for students to communicate with experienced people who may not be able to come in for a face to face meeting.

At my first prac at PLC year 9 had a video confrence with to present about [|Global Warming]. Though the information was pretty much what would have been presented in class but just the face that it was being relayed from Canada was so exciting for the students as it was for year 5 in Mira's blog. My view is that when students are able to interact and ask questions themselves it makes more relevance to their learning and stimulates a positive motivation that resonates and has positiv effects.