E-Space

Today’s students have been immersed in the digital world since birth, living naturally within the internet as opposed to just using it.  As such, these students born as digital natives are expecting to be engaged with technology in the classroom on a daily basis while yearning to connect, be recognised and have an impact beyond the four walls of the classroom.  This desire, along with the new skills required in the 21st century means that we cannot afford to discount virtual learning spaces as conducive for learning. 
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The e-space provides numerous opportunities for students to deepen their understanding of particular learning experiences in engaging and insightful ways that are not possible through the use of traditional materials.  Students can immerse themselves with information and knowledge through the use of search engines while social networking and blogs allow students to communicate with their peers, experts and the rest of the world whenever they like.  The e-space ensures learning does not just stop as the bell rings out the school day. 

​The way that we as educators use and embed the e-space and associated technology is what is vitally important.  If utilised mindfully and carefully it can enhance the teaching and learning experience.  If applications are simply being used for drill and practice or focused on delivering content for consumption their use may not be effective. 

Strengths and Challenges of the E-space
Strengths
Teachers
  • The e-space allows for a number of applications, tools and programs to be utilised by the teacher to enhance collaboration, communication and the learning process
  • Apps such as google docs makes connecting and collaborating with colleagues simple, effective and convenient. Planning can be done online and in real time.
  • Teachers are able to communicate with students and their families instantly regarding students learning
  • Online applications allow for the giving and receiving of feedback with students to improve learning
  • ​Different software programs can enhance our practice
  • Greater access to content and resources
  • Sharing of resources is at the push of a button
Students
  • Learning is made relevant as it connects to everyday world
  • Students can facilitate their own learning
  • Utilising the technology that connects us to the e-space helps provide students with skills for the future
  • Learning is more student centred and caters to different learning needs
  • Provides access to community experts who have a plethora of information and knowledge on associated topics
  • Students can express themselves in alternate ways e.g. blogs, videos, portfolios
  • Provides diversity in learning as information is not just found in a book or from the teacher
  • Opens the door for global learning and connections
  • Allows students to practice new concepts at home

​Challenges
​Teachers
  • Ensuring the technology required to access the e-space is up to date and in working order
  • Managing students who wish to bring their own device for classroom use
  • Knowing what resources and software is available for use in education
  • Having the knowledge to utilise and teach students how to use software
  • Understanding the benefits of engaging with the e-space
  • Determining how much time is appropriate for teaching in the e-space
  • It may be difficult to monitor student activity online
  • Security and privacy need to be considered
Students
  • ​Concerns about cyberbullying
  • ​Potential distractions can hinder true learning
  • May not be as tech savvy as other students and require training to use software and apps

​(Learning Spaces Framework, 2008), (Brown, 2016), (Queensland Government; Department of Education, Training and the Arts, 2008).

Approaches, Strategies and Resources

How do you work with students in the e-space?
​(Click and connect to find more information)

For collaborating on school projects:

Wikispaces provides a platform to create a classroom workspace where students can work and communicate on projects.  It is free and also has assessment tools that give you the power to measure student contribution and engagement in real-time. 
Google Docs is a fantastic application for collaboration for both students and teachers.  Teachers can make planning with grade partners a little easier by sharing ideas, documents, notes and calendars online in real time from anywhere. 
Schoology is a cloud based platform, similar to Facebook only it includes the necessary security needed for use in schools.  Schoology can be used as a class page where students can post assignments, videos, completed work and links.

For communicating with students (and their families)

In edublogs teachers can create class blogs to involve students in the blogging process which can have a rea impact on teaching and learning in the classroom.
Class Dojo helps create a classroom community where teachers, parents and students can communicate.  Students can showcase and share their learning through the creation of their own portfolios and teachers can provide feedback and encourage classroom and school values.

For giving (and receiving) student feedback

Edmodo is a safe environment to connect, communicate, share, ideas, resources, assign work, grades and provide feedback.  Parents can be given access to content for transparency with the teachers as the facilitator.  Here you will find a user guide for Edmodo.
This app is a great way to gather information and feedback from students about assessments and lessons.
(McClure, L. 2015)
See student blogs in action
​At St Patricks Catholic Primary School in Asquith​ student blogging is common practice.  These blogs are often podcasts from their radio program recorded in the Contemporary Learning Centre aka CLiC on the St Pat's radio station (SPR 90.9FM) as well as work samples and class learnings.  These blogs give students an opportunity to showcase their learning and invite feedback. ​
Why might you want your students to blog?
  1. ​Blogs allow students to give voice to their passions
  2. Blogs are authentic, they have a real audience
  3. ​Blogs invite feedback
  4. ​Blogs provide opportunities to engage in civil discourse
  5. Blogs provide opportunities for regular writing practice
  6. ​Blogging teaches transparency
  7. ​Blogging broadens students’ perspectives and connects them to the world.
  8. Blogs allow students to experiment with multi media formats
(Davis, 2012).
What might you need in your classroom to effectively teach and learn in the e-space?
  • high speed Wi-Fi or internet connection
  • appropriate applications and software programs
  • sufficient power points for charging
  • ​safe storage solutions
  • flexible furniture and work stations
  • Electronic technology; digital cameras, IWB, I-pads, computers, laptops, webcams, recording devices, headphones, Smart TV
​Although the abovementioned will help to effectively promote teaching and learning in the e-space, they must not be done in isolation.  Such improvements to the physical space must be done in concert with the overall teaching and learning objectives.  It is the vision of the school and teachers that will in turn be used to make key decisions about the learning spaces and their configuration.   
(Brown, 2016)
Professional Development for Teachers
​In order to position our students in the best place possible for today and their future we as Teachers may also need assistance.  Professional Development helps to maintain and improve our teaching practice and when weathering the unknown of the e-space or just wanting to improve on our strengths there are resources and services out there to help us.  It is important to remember that we are also a community of practice working and learning together to improve the future of our students. 
Here are some ideas for PD that might be helpful in this process.
- Social media awareness
- Smartphones and tablets in the classroom
​- Class Dojo free interactive PD session
​- Lynda.com online training courses