Ubiquitous learning and rewindable learning resources

This week started off with a facilitation day at Bay of Islands College, followed by a staff meeting I ran on Manaiakalani's Learn aspect.     This term, we were looking at Ubiquitous learning and rewindable learning resources.   

Visible teaching through a class site allows teachers to make their learning resources available 24/7 which effectively means they are available from anywhere with an internet connection.  I like this idea because it allows learning to continue beyond the school gate and with whanau.  It also means there's a lifeline for students whenever they are away sick and, of course, if we ever have to go into lockdown again.   There should be no barriers to students with visible learning, which is why Manaiakalani recommends all learning is made available through the class site.  It should be the one-stop learning hub.

When it comes to creating rewindable learning resources, teachers nowadays are spoilt for choice.  Screencastify is an extension that sits in the Google Chrome browser bar.  It can record your screen with or without a webcam.  The app recently brought out some new features that allow you to show emojis, which are great for giving feedback to students without interfering with the document.  

There are, of course, other ways teachers can create videos, for example, using their laptop, phone, iPad or film camera.  Audio files embedded into class sites and Google docs are a worthwhile resource and provide extra support for students who may have trouble reading.   

 With rewindable videos, you also have the power to watch a video slower or faster.  

Ubiquitous learning came into its own last year during the Covid Lockdown.  Having everything visible online means our students can learn anytime, anywhere and at any pace.  When students have their own device and their learning has been designed by an effective teacher, students should be having a powerful rich learning experience.  

Let's not forget the powerful workforce in the classroom as well.  Students are excellent teachers who would gain a lot of confidence by contributing to teaching resources.  With so many young people being YouTube stars with tutorials from how to win in League of Legends to how to apply makeup, I think it's highly likely students could see themselves contributing to their peers' learning.