Week Four

In the Tutorial this week we jumped on the ABC website to check out 'Dusk Echoes'. The site is an electronic dream time hub. There are different dream time stories that you can listen to and read about. It's set up for teachers with activities related to each story, and then some general information related to each story. Then we got into Microsoft excel. Fun times.

 The story of the Wagalak Sisters from the ABC website, under Dusk echoes.http://www.abc.net.au/

The story is about two sisters who create, well, everything. One of the sisters has a baby, then they get eaten by a dingo. Am a little confused; I thought Dreamtime stories had a point. I thought the stories were meant to explain how things had come to be, ie, why the crow is black.

I have a couple issues with this site (old lady is emerging): Firstly, in a classroom setting, why do students need a story read to them on the computer? Maybe if they've got some free time they could watch it? While technology surpasses many traditional means, reading a book to children is not one of them. Secondly, I have politically based issues with this site. I like the idea behind, make indigenous culture readily available: ace. But who was in charge of this? The imagery? The narration? Where indigenous Australians heavily involved in the decision making processes? Doubt it. 

Finally, it took Greg and I a really long time to upload my version of the Mermaid from the ABC/Dusk Echoes.

M and Ms count: Count the number of m and ms in a packet then transfer that information into a graph using excel. I liked this exercise, it demonstrated how easy it is to incorporate ICT into the classroom experience. Using technology in the class adds another layer onto the learning experience; they learn what is set out by their teacher, but they also get to practise and enhance their technological skills.