Exploring the Six Learning Spaces

In our modern society, the use of technology is everywhere. Kids as young as prep is being seen with phones, babies even seen excelling in operating a phone, swiping through their parent’s pictures and games.  The E-Space is seen to be indistinguishably linked to technology, and is a learning space that ultimately has no boundaries.

Using the Internet as a method of education is often flagged by the negative views and inappropriate aspects linked to it. These negative connotations, although often warranted, should not diminish the positive aspects.  Almost everything we do as teachers somehow involves technology, so this particular learning space is detrimental in a school and education environment.

The first aspect of technology that you would think of would be a means of which children can research information. This can portray ‘exploring’ the Internet. This corresponds to what Means (1994) depicted, with the categories that educational technology fits under. As previously stated, the Internet can be used to explore, whether this is by finding information, viewing demonstrations or even portrayed stimulations (such as a video to hook the students). Another category is linked to this concept of exploring. The Internet can be seen as being a ‘tutor’, that is it is able to teach by providing information. Educational technology, as depicted by Means (1994) can also be applied as a tool, especially beneficial to teachers, as it can be a means of collecting and storing data. Finally, the category of communication is portrayed. Both teachers and students are able to send and share data and information through technology. 

This is inextricably linked with a PLN (as briefly mentioned in the personal learning space section). Murray and Olcese (2011) discuss the two dimensions of educational technology, in being individual consumption and collaborative, which corresponds to this notion of a PLN. By joining the principles of personalized learning with the tools of technology, it is believed that the ultimate learning environment will be achieved, with the true 21st century school reform of education evident.

In modern day classrooms, the incorporation of ICT in the forms of interactive whiteboards and Ipads is not uncommon. As portrayed by Attard (2011), the incorporation of technology aids not only the learning in children, but also their engagement.

​

By no means should the use of technology override the physical pen to paper learning, but the two methods working in conjunction with each other to achieve optimal results.