"Reflections and highlights from the past week".

Last week I had a number of students presenting their simply superb PowerPoint projects to the class.

One student created a PowerPoint presentation on Italy

"Does technology help or hinder learning?"

Changes in technology have absolutely improved teaching software to students in the class room.

Intially having to demonstrate to clients and students on a small 14" screen with students huddled around the screen perhaps not all being able to view the information.

Next we were given the luzury of haveing a 50" Barco display which could be used in a class room hence improving vision. (Very expensive)

Finally today I use either light projectors - projecting my images on a screen in the front of the classroom
or
The Class Mate or Vision program where each student has my screen in front of them on their computer when I demonstrate and I can even take control of their screen blanking them out to get their attention or view the students screen on mine.

Another aspect of technology and learning is the ability for students to use online tools. At TAFE we have a toolbox which allows students to access materials and exercises for flexible learning delivery. The toolbox also contains group email, messaging and a group chat room.