EDUC7010NA (20110723) Intensive 1 Session 2 Discussions

Questions to Ponder:

SET 1:

1. Which comes first? Needs or Awareness of Innovation

Both could actually be the 'cause' of innovation.

• When driven by needs, the needs could be seen as a "problem" to be solved. This leads to a solution seeking process, which can lead to an invention of something that's new. On the other hand, it is also possible that a tweak is made to existing products or processes or practices that would lead to an improvement. Such improvement could also mean making the processes to more efficient (possibly).
• On the other hand, given the Awareness of innovation, one could think of its relevance and appropriateness of one's context. Should one is able to make a connection and see the value to introduce such innovation into another context, this might bring about innovation in other contexts. 

Indeed, I think one example that illustrates an innovation that is a result of both needs and awarenss could be something I explored several years ago, when "Blogging" was then a new technology platform, and most people would associate blogging with writing, and more often than not 'confined' to use in Language or Humanities subjects. [Awareness of Innovation] At that time, I was looking at some innovative ways that help to enhance students' ability to articulate or communicate with mathematical language, at the same time, to infuse technology use in a non-"do it for the sake of doing" way. [Driven by Needs] As such, effort was put in to explore the blog platform to understand its features - strengths as well as limitations, and mapping them to the requirements of the mathematical curriculum before introducing it into the subject.

SET 2:

1. What are some innovations that you are aware of but not adopted yet?

• The use of Interactive Whiteboard was one of those innovations that 'picked up' in many primary schools. However, somehow I've not quite able to see the necessity of equipping secondary classrooms with one, reason being, when dealing with teenagers, the kind of 'novelty' or 'magic' does not stay long. Moreover, somehow getting them to come out to 'drag' and 'drop' or to 'pen' down the steps doesn't quite work with older students, I believe.
• The other is the iPad, which many schools have started adopting in their classrooms. Well, many of my colleagues enthusiastically suggested the use of iPads in the classrooms, and some even suggested having them to replace the macbooks. It's cool. No doubt. It's initutive, I agree. However, I strongly feel the need to access the needs and the wants (in fact, in this case, it's the portability as well as the "cool" factor). The computing power and transferability of files from one source to the other is still an issue. Well, do we want to be equipped with an extra expensive cool device that does not fully serve our need? Hm... just because we are a 'science & tech' school? Hm... Give me more time to explore and get bought in first (for classroom use). Of course, I agree it's the recommended device for mobile learning activities. (That's why we still go for several units of that!)

2. What are some innovations you have adopted but your peers have not?

I think I'm one of those who look inward more than trying to look outward, in terms of devices.

SET 3:

1. What are some "bad" innovations?

2. Why were they "bad"?

3. What are some of the consequences?

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