E4A delivers on key trends driving the development of the future classroom

ClassBubbles, a new radical cloud based virtual learning environment recently launched by E4A can deliver on the key trends for developing the future classroom as identified by iTEC (Innovative Technologies for an Engaging Classroom, http://itec.eun.org/keytrends.html).

iTEC found that all pedagogical models are enhanced by ICT. Increasingly, constructivist models involving active, open ended tasks and differentiation, and social constructivist models are of particular interest. ClassBubbles, an internet based ICT system, requires learners to respond to open ended tasks with short “tweet” like messages which they are familiar with in their favourite social networking sites.

Research has shown that parents need to be involved more. With the appropriate permissions in place, parents can be allowed to login to see their child’s work in ClassBubbles as it is a cloud based system and available across the Internet from any computer or smart phone.

In the future teachers will move to becoming more like facilitators. ClassBubbles encourages this by providing an environment where the learners through peer pressure respond to the responses of the others and become engaged in the process. This frees up the teacher to spend more time facilitating discussion and bring out the learning rather than having to control the process.

Where we learn will change. Doing home work can already be done on line through virtual learning environments and ClassBubbles can promote this. Currently students respond using computers, ipads or smart phones but future developments will include devices such as the ipod.

Learning will become more personal and ClassBubbles allows for the learning output of an individual to be saved.

There are a number of learning environments available today. ClassBubbles differentiates itself as it a delivery tool that is easy to learn and requires no management. It can be used to take difficult to absorb information and transform it in to a series of short open ended tasks which makes it a lot more interesting for both the student and teacher.

ClassBubbles supports user generated content and high quality shared resources can be used to support teacher lead and group based learning. It provides an environment though groups for whole year groups to work together even if they a re spread across many class rooms.

As ClassBubbles is a cloud based learning environment, experts remote to the learners can be brought in to join in the debate and for everybody to see their input. This potentially could help with bringing in volunteer experts as they would be able to contribute from their own desktop. This means contributors could be based in different countries and so help learners appreciate the challenges in more remote locations or for charitable projects overseas.

ClassBubbles is the learning environment that will help to integrate interactive whiteboards and new multi-touch interactive technologies such as, smart phones, tablets, net books and other input devices. ClassBubbles will help to move learning approaches from beyond ‘transmission’ and ‘instruction’ towards more collaborative approaches.

ClassBubbles is a development towards a more immersive learning environment. It builds on the highly successful the online social networking sites that today’s learners can immersive and engaging.

A challenge with introducing any technology into the classroom is to how much training is required to use it and what IT resources and staff are needed for a successful implementation. Being a cloud based system, ClassBubbles requires about 10 minutes of support over the phone before it can be used and requires no IT support from the school other than what is already available and working.

While there is resistance to change summative assessment approaches, the increased level of technology in the future classroom will make possible significant change in formative assessment practice. Instant feedback, performance tracking in relation to peers and other uses of such data by learners and teachers will allow adaptive learning paths based on learner achievement and preferences. ClassBubbles allows peer review, expert feedback and export of evidence for assessment.

Ends

27th September 2010

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E4A Ltd
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