Week 14- last week

Yes, I could not believe my eyes that this week is the last week for the semester. I feel that all went and moved fast in a blink of eyes. Yes, i am shocked. However, I have to say that I learned a lot from this course. For example, on how to create video, blogs, smartboard and many more.
This week, we did not have anything special as we were just briefed on the exam date, duration and so on. In less than 1 hour the class was over. So, there is nothing much for me to say here. As this is my last blog, I would like to wish everyone good luck for the upcoming exams. Bye...

week 13

This week, Prof. Maznah was not around. Therefore, the tutors briefed us on the tasks that we are to complete. They are - uploading the blogs, replying to the questions posed on adec like- "how you want your future classroom to be?", on the exam date and venue and many more. Thus, all of us was busy preparing ourselves to compete the unfinished task. For me, I had to update my blog and answer the questions posed on adec. I took me some time to do the task as I had to think critically on how to answer the questions as they were questioning about the course so far. Hence, the whole 3 hours was spend doing these stuff. I had to say that I could not believe my eyes that this week is the second last week for this semester. Moreover, this would be my second last blog. Whatever it is, I have to admit that I learned a lot of things from this course and will apply it in the future whenever possible.

Online chatting .......

This week, we did something really interesting. guess what? Yes, online chatting in adec..it is not that we never chat before, but it was something different as we chated in adec! We were supposed to chat on how we would like our future classroom to be. Many gave different and interesting ideas. some suggested to have air- conditioner in the classroom, while some said that we shoild have a conducive environment. many agree that we should have technology tolls in the class like LCD projector or maybe smartboard.nevertheless, others argue that it is not possible as it needs a lot of money allocation.

It was entertaining and interesting though, as we talked about all this. some also did say that we need to have teacher assistants in the classroom. I could not help but agree with it as i 100% believe that a teacher should ONLY teach and not be indulged in the clerical work and preparing the materials. in this way, the teacher can give 100% focus on the teaching and learning process. This would help to bring our education level to the next level. However, it is not applied here and some said that for this suggestion to be real, we need a lot of money allocation.
Nevertheless, we had to stop chatting as the chat room always hang as i think it is overloaded. Therefore, we had to stop chatting. later, we were told to upload on adec on how we would like our future classroom to be like. my firend and i immediately uploaded it on adec. Sometimes, we think that the question is simple, but it really made me to think critically on how i REALLY want my future classroom to be.
I must say that i really learned a lot this week. That's all for now. Bye...

This week- week 11- holidays??

Happy and glad - That is how I would like to describe this week. Yes, this is so as today is the submission of assignment 3- smartboard. Fuhh!!! I could not utter my happiness to anyone as this is the last assignment for this subject as I know. Moreover, we have a one week break due to the hari raya celebration. What other gift can be given to us after completing the assignment? Holidays, of course!Therefore, this week, we did not do much. We just submitted our cd which contains all the group members’ smartboard assignment. Then, we had a little lecture on the fish philosophy which I found was quite interesting. Hmm..’maybe I can use it in my class in the future’ I thought.

I am saying so as I feel that it is very interesting and fun if it is applied in the class. Imagine the reactions of 78 people who are in their 20’s when the fishes was being thrown around the classsrom. What would be the reaction and atmosphere of pupils of 7- 12 years old. Right? Anyway, after that we were left to go home early as the lecturer understands our anticipation to go back home as soon as possible. Haha..thanks professor for your kind consideration.

That’s all for this week! It was a short but memorable class for me. ‘ Selamat Hari Raya’ to all my muslim friends, not forgetting our dear Professor too. Bye, happy holidays to all of you. But, do not forget my dear friends to complete your assignments for the other subjects. Do enjoy yourselves but do not procrastinate yeah!! Bye…

Presentation of the Smartboard and correction of the errors.

Basically, this week the groups presented their best smartboard presentation. It is a good idea that we present the smartboard assignment and got feedback from the lecturer, tutors and friends. In this way, we will be able to learn on how to improve on our activities. For some of the groups, they were unable to present their's due to time constraint. Nevertheless, i am glad that we were given the opportunity to work on to improve our activities. This is so as I have to do a lot of improvement for my activity like change the font, background, add pictures and many more.

So, this week we just had the group presentation. I personally, learned a lot from the presentation including from other groups as well. So, i told to myself 'there are a lot of repair work that needs to be done later at home' as i was viewing the presentation.

What do you think happened later? Yes, of course! iIwent back home and edited some of my ativities as i learned that somehow or rather they were not appropriate. So, that is all from me for this week. I have to go now, as i want to edit my smartboard assigment. See you later, bye....

Week 9

Before we started with the smartboard presentation, today our lecturer asked and questioned us on what and how we want to be evaluated on the smartboard assignment. I was actually puzzled as to what I really want the assignment to be evaluated. Some of my course mates really gave some productive and interesting ways on what is to be evaluated. Isn’t that interesting? You are given the opportunity to evaluate and tell out the criteria that you want in an assignment. I was trilled. Anyway, at the end of the day I found that the criterion that was told by us is some sort similar to the usual way of evaluating an assignment. For instance, things like creativity, interesting activities, suitablity and all that. I guess that one needs all these in any task or assignment given regardless of the subject. That really opened my eyes that we have to insert creativity and suitability in almost everything that we do. ‘Hmmm…’ I thought. Looks like I have to really make and do something really interesting for this assignment.

Besides, we had presentation for smartboard too. Each group should send the best presentation that they have for smartboard. So, each group send their ‘best’. I personally feel that this approach is very good. This is because through this we can scrutinise our own strength and weakness. Moreover, we can continue to improve ourselves for this assignment. We can advance ourselves not only through our group presentation but also others. How so? This can be done by looking at their presentation and the comments given (both the positive and suggestions). Yes, for example, making the font size bigger, the colour should be attractive, choose a suitable background. I learned about transparency as well. Thanks to the comments given by our friends, tutors and lecturer. I really benefited from this week’s lesson.

To add on, we were given an extra hour to prepare, amend and work on our smartboard. During that period of time, I spend my time wisely as we have to submit many assignments around this stage. Thus, I want make use and exploit my time astutely without wasting a single minute.

That is all that we have done for this week. Some presentation and continue to work on the assignment. Well, I guess next week will be more appealing as next week is the real presentation. I cannot wait to see what each group has keep in store for the presentation !

Layering....

More video clips on smartboard to share with you. You can learn layering through this video. Hope it is beneficial to you.

Smartboard

This video teaches us on how we can use the smartboard in a listening activity. Although it is not showing the whole lesson plan but we can get some idea and might help in our assignment.

Tips on how to use technology in the classroom

This video can help all of us and give us some idea on how to use technology in the classrooom. I found it in youtube, just wanted to share with you all

Preparation for the smartboard assignment!!

Yes, this week we had the oppurtunity to work on the smartboard assignment. The 3 hours that was given to us was spend beneficially as we continued to work on it. Personally, I agree that we should be given time to work on it in the class as 'the clouds can be cleared' if there are any! In other words, if there is any question arises, it can be cleared on the spot. Moreover, due to our hectic schedule we were unable to work on it or sit for long to complete the task. Thus, I would say that i was glad that we were given the time to do it.

Smartboard

Yes...smartboard!! We are to create at least five activities for one topic each. Since, we are in in group of five, we will be having overall 25 activities...uuuuu..sounds a lot ya? but if one thinks and reflects again team work does help. This is so as if we divide our work and manage our time wisely, there would not be time constraint! Moreover, as i said earlier, if we divide our work, each of us just have to do five activities on a particular topic. But of course, we have to check each other's work and help around. Ater all, what is team work then?

Yes, as i was mentioned earlier, we have to create activity through smartboard. It depends on our creativity on how to explore it isn't? Thinking about it, we are actually learning discovery learning whereby we have to discover the knowledge by ourselves! Jean Piaget also emphasised on that in the constructivist theory. Anyway, let us just keep the theories aside and go on with the smartboard.

There are many things that one can do..for example, the magic pen, capture a picture through camera and so on. it would be fun if all the schools in Malaysia has the Smartboard. (rural school and urban school, both of them. ) However, it does not mean that one school only has one or few smartboard. I hope that each and every class has it. Life would be easier for the teachers and students. This is so because through Smartboard they can bring their comprehension level to a better phase as real and vivid pictures will be shown. To add on, some topics are better to be taught using the smartboard.

Now, don't think that it has no drawbacks..It has! For instance, not all topics can be taught using the smartboard. I believe that we have to use the LCD, videos, flashcards and others too.

Hmm...well do not forget that in the excitement in exploring the smartbaord, the date due is also approaching. Therefore, I have to do it as fast as i can. But, whatever it is, there is always some distraction and some other work that needs to be done. Thus, i have to hang on for a while. But, now i would not be distracted by all these. What needs to be done, must be done! I will ensure that i finish my work and finish it early...

holidays + assignment ...what a combination

This week we did not have much to do. Fenny was not feeling well. So, Professor Raja Maznah and tutors were handling the session well. They showed us the sample work that has been done by our seniors by using the smart board. It actually gave us an idea on what needed to be done. Later, we were told to discuss in groups on the upcoming assignment using the smart board. It was good that we were given the opportunity to do discussion as our schedule was always hectic and busy. This gave us chance to sit and brainstorm on what needed to be done. As the holiday was around the corner, we all decided to divide our work and complete it during the holidays. After the holidays, we will all sit and edit each others’ work as well as to combine all the parts together. This is also done to avoid errors made and clashing of activities. I personally feel that this way is good and effective as our time tables always would not match due to the different electives taken as well as where we stay. So, the most efficient method was dividing the work and discuss later. Discussion is very crucial as the saying goes ‘Two heads is better than one’. Frankly, this week was much more relaxing than the previous week. Pheww.. So much tension! They are two different contrasting weeks. Isn’t it? Anyway, I was very happy that this week was calm. There are no rough seas to cross. Hahhaha…when I was given my task to do, I told myself again- hey, no procrastination. Let’s see what fate have decided for all of us. I really hope that it would not be like the previous assignment where tension was mounting everywhere. What I can do for now is start working on the assignment and let us all see how things are going on. Oh yes, Happy holidays to all of you. Bye…

Hectic? Tensed? What else???

Lack of sleep and tension. This is how I would describe this week. Yes, to tell you all the truth, this week was very very very hectic for me. Well, I suppose not only for me but for all of us. Why so? Submittion of the video clip plus we have to complete the storyboard which actually needs a lot of attention and effort to complete it. Through out this week, the word ‘busy’ was in my dictionary. Initially, I did not expect that the video clip will lead to all these things. This is so as I have already completed the video clip weeks before. However, luck was not on my side. My laptop was having some problem with the software ‘movie maker’. Moreover, my group mates and I found a better software that is called the ‘Power director’. Thus, days before submitting the video clip, I had to spend my time doing it all over again in the software. So, I would not name ‘procrastination’ as the fault here. I would rather call it fate. I know that from the very first day I got to know about this assignment I remember telling myself ‘No procrastination’. Yes, but it ain’t my fault anyway. hahaha..as I have said earlier, lets’ all blame it on fate. Completing the video clip was one story but doing the storyboard was another. It needed a lot attention as I have to type each and every thing that made the video clip a success, for instance, the title, the wordings used, the font, colour and etc. So, one can imagine the pile of work that need to be done. Pheww…I was so relieved when I finally manage to complete the assignment. But problems keep coming back to us. First, we were unable to upload the video clip on adec, and then we had compability problems with our video clip. It is like this, after we have combined and burned the video clip, some of the video clips can be played while the other could not. The video clip for three of us can only be played in riva player, my friend’s can be played anywhere, while another one cannot be played anywhere at all. So can you imagine the tension that we were going through at that point?? I think you cannot imagine it because the tension cannot be described in words. Seriously! We tried many things like burning it again and again, burning it in another laptop and even going to the cybercafé. All the sweat and toil went into the drain as our effort was worthless. Can you believe this? One of my group mates even offered to sacrifice her pen drive to be used as an alternative if the CD could not be used. I would say heads off to her. Such sacrifice is beggaring description. Really..what do you expect. Pen drives are assets’ that we students have. It is used often in accomplishing our work. Wow, but whatever it is I really admire her spirit to make ends meet. We were still worried though therefore, we consulted the tutors and told them our problem. We were relieved that they quite understood and told us that we can upload the video clip by that evening itself. It was a relieve to us. On the day itself, we had a lecture on the smart board. We were told that it would continue for 4 weeks and is related to our next assignment. So, all eyes were all set during these three hours. Nevertheless, whatever one says it was a heart throbbing week for us. What a week? Really. But I would not deny that this assignment taught all of us many things like how to download software, how to convert videos, how to edit and split a video, how to make a movie and so on. It is not that I just learned one or two things in this assignment. I would rather say I learned many things here, and when I say MANY I really mean them.

Time to be serious.....

Video clip…video clip..video clip…hahaha…This word has been roaming if not haunting the whole class this week. Everywhere you go, you can hear this word. Whether you go to the end of the class or the front! It is like a chant that can be heard every corner in the class. Whatever it is, I am glad that we were given the opportunity to work on the video clip. This gave us the chance to ask the tutors on the video clip. Well, before we were allowed to work on the video clip, there was some presentation on teacherweb, where we have to go online and register ourselves. Unfortunately, we were not able to do so as the server was slow. Nevertheless, after that my group members and I discussed on the video clips and set the criteria for it too. In a nutshell, I would like to say that I am delighted as the time that was given to us was spent to the maximum. Yes, as I mentioned earlier I did some work on the video clip and also had group discussion. As the saying goes “Time is gold”.

Another STEP into technology....

Yes. Models! That is what we learned and were exposed today through lecture. We learned about Dick and Carey model, Assure model and the Addie model. Friends, I am just going to tell the very basic stuffs on these models as I am very sure you all definitely know what they are all about. Basically, the ASSURE model is beneficial for creating courses with the use of various media. It incorporates resources that are out-of-the-class and also technology. Instructors designing online courses may find this model useful. On the other hand, the Dick and Carey model involves a few steps. They are identifying instructional goals, conduct instructional analysis, and identify entry behaviours and learner characteristics and so on. Whereas, the ADDIE model means Analyse, Design, Develop, Implement and Evaluate. Here, these terms are discussed in depth. For instance, learners’ characteristics are spotted, goals are ascertained and instructional problem is elucidated. We sure learned something as the explanation given is crystal clear. Personally, i prefer the ADDIE model as it takes into account learner's characteristics. I am a believer that it plays a crucial role in the teaching and learning process. Without it, the process of learning will not be complete. Moreover, in whatever we do, we need to analyse and plan properly. This is to ensure minimal errors and success in the work. The same goes to teaching. Later on, we were all given time to work on our video clip. I am really grateful as we are given time to complete the video clip. This is so as we are given the opportunity to discuss about the assignments with our members. As we all know, during these few weeks we are bombarded with assignments and tasks for all subjects. It really eased me. Moreover, whatever uncertainties and doubts that were lingering in my mind were cleared as we were able to ask the lecturer and tutors.In a nutshell, the third week for this subject was spent by working on our video clip and we were exposed to the models.

The attack !!!

Well friends, I am very sure that you are all wondering about the title right? Actually, it has a very significant meaning with what I am going to write today. You see, on the 16th of July we had our second class for technology in the primary education class. To my SURPRISE, I found out that the video clip that we are working on is a group work. This is so as initially I thought that it was an individual work. I cannot hide the fact that I was relieved when I heard it was a group work. ‘Hehehe…. better for me, I thought’ as I am not that techno-savvy person you see. Nevertheless, I know that it meant more work for us to do as we (the group members) have to check on each other’s work and comment on it as our marks depends on it. I personally feel that it is a good idea to do so. Usually, when there is an assignment to do, there is a sense of competition. The breeze will tell you so. Now, it is an individual and group work. How? Yes, we have to proceed on the video clip and our friends have to scrutinise it and tell us the pro’s and corns of the video clip. Their ideas and opinions will enable us to improve ourselves and vice-versa. Thus, it leads towards cooperative learning and creates a sense of team work where all play an equal role in making the video clip into a success. So, I feel that this assignment not only help us to learn about video-clipping but also indirectly teaches us on the spirit of team work and critical thinking. As the saying goes, ‘Two heads are better than one’. Oh yes, coming back to the title, it was a kick in the teeth when I heard that it was a group work. I felt that I was attacked by a bombshell that dropped directly on my small head. The bombshell left a good impact though. Yes, it did! All that I was saying earlier. Aaa…haa… yes, about the cooperation thing is a beneficial bang on us. I really cannot describe how delighted I was when I heard about it. After the so called attack to me, we were left to proceed with the discussion. So my group members and I sat and discussed on what we were to do next. After the discussion, we started (individually) working on the video clip. However, here and there we will pose question to each to other seeking clarification about certain things. While starting to work on the video clip I realised that there is a lot of editing work that needs to be done. ‘It is not that easy that I thought it would be’ I remember saying this to myself when I started doing the video clip. Mind you I have not really got into the business yet and I am already telling that it requires a lot of work. Hehehe.. Basically, the class was enjoyable as we were given time to discuss and work on our video clip.

Climbing the Ladder of TEChnology....

When I first heard about this subject, it never cross my mind that in this subject I have to create a blog and view my peers’ blog and comment on it. I thought that this subject will be something connected to software and so on. Well, when I entered the class for first day I realize that I am partially right. It was connected to software and technology but as mentioned earlier I did not expect to create a blog. On the first day, the cohort was blur at first as to which class we are to go in. Later on, we were all told to go together into a class for briefing. There we were told to update our profiles and on how to log in to http://adec.um.edu.my/code/. I was puzzled as it keeps lingering in my mind- Why should I update my profile? What is the purpose? Is it just like Friendster profile? Nevertheless, while updating my profile it opened my eyes on my computer proficiency. I did not reflect before this on my proficiency in computers. All I knew was that whatever work or assignments set by lectures that are related to computers (like recording and so on) will be done. That day I realized there are so many things that I need to learn. Friends, when I say MANY I really mean it. Before this, I did not know about this http://adec.um.edu.my/code/ where university students can log in and discuss with their lectures 24/7 online and check out the latest assignments in store for them. I was still thinking about assignments given on papers. Anyway, this is a real eye opener. It is fun isn’t it? We can all express ourselves in blogs and comment on our friends’ blog. I feel that we are all going to have fun in this class. Yes, after updating our profiles we had a lecture on P.L.E.A.S.E. Professor Raja Maznah lectured us about that. When I first heard about the P.L.E.A.S.E, I thought -What is it? How is it related to our subject? Is Prof. about to set certain rules through P.L.E.A.S.E? Luckily, Prof. Raja Maznah explained that it stands for: P- Personalise L- Learning E- Environment A- And S- Student E- Engagement I feel fortunate as this P.L.E.A.S.E exposes us on what we are expected to do in the class. During the lecture, Prof could see that we were all tired. That’s the speciality of educators, isn’t it? They can detect things that we try our best not to show through our facial expression. And hey, we were given time to relax ourselves. How? Hahaha…massaging session! It really helped me to rejuvenate myself at lest to certain extend. To sum up, this 3 hours lecture really taught me numerous things. From blogging to P.L.E.A.S.E . It was compact with input which is and will be very beneficial to me and my future as a teacher.

technology to teachers ....

Hi everyone…well the name technology is not an alien word to many of us today. I bet even the lower primary knows something about it somehow or rather. So, I 100% agree that technology will leave an impact on the pupils as it involves the way the pupils are going to absorb knowledge. Previously, during our parents’ schooldays and ours, the teaching and learning method was completely different from today. They had to depend on traditional learning aids like picture cards and so on. But today in the era of globalization, technology has immersed itself into the education system itself. We cannot run away from the fact. Therefore, technology is DEFINETLY going to affect on how students are learning.

Formerly, if students wanted to learn about weather for example, the most the teacher could do was show picture cards about weather and explain to them. Well, they sure will understand. But the question is to what EXTEND do they understand. Are we neglecting the individual differences here? What about the visual learners? Wouldn’t it be better if the weathers were shown in a video clip? Wouldn’t they have understood better? Wouldn’t they have taken their level of understanding into a better pace? Do you think that the process of learning would be smoother? Of course yes!! So, coming back to the first question, I agree that technology will affect the way our students are learning by bringing the level of understanding to a greater pace. In other words, students will be able to comprehend the input better as they can actually visualize what they are learning. For instance, as stated earlier the topic weather. They can actually see in the video clip how winter looks like. This is good particularly for Malaysian students who of course have not seen winter before as our country is not a four season country. Yes, I agree we have television and so on, but how many of them watch documentaries and movies especially English movies specifically in the rural area. Thus, I personally feel that we learn better if we are able to see in real what we are learning. In this way, technology affects how students are going to learn.

For the second question, as a future teacher I will definitely try to use and update myself with the latest technology or software in the market. How? Hmm. As we all know, technology changes all the time. Every now and then there would be new software or tools implemented in the classroom. A good example would the smart board. A few years back I am sure many or probably none of us know what a smart board is. But today, we all are familiar with the word and the board. Hehehe. So, as said earlier, technology changes all the time. So, as a teacher I will without doubt learn, use and adapt it to suit my students.

A simple and vivid example would be, let’s say I have been teaching in a school for 10 years. Suddenly, the government implemented a new rule whereby all teachers must learn and insert the new technology (GOD knows what) in the classroom. So, as a teacher, I will surely have to learn the new technology so as to implement it in the classroom. Even if it is not a must, I have to keep up with the times. So, I will surely learn!

tecHNOLOGy

hey people..... i am very excited as this is my first blog. though i know about these blogs long ago..it never cross my mind that i will be blogging as well.. hahaha..as the Bahasa Melayu saying goes ' humans plans but GOD decides'.. i am looking forward to blog and comment on my friends blogs...guess it would be fun..and we will get to learn lots of things together!