E Learning Part B

As you look into the possible future of the educational landscape, what sort of impressions, fears, or possibilities crossed your mind?

Teachers in the future have to be very up to date with the current technologies and trends in order to connect and build a rapport with their students. They will also think differently since technology wasn't so rampant in the 80s and 90s. A possibility might be more oppurtunities for teachers to conduct SDL and CBL experiences for their students. Students interact freely in cyberspace although I fear that they will tend to be withdrawn during physical meet ups.

What might living, learning and working be like in the future?

It is certainly very exciting to ponder about what living, learning and working in the future will be like. Probably, people will be expected to be more tech savvy and be able to conduct more instant and global research with the aid of internet. New problems such as more serious cases of cyberbullying and cyber-terrorism might become more frequent. It is inevitable that we will all tend to be more and more dependent on technology.

It will definitely be a future that is very different from what we have now.

E Learning II Part A

What are some characteristics of digital natives? (What are they good at? What are they poor at?)

Digital natives are made up of youth from the younger generation who grew up being heavily exposed to modern technology like computers. Typically, they play alot of computer games and develop in a very different way as compared to the older generation.
One of the striking characteristics of digital natives is that they develop "hypertext minds" - think in a parallel fashion as compared to others who are more likely to think in a sequential way.
As a result of their "alternative upbringing", digital natives develop differently and can be good at representational competence, multidimensional spatial skills, mental maps, inductive discovery and attentional deployment.
However, one major drawback from receiving this digital native style development is that they tend to have shorter attention spans. They also tend to be less adept at reflecting.


Which portrait did you select? (In your blog, create a link to the portrait.) In terms of their digital background, how similar was that student compared to a Singapore student?
I selected Luis. He is similar to a Singaporean student who is quite proficient in the use of technology. He relies heavily on technology and seems addicted to checking email and facebook.
http://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation-profile-luis

How might teachers in Singapore today engage and teach our digital natives?
The easiest and most direct way to engage our digital natives is perhaps to incorporate technoogy and game-based learning in our lessons.

Digital native

Characteristics of Digital Natives
· Enjoy the use of technology
· Find reading mundane and boring
· They are good in researching for information using technology
· They think differently from the older generation. Their brain is structured differently
· Their sense of logic is excellent. (3D thinking)
· Higher responsiveness due to playing games
· Their brain lacks of the ability to reflect


http://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation-profile-virginia-video
I chose Virginia as she is a 14 year old girl, which is a Secondary 2 student in Singapore context. In terms of technology, she is very much similar to a typical Secondary 2 playing facebook, Wii, Handphone.
However, I noticed that her class incorporates secondlife into their lessons. This is something Singapore education system has not done yet. Her lesson has become more self directed with more technology while Singapore is still in a situation where teachers are trying to break free from the traditional teaching.
How might teachers in Singapore today engage and teach our digital natives?
Teachers will have to use technologies in their lesson to engage our students. We will have to explore all sorts of pedagogical approaches instead of relying on one to teach our lessons.


Part B
As I look into the future, many uncertainties appeared in my mind. Will the future generations exploit those high technologies and do something harmful? Look at the movie ‘Gamers’ for instance. Human controlling humans. What will happen if something like that happen in the future?
Frankly, I am afraid that I will not be able to catch up with the new technologies that I have to bring to the class. Also, with new technology means more preparation in providing students with the technologies. I will have to try hard to keep up to be able to relate to the younger generation.
There will definitely be advantages in teaching. Teachers will not be required to stand in front of the classroom with a whiteboard marker teaching theories to the class. Instead, students will be actively searching for the information and increasing their knowledge of the subject and daily life on their own.
I predict in the future, humans no longer have to do manual work. For example, housework will be done with machines that do not require man to work so hard. Reading new without paper (online or digital newspaper). Learning will be done using new technology such as secondLife. It will interesting and I predict students will find more interest in learning. As quoted from the 15 year old Nicole, “I can see value to what I am doing”. I believe it will be what the new generations will think if ‘old fashioned teaching’ is eradicated.

e-Learning II

What are some characteristics of digital natives? (What are they good at? What are they poor at?)

Good Points:
They have different perspective from us, especially when coming to technologies.
They can multi-task.
They can learn something by just picking out the main/important points of it, without having to focus throughout the whole process.

Bad Points:
They might be too indulge in technologies.
They will believe everything that they learn online, which some might not be true.


Which portrait did you select? (In your blog, create a link to the portrait.) In terms of their digital background, how similar was that student compared to a Singapore student?

I have chosen Sam. She is just a 13 year old student in high school. However, due to her exposure in technologies, she tends to think differently from her other classmates. Also, she will tend to have more creativity than others, with her knowledge of multimedia.

She surfs the net just like a Singapore student, and the websites or games she surfs are quite similar to what Singapore students surf [e.g., Facebook, World of War Craft etc.] One similiarity she has with a Singapore student is that they will explore the online world themselves, always trying to find something new. Another would be that they sms heavily. In the video, Sam says that no one calls anymore. In order to find someone, she will text them. This is one thing which I find similar to a Singapore student in the present.

Sam will always try to learn something out of games, or websites that she explores. She has a trait which is she picks up a new technology easier than others, which might be due to her long hours in contact with technologies at all times.


How might teachers in Singapore today engage and teach our digital natives?

I feel that teachers in Singapore today can first start teaching our digital natives through Game-based learning, as this approach is familiar to them. Also, teachers in Singapore today can also incoporate technologies into their teaching as we cannot deny the fact that the importance of technologies have a big impact in our lives. However, that can work as a starting point to gain students' attention. After students are comfortable with the pedagogy, teachers can start to move students out of purely technologies, but also start bringing students out for field trips so as students have exposure to real-life experiences.


As you look into the possible future of the educational landscape, what sort of impressions, fears, or possibilities crossed your mind?

It creates a fear in me after watching the few videos of the predictment of the future, as it is quite a shock to see the figures rising so quickly in the advancement of technologies. The future that I foresee in the future should be a society relying on technologies heavily, and manual work might all be reduced, or might not even exist by then. The impression I get after watching the few videos are that the society is upgrading faster and alot more due to the advancement of technologies, but meanwhile, authentic real-life experiences might be reduced along the way.


What might living, learning and working be like in the future?

As the future I foresee will rely on technogies heavily, living in the future might cut down alot of outdoor activities as the advancement of technologies by then should be able to provide all information outside the four walls of the classroom. Students in the future might no longer have to be in the classroom to learn content from textbook, but learning content through online information posted by teachers or even researchers. Working in the future might not require staffs to be present at office as all information might be accessible through online, which then staffs might be able to work at home instead.


How is NIE preparing you to prepare your students for this possible future? How might you prepare yourself?

NIE is always encouraging me to keep myself up to date, regardless of technology wise or content based wise. Even lesson plans now, are all presented through IT tools such as ppt, or even blogs. This will help when I teach in the future to relate to my students as they will be familiarize with such technologies.

I prepare myself by surfing on the net at times to find out what are the latest sites that students go to or surf, or find out what students recently are using. These information will help me to understand the mindsets of students better.

ICT E-learning 2

Digital Natives Part A

1. What are some characteristics of digital natives? (What are they good at? What are they poor at?)

• Students who live in this era are far more IT savvy compared to the last generation of people. i.e. our parents. They are more versatile in handling up-to-date equiptments and softwares and it is undoubtedly effective for this fast developing world that we are living in currently. Children these days explore and learn each time they surf the internet and are constantly striving to improve themselves each time. Especially when it involves games that they are engaged in. However, it can also be a set back as children can get easily distracted and may even be addicted to things like gaming and get distracted from their school work.

2. Which portrait did you select? (In your blog, create a link to the portrait.) In terms of their digital background, how similar was that student compared to a Singapore student?

LINK: http://www.edutopia.org/digital-generation-profile-olivia-video

• For this part of the assignment, I have chosen to watch Olivia's video. Olivia's story was really inspirational for me as I felt what she was going through. Olivia comes from an average class family with many other siblings. Her family is not wealthy and it is difficult for them to afford things like a computer or even a mobile phone. Olivia had to save up by herself for a simple mobile phone. However, inspite all this, she turned out to be very IT-savvy and she is able to work well with new items online, such as the MySpace webpage for uploading her photos and even creating template backgrounds.

Relating to the Singapore context, I believe that there are many students who are like
Olivia as well. Singapore is a well developed country and it is fast moving as well. People are
constantly upgrading themselves to keep up with this pace. Similarly, students are also
equipping themselves with new-age items such as the 'iPhone' or 'Ipod' so that they will be
be able to keep track of their surroundings. However, there are many students out in our
schools who come from families who are not well to do. They cannot afford luxuries like a
home computer or a laptop for their kids to do their school assignments on. In these
scenarios, students will try their ways and means to check their e-mails or 'facebook' by
using the school computers or at cyber cafes outside, just as how Olivia did. She uses the
computer at her friend's house or at the lobby of her apartment building.

3. How might teachers in Singapore today engage and teach our digital natives?

• Teachers in Singapore can plan more lessons with the use of IT in it. Apart from the cliche thing of bringing students to a computer lab to work on a cd-rom which I personally feel is overrated, teachers can try exploring other forms of IT, such as the digital camera. As how Olivia likes to take photos of her friends and herself with the use of her very own mobile phone camera. Students in school can use their own mobile phones with cameras for activities and dont need to buy a new one for school. This teaches them how to use their everyday objects educationally. For example, for an art lesson where students learn the animation of clay (Claymation), they get to use digital cameras (either their mobile phones or DSLRs) to take photos of the figurines moving to create like a stopmotion film. Subsequently, they are supposed to compile their shots together and edit them and then place them either in Microsoft powerpoint or windows movie maker to create the animation. In this scenario, there is a progression and a variety of ICT tools used here.

Part B: The Digital Native's Future

1. As you look into the possible future of the educational landscape, what sort of impressions, fears, or possibilities crossed your mind?

• I think the world would be moving at a very fast pace. Faster than it is today. Every student maybe in primary schools would own a laptop and would have to bring them to school for their assignments. It is a bit scary seeing how developed everything is in Singapore and how much we are pushing ourselves to keep up with everything. Development is a challenging and stressful thing at the same time. Education in schools would be tougher and more IT savvy for sure.
  
  I would like to highlight what Junaidah mentioned in her blog, "in the video it also states that "for students starting a 4year degree this means that half of what they learn in their first year of study will be outdated by their third year of study". Isn't it overwhelming that we all have to keep on progressing..and whatever we have learnt before, will it be a waste in the future? ?"
  
  This is sure an interesting point I would like to highlight. The world is moving so fast that even whatever that we learn in the first year are getting outdated by the time we reach our final year. So as we go on further in life, we have to upgrade ourselves constantly so that all this info will not get outdated. I am a bit fearful of what awaits me in the future. I am a sort of person who would try to avoid IT things as much as I feel more comfortable using manual things. However, it is tough living like this especially when you see a laptop on at ever nook and cranny of the school or on the MRT. That is the reason why I feel a bit intimidated by the future, however, what can be done really? I have to adapt to everything that changes worldwide at any cause.

2. What might living, learning and working be like in the future?

• I watched the video on Singapore in 2015. Frankly, I find the video a bit ridiculous. 2015 is not that far away from now and I really doubt that Singapore would be really that advanced. People suggested 'flying' cars when we were moving into the new millenium in the year 2000 but nothing of that sort actually happened. Yes, the country is progressing fast to keep up with the rest of the world's standards but i highly doubt that it will be really that advanced.
  However, I really enjoyed watching the 'Did You Know' video online. It captured my attention and gave out really interesting facts about life and the ever changing world. Living, learning and working will evidently be ten times more hectic and stressful as compared to the lifestyles that we are going through now. I really wonder if our children are really up to it as they will be the ones leading the world and our generation will have to take a step back.

Digital Natives Part A

Definition of Digital Native

What are they good at?
Learn faster through IT.
Explore new 'stuffs' and discover new stuffs by surfing.
They get attached to it fast, and keep improvising on what they are doing.
Interact with many people in the world (keeping in contacts and update each other)
Creative
They are a group of people that influence learning beyond classroom (game based learning).

What are they poor at?
They are addicted to any forms of IT.
Sometimes they may too obsessed with IT that their illusion world affect the way they are.


I selected Olivia. It is interesting to see how IT affect students regardless of their academic performance, family background and characters. For Olivia, she came from not so wealthy family, and she does not perform well in academic initially. However throughout, she is keen in IT such as myspace. It is quite similar to some Singapore students whereby they do not have computers at home but are interested to learn more about IT. The way they are engaged to forms of IT are stronger than learning 'traditionally' through books based. Their lives are affected by IT and this acts as a tool for them to know what is happening in other parts of the world. They are more concern about their 'IT world' then their daily lives. Like Olivia, even she has no computer at home, she would find a way to have access to computers be it at her friend's or Appple store.

For students like her, teachers should use teaching methods such as game based learning or any form of lesson which requires surfing for information. These lessons objectives should be able to make them relate. By using IT also, it will increase their motivation in studies. Teachers will be able to show them that IT can and should be used for proper and useful reasons and learning to improve oneself is not only restricted to reading by books.

Part B
Technology is advancing way faster than we can imagine. New discoveries are found in any aspects; medical field etc. Looking at the videos provided, they already show what are the possibilities or in other words, nothing is impossible. We have to keep on learning and update ourselves with new advanced technologies and knowledge to teach students and motivate them to keep improvising. The words in the video "we are currently preparing students for jobs that don't yet exist" explains the fact that there are more unknown and fantastic tools coming up.

I did asked myself before, knowledge is so wide. I can't possibly know everything throughout my entire life. And in the video it also states that "for students starting a 4year degree this means that half of what they learn in their first year of study will be outdated by their third year of study". Isn't it overwhelming that we all have to keep on progressing..and whatever we have learnt before, will it be a waste in the future?

The future is unknown, but I am sure that things full of possibilities may happen. Movies such as minority reports and i-robots, I believed people (researches) are working towards that direction. People will be so dependent on technologies that they are no longer obsessed. It is in their lives. When these possibilities happened, is it a good thing? I am indeed excited if I can experience them, but on further note, everything that we do, there are chances that we are being 'tied' to the government. We are tracked with all our movements and such, so where is the individual freedom in the first place? Or is it already gone without we realising?

Hence, I believed technologies are great itself. What makes them desirable or bad are depending on what humans used them for. Whatver it is, learning itself has a new different wonderful meaning, and it able to show us the wonders of thinking processess. Oh, and there's a video on Pomegranate Phone posted by our classmate, Atika. For those who have not seen it, here's the link. It is wonderful, yet I am still doubting how a phone can create coffee? Oh well, technology has its own secrets. (: enjoy!

Reflection - Session 5

3 things I want to know more about:
I want to know more about using ICT in music lesson.
I want to know if game-based learning is considered ICT?
I want to know more about different ways of managing the class when integrating ICT to music lesson.

2 THings I've learn:
I've learn how to write a better SIO with the help of the ABCD framework.
I've learn to plan a more effective lesson plan.

1 thing applied:
Applying ABCD framework in writing SIO.

Reflection - Session 4

Have I come across any of the pedagogical approach as a student? How was the experience like?

Yes, my history lecturer in NAFA used resource-based approach as she gave us assignments which require us to do research from any form of materials (websites, books, journals, magazines, interview and etc.) She would also provide a few relevant links or suggest some readings which we could work on and to research beyond the given resources. Discussions in blackboard system was also used to obtain feedback and share information/ideas with peers.

What do you think are the relationship of these approaches?

Collaborative learning and Self directed learning is used in resource-based approach as we share, comment and discuss on our given topic. Lecturer facilitate learning and student learn at their own pace.

What roles do ICT play in these approaches?
Discussions in blackboard system facilitate learning and students are able discuss through internet. Resources are shared among students and thus, students could have a wider range of resource available to them to aid in their assignments. It also promote critical thinking skills and students provide comments to their peers.

Have I come across any of the pedagogical approach as a student? How was the experience like?

I sat for one module in NAFA which was called Music & Multimedia and experienced inquiry-based learning. It was about composing and arranging music incorporating multimedia charateristics such as creating a soundtrack for an television advertisement. The lecturer created an experience where students took on different roles of becoming either the producer of the advertisement or the composer employed to compose the music. We were also encouraged to bring in similar projects that we were actually working on for real clients. Every week, the class met and shared research or creative ideas. The lecturer then acted as the all-knowing facillitator who guided us and answered our queries. He also led us to discover several key elements about the subject.

What do you think are the relationship of these approaches?

The various approaches require the teacher to be innovative, creative and well-prepared for their lessons. Also, they incorporate alot of collaborative, cooperative and self-directed learning. Furthermore, lessons tend to be interesting when they include elements of discovery and observation in the real world.

What roles do ICT play in these approaches?

ICT helps in gathering data, facillitating the learning, research and communication. Also, ICT helps to create more interesting and stimulating lessons that are innovative.

Reflection - Session 4

Have I come across any of the pedagogical approach as a student? How was the experience like?

I have experienced a few of the pedagogical approaches as a student. For example, in my secondary school times, I went through project-based learning. I had to do a geography project where our teacher just gave us a topic title and we had to research everything on that.

Usually topics given are just a big umbrella where it leads to many more external factors. It was not easy at that time as we were very clueless and did not know what to do and had no 'direction sense'. We had to learn like when we had to draw our boundaries and when we have to go in depth for information.


What do you think are the relationship of these approaches?

I feel that all of the approaches require a lot of SDL and CL. SDL in the sense students have to find resources or information themselves. CL as at the end of the day they would have to collaborate all the information together or even have peer tutoring.


What roles do ICT play in these approaches?

It is a good tool for students to research for information, store information and present. It is also a good communication tool. Through communication, students would also be able to find out what their peers have done also. In this way, they would be able to exchange information.

Other than that, I feel that ICT would be of different use to different approaches. For example, students would be able to go online for virtual games to do their game-based learning. In project-based learning, ICT would be a good tool to keep track of the project's progress. On the other hand, ICT would be a good search tool for resource-based learning. Lastly, ICT would work well as a collabaration tool cum peer tutoring tool for inquiry-based learning.

Reflection session 4

Have I come across any of the pedagogical approach as a student? How was the experience like?

Project based learning is the type that i came across many times when I was a student. I did projects for many subjects such as Science, English, Literature. I could vividly remember the time when I did a project on Cloning. I had to design a brochure regarding cloning. From then on, I've learnt skills on how to create a brochure, and the information on cloning stays with me till now.

The other approach I enjoyed is Game-based learning. For example, I enjoy playing education computer games. I had a math game software that teaches me primary school math such as fractions, division... etc. Through that game, it generate my interest in math and improve my results. It allows me to learn freely.

What do you think are the relationship of these approaches?

All these approaches are student-centred. Self directed learning, collaboration learning, cooperation learning takes place in these approaches. Students will be engaged and learn in a stress free way. It is not teacher centered and teacher acts as facilitator instead of the information provider.

What roles do ICT play in these approach?

• It allows collaboration to take place easily
• It allows students to record information easily
• It allows students to search for information
• It allows the students to present their information in a more organized manner
• It allows instant feedback from the facilitator.
• It allows the students to plan their project in a more systematic manner (mind meister)
  

Where are you my post?

I'm testing to post here. Don't see my previous post. Trying not to panick.

E Learning Week Conclusion

E Learning Week Conclusion

Have I achieved my learning goals? How did I make that happen? Were my learning strategies effective and efficient? How might they be improved?

I think over the last week, I have managed to achieve some, if not most of my learning goals for ICT in the first two weeks. Firstly, I have learnt to blog and navigate through a Wiki page. Honestly, I am quite impressed with how much technology can help to facilitate learning. However, new teaching methods will almost always come bundled with new problems. One problem that stared right into my face was the fact that I am not familiar with both Wiki and blogging. I got by through tertiary education without ever needing to be involved with either Wiki or blogging these concepts are very new to me. Nevertheless, I am happy that I've manage to clear the first hurdle.

I did not have a very effective learning strategy and I realize now that I was trying to learn several things at the same time. Before actually carrying out the E Learning deliverables, I had to learn how to navigate the Wiki and blog. However, in an effort to save time, I tried to learn these new concepts while I ws carrying out the E Learning. I ended up confusing myself with tons of instructions.

The only way that I can improve is to keep on doing and keep on trying. I think I'm already getting the hang of it though and foresee myself getting familiar with these interesting and innovative learning/teaching tools.

Did the group processes support my group's learning? Why and why not? How can I/we improve?

This group is made up of students who joined the class only during the second week and we have missed quite a lot that was covered in the first lesson.

Naturally, progress has been slow initially but I do think that the pace is picking up and we will be able to catch up. I remember when the E Learning week was on, we were asking each other technical uestions that we couldn't answer.

For this group, it was a matter of everyone jumping into a deep pool of the unknown at the same time. Although there were some hiccups in the first week of us setting up this blog, I'm confident that we can improve and help each other along the way. We just have to keep on trying and persevering.

Learning journey so far

Technology by itself is too huge for me to grasp. What I can do is to try learning new forms of it to improve and upgrade myself. The ways of contributing ideas are really useful. We can share in big pax, yet in organised way, where all can express their thoughts at the same time. The scenarios given, and examples through videos are life experiences which cause me to think and reflect. I can implement the ways or choose to avoid unwanted situations next time. Sometimes we learn by mistakes, so every choices has its pros and cons. And sometimes we think that our ways are the best approach, but in fact there are better ways.

So far, I have been trying hard to understand the technical aspects of wiki and other new forms of discussion boards that I overlooked the purposes of these activities. I hope I will be able to understand further in many aspects. I want to make my future lessons interesting and engaging. With efficient and organised skills (ways), it will be a two way approach between me and my students or peers.

E- learning conclusion

1. Have I achieved my learning goals? How did I make that happen? Were my learning strategies effective and efficient? How might they be improved?

I believed learning has always been in many different forms. One of them is through technology itself. It did not occur to me that there are other websites/ softwares (eg. wiki). By just simply blogging, group discussions can exist, with fruitful experiences. Through exploring, I can upgrade myself to be more effective and efficient, thus creating better lessons for students. I have to keep learning especially on the paths which I chose not to thread on previously. Now by exploring them, I gain a lot.

2. Did the group processes support my group's learning? Why and why not? How can I/we improve?

To certain aspects, my group does support my learning. All of us express our ideas and thoughts which allow me to learn and reflect. With each discussion and exchanging comments, I can think of ways to improve my weaknesses. However, due to this new learning approach, many of us are still adapting ourselves. We will be able to improve next discussion.

E- learning Scenario 1 Activity B

Before the lesson, Mrs Xing should checked all the computers whether they are working. She could ask the lab assistant to help her, and if there was any problem to any of the computers, it could be solve faster. Since she was trying on a new learning approach, in my opinion, it would be better if the students did pair- work. By doing so, if there was any computer not working, there were other computers available for the pair. In addition, it would be easier for her to go around helping on the students' enquiries. Time would be spent in swifter way. Moreover with pair- work, qualities such as sharing and constructing ideas (collaborative learning) could be implemented. Especially during a new lesson, students would be excited and there would be many doubts. With pair- work, they could experience the new lesson with more interests.

Moving on, Mrs Xing should emphasized on discipline. Clear rules should be established. Similar to my group members, rules such as students should not switch on the computer without permission, etc should be emphasized. By doing so, indirectly, students would learn about responsibility and its consequences. Supporting Vanise idea too, Mrs Xing could appoint few IT representatives to help her distributing and assisting others. This is shown in the video given where group leaders helped the teacher in some forms of ways. Good methods of communication could result in organised learning environment.

Stated in the textbook Chapter 9 Managing ICT-mediated Learning Environment, back- up plans or activitities should always be ready and thought through. This would help encounter problems such as students talking unnecessarily after their activities were done.

Conclusion Questions

After posting up the previous entry on the case scenarios, it is time for me to embark upon my final step of e-learning. I have been very busy and trying to fit in time to do this up. If you have realised, I have been doing e-learning bit by bit everyday! Where are the rest of you guys!! Quick post it up before lesson tomorrow and don't forget to comment!!

OK LETS START!

1. Have I achieved my learning goals? How did I make that happen? Were my learning strategies effective and efficient? How might they be improved?

First of all, at the beginning of the course, I stated in my webpage 5 things I want to learn from this course. They were:

1. What ICT is all about
2. To use ICT effectively in my lesson planning
3. Learn how to match ICT with art lessons
4. The differences and definitions found within the module
5. The advantages of using ICT in lesson planning

So far, I have only attended 1 lesson under Dr Tan, so I guess nothing much have been accomplished yet. However, I am definitely more aware of many other things. For example, what ICT is all about for a start. Secondly, I have learnt about SDL and CL which have helped me during this e-learning week assignments. Having my own drive and doing up my own assignments is self-directed learning for me and reading through my peer's works and commenting together with them is collaborative learning for me.

Besides that, I have definitely learnt more classroom management tactics from what my friends have written and through the videos that Dr Tan posted online to help us during our e-learning week. I am currently still quite lost with the various accounts that I have to sign up for this module and it is really confusing. I am still trying to figure somethings out.
However, I am afraid that I might miss out on assignments and printing of notes before the class sessions start. I am still trying my best anyways.


2. Did the group processes support my group's learning? Why and why not? How can I/we improve?

I think this group's discussion is a bit slow and there are only a few people who have been active over the past week, completing the assignments. I only get to read and hear from these few people then only. I am eager to read and know about the remaining group members thoughts as well. However, I can say that for those who have posted things in this blog the past week, they have been really useful. I get an insight on what my peers are thinking and they also help me improve on the suggestions that I have made for the case scenario activity.

I think with more participation from this group, I think we can get more things rolling dudes!

Thanks to all who have helped in this e-learning assignment:)

Summary of What I've learnt/gained in E-Learning

I have learn many good ideas of handling the Scenario in this E-learning and also issues that may happen in the class which did not come across my mind. I could learn from my peers the different approach and methods they use in solving problems and some ideas are really good. By watching the videos that were provided in the activities had also gave me suggestions in the ways to minimize noise and movements in class which helps in classroom management.

Other than learning more solutions to the activities and class management, I had also learn to familiarise myself with the Blogger and Wiki sites. And also to learn to post and comment on my group member's post. This E-learning makes me understand and experience more on collaborative and self-directed learning which I could also introduce these learning to my students in the future because of its effectiveness and also, students will be more interested to learn to explore and do their own learning. These would also develop active thinking skills and creativity in students.

E-Learning Conclusion

Have I achieved my learning goals? How did I make that happen? Were my learning strategies effective and efficient? How might they be improved?

Yes to some extent. I just keep trying and exploring ways to use technology. Exploring is an effective way to learn new things and also I get to experience things on my own, this is also part of self-directed learning. However, I am still unsure in quite a number things therefore, I guess I need to improve by reading and exploring more.


Did the group processes support my group's learning? Why and why not? How can I/we improve?

Yes to some extent. When we post comments or assignments on our group blog, we can learn from each other and from there, create more ideas and thinking. I've also learn good ideas of handling the class in our E-learning Assignments.

However, our group was not very active in posting and giving each other more comments as it may due to logging in less frequently.

ConcLusi0n-

-Conclusion-

1. Have I achieved my learning goals? How did I make that happen? Were my learning strategies effective and efficient? How might they be improved?

I'm still halfway through my learning goals as I'm still very very confused with all the websites and links I need to go through!! But oh well, I'm still figuring them out, and seems to be moving towards light I guess. My learning strategies is practice!! Practice practice and more practices!! Finally, I believe with more efforts I will achieve my learning goals..



2. Did the group processes support my group's learning? Why and why not? How can I/we improve?

I think our group still seemed a little lost and scattered overall. Also, I believe that we're all busy, so perhaps that is why we seemed to move a little slow. Maybe a little more comments and interaction would help this group be more active and more on-going.

E-learning Assignment: Scenario 1, Activity B

After reading scenario one carefully, these are my thoughts. First of all, I strongly feel that they way Mrs Xing had managed her students were extremely poor. She had no control over them and did not set any rules for them. As a result, the students did not seem to show any concern over her. On top of that, it was stated that Mrs Xing had little experience with ICT. It was a good effort that she took initiative to enquire more about using technology in teaching from the other teachers in the school, however, I felt that she was a little over-ambitious, trying to complete two rounds of editing by the end of the lesson.

Relating to what Vanise had to say in her post, I too strongly feel that a set of clear instructions and rules has to be set at the beginning of the lesson or the school term. As for instructions, Mrs Xing should inform them that she is going to bring them to the computer lab that week to use the wordtrack changes software for editing their essays and that they are not allowed to start up their respective computers once they have been seated. Mrs Xing could have demonstrated to the class how the software works and then allow students to switch on their computers and try out the softwares. During the explanation, Mrs Xing could have asked all her students to come to the front to listen to her first before returning back to their places to try the software. By doing this, she would be able to keep track of everyone's attentions and so that no one would be 'blocked' by the computer screens.

Mrs Xing did quite an 'alright' job to pair up the 2 students with other students to work. However, she has to ensure that they do not start to chat. Alternatively, she could have allowed the students to use the staff computer available in the lab or she could have simply checked whether all the computers were in proper working conditions even before embarking on a lesson involving IT.

Mrs Xing should have set realistic goals. As the students progress at different speeds, she cannot expect everyone to finish 2 drafts by the end of the lesson. She could have assigned those who have finished to help out those who were in need of help, while she edited those works which have been submitted. In this way, she wouldn't have been the 'bottleneck' and the students get to learn from each other as well. Also, I felt that Mrs Xing should have walked around and guided the students as this was their first time editing their essays through the computer. By doing this, I believe that the essays wouldn't have lacked coherency.

E-Learning Scenario 2 Activity A

In this Scenario, Mrs Xing faced a few problems. First, a parent's complain call about a student surfing pornographic content, after which claiming it to be doing work that Mrs Xing had instructed.

For this problem, I felt that it was something Mrs Xing might have been able to prevent from the start. She could perhaps inform the parents of what was her homework for the e-learning week, so as they have a clearer picture of what areas of websites the students would be surfing for.

Next problem Mrs Xing faced was the shocking news that one-third of her students unable to open the PowerPoint file uploaded. In this case, she should have told the students beforehand to inform her if unable to open the file so as she can resend them or even print the slides out for them.

Lastly was the cutting and pasting of answers from websites. I personally feel that this involves plagiarism, and Mrs Xing should educate the students about plagiarism and its consequences. Otherwise, students should have cited their resources.

On the overall, I feel that there could have been more preparation work done by Mrs Xing though her planning for the e-learning was good. She can also ask for feedback from students on their views about the discussion forum to know if it really helped them.

E-learning Scenario 1 Activity B

Before starting any lessons, rules, regulations and instructions must be established so that students would know what they are required to do or not do. Mrs Xing have to be firm and clear in giving instructions.

As majority of the class are not familiar with the computers, Mrs Xing should touch on the basics of using the computer and the software before they are allowed to start working on it. Disciplinary actions would be carried out if students do not follow instructions. Even though there is a limited time to complete her lesson objectives, she should still reinforce her class rules.

She should assign a few students who are good in IT (IT representatives) to help her to attend to students who need help in operating the program and only come to her when the IT students could not solve the problem. This would minimize the number of students coming to her and thus concentrate in facilitating her lessons. Also, she had too high expectation when she hoped to be able to go through two rounds of editing by the end of the lesson whereby she was not very familiar with it herself. She should consult experienced teachers and to put lower expectations as it was her first time conducting ICT lesson.

I agree with the class arrangement which Jia min had posted, by doing so, Mrs Xing can monitor her students better. The video clip on managing a full-computer lab learning environment is useful, it shows a good method whereby students change their cups from blue to red on top of the monitor screen when they need help. That would minimize students to create noises and movements in class.

Week 1 session

OK I am writing week 1's assignment now. So sorry for the jumble up because only after writing out week 2's work, I realised that there are some questions from week 1 which I have yet to answer. lol. So bear with my nonsense hehe.

Anyways,

Find answers to these questions:
1. What is ICT? Why integrate ICT in education?

- From my understanding on what ICT is, I think that it is the process whereby students get an oppurtunity to work with IT as well and not just entirely the teacher. What I mean is that, for example, a powerpoint presentation to me is NOT ICT as it is entirely controlled by the teacher. Students do not get to explore it as they just sit and watch the slides go by. However, bringing a class to a computer lab to interact with various softwares and design things is a good example of ICT usage within a classroom.

The reason why MOE integrates ICT into education is to broaden the student's capabilities and awareness towards the IT world. IT is a very essential part of today's world and if students are not equipped with IT skills, it will post as a threat to them in the future when they take on jobs of their own as most jobs require one to have IT skills.

2. Meaningful learning to me is when a child gets nurtured and develops physically, cognitively and socially. When a child is nurtured in all areas, not just academically. Also, within the academic scope, the child gets to experience and work with various 'tools' and softwares and education is not the same sturctured way of the students sitting and the teacher standing and talking infront of the class.

Week 2 class sessions

After working with my partner, Amanda on the topic of what SDL and CL are all about, we grouped up in groups of 4 and edited the mindmap on cyberwellness online through a new account that Dr Ang asked us to join. ICT is quite confusing as there are so many accounts to join and new emails almost everyday I am really lost! If anyone knows exactly whats going on, I beg you to help me.

Anyways, as a group, we edited the mindmap and then went on to discuss on our group's demo topic. We have to do a 15minute presentation as a group and my group chose to do on Art History!

In my opinion, the session that we had last week with Dr Ang made use of both SDL and CL. For the self-directed learning instance, we, as individuals, made use of ICT to record our own understanding of various points that were mentioned in class, such as the definition of SDL and CL.

For the CL instance, we worked together as a group, contributing to points we can think up of for our demo topic. We all worked towards one common goal in this situation. On top of that, we also contributed as a group our views on the cyberwellness topic and typed in our responses in the mindmap online.

Self-directed, collaborative learning

Last week in class, Dr ang asked us to type out our own understanding of Self-directed and collaborative learning. Since my group had not created a blog at that time, I didn;t manage to do the assignment in class, eventhough I did discuss with my partner, Amanda at that point of time.

Anyway, after reading up the textbook and discussing with her, my understanding of these two areas are as such:

Self-Directed Learning:

Self-directed learning is a process in which a student takes initiative in learning and reaching his/her own set of goals. The student does not need help from other people before embarking on his/her learning. The student also approaches people for help when in difficulty on his/her own accord.

Collaborative learning:

Collaborative learning is a process when a group of students work towards one common goal amongst themselves. They are able to display a sense of responsibility and they are able to construct their own understanding within the group. They are then able to share their ideas with one another and work towards their desired goal. Through this, students will be able to build up their interpersonal skills.

1st week's assignments

Hi all, before I start posting the e-learning assignment online, let me complete those assignments which I missed out during the first week of our ICT class. First of all, I openly declare that I did not register for my modules thats why I missed the first week. lol. Anyways it wasn't that I was lazy or anything, the lousy NIE website was down during the several occassions that I tried.

Ok enough about that. Let me introduce myself to all of you guys reading this. Some of you may know me, but I'm sure a lot of you don't.

My name is Reshmi Rai and I am 20 this year. I am from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts/ NIE 4 year art teaching course. Im only in NIE for one year and this is my final year. I am very interested in photography,travelling overseas and anything concerning visual arts. Frankly, I am not the IT person, however, I am trying my best to fit in this changing world.

Besides all that, I recently finished my School Experience at Bartley Secondary School and my experience there was simply smashing! I had the time of my life there and I met the most dearest colleagues. The experience of handling students was really exciting and incredible, and I think I performed pretty well, considering this is my very first time going out to teach. However, there are many more things that I could have improved upon, such as building a rapport with the students. I felt it was quite difficult for me to do that as I was rather strict with them and it was only 4 weeks. If given a longer time, I am sure I will get closer to them.

Learning how to teach is one thing, putting it into action is another and I really love the excitement I receive while teaching my own students.


Reshmi

Testing

I am new to this. Just checking out how to post. lol

Sigh... why isn't anyone posting anything?!!?!?!
Fine. I'll start first.

Firstly, Mrs Xing should lay down all her rules before she allows the students to turn on the computer, or even enter the computer lab. Some lab rules may include:
• Seating according to index number - This is to prevent chattering among students as they don't get to seat with their friends. In cases where there are still students who are chatting among each other, teacher will have to change seats for them.

Stating that they can't on the computer until the teacher says so.

They must NEVER surf the net without her permission

She should have explained to the students regarding the steps to be taken (e.g. how to on the computer, opening up microsoft words.. etc. ) and make sure that they understand BEFORE they even on the computer.

Also, the seating arrangement may be changed. Instead of setting the computer screen facing away from her, they should arrange the computers in a way so that teacher can see the screen from the front. For example,




In this way, she will be able to see what everyone is doing.

Mrs Xing should pair students up to do the peer checking. This way, she will have more time settling technical issues or other problems, and it will be considered as CL.

Alright. Tell me your comments. Reply.

E Learning Scenario 1 Activity A

Implementation Issues That Mrs Xing Faced

• Computers that were not functioning - This is a tricky issue as there was nothing much that Mrs Xing could have done anyway if any of the computers broke down halfway through the lesson. However, she could have prevented some inconvenience by ensuring before the lessons starts that all the computers were working well although this might turn out to be a mammoth task.

• Students were being disruptive and making unnecessary noise - This is an issue related to classroom management and is made more complicated with the introduction of computers. Naturally, some students would be quite tech-savvy and be able to operate a computer on their own. These students could potentially get distracted by surfing the Internet on their own during class and not sticking to the tasks as directed by the teacher. Also, students that do not own a computer might be overwhelmed by unfamiliarity. Competing for the teacher's attention will inevitably disrupt the lesson and cause excessive noise.

• Punctuality - This might be a problem because students would be coming to the computer lab from their classrooms and during the journey to and fro the computer lab, there will most probably be no teacher supervision.

• Lack of time - Generally, and IT infused lesson would require a longer time as students need to be briefed on the instructions and most of the time, they also need to finish the intended tasks during the class itself as it might not be possible to continue the work at home.

• Lack of a "plan B" - Mrs Xing is obviously not very experienced in conducting an IT infused lesson. She did not have a back up plan in case undesirable scenarios cropped up and she also failed to foresee potential probelms that she might encounter. However, to be fair to her, it is certainly not easy to plan and conduct such lessons and she should be applauded for trying it out in the first place. She could have asked for advice from her collegues who have tried such lessons before and ask for tips or advice. She could have also requested for IT technicians to assist her. It certainly must have been quite frustrating for her to try to solve all the problems that were cropping up while trying to keep on track for the lesson.

• Uncooperative class - This is something perhaps all teachers dread. Students might have not been given regular access to the computer lab and when they finally get to enjoy the air-con, comfortable seats and tempting Internet connection on the computers, some might be less interested in cooperating with the teacher who is already having a hard time conducting the lesson.

• Lack of knowledge or expertise in IT - This is perhaps the most common yet unavoidable problem that teachers face. Most teachers might be very good at the subjects they teach like English, Math or Geography, but many would not have received adequate training in IT. This problem is further complicated by the fact that different schools might have set up different systems and a teacher who knows how to operate the system in a computer lab might have to relearn when he is posted to a new school. Plus the fact that schools rarely conduct IT lessons for their staff, the teacher is pretty much on his own.