A note of Thanks!

As this course is ending, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my friends who have been helping me all these while. Not to forget, Prof and tutors.
Thanks! I have learnt a lot!

Wish you Luck!

Dear friends, wish you all the best in the coming examinations!

Peer to Peer University

After reading the blog posted by Zaid Ali Alsagoff, I went on searching more information on the net.

The Origin of P2PU?

5 academicians from around the world plan to open a new kind of online university built upon professor star power and students learning from one another through online social tools. The teachers are basically volunteers and the courses will cost next to nothing, and no official credit is given.
P2P University (for peer-to-peer) is started with the hope to fill what they see as a gap in online-education efforts by traditional colleges, which often focus more on delivering full degree programs online than on one-off courses. (Just like us) The project is running on a shoestring, with the organizers paying the initial Web-hosting fees and volunteering their own time, though they may seek grant support in the future.

I also came across that they actually faced failured initially such as the resistance faced from traditional colleges that won't like employees trading on their names and reputations.
But its leaders point to successful models like Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia that anyone can edit. They also say that the timing is right, now that the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and other major universities have established an audience for free online course materials. What the new university is adding is expert teaching. The effort somehow grows out of theoretical discussions at open-education conferences over the past two years. But in the past few months the five colleagues, who work at different universities, decided to flesh out their plan and put it into action.

Each student has to set up a profile on the university's Web site, much like on Facebook and Friendster, where they can show which courses they have taken or taught and communicate with other students.

I seriously think that we are moving very fast in today's world of education. I am not sure whether the P2PU can be implemented in Malaysia. As we know, Malaysia is still driving in second gear in education!

Soft skills that I have learnt from PKEY 3101

Time flies. It's the end of the semester.

I could still remember vivdly what I was expecting from this course in July and all the ridiculous thoughts that I had in mind. Initially, I thought technology could not be applied in real classroom because of timing, fund... So, why should I learn?

Everything was wrong wrong wrong! I have indeed learnt more than expected. I have learnt more about technology in classroom, materials that are created by using technology, interpersonal skill (which is a must for teachers)...

Communication played a major role in this course. Learning with friends are indeed very good but at times, there willl definitely be arguments, dissatisfaction... Hence, patience is one of the things that I have gained from this course. I have learnt to accept criticism, learn to be more considerate towards other people's situation. Communication was needed so that we were able to share our thoughts and ideas.

Critical thinking and problem solving - Yes. I have improved myself! I could still remember the first time I showed my video assgnment to Prof. Tonnes of questions were thrown to me and I couldnt utter a single word to defend my work! What a shame! 'Why do we need this when we can just deminstrate in classroom?' , 'Why do you use this colour?' , 'Why this?' and 'Why that?' Those questions were an alarm to me when I am doing assignments till today. A good lesson that I learned!

Team work - All our assignments were basically team work! I always like team work. Some people told me that individual work is better that working in a team! Well, I think there are pros and cons. Team work is very good because we can share ideas, exchange materials, discussion. Basically, team work allows us to use our strength to help friends who are weak in the area which we are strong in and vice versa. Cons? We have to again 'communicate' with each other to meet up and discuss. Well, for me, that is not a major problem if I dun have something on.

Leadership - When we elect someone as a leader, we should respect him or her. And as a leader, we have to be considerate as well. Leaders should not misuse their power. Leadership is important for us as future teachers. From this course, I learnt to respect and obey. At times, I think we have to voice out when we have a better idea. Leaders are human and human make mistakes!

Ethics and professional values were also being learnt! Every assignment taht we produced, we have to view and evaluate them from professional point of view. For instance, the materials we developed, are they humiliating other people's religion and culture, are we discriminating certain pupils... As teachers, we should be an all rounder and professional! We should be equal to all pupils' production. Just like what we did within our group.

Life long learning. Yes. Definitely. Making a video, using IWB are what I have learnt. Yet, I would not stop just there. I know the basic of these things and I think I can do better by exploring more on IWB and video making so that I can produce better production time to time. So, when I am doing my teaching in the future, I am able to produce something good.

Entrepreneurship. Erm. Can we sell our own videos? Well, I am too sure about this but I think if there's a chance when someday, MoE comes to me and asked me to create activites with IWB in classroom, maybe I can start my small business from there! Teaching materials such as videos, songs and so on. Perhaps it could be done in the future. But, if it wasn't this course, I don't think I will be able to learn all these precious knowledge!

Future Classroom - A reality?

After last week's lecture, I was so eager to know more about future classroom. I went home and started browsing the net and I found out that the term 'future classroom' is really far beyond my expectation. Perhaps, I am still living in my own world!

I would like to share with you the future classroom I found.

Pictures above are called Portable Classroom. It is something unbelievable for all the students and me, of coourse. It is a flatbed truck presenting a transportable classroom that is capable of offering sufficient ICT facilities which are usually not available with most of the schools. This concept is designed for school children in Canden outside of London. This mobile school will move from one school to another in order to explore music and film making. At a time this movable truck can hold 15 students. This classroom can be opened from all sides and then packed into a box while moving.

Can Malaysia have this as well?

Fish Philosophy

Fish! Fish! Fish!
We have come across this words thousand and million times. But, Fish Philosophy? That's rather new to me. I was shocked when Prof threw a question to us beofre the raya break. 'What colour of underwear are you wearing? Do you choose the colour of your underwear?' Those questions were great opener of the lecture! Funny yet effective!
After reading the site recommended, I went on searching for more details on this philosophy and of course, I have made myself clearer regarding the fish philosophy concept.
There are 4 main principles in Fish philospohy namely:
a) play
b) make their day
c) choose your attitude
d) be there

Play - This does not mean goof off, but it does mean bring a light-hearted spirit to life. Think about how much little kids learn by exploring, experimenting, playing. Why shouldn't we all approach life with the same curiosity and interest? Besides, it is more fun!

Make their day - There are times when we keep on asking others ' What have you done for me?' But, have we ever thought that instead of asking people, we ask ourselves - 'How can I make his or her day?' If we were to turn the focus and do little things to make others feel good. Hence, we can have a powerful and positive impact on other people's lives.

Choose your attitude - many things in this world are uncontrollable and they are out of our hands at times. Somehow, we do have a choice on how we respond to the little things in life. By accepting responsibility for the attitude we choose, we also empower ourselves to change it.

Be there - When we are communicating with others, we have to focus on that very moment and also with the person whom we are communicating. We are responsible for 'being who we are while we are doing what we are doing'.

The END of my IWB journey!

Hurray! That's the end of it!
What a relief!
Last week (to be more accurate), was a horrible week for me. I was so busy with assignments and test that made me no time to update my blog!
I would say my IWB assignment is done 99.99%. If you were to ask me where is the other 0.01%, the answer is - last minute touch up to make it 100%. Hence, I would never say it is complete yet.
Coming out with own activities is not an easy task. Plus, using IWB, that made me very worried at times as we have to come out with rationales which was the toughest of all. Learning from others is crucial in university. Indeed, we helped each other throughout the process of learning and coming up with activities. We talk about ideas, we give comments ( in a nice way of course) ... The whole environment of learning was quite fun!
IWB has been drilling into my mind for the past few weeks. I really hope that the activities that I have created can be brought into a real classroom in the future. How many schools in Malaysia have a smartboard? Ahaks. I think a research has to be done! IF there is, I believe it is going to be wonderful.

Entering the next path with IWB ( Part 2)

Thank God.
We finally have another extra one more week to produce our work.
Should I be grateful or should I be sad? I am indeed grateful because more time is given BUT I am sad because the the due date arrives, that means we have to hand in a few assignments in the same week itself.
Sigh....
Well, so far, I have made my objectives clearer. As I am doing Mathematics Year 2, it is impossible to teach them the place value for the whole lesson. Therefore, I added in a few more learnign outcomes of the pupils which are addition. I believe I can do more things with more activities, provided, they are effective,
Last week had been a terrible week for me as I hardly find time to explore and continue with my IWB assignment. Moreover, something happened in my hometown last week when I got back.
Really hope that all these will come to an end soon. Very soon.
I will pray for that. I will pray for more energy to carry on with life.
Life is no longer 'beautiful' as I always thought.
Things are changing. The earth is moving and I am still standing in the juncture of my life.
I know I have to get up and continue with my life ALONE but I just reluctant to move. I hope the earth will start moving backwards and pick me up where I stop.
Is it possible?

ICT and the learning principles of the Primary School Curriculum

After reading the first chapter, it definitely makes me have a better idea on why using ICT in learning. Unlike last time, we were finding our ways into searching the reasons WHY technology besides having the aanswer - interesting, fun...

I would like to highlight the 3 ways in using ICT in Teaching and Learning (Henceforth will be referred to T&L). The three ways are namely : - Learning through ICT
- Learning with ICT
- Learning about ICT

Learning through ICT is when teachers and children use ICT to transform the process of T&L as well as learning in new ways.
Learning with ICT is when teachers and children use ICT resources to support the classroom curriculum.
Learning about ICT is when teachers and children develop skills and knowledge in the potential uses of ICT to support learning.

During the last lecture, besides learning the 3 ways, we were also exposed to several principle of learning in the primary school curriculum.

The principles are as below:
- the child's sense of wonder and natural curiousity
- the child as an active agent in his/her learning
- the developmental nature of learning
- the child's knowledge and experience as a base for learning
- environment-based learning
- learning through guided activity and discovery
- learning through language
- the aesthetic dimension
- the social and emotional dimensions of learning
- the integration of learning
- the transfer of learning
- higher-order thinking and problem solving
- collaborative learning
- taking account of individual difference

There are many principles but I think it is important for teachers to consider all of them in choosing and developing the materials to teach the pupils in classroom. One priciple will definitely not work in a reality classroom.

Journey towards the completion of Assignment 3 ( Part 1)

This assignment is somehow tougher than Assignment 2.
But, I don't think I have a choice of not doing it.
Today is the first time I started with finding resources for this assignment.
Of course, I did try to explore the software during my break but it didn't give me any impact.
Thanks to Ms. Chin for today's lecture. I finally got some ideas to get the ball start rolling.
I started of with searching materials like animations so that I could paste them in my assignment 3. It took me almost a couple of hours to find the suitable ones because I think not animations could be used as they might affect the idea behind which is to teach!
For instance, I refused to download the numbers (as I am responsible for Maths) with too many colours that may affect the pupils' visual when looking at them.
And I personally think that too many animations in a particluar screen will bring 'negative impact' rather 'positive' ones because I think pupils will feel irratated.
I don't know about others. Do let me know your point of view on this!
>.<
Materials - I have got what I want basically.
Therefore, I am going to start with the activities!
Just hope to finsih this semester as soon as possible.
I really need a rest!

Back to schedule!

After a one week break, things are messed up again!
I was sitting alone in my room, thinking back what had been happening to my life for the past few weeks. I sat for hours yet I could not find the answer!
The only thing I knew and felt was 'pain'. The pain was and is so unbearable as if thousands of daggers were stabbing into my heart! Unexplainable situation!
I know I have to go through with this! I know I need to get rid of this! But, why I just could not? I am not controlling my mind but my mind is controlling me. I wish I could turn back the time. I just wish to go back to olden days... I wish to start all over again!

Assignment 3 has come!

There is only one thing currently carries me forward - my thought of 'come as fast as possible and finish as fast as possible'. At the same time, the pressure on my shoulder makes me couldnt breathe! Thanks to the snake 39 for the troubles caused!

I just hope that I could get this assignment done as quickly as possible. Of course, the quality of my assignment has to be there. If not, what's the point of doing it?

I NEED MORE STRENGTH AND ENERGY!

Ways to Use SMARTBOARD in Classroom

-Digital storytelling
-Brainstorm
-Take notes directly into PowerPoint presentations
-Reinforce skills by using on-line interactive web sites
-Create a project calendar
-Teach editing skills using editing marks
-Use highlighter tool to highlight nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.
-Use it with Kidspiration or Inspiration
-Teach students how to navigate the Internet
-Illustrate and write a book as a class. Use the record feature to narrate the text.
-Diagram activities
-Teach steps to a math problem.
-Have students share projects during Parent/Teacher/Student conferences
-Graphics and charts with ESL learners and special ed students.
-Teach vocabulary
-Electronic Word Wall
-End each day by having students write one thing that they learned
-Save lessons to present to students who were absent
-Create video files to teach a software application, a lesson, or as a review to be posted to the
server or web. Example: How to create a graph in Excel or how to burn projects to CDs
-Use the built in maps to teach continents, oceans, countries, or states and capitals.
-Present presentations created by student or teacher
-Have students create e-folios including samples of their work and narration

Retrieved from
http://www.bristolvaschools.org/mwarren/SBActivities.htm, dated 9/8/2008

Below is the link that will lead you to actuvities that can be carried out with SMARTBOARD. So, Get started and get smart With and Without Smartboard!

http://www.bristolvaschools.org/mwarren/SBonline.htm

Have fun!

The 3 Models

I read again and again about last week's lecture notes and I was trying to relate them to the use of technology in classroom. Well, indeed, a slow learner I am!

I could see that there are quite a number of similarities among the three models. Each model has its own strengths and weaknesses. I have gone through many theories and models and I realise that theorist A would say his/her theory is more appropriate and theorist B would say the same way like A does. And I wonder, why don't all theorists sit together, have a cup of coffee in Starbucks and come out with one theory which everyone agrees at!

LoL.

Back to my business here.

I think if the three models, namely, ADDIE Model, ASSURE Model and Dick and Carey Instructional Design Model, combine together, I believe we teachers can achieve what we intend to.

I strongly agree with the three models saying that analysing and identifying are pretty important procedures to start or plan a lesson. We have to take the pupils' learning styles, their existing/prior knowledge/ schemata, the needs of our pupils, their learning problems and the goals and objectives into consideration. Every single thing that I mentioned earlier plays equal role to achieve the outcome of a lesson.

The selection of materials should also be used. Many teachers are reluctant to find sources to use in classroom. I am not trying to say that I am better than them as I believe EXPERIENCE TELLS EVERYTHING. Yet, despite the time factor, learning with interesting materials would definitely enhance learning. According to Piaget, pupils are able to understand a concept better when there is a concrete material that enables them to visualise as they learn.

In ASSURE Model, there is one stage where teachers have to preview and prepare the materials as well as to provide the learning experience. I think it is important for the teachers to preview the materials prepared the day before the lesson, especially when we are using teachnology. We do not know what might happen on that day itself. Hence, prieviweing would save much time on that particular day.

Learners' participation also needs to be noted. If there is no participation, the learning is not meaningful as pupils are not given the opportunities to engage themselves in the process of learning. During the presentation stage, pupils should be actively involved so that the teacher can do a simple assessment to see how much they have learnt. A simple yet useful approach in teaching.

Lastly, evaluation comes into ACTION! Evaluating means a lot for teachers as well as pupils. When a teacher does evaluation, the result tells how much the pupils have learnt from that lesson and what are the things that need to be improve or reinforce. On top of that, it serves as 'wake up call' for teachers so that they will not conduct a 'teacher oriented' classroom but 'pupils oriented' classroom. Not to forget, pupils will be 'awake' from their dreams and pull up their socks before they sit for the final examination.

Models are somehow a guide for us so that we are able to deliver a lesson well. I know it is important but I may not know how effective is it to use the models in a real classroom. Thus, these models will be saved in my mind and I shall open this file once I am out for my teaching practicum.

The first attempt in video recording!

What an amazing weekend I had had.
I started off with drawing the skeleton on my story board with as much information as possible. Initially, I wanted to do more things, put more effects etc in my video but it was just unworkable.
The moment when I first recorded my video, it was almost 12am. I thougt it wouldnt take much of my time as it was just a 3 minute video. But, guys, trust me... I only manage to finish it around 7am. Urgh..... Conclusion is, you should have enough sleep before you get to work! hohoho...
Suggestion - do record your video in the midnight (if possible) because there are going to be interruption that might affect your whole process!
Enjoy!

15th of July 2008

It's the first day we can officialy get things started.
Though it was a beginning, it seemed like the end because I don't know where should I begin. There are so many things need us to plan, to prepare, to get ready with our digital camera, practise again and again so that we can get the best shot ever!
It sounds really fun. Again, challenge is there!
No matter how difficult it is, no matter how much time we need to get it done, I believe our final product will definitely make us smile.
WE CAN DO IT! Let's be the director! ( whispering.... of our own video which no one might ever discover)
hohoho....

I recently browsed a video regarding technology application in primary school in US ( I supposed). Really good. They have the Smartboard (no longer new to us), peer response system, wireless slates, ipods, new computer software. Really good. Is an eye opener for me and I believe it is gonna make u amazed with the technology available in western country.

I wanted to post the video up but I tried for thousand times and I still couoldnt manage to do it.
I shall paste the url below and you people and go and have a look.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XceOCq8ue9c

Enjoy.

Cheerio!

Technology Technology Technology

It has been almost a week plus I'm in UM. Surprisingly, I am still alive but half dead!
I am gonna die if the word technology is continuing drowning me down till I couldnt have a minute to take a deep breath!
I just ask for a break though I know there is no handbrake for me! :x

Some thoughts to ponder

Undoubtedly, technology is playing a role in classroom. I am sure many of us would be aware of technical errors, no electrical current (esp in rural areas). How could we use ICT then? as for laptops, we could use the battery. What about smartboard? What about LCD projectors?

If we were in that situation, do we have a choice not to use flascards, wordcards, display sheets?

Technology could be a marvellous tool in life but it also could destroy our 'lesson plans'.

So, our backup lesson plans should go along with traditional methodolgy. Am I right? Paper and pencil, chalk and talk... Or, someone have a better plan in case of electrical failure?

Do ponder.

My thoughts on 'NEXT GENERATION LEARNING'

Here comes my second blog!

So, technology - a big word that tells everything about this world. Computers, Handphones, Smartboard, LCD projectors, Bluetooth, GPRS, Wi-fi............. Just imagine, if one day, all these things no longer exist, what kind of lifestyle are we heading? The world is going to be a mess. Technology has become a part of us and we couldn't afford to lose it.

Same goes to the field of education. Children at the age of 7 own a handphone, know how to deal with computer(at least the basic like typing and printing). There is a visible transformation of world. Educators should transform the metholody applied in classroom as well. It does not only help the sustain the pupils' attention in the lesson but also conveys the message or lesson effectively. For instance, if a teacher were to teach the sound of animals, record those sounds and play in the classroom. Isn't better than telling 'A cow moos, A cat meow...' (Boring!)

The two questions that Prof. Maznah posted had made me thought deeply. Yes. Technology will definitely help our pupils to learn better. The word "PLEASE" would certainly come into play. The environment would be different when there is technology in teaching and learning process. Computer is no longer an 'alien' to a primary school kid. With teachnology in classroom, they can use their imagination to come out with different things. For instance, if a teacher would like to teach greetings, technology would definitely make the learning interesting. They could probably surf the net on how to greet a friend on his/her birthday. Then, they could use Microsoft Publisher to come up with a card. I think it's an interesting activity which is applicable. Technology provides pupils the opportunity for the pupils to explore the world themselves. Teachers no longer teach but facilitate. I think that's what learning should be. All these while, our education system is more to the teacher-centered. Pupils learn best when they explore themselves and that would definitely make them remember what they have done. So, tthe objective of our lesson is achieved! Moreover, technology helps widening the pupils' general knowledge. They learn about other country's culture, their norms via internet. How does an igloo look like? It can be easily shown with just a click! Marvellous, isn't it?

As for teacher, I think learning is an life long process. We cant stop learning till the day we lay ourselves in a casket. >.<
We, teahcers should always follow the path of technology because some pupils might have better skills in technology. If we just use LCD, movies... that would not attract them much. Teachers should make those movies personalised. How? Through movie maker! Once the pupils see themselve sin the movie, they would just get excited about it and their attention is successfully grasped. Many teachers would stop themselves from improving themselves in their teaching. I think the teacher should always be alert with the latest technology that can be used in classroom. Go for short courses where many new and latest stuf could be learnt. For instance, 'Flash' is something good that can be used. Learn and use in teaching. Learning a skill especially in technology needs patience. Those trials and errors that we encounter would make us learn.

Teachers have been using blackboard and whiteboard all these years. We are entering the field of teaching and we should be able to prove to the people that teachers in 2010 are not teachers that would use chalk and blackboard solely but SMARTBOARD! When SMARTBOARDs are available, use them! Don't hesitate to learn the skill. Surf the net on how to use the smartbboard. The first time might be a bit difficult but it will definitely make you a better teacher. NO harm to learn more!

Let's make it a change!

Hey people...

Way to go.... This is my first blog entry as a PKEY-ian.
I won't say that I am very good in technology but still there's much more for me to polish up my skills.

There are certain things which I find it quite interesting to take up this course. Despite the reason that we have no choice but to take it, don't you think is indeed very nice that we couold stay online even though we are in a lecture? Where can we do that? In college? No way! But, somehow, college life differs from university life.

There's only one thing I could say about what I mentioned above! Technology.

What's so great about technology?

Read my upcoming blog.

By the way, how could I upload a picture in my blog if I want to? Not in my profile. Anyone knows? I tried but it says what Html error or somethign like that.

Ciao.