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!