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.