The fruitful models

Previous week, we learnt on the models that explain on the instructional learning system. Even though the models look simple, they surely helpful for instructors to design online courses. These models emphasize constructivist learning where pupils are encouraged to interact with environment (Net) and not passively receive information from teachers. The names are 'ASSURE', 'ADDIE' and 'DICK & CAREY' models. One of the models that attracts me the most is 'ASSURE' model. This is because the steps in this model have been arranged in a very simple and systematic way.The model begins with 'A' for analysing the learners. The purpose is to understand the general characteristics of the learners. Then, 'S' stands for state objectives which is to determine the learning outcomes. After that, the letter 'S' for select methods, media and materials where teachers must select and prepare the appropriate aids for pupils' learning. Then, 'U' for utilizing media and materials. The 'R' for requiring learners' participation in the classroom lesson so that can maximum pupils' learning. The 'E' for evaluating and revising in order to measure the students' progress.The model surely demonstrates a good flow of planning, implementing and evaluating (PIE). This model indirectly help us as teachers to conduct lessons systematically in classrooms.

Video clip-under construction

Do you agree that the teaching and learning process can be effective when we integrate different types of technological widgets, websites and courseware into the lesson? I, of course…
For instance, during my SEP program at SK Desa Tasik, I observed that the science teacher tend to play science video clips and CD-ROMs for the pupils to watch more compare to asking them to read or refer to science books. The primary school pupils were also being interactive as they responded actively to the motion facts and images displayed on the screen. The pupils also could recall easier the pictures and scientific terms from the clips when teacher reflected the lesson. It is crystal clear that one of the ways that pupils’ learning take place is by viewing video clips. So, as teachers, we should be able to prepare video-clips to assist the teaching and learning in classroom. Therefore, now through this course project, we were given the opportunity to create a 3-minute video clip, using our creative strategies in order to teach topic for English, Science or Mathematics. As for me, I have decided to teach a grammar point, prepositions by capturing the video of the positions and movements of an artificial mouse. The equipment that I going to use to shoot is probably my hand phone video. Besides that, I would be using Windows Movie Maker to edit this video clip. However, I don’t have the basic knowledge to use this software and I was quite nervous about it. Fortunately, through ADEC, instructions and examples related to educational video clips were displayed for us by Prof.Maznah and Ms.Ng. Thus, it helps me to learn the basic features of Windows Movie Maker such as importing video, adding effects, splitting clips and so on. Hence, I’m working hard on it as I learn from my friends and browse net for info in order to prepare a video clip for an effective and attractive learning tool.So, good luck for the rest too...

Handy Technology for Teachers...

Dear TESL students,
As you know, technology use is indeed vital for nowadays primary schooling. Therefore, as teachers, we must develop our ICT skills one step higher than the pupils. By using technological gadgets for pupils, teachers could also learn many beneficial things. For instance, by browsing through Internet for video-clips related to a science lesson, the teacher could enhance his or her general knowledge on the science facts and concepts. Thus, the teacher could share them with pupils and colleagues in school.
Besides that, through some educational webpages, teachers will be exposed to new pedagogical methods of teaching. Hence, the teachers could practice these methods to make the lesson in classroom interesting and also widen their experience of teaching. If we say the word 'technology', it is not limited to computers and Internet. Technology widely covers on other multimedia tools like cameras. Those days, teachers usually describe a thing or and event verbally to students. However, teachers began to realize that children of the pre-operational stage, as said by Jean Piaget, understand better if the learning is supported by concrete things. Hence, nowadays teachers tend to use digital cameras to capture pictures of outside classroom environment for pupils' learning. In a nutshell, we as trainee teachers should start pampering ourself with these multimedia tools for an effective learning of our future pupils.

The Intimate Relationship between Technology and Young Learners

I was impressed with the term P.L.E.a.S.E which was presented by Prof.Dr.Raja Maznah Raja Hussain during our first lecture.The term P.L.E.a.S.E which sounds very pleasant, stands for "Personalize Learning Environment and Student Engagement". This means we should not teach the pupils instead make them learn on their own effort. I totally agree with this concept because this is where we integrate technology to assist the independent learning of the pupils. Teacher as the foundation of knowledge works no more when technological gadgets are used in schools in order to create a student-centered learning. As teachers act as facilitators, it is time for the pupils to gain knowledge on own with the help of internet and educational CD-ROM. This indirectly encourages students to involve in inquiry-discovery learning. I believe technology can affect our young chilren's learning positively. Firstly, one of the famous multimedia tools in classrooms is slide projector. The powerpoint slide shows that are presented through slide projector are known to be attractive as it is colorful and has a sense of motion. It is not something like the old 'chalk and talk' method where pupils would tend to be less interested with the lesson. With the usage of this slide projector, teacher could grab his or her students attentions and sustain them. Besides that, the pupils will realize that learning is fun. Apart from that, technology can enhance pupils' learning as they will be expose to latest news on economy, politics and social of the world.This is very helpful for the upper primary pupils to write essays. Besides that, teaching using IT gadgets can be very beneficial for primary schol pupils as this gadgets prepare more realistic views. For example, a child's learning would take place better if he or she is expose to an authentic picture of the Petronas Twin Tower through SmartBoard, instead of a drawn one on whiteboard. Furthermore, through the internet or specifically email, the pupils can exchange questions of monthly test with students from other schools.This not only encourage smart learning but also widen the pupil's horizon of friends.What's your opinion on this issue? Let me know and we learn together.

Expectation from the 'Technology in Primary Education' course

It is a wonder with so many things happening during this scientific and technological era. People around the world seem to be breathless when they talk about technology and its smart gadgets, as if there is no future without technology. However, there are some group of people who could not define technology and its components and I'm one of them.If anyone ask me "Hey,do you know about the latest Window Vista?", my reply would be "err..what's that?". In late June,i was going through the 'Buku Panduan UM' in order to know what are the courses that i will be enrolling for the coming semester. I was quite shock to see the term 'technology' as one of the courses. Frankly, I am not a techno-savvy person. I just have a very basic level of knowledge on power point presentation and microsoft office and very ashamed to say that.This is because I dont have internet access at home.Yet, I know it is a very lame excuse.Now, I realize my mistake as I should put more effort in order to learn ICT in depth. Through this course, I'm looking forward to learn about graphic design, web design,animation and also more on blogging. Besides that, I am very inquisitive to learn how to use Window Movie Maker. Besides that, i have to brush up my skill of inserting hyperlinks and downloading video clips which successful only sometimes. In addition to that, i really need to learn on the names of latest tools in order to be updated. For those out there who are facing the same situation as me, don't call yourself as 'katak di bawah tempurung'. Just look at this course as an opportunity to explore the IT innovation.All the best!!!

Technators?Never heard before...

Dear buddies,
You may heard of the terms such as 'technology', 'technical', 'high-tech' or even the people 'technologists'. I bet some of you out there who would be raising this question 'Technators?Is there such word exist?". To be true, you would not be able to spot the word 'technators' in any edition of oxford, cambridge or online dictionaries. When I was required to name this blog, I could almost feel the cracks of my skull as i was trying to figure out the best name for my blog. Finally, I took a deep breath and reflected on the purpose of creating this blog. Surely, it is meant to highlight on the importance of technology use among teachers and young learners in our country, Malaysia in order to create a well ICT-skilled nation. Hence,an idea for the blog's title surged into my mind.I named it as 'Technators!' after combining the initial and end letters of the words "Technological Nation Creators". That's what being creative right?Hope Technators! will power up you towards a digital education.