Week 7 : Web 2.0 Applications

In this class, we were introduced to web 2.0 applications and the platforms that can be used for teaching and learning process. The platforms are:

1) Wikis

2) Blog

3) Social networking

4) Media sharing

My group was assigned to do a research on the social networking and how it can be use for teaching and learning in process. We have chosen Facebook as one of the platform from social networking. We chose Facebook because it has so many applications that can be manipulated as teaching materials. Using Facebook, teachers can post notes, announcement, quiz, discussion tab, post pictures, videos and many more.

Photos

Discussion

Quiz

If a teacher can utilize the resources from Facebook, he/she can teach almost anything using it. Even when the students are at home, they will still be able to catch up or revise the previous class using Facebook. Nowadays, almost everyone got a Facebook account. But if they do not have it, they can just create a new account because it is easy to create one.

I learn that the technology does not distort learning, but it helps a lot. As a future teacher, I really hope that I can apply what I have learnt in this class. Using Facebook as a means of learning will make it easier to teach and for students to learn.

Week 6: Experimenting With New Tool

In this class, we were going to the lab to do some experimenting using a tool called data logger. A data logger is an electronic device that records data over time or in relation to location either with a built in instrument or sensor or via external instruments and sensors. They generally are small, battery powered, portable, and equipped with a microprocessor, internal memory for data storage, and sensors. Data loggers interface with a personal computer and utilize software to activate the data logger and view and analyze the collected data (Wikipedia).

Our group was assigned to do a simple experiment on the temperature. We need to use the data logger to find out about the different temperature in the lab. This is the first time any of us using the data logger, so we started slow. Later we manage to get used ourselves with the tool and use it “normally”. The tool allows us to find out the temperature in the lab and the results were instantly changed to table form.

Using this tool, I notice there are some advantages and disadvantages to it.

Advantages:

• Mistakes are not made in reading the results. Humans can make errors when e.g. they read the temperature off a thermometer.
• Data logging devices can be sent to places that humans can not easily go to. E.g. onto a roof to get to a weather station.
• Graphs and tables of results can be produced automatically by the data logging software.
• It saves time and convenient to use.

Disadvantages:

-It is not suitable for the primary school learners as it is complicated to use the tool.

-The price of this tool is higher than traditional tools such as the thermometer.

-Limited to lab or class that has computers.

Data logger has its own advantages and disadvantages. But for me, I will still use this tool to teach my science class if I am given the opportunity to do so. It will be a good experience for my students because they will try new tool that is different from the traditional tools. They may even enjoy the lesson which I hope to see in my class.

All and all, as a future teacher, it is my duty to introduce my students to new things so that they will not be left out in this fast changing world of technology.

Week 5: Integration Of Technology

In this class, we learned about the 7 strategies in designing application tools for Science teaching and learning. We also learned about the aim and purpose of integrating technology in science education. The seven strategies were:

1) MBL- Micro-Computer Based Laboratory

2) Drill and practice

3) Tutorials

4) Simulation

5) Problem-solving

6) Info-retrieval

7) Educational games

From the lecture, I found that there are three strategies that given emphasis in designing application for primary science students. These strategies are mostly used and very popular among teachers and students. The strategies are: Drill and practice, simulation and educational games.

Drill and practice

Drilling can help students to remember the concepts in science. It is easy to practice drilling with students; you just have to repeat the concepts over and over again. It can help to reinforce students understanding of the concepts and indirectly learn from it. After teacher use drilling strategies with the students, there will also be practice strategy. Drilling alone will not be sufficient without practice. Students need to practice the knowledge that they have learnt so that they will remember it and apply it in their everyday life. Students will also have the basics needed to be used in their later years or in the secondary schools.

Educational games

Child educational games are definitely ones of the powerful recipes to turn learning time into fun time. While no educational strategy should rest entirely on games, these platforms can bring a lot to the training table. For one thing, they’re an engaging and fun way to transmit information. What’s more, younger generations are beginning to expect and even demand these kinds of training experiences. This is because of their backgrounds, they respond well to these tools and have experience with it in their everyday life. These educational games and activities can be both fun and challenging for adults and children alike. Kids learn differently than adults, the games are made to be both educational and fun. Memory is another skill children need to learn and practice before starting school. Children often have very sharp memories that just need to be reinforced, so games that teach memory are particularly helpful for this age group.

After this class, I know that there are many strategies that can be used to integrate technology in learning science. As a future teacher myself, I hope that I can use these kind of strategy to teach my pupils. Learning would be so much fun and enjoyable. I can motivate my students to learn and gain new knowledge everyday. I know that there are many learning styles, so using these strategies, I hope that I can fulfill students learning needs and make them all become excellent students.