week 2 professional experience

Wow what a week!!
My Professional Experience has been taken place at preschool located in Malaysia ,Kuala Lumpur .The school Physical Education department also supports a number of students with special needs through the Special Education and Early Childhood Department called ‘Perceptual-Motor Development’ program which works to improve student’s physical and academic performance.
Class and school ICT environment and processes
The school has a number of ICT resources shared among the whole school including, 4 IPads, 15 tablets, up to 4 computers in each classroom and a computer lab with approximately 20 to 30 computers and each classroom is also provided with an Interactive Whiteboard. Within the school is an ICT coordinator, who is in charge of all the ICT resources and deals with any ICT technical issues. The school also designates a technology class for a composite class  which offer students the opportunity to learn more with ICTs.
However, in the Physical Education Department ICT’s are very limited and my mentor is not a comfortable or proficient ICT user, and therefore when approached about ICT capacity for practicum lesson planning, my mentor was somewhat reluctant to allow use of ICT’s. Therefore as a result of this, we had come to an agreement that in our Non-contact time I would take small groups of students out and do activities, in which revolved around integrating ICTs into lessons based on physical activities/ games or would use simple ICT tools that would not interfere with the lesson such as using an iPad as a timer or recording students’ performances.

teaching practice week 2 reflection

Let me share with you about my reflection on one of my lesson plan in week 3. I implemented this lesson by allowing children to record the online weather chart game using IWB. Once everything completed, children were asked to make a bar graph by using laptop; they were also need to do it in a small group and make comparison about the four weather conditions (sunny, rainy, cloudy and windy). I explained what bar graph is all about with the children before they make the bar graph.

Overall, this lesson was carried out quite successfully as children’s attention were caught when they get involve the weather game session. They enjoyed playing with the online game and asked to play it again second times.  However, the lesson was carried out 10-15 minutes longer than expected as some of the children spend too much time in making the weather bar graph. Apart from that, most of the children were able to compare the four different weather condition by counting how many times were sunny, rainy, cloudy and windy. They also enjoyed using the ipad to draw their favourite weather; and they were able to tell teacher (me) what’s their drawing is all about. I could say that, Skitch software is a useful tool for children to use it as part of their learning. Fun and interesting!

Professional experience

I, like many others, had their first day on practicum on Friday.  I have visited the classroom 3 times now and am getting more confident with students names although I still mix them up sometimes and say their name as a question.  I am in the middle of planning for my first lesson and I am procrastinating.  I am in a prep class.  All of my other prac were upper years and I thought it prudent to experience prep as I could be put in a prep class after graduation (in 2 million years – or it feels that long).  Personally I don’t think prep would be my ideal class but who knows as the weeks progress I could change my mind.

Anyway I better get back to my lesson, it isn’t going to write itself…

Reflection regarding to Teaching Practice (part 3)

I always learned about constructivist theory, however teaching practice allowed me to apply what i have learned from ‘book’ into ‘reality’. These are my learning and understanding about the constructivist theory as i used this approach on my planning stage.

According to von Glasersfeld  (1990) constructivist theory of knowing, “knowledge is not an iconic representation of an external environment, but a mapping of ways of acting and thinking that are viable to the acting subject in attaining experiential goals” (p. 37). Von Glasersfeld explains that knowledge is the result of, “an individual subject’s constructive activity, not a commodity that somehow resides outside the knower and can be conveyed by linguistic communication” (p. 37). He asserts that, “language is not a means of transporting conceptual structures from teacher to student, but rather a means of interacting that allows the teacher to constrain and guide the cognitive construction of the student” . Vygotskyclaims that a child’s mental functions need to be fostered and assessed through collaboration with a teacher. He proposed that through collaboration, the teacher is able to determine the distance between actual development and the potential development of the child, that is, a child’s zone of proximal development. Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) is “the discrepancy between a child’s actual mental age and the level he reaches in solving problems with assistance” ( as cited in Fraser, 2006, p. 58).

The child functions on any given task or tasks with the teacher’s aim to work within the continuum of the zone to help the child move forward. A child’s zone is not static, but instructionally sensitive. It must be recalibrated constantly to accommodate a child’s new learning. Children learn most easily when the teacher provides experiences within the zone of development. Interaction and direct teaching are important aspect of intellectual development; whereby children’s own thinking is ‘stretched’ in term of adding details or clarify concepts.

Young children are easily motivated into discovery by teachers asking open-ended questions that pertain to the child’s own interests as well as encourages critical thinking by challenging children’s assumptions. For instance, teacher poses open-ended questions for children that lead them to suggest a hypothesis such as what might happen if you do that? Children are encouraged to evaluate their own work and learn to defend and explain their creations to other.

Teaching practice -part 2

Finally, missions completed!

Before I really ‘ close files’ about my teaching practice and get ready for another challenging journey. I would like to share how I felt at times when my colleagues come into my classroom to observe how I integrate ICT into children’s learning. “I know they are thinking that I am just too ‘ambitious’ in using ICT in early years setting. However,  I am finally feeling that I can defend what I do, explain why integrate ICT in children’s learning is so important. I learnt that integration of ICT in the lesson involves teachers in careful planning and preparation, both inside and outside the classroom. A program that involved ICT needs teachers who enjoy being spontaneous, involved and creative, as well as reflective and analytical.
By clicking the NAEYC position statement and this website, you may know more about the importance of organizing for children’s learning.
You may also read my course mates   learning experiences during teaching practice. They provide me some encouragements and motivation in continuing integrating ICT into children’s learning.

practicum reflection week 1

Reflection regarding to Teaching Practice week 1

After reading some of  the students learning experiences during their teaching practice, I started to think if integration of ICT in children’s learning is necessary, how it is the lesson developed? I always ask myself: How does a teacher foster literacy,  thinking and other concepts, dispositions and skills valued in early education? How does a teacher address and integrate standards in a meaningful way?

This was my first time that I had tried to ‘incorporate any ICT as my part of my lesson’. With the little opportunity to visit other programs, I started the teaching practice feeling that I was sinking as much as I was swimming.

I took a week to set up an environment where my children could have choices and sustained time to involve ICT through their leaning experiences. I needed to read and observe enough to convince myself that integration of ICT in classroom is beneficial to children’s learning.

I concluded: “This has become the most intellectually challenging years for me. I am learning how to plan for ICT and how to use ICT to reinforce student’s learning. I like the concept of an emerging curriculum, but it takes patience as well as creativity to work it out each day. Things don’t always work out as I had imagined. Because I am an experienced teacher, I sometimes feel that should be able to do this right way. But it does not work out that way. It involves a major shift in the way I am thinking as well as in the way I structure the lesson: a paradigm shift.”

Candy Crush

Candy Crush

With the old hit game, Bejeweled which stormed the world in playing this addictive puzzle with it's own challenges now comes the latest hit Facebook game called Candy Crush Saga (CCS) by King.com has 12 million likes on Facebook and more than nine million daily active users.
This game looks like this generally and you are to swap the came colour candy to get 3 or more in a row. The fun thing about this game is whereby you are given a certain number of moves and in some levels time limit or an objective to fulfill in order to pass the next stage with only 5 tries per 30 minutes. The game also encourages you to Facebook your friends for life or extra moves if you finished your 5 tries per time. Below are the info-graphics of the game.. quite interesting.

Dance Revolution

this popular arcade game is now being introduced in some schools to promote fitness in Health and Physical Education classes. I have tried Dance Dance Revolution in an arcade before and it is way harder then it looks. Not only is it fun and gets your heart rate pumping, it also allows people to practice their coordination and rhythm, as they try to stomp on the arrows in time to those on the screen and the music.
I love how technologies are being incorporated into classes. I wish my school had of done something like this, it would have been enjoyable. Great HPE resource, if your school can afford it!
Check out the short video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfI62hDBSpg
Happy Blogging

week 14

National Geographic Website

Hi everyone,

I love the National Geographic channel, however I don’t have the privilege to watch it on TV.
But it popped into my head tonight and I decided to look at their website. It is a really awesome website filled with so many different resources, especially for science.
I would encourage all to go have a look. There are kids sections with games, recipes, science experiments, geography facts and generally a lot of video footage, if you are interested in watching something that is not on free TV.
So what are you waiting for go check it out!

References
http://www.nationalgeographic.com/au/

Addressing the diversity problem

Technology tools can enhance students’ holistic development. According to NAEYC (2012), technology in children’s learning and development can support and extend traditional materials in valuable ways. Besides that, technology  tools also can help teacher make and strengthen home and school connections, and assisted technology must be available as needed to provide equitable access for children with special needs. For example, just like Ellie says there is no “average” child means no two children are exactly the same. When in practicum I do my lesson to asking student to create their own recipe, I found the problem. Students who are good in language they will use their own words to create their recipe but students who weak in English language will always asking me how to spell the words. Sometimes, they will feel bored because of they do not know English Language. In conclusion, teacher should create difference level lesson by using technology for difference level students.

NAEYC, (2012). Technology and Interactive Media as Tools in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8. Retrieved on 24 May, 2013 from http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/PS_technology_WEB2.pdf

Does Environment Plays An Important Role In Supporting ICT

I have read one of my friends blogpost and I agreed with her that environment is definitely the third teacher.It is vital to create a positive social climate, to carefully plan balanced experiences and to consider ample time for children to reflect and think to support learning. It is not only the socio-emotional climate of the environment that affects children’s learning but also the physical climate. Dr Maria Montessori spoke of the ‘prepared environment’ because she thought it to be the adults’ responsibilities to prepare an environment for the child at his/her appropriate developmental stage. Montessori approach includes placing a child in a mix-aged classroom to enhance a wide range of learning possibilities. Individual work meets individual needs; while in group work, children are encouraged to help each other. Therefore, when establishing environment as a third teacher, educators should consider easy approached and enriching open-ended and self-correcting resources, experiential learning, homogeneous and heterogeneous group and pair approaches, visual representation and aesthetic, and a multicultural classroom. A relaxed, unhurried, calm environment gives them opportunity to make decision, express themselves, pose question consider the views of others and etc

week 13

Can ICT manage children behavior?

My answer is yes.

ICT is definitely the language of this generation. Children are born into this ICT era and they love ICT naturally. By considering this nature of today’s generation, I find that ICT integration is a way to manage children behaviour. Children tend to be more engaged in lessons when ICT is integrated as they are eager to play the tool. As it is one of their favourite activities, adding and withdrawing ICT integration can be one of the reinforcement. I have tried using computer time as a reinforcement to manage children’s behaviour and the result is satisfying. For example, computer times is cancelled as the consequence for misbehaving in the class. Besides, I find that interactive activities and sharing ICT tools are ways to build good relationship between children and teachers and also among children.
In conclusion, teachers can find their own way in classroom management by awarding or withdrawing the use of ICT. Check here to read more about how “Losing a privilege” works in behaviour management.

ICT

Changing Education from the Ground Up. By Sir Ken Robinson

It was very interesting to read what Sir Ken Robinson had to say about the structure of the education system and how Government’s are not forward thinking, thus choosing administrators to promote a predetermined style and having other follow suit from the bottom up. Sir Ken Robinson also states that the structure of education needs to include people who are creative, original and adaptable in all areas from the top to the bottom of the organisational structure. He goes on to explain that when people are forward thinkers they are able to move with the times and sustainability occurs. i.e. this forward thinking did not occur with Kodak in the digital photo, camera industry and they are now bankrupt.
Having myself worked many years for Visyboard Australia under CEO Richard Pratt I saw that new employee were always on the look out for who could drive the company into the future. Even those who were long time employees were encouraged to be forward thinkers from the bloke who swept the floor to the factories manager. Everyone was encouraged to be thinking progressively and no idea was ever quashed as being stupid. I believe as Sir Ken Robinson states in his article a need for a progressive education system needs to be put in place. In my opinion Its a pity Government’s don’t view the future needs of children , hence the future of our society from a progressive standpoint rather then an economical viewpoint that seems to be the norm
The below link is an interesting article from the new times blog on why the American education system needs to moves with the times and be restructured.
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/07/education-needs-a-digital-age-upgrade/?_r=0

Technology creates winners and losers

Postman (1998) mentioned“I say only that since technology favors some people and harms others, these are questions that must always be asked.”In this post, I would like to share my experience towards “technology creates winners and losers”. By the way, I just came across my coursemate, Stephanie blog who shares the same experience as I do regarding the controversy between “typing/reading with pen and paper” and “typing/reading with tech”. I totally understand how she feels as I’m also in her shoe.
My example:
During my elementary and high school time, I have always been receiving compliments from teachers and friends saying that I have very neat handwriting. My friends like to use my notes to study as  I’ve been always making good use of mind-mapping and info-graphics. Hence, I have a lot of colour pencils, highlights and whatever stationary that you can name.  Frankly, I am proud of my own handwriting. BUT, it’s not like that now . With the advent of computer and keyboard, the things that I was proud of has totally being replaced by technologies. Nowadays, we can create mind-mapping using softwares such as easel.ly and gliffy with ease. The advantages of using tech is that you can SAVE TIME, SAVE SPACE while SHARING with one another across the Internet.

From the above picture, we can also see that “Technology change is also a trade-off” (Postman, 1998). Using the example shown above, the advantage that technology offers is that we can save a lot of time and effort in producing work, while the corresponding disadvantage is that it losses it’s sentimental value of it.
If you came across reading “Five Things We Need to Know About Technological Change” by Neil Postman, do share what do you think about it.
References:
Postman,N. (1998). Five things we need to know about technological change. Retrieved from
http://usqstudydesk.usq.edu.au/m2/pluginfile.php/202983/mod_resource/co

week 12

Are you a creative and productive user of technology?

According to the Melbourne Declaration second goal,All young Australians become successful learners, confidence and creative individuals, and active and informed citizens (p. 8)
Melbourne Declaration also seeks to describe the characteristics of successful learners ↷

have the essential skills in literacy and numeracy and are creative and productive users of technology, especially ICT, as a foundation for success in all learning areas (p. 8)

One of my coursemate share about this in her post ➸ Teaching is not simply putting a computer or laptop in front of a student and saying ‘off you go!’ I couldn’t agree with her more on that. As I came across reading an article in Edudemic, I found one picture which makes me reflect on myself, as well as the purpose of this course subject……

Picture by Bill Ferriter

 This picture actually reminded me that I need to reflect on whether what I do has truly reached the purpose of education or am I simply do what I am asked to, or tell my kids to do what I’m asking them to do. As a childhood educator, we are to shape our future generations into productive users of technology, not a slave for technology.

The Education 2.0 vs Education 3.0

I would like to share an informative chart with you. It is a very good chart. I got it from- The Education 2.0 vs Education 3.0. ICT is not only the future of our children’s education it is the present; and we need to make the investment in ICT now!’ (Walter Lockhart as cited in Naace, 2013). Thus, I believe it is essential for teachers to promote and implement ICT in the school’s curriculum because ICT is used to facilitate and motivate students in their learning development.
Going through this chart will help you understand more about the ICT education effects and changes in the past and modern day classroom.

I hope you enjoy reading my blog, do drop in some comments. Thank you.
Reference:
Kharbach, M. (2012). Educational technology and mobile learning. Retrieved from http://www.educatorstechnology.com/2013/06/education-20-vs-education-30-awesome.html
Naace. (2013). ICT in Education is important! Retrieved from http://www.naace.co.uk/1068

Technology is always a trade-off

Postman (1998), describes that technology giveth and technology taketh away. This means that for every advantage a new technology offers, there is always a corresponding disadvantage. The disadvantage may exceed in importance the advantage, or the advantage may well be worth the cost. Now, this may seem to be a rather obvious idea, but you would be surprised at how many people believe that new technologies are unmixed blessings.”My example: Technology is always a trade-off
Every one of us uses different ICT tools to communicate and socialize with others. One of the most common tools we use is a “Smart phone & an iPAd.” A while ago, I had dinner with my friends in a restaurant. Every one of us seems busy texting, typing, chatting and playing games with smart phone or iPad. We seldom talk to each other. The only topic or question came across between my friend and I was, “hey, do you know the answer for this game? Which levels are you at now?”
After awhile, we end up playing game with smart phone on the dinner table individually. We seldom talk much with each other. I felt bad when I recall back my experience like this.
Yes, it is true that now is a 21st century technology modern world, we need to catch up in order to keep us updated with all the high-technology stuff in our environment. But, sorry to say that, the more high-tech person you are, the lesser interaction with friends and families.
Anyways, I believe interacting face-to-face with people is the most essential part that you and me should have. No matter how updated you are in ICT world, we still need interaction with people around us especially our family.
 Reference:
Postman,N. (1998). Five things w need to know about technological change. Retrieved from
http://usqstudydesk.usq.edu.au/m2/pluginfile.php/202983/mod_resource/content/0/postman.pdf

week 11

Flipped classroom

What is flipped classroom? The flipped classroom inverts traditional teaching methods, delivering instruction online outside of class and moving “homework” into the classroom. According to Educause (2012), the flipped classroom is a pedagogical model in which the typical lecture and homework elements of a course are reversed. During the term is widely used to describe almost any class structure that provides prerecorded teacher followed by in-class exercises. Devoting class time to application of concepts might give children a better opportunity to detect errors in thinking, The flipped model puts more of the responsibility for learning on the shoulders of students while giving them greater impetus to experiment.  I can find that advantage and disadvantage of flipped classroom.

Reference:
Educause, (2012). Things you should know about Flipped classrooms. Retrieved on 25 May, 2013 from http://net.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/eli7081.pdf

week 10

Advantages and disadvantages of Technology

As I was reading some of my fellow course mates blogs, I came across on the advantages vs disadvantages of ICT. This reminded me of the scenario at work when there's no internet connection or when the interactive whiteboard (IWB) decide to go on strike!! Are we too dependent on technology? Well, as for me, I can live without the computer or internet (unless when assignments are due soon, then I'll probably freak out if there's no internet connection!!) but bot without my mobile phone!! As a mother of four, that's the most crucial technology that I must have all the time and wherever I am.This is definitely something for us to think about!!.

                                                                         

Google Documents

Hi there,
Google Docs is free and easy to use online word processor, form, data storage and presentation editor that enables students to create, store and share instantly. Furthermore, students can create new starch new document and upload existing document. Moreover, there’s no software to download, and all your work is stored safely online. Google support and troubleshooting email problems thus, offer support by providing a series of help pages. Google is useful for certain people and it is user-friendliness.
Feel free to view one of my course mate blog post in sharing her thought about Google Docs.I found useful link and interesting reading on this article “Benefits of Google Apps”
Here’re is the summary of benefit of using it:
1.Greater Reliability
2.More hard Drive Space
3.Security
4.Support
5.New Features
There is the way how to use Google forms.

Reference:
Jonathan. (August 2nd, 2010). 5 Hidden Benefits of Using Google Apps. Retrieved May 31, 2013.

week 10

Instagram

Hi bloggers,
I was posting this blog after I  saw a post about modern day camera functions…I‘m not the person who like to take picture of everything but my younger sister is opposite of me like to take picture whenever she does and everywhere she going. Therefore, I addict to her and I started to take picture like her and keep the picture in my lap top. Whenever, I free I open the picture file and see, I feel fun and happy when I go through each picture.
Furthermore, to get a clear and classy picture when I snap picture, I plan to get new phone Samsung Galaxy Note 2, Later, I found from my friend’s about Instagram app in phone. It’s quit fun to use Instagram with different type of filters to make the picture look classy and better.
I have to admit, later become I addict to Instagram as I like taking photographs and editing them. Most of my friend’s course mates express themselves through the Instagram and other camera apps.

Here I find a useful link by The Infinite Thinking Machine for how Instagram can embed in the classroom environment to enhance the teaching and learning.
I feel most of the Asian culture tend to take picture everything they do. I found there is a video really fun and my sister keeping laughing throughout seeing the video, it exactly showing what she does every time. This video talks – how current Asian culture is going around taking picture.

Cheers!
Reference:
5 signs that you’re addicted to Instagram. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.googlygooeys.com/2012/02/15/signs-that-youre-addicted-to-instagram-follow/#
Jinnyboy TV.(2013, May 31). Asians at Work [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SBtpGWaXkI

Lets take a break!!!!

Hello,

 

I have just completed my Assignment 2 and Know looking forward for Assignment 3.I think sometimes we just need to take a break from what we are doing on study desk and think about aspects of technology that interest us In this we can focused on how to improve photography.
In one of my friends blog she discusses her horrified reaction to the school photos she received of her daughter and son. From this she has provided readers with a website about how to capture photos in the best way possible.http://www.hp.com/united-states/consumer/digital_photography/take_better_photos/.The website would most definitely be helpful for a lot of people and I think I will now add it to my favourites bar.I love photography, I just never knew how to take good photos.

Misheel Kaur

week 9

Play Wonder Games

I was fortunate to attend a conference  this week in one of the shopping mall.  This professional development opportunity really provided me with a deep insight into how teachers create ICT rich environments and how students engage in learning using ICT, through exploring, problem solving, creating and simply for fun.  Angry Verbs is an example of using ‘kids culture’ to engage students in learning.


 

 http://www.myclassroomideas.com/angry-verbs-classroom-display-board/.

 The first session i attended was titled “My powered up prep classroom”
Many tools were incorporated into the daily routine of this classroom including ipods, ipads and the use or powerpoint in which the children interact to enhance their knowledge and understanding of letters, words, sounds and numbers.