Portfolio 5 - Power Point

Module 6 Journal Entry - Issues in Media and Technology

Media plays a major role in communication. Technology has been used to organize knowledge for practical purpose. The internet has been as a global network that people and organizations connect into so they can access its massive store of shared information. Anybody can publish information or create new services. It is a persistent activity, therefore no one is in charge of it. Richardson J. (2013, pp54).

Communication lines, wireless connections and satellite connections are used to join this world-wide network of computers. These networks are used to share information and to communicate with one another. Networks can be placed into different groups. The internet which is widely used can be connected to by the computer, phone line, cable or other connections. Computers on the internet have address, just like people home. A domain system was developed. The domain name system allows one internet host to find another. The internet can be used for many different purposes such as sending and receiving emails, download free software, surf the web, internet relay chat and much more. According to Richardson J. Technology in Education Workbook (2013, pp57-58) The web was invented by Tim Barners-Lee (1991). It is used to distribute information and it is connected to hyperlinks. Some useful features are web browser, web servers, hyperlinks and the many vital buttons, such as back and forwards and the home button. Another important feature is the uniform resource locator (URL). Technology has generally changed the way we communicate with each other.

 Today’s Technology has changed the way we live our daily lives. While it has decreased the need for manual jobs, media and technology have evolved. It plays a role in every area of our lives. Example, technology plays a major role in academics. It is useful for teaching and learning. It can be used for many different activities. These include social networking sites, blogs, podcasts, videos, making power point presentation and many more. Social networking sites can be used to discuss work that was done in class. A class blog can be used as an on line classroom, students will be able to access it from anywhere at any time.  Podcast can be used to broadcast thoughts to the world and provide references. Also, videos can be used for instruction. The use of media and technology will definitely result in productivity and efficiency. .All of this is made possible through the global network that people connect to. The vast amount of information that is available is useful for teachers when they are planning. Also, the internet makes the learning process easier for the students. Students whose learning process involves technology are better prepared for the world of work.

Never the less, we are been reminded that technology fails. According to Jonny Berchtold,  When technology fails (Mar 6, 201) “Technology works the least when you need it the most.”  Also according to Nathan Loring Modern Technology: The Ugly Truth, as cited in Ross T., (2012, January).  We must be careful to realize how technology affects us. Example, if too much technology is used without in co-operating others the children can become dependent and antisocial. They can even become obese. Also, if the technology fails there must be an alternative plan. Therefore, careful consideration must be given when we are planning our work. Media and technology has both advantages and disadvantages. Therefore as a teacher we must plan constructively. We must plan carefully for the benefit of the students.

Reference

Richardson, J. (2013)Technology in Education Workbook

http://opentextbc.ca/chapter8-media-and-technology/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSmE1YPhtA8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RGa3-kZ2rgU

Module 5 Journal entry – Word Processing

A word processor is an application package that allows individuals to do word processing. Word processing can be used to prepare documents such as letters, reports, memos, books or any type of written communication (Richardson J. 2013)

Word Processing can be used to prepare tools that can be used in a classroom such as charts, flyers and flash cards. It was used to prepare a tool that will be used during a Science Lesson, of which the topic is Living and Non-Living Things. After taking all the necessary factors involved, such as the age and the kind of learners, I carefully designed a chart that will allow the sixteen students to skillfully apply their knowledge. During the preparation of this tool I included footer and header. Word art, shapes and colours were used to construct the chart. However, it was a wonderful learning experience because teaching and learning go hand in hand.

The chart about Living and Non-Living things will be used to facilitate one of my objectives for the lesson (Living and Non-Living Things). The children should be able to categorize at least 80% of the organisms and objects under the correct heading on the chart. As a class each student will be given one of the charts that was prepared. At the appointed time teacher will discuss with the students how to categorize each picture, then the students will be instructed to remove the pictures and place them under the correct heading.

Although, I did not have challenges completing some of the steps such as changing the page colour and using word art, I encountered some challenges that increased my knowledge. I learnt do text wrapping (that is placing words over image). Also, after identifying the pictures that were used I took quality time to insert them into the shapes that were used. The experience altogether has persuaded me that equipment is readily available to assist teachers, who are willing to in-cooperate technology in the teaching and learning process. The use of tools in the classroom will most definitely enhance learning as teachers cater for the different category of learners.

It is very important that each teacher analyze the students so they will be better equipped to teach them. For example the tool that I prepared can be improved to suit children at different levels. Curriculums are prepared according to the stage the students are expected to be at. Therefore, a teacher would plan accordingly. The chart can be re-constructed using the same pattern but more challenging pictures can be used to evaluate the student’s knowledge of the lesson. Also, the definition of Living and Non-Living things can be more detailed, according to the level of the students. According to (Microsoft (2015). Word 2007 training course and tutorials) Word Processing makes it possible to edit text and revise documents and the documents can look great.

Module 3&4 Journal Entry (ASSURE Lesson Plan)

The ASSURE model plan emphasizes teaching students with different learning styles. It’s a learning style where students are required to interact with the environment and not just receive information without self-directed action. It’s an Instructional System Design (ISD) which was modify to be used by regular teachers. All teachers can use it to develop a proper learning environment. (Source) The ASSURE lesson plan model provides assistance for teachers who want in cooperate technology with learning.

       The first approach when preparing one lesson plan is to analyze the students. During this process it is important that the teacher know the children learning style. There are three major styles visual/ spatial, verbal/ linguistic and kinesthetic/ body (Richardson J., (2003) p.13. However, (Kappi98A) states that,” learning style may be, verbal, logical, visual, musical, structured and so on. The teacher will be able to plan with a mindset to reach all of the students. This first approach should be followed by stating the Objective, Selecting Methods, Media and Materials, Utilizing Media and Material. Require Learner Participation .must be included and finally there must be evaluation, Hassan H. (2014). These steps will be beneficial for both, the teacher and the learner. All teachers would have students, who would excel through cooperative learning. The ASSURE instructions for lesson plan provides step by step instructions for us (teachers) so that we can combine technology with teaching. Therefore, our students will progress academically while they interact with the environment and improve their technological skills. Group work, field trips, lectures, experiments, videos, and many more will definitely be used to enhance our teaching. After all the participation we will be able to evaluate the students. (This is possible by following instruction necessary for evaluating the children). This kind of engagement will assist students to meet the set goal and provide continuous improvement.

  A successful teacher would be an individual who sees planning for instruction as the foundation of every excellent lesson. The foundation of any process is vital. Everything is established upon the foundation. Hence, we see the importance of planning. It gives teachers the opportunity to be thoroughly prepared. Students are analyzed, Objectives are in place, Methods, Media and Materials are identified, while there is advance structure in place for the use of Media and Material. Also there is knowledge of the Required Learner Participation. Finally, there is room to check to see how the children performed. Of course, the results will be excellent.

Technology plays a vital role in today’s world. Therefore, it is valuable and beneficial to both teachers and students. The use of ICTs results in productivity and efficiency. There has been progress to online courses and digital books. Technology can be used to post or share materials on line, video chat and a class blog can be used as a platform to share and discuss, just to name a few. While, students would be able to improve their skills and access media at any time and any place, as they prepare to be a part of the technologically advanced work force. It is concluded that in order for teachers to be effective, technology must be used to support the desired outcome of teachers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Module 2- Journal Entry (Blogs)

During this module we created a blog and we learnt how to use it. We consistently used the blog that was created as an asynchronous tool. Also, we learnt about the advantages of using blog for teaching and learning, so that our classroom instruction and communication can be improved.

During this module we used platforms such as blogger.com and word press to create a blog. “Blogs are great educational tools and they give students complete freedom to publish content on the web.” Pappas C., (2013, September). Blog writing is formal. Blogs are like online journal. Comments can be left.

I will use blogs to in-cooperate technology with teaching. Students who are absent can have an advantage to keep up to date. Students can participate from anywhere at any time. Blogs promotes the “no child left behind” policy. It’s a good means of communication. Hence, I would in-cooperate this technology when I am planning for my students because it is very effective and the students will be able to practice and improve their skills.

Blogs can be used to improve learning. Blogs can be used to publish assignments and to keep students up to date. Teachers can use it to assist children to master a topic. It also helps the students to improve their writing. Blogs can be used for specific activities example, an upcoming prom. The classroom curriculum can be integrated using blogs. Pappas C., (2013, September). In education blogs are instructional platforms that are referred to as Edu-blogs. They are used for discussion, links to online resources, they can be used to share current events and much more. Richardson J. (2013). Blogs will most definitely improve classroom instruction and communication.

Reflection _ Module 3 &4

Reflection _ Module 3 & 4

ASSURE lesson planning serves as a guide for teachers who wish to in-cooperate technology with teaching. (Source) It gives specific guidelines that assist with lesson planning. This model encourages me to analyze learners so that I can plan according to the students’ academic ability and their learning style. Objectives must be stated. This is the reason for the lessons. All that the children are expected to learn. The lower level children will have less objectives when compared with less. Methods, Media and Material must be identified in advance. This will ensure that all that is needed to in-cooperate the technology with learning is accessible. Example: Advance preparations may be needed for group work, field trip, experiment or the use of computers. The ASSURE model encourages/emphasize that you state how you will use the materials or technology during the learning/ teaching process. This will ensure advance and thorough preparation so that everything would flow smoothly. Students participation is essential. The students must do work, whether its group activity, experiment, presentation etc. This would provide hands on experience for the students and create wonderful opportunity for the tactile learner. The students will be evaluated so that the can be clear understanding about their performance. The teacher will also check his/her performance. This will indicate if the lesson needs to be repeated.

ASSURE lesson planning served as a guide while I prepared my portfolio piece. I ensured that I took a step by step approach to plan for the topic, Protective Colouration. I Analyzed so that I can know about the children. I stated three Objectives because I am teaching children at the lower level. Then I selected Methods, Media and Materials, by identifying the materials needed as I made plans to have the students work in group. I stated how I will utilize Media and Material. I ensured that there was students participation; by letting the children do some of the work. Finally I was prepared to evaluate the students, by checking their performance and mine.

It was not difficult to identify the materials needed and the practice activity. However, although I had many ideas I was concerned about how to present them in my plan. I concluded that I needed to use a step by step approach in order to progress. After I started using this strategy I was able to progress to the end.

This knowledge will most definitely better my teaching experience because I am now able to carefully plan my lessons. Also I understand the vital role of technology when teaching. The students may not be skilled with technology but in-cooperating it provides a platform for them to learn.

In the future I will ensure that the children play a more active role. I will give them the opportunity to internalize information, values and skills. Children bring different styles of learning to the classroom. Commonwealth of learning (2012). Hence, I will use the ASSURE model so that I can cater for all the students.