Five ICT tools

Five ICT tools

We have learnt about five tools of the ICT. These five tools are very important to incorporate into teaching and learning, ultimately support the professional growth as the best teacher. Some of the examples under ICT tools we have come across are google classroom, google doc, Blog etc are fundamental in teachers life. Thus, the modern world is dominated by technology and its influence on teaching and learning is one of the best methods to prosper in the education. 

I have gained so many knowledge after going through this module to become a great teacher who will always integrate ICT in a class while teaching and learning. I promised to integrate use this knowledge in the future. 

Thank you so much for teaching valuable skills and knowledge sir.  

Situating tool: Google Classroom

ICT act as a situating tool in this modern world. Teachers are demanded by the situation to use ICT as a situating tool in the field of teaching and learning in the classroom. Thus, Google Classroom is one of the platforms where it can be used according to the demands of the modern situation. For instance, we can use google classroom during the current pandemic and I have seen teachers in the school using google classroom during this pandemic. Thus, It is one of the wonderful platforms to conduct teaching and learning during such a situation. 

Google Classroom makes teachers and students to carry out teaching and learning easier and comfortable. They can also do assessments and evaluations in the platform. Moreover, this platform can be used from anywhere, anytime as long as we are connected to the network. 

Previously, I didn't have any idea about the google classroom. After learning this essential platform, I acquired enough knowledge to help my children learn better through online. It will be very useful especially the situation like this heated by the pandemic, left thousands of teachers and students without learning platform. Thus, I can use this platform later in the school to reach out to my students learning. 

I experienced many new knowledge after learning how to conduct google classroom. Now, I am confident enough to take google classroom in the school if I need to conduct an online class. However, I need more practice to get familiar and to become professional. Thus, I look forward to experiencing it in the school. 

The link given below will take you to the google classroom I have designed for class six on the topic Motion of the earth. 

https://classroom.google.com/u/1/c/MTE2MjI5MTk4Njg1

ICT as a situating tool

The fourth  ICT tool for teaching and learning is a situating tool. It is a tool that helps learners and teachers to situate in an environment to experience the context and happenings. Situating tool is very important for the educators to teach our younger generation in this highly advanced world and modern teaching and learning demands according to the need of the children. 

In this fast-changing world, we need to adapt to the situation. When I reflect back on my childhood life, everything was totally different from the world I am experiencing today, especially in the classroom. For instance, I remember my learning solely depends on teachers and friends' assistance in the school, but now, all the answers are available on the smartphone. Thus, I am experiencing many new changing world as an when the time changes.  

Our modern world is driven by technology and everything is influenced by modern technology. If we are not updated with the technologies according to the situation, we will be separated from the rest of the people. Thus, I felt that we have to change and adapt according to the changing situation. 

The way we learn in the past and the way children learn in this modern world is completely different. In our time, we learn more through social interaction with friends and teachers. However, learners in this era choose to learn from smartphones and computers more than anyone else around them. They have everything on the palm of a hand.  Thus, children are situated in this computer world. 

Technology serves as a tool to enhance teaching and learning in this modern classroom. We have explored the importance of ICT situating tools in our classroom. I realized that teachers must equip with the knowledge of technology because children in this modern world are more comfortable learning through ICT  integration. Moreover, I think children learn better when our teaching and learning situate using ICT in the classroom.  Thus, teachers need to change accordingly to the situation of an environment. 

One of the interesting activities we have done was on Google map. I didn't have any idea on google Maps earlier, but it was a relief to know about it in the last minutes of my student life. I found it fundamentals for us to know about many new places. Back in my room, I try in my mobile phone and explore it till the satisfaction. 

ICT tool as a situating tool is one of the important strategies to meet the need of the child in this contemporary world. Children are totally into modern technology that the classroom teaching and learning situations demand more technology. So, I am aware that the type of modern classroom required changes according to the situation of the modern world.  Thus, I promised to integrate ICT in the classroom accordingly to the demands of the situation in this contemporary world. 

Thank you

ICT integrared lesson plan in a google doc

Google docs

Google docs is an example of a co-constructive tool that facilitates learning through discussion and collaboration among a group of people. Using Google doc, we experienced collaboration, cooperation, and many new learning after designing ICT integrated lesson plan. There was active interaction among three of us and I felt more comfortable in this app than in a face to face conversation or sitting in one place. However, we faced some problems using this app as there were poor network for us to carry out work in the particular set of time. Besides this issue, everything was convenient for us to come up with an ICT integrated lesson plan. The link given below will take you to the ICT integrated lesson plan (co-constructive work done by three of us).

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fZMYvt7Q_e7sBwxVnBsG2o-569UhNSkx1-R5sCGaOwY/edit?usp=drivesdk

I gain lots of experiences and knowledge through the process of designing this with my two friends. Firstly, we can work collaboratively in different places. I realized that collaboration is one of the utmost importance in the workplace. We can access each others contribution and group members can work from different places. Secondly, Google Docs allows us to add and remove information when working on a specific document. That way we can make changes to the document. In addition, multiple users can access and edit the same document at the same time. Finally, It allows users to see who else is in the document and making changes to it as they work. Hence, technology favours us with a platform to co-construct to achieve a particular goal.

On the other hand, there is a disadvantage of using google docs as it requires an internet connection. Where there is no access to internet means, no google docs. The photos given below shows, how we have been enjoying co-construction on ICT integrated lesson plan using google docs.

Add caption

So, If we use Google docs in our teaching and learning in the school, it will create an active interaction among the students, they will be able to generate new knowledge from the discussion, they can edit and add on their friends work together and it will also help them in co-construction of new knowledge from the existing knowledge.  Thus, students and teachers can use the tools to construct and shared understanding of new knowledge. I have also explored another co-constructive tool called the electronic whiteboard. I knew much new information from this exploration. 

As a life long learner, I plan to use this google doc as a forum of co-construction with various people to achieve success in life. Thus, I prepared to write an article every day, co-author with friends to achieve good writing. 

 

Thank you 

ICT as co-constructive tool

Video in camtesia

Video 

The video making using an app called Camtasia was helpful for me to learn both content and the video-making process. More importantly, it is my first time experiencing video making using an app called Camtasia. At first, I am worried about the video-making process in Camtasia, however, I am optimistic and looking forward to produce an informative video. 

Firstly, I design a PowerPoint to deliver during a video tutorial. The challenge while designing PowerPoint was the limited information given in a textbook for 10 minutes video tutorial. However, I manage it by exploring additional interesting information from google and discussing it with my friends. At last, I made 22 slides PowerPoint slide to deliver within 10 minutes. Thus, I used a constructive approach to come up with enough PowerPoint slides.

The topic called the effect of sunlight on green plants is simple, however, I find it very difficult to come up with 10 minutes presentation slides. Thus, I browse through the internet for additional information on the topic. Amongst the variety of information, I like the investigation process to check on whether the plant needs sunlight or not because children will learn through doing and seeing. Most of the Experts believe that children learn more through doing on the concept. The link given below will take you to the PowerPoint presentation for the tutorial.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F3fEc1cIFCS8SksL5SDCdEeSNE4RXeeb/view?usp=drivesdk

Secondly, the process of making the video was fun and engaging to me since I am experiencing the first time producing my own tutorial after many years of watching on others tutorial. It was also a sense of achievement in my life.

I face many challenges while making this video using Camtasia. Firstly, it was very difficult for me to complete on time as I take 15 minutes twenty-one seconds to complete my whole tutorial. Thus, I cut some unnecessary information and increase the pace of delivery. Hence, I learn how to overcome challenges while making tutorial.

I experienced many enriching knowledge of creating video on Camtasia. I knew how to make a video tutorial in a better and creative ways. The skills like how to add interesting animation, text, and background music are available in the Camtasia that contribute towards making tutorial more effective.  The link given below will take you in my video.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FBE6nJSDxy6JXWlVb2MHXLYg51cCD9RS/view?usp=drivesdk 

Thirdly, It was very constructive when we share this video with friends through a Facebook group. We shared our tutorial in a group ( IV PCA EduTech 2020) for our teacher and friends to comment. There were many positive comments that boost my interest and motivation to continue working on a video tutorial. Through the comments, I knew that my video tutorial will cater to the needs of children.

I realized that it is important to share or show our work to friends to receive comments to construct our work in a better way. Hence, posting videos on Facebook and giving comments and receiving comments helps us to construct our knowledge.

As a future teacher, I am committed to produce a video tutorial on difficult concept and provide to children. By doing that, children will access to that concept anytime and from anywhere to re-visit what is forgotten. So, they need not require to get back to the teacher faced to face for the doubt. Hence, it is one of the constructive approach of teaching and learning using technology. 

Thank you

Designing Simulation

Simulation

We are introduced to creating simulation using a single PowerPoint slide. At first, I have no idea on how to create a simulation and why it is considered as one of the constructive tool. The term simulation is new to me and I look forward to learn about simulation.

I explored through the internet and discuss with my friends about simulation. It is my first time experiencing simulation and creating in the single slide PowerPoint. I have designed a simulation to advertise my village as directed by my tutor. It was very difficult for me to create simulation since I lost most of the knowledge (Fundamental information Technology) that I learnt when I was in the first year. I even got rejected when submitting to my tutor for the first time.
I have created the simulation a second time after receiving feedback from my tutor.  I try to discuss and seek help from my friends and tutor. After completing my simulation, I like the idea of creating a simple and short advertisement in a PowerPoint which I thought is not possible in the beginning. The link given below will take you into my simulation on my village.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F0BaGCMGka9uVQ1E1MmJzQUNjZh3lw57/view?usp=drivesdk

I conclude that the simulation is one of the constructive tools to enhance critical and analytical thinking that will develop self-discovery and independent learner in the future.

Thank you

ICT Constructive tool

ICT as Constructive tool

Third tool is technology as a constructive tool. In these sessions, we were introduced to the meaning of constructivism, Constructivist approach to teaching and learning, Linkage of ICT to constructive tools.

Constructivism is a theory in education that recognizes the learners' understanding and knowledge based on their own experiences. There are many examples of constructive tools such as concept map, Desktop publishing, word, spreadsheets, PowerPoint etc. Concept maps allows user to brainstorms and to visualize learners understanding. Desktop Publishing program allows user to organize and present their ideas in an attractive format. Word, spreadsheets and PowerPoint are used to organized, record, manipulate and present their ideas in an attractive in the form of memos, reports, letters, presentation, etc. I realized that this applications help learners to manipulate information, visualize and understand the concepts, and construct one's own knowledge. I found these applications are very useful for constructing new meaning and knowledge in our teaching and learning to develop personal and professional life.

There are many constructivist approaches to teaching and learning. Amongst them,  I liked the probing idea that states students need to construct their own understanding because this statement summarized all other points on the constructivist approach to teaching and learning. It is about child-centred learning where student engage in making meaning and knowledge through critical thinking and reflection on past experiences and knowledge. This is ultimately developing children as independent learners.  Therefore, the teacher plays an important role to facilitate children's learning.

From the list of points on the linkage of ICT to constructivism, I am confused about the children can learn without a teacher since I have been always depending on teachers and I felt learning take place only with the support from the teacher. However, I realized after knowing the constructive approach of learning that children will learn better through the linkage of technology by exploring the through it. 

The activity on creating simulation was one of the interesting and helpful for me to rediscover, rethink and reflect on my knowledge gain from functional and information technology module that I have taken during the first year. I remember most of the skills learnt in FIT but I forget a few knowledge. However, doing this activity was a relief to update myself with all the knowledge and skills again. I have found my simulation boring at first since I was making the first time in my life. However, it was better as an when I make that for the second and third time. I learnt so many things by making this simulation.

In conclusion, I realized that technology in the constructivist approach of learning is one of the best methods to take place in teaching and learning. I would encourage everyone to use a constructive approach with the help of technology in the school to create our children active and independent learner for all time to come.

Thank you

Skype and Blog

Skype

Skype is one of the technology application that serves as a medium of communication between people and among a group of people. We have created an account on the Skype for effective communication between the tutor and the students. I have created my own account in the Skype and gain lots of knowledge on how to use an account. I found out that the skype allows easy communicating us.

The picture below is the communication happened using skype.

                

Blog as a communicative tool

We created this blog to update reflection on the five ICT tools.  To use the blog as a communicative tool, my tutor has given us an activity to create a blog. The image below shows the activity assign to us to create the blog. The picture below shows the instruction on how to carry out the activity on the blog.

After using the blog for almost two weeks, I found that it is a great opportunity platform to share my views and reflect on what I learned in the ICT module. Through this blog, I got a chance to read my friend's article and reflection on any topic. The link given below shows my blog.

https://www.blogger.com/blogger.gblogID=6886116440650092761#editor/target=post;postID=4261001489610872630;onPublishedMenu=allposts;onClosedMenu=allposts;postNum=5;src=postname

ICT as Communicative tool

Communicative tool

In the session on ICT as a communicative tool, we were introduced to what is mean by ICT as a communicative tool, two types of communicative tools and ICT as a tool to teach and learn.  Throughout the session on ICT as communicative tools, I like the idea of technology acting as a medium of easy communication between two people or amongst a group of people because technology plays an important role enabling on sharing content and knowledge effectively, saved travel expenses, increase connectivity and encourage innovation.

I found the differences between the two types of communications are easy since the applications or communication tools have been used in our daily life as this modern world is driven by technology. However, some of the tools like wiki and blog are unfamiliar to me as I am being a digital immigrant human being. However, I learnt later that those tools are simple and designed for effective communication. I am also grateful for the following applications as I can communicate easily and well with people around me.

The activity on creating a blog was helpful for me to express and share my passion and learning in the forum, improve my professional skills of writing through the network with my friends and earn more exposure around the world. Moreover, I can record my progress of learning about information communication and technology in teaching and learning for future references through maintaining a journal. I found maintaining journal through the blog was interesting as I could update myself on my progress of learning ICT integrated teaching and learning. 

We have been using email, messenger, WeChat, video conferencing and many other applications in our daily life for easy and effective communication. I realized about all those applications are communicative tools enabling for easy communication between two people and amongst a group of people. There are many other communicative tools to explore and use for effective and easy communication. I look forward to exploring many other new applications for effective communication. Thus, we can also use communicative tools in a school to communicate and with children and parents about children's learning progress.

Thank you

Was Hitler a gay?

Was Hitler a gay?

We have an activity to find out relevant and authentic information on the 'Was Hitler a Gay?' By doing this activity, I have learned how to choose and believe in relevant information from various sources. Thus, the following link will show evidence of whether Hitler was really gay or not.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Evpwybjt8kh_koxcUVvJiLCxCpg2zTGN/view?usp=drivesdk

After searching through various information from varieties of sources, I knew how to differentiate between authentic or duplicate information. It is very simple that we have to look at the authenticity of the source. There are many authentic sources such as BBS, BBC, CNN, etc for authentic information. The research, article, journals by authentic author are also valid information. However, there are many duplicate news and author shared through various forum that becomes a duplicate source of information. Previously, I did not have any idea to check the source and author of information resulted in believing on wrong information. 

This activity on searching authentic information on Was Hitler gay? was helpful since I learned how to look for an authentic source and information. 

ICT as informative tool

Informative Tool

We were introduced to the topic of ICT as informative tools, advantages and disadvantages of using this tool and how it is being applied in a real-life situation. ICT plays important roles to impart information. Firstly, Informative tools are applications that provide large amounts of information in various formats such as text, graphics, sound, or video. We have also discussed on an activity to search relevant information on the topic ' Was Hitler a gay?' In the process of finding information on Hitler about his sexuality, I experienced how to find a piece of authentic information. For detail, I will share separately in an upcoming reflection.
Informative tools are application which provide a vast amount of information in various formats like text, sound, image or video. Student chooses different medium such as reading a text from online or stored in a computer, listening to an audio, looking at an image and making meaning, watching video lessons or tutorial are all part of acquiring information. 

Children gather varieties of information to boost and expand their knowledge and skills. Moreover, It provides a space for the students to learn independently and a free choice of their own. Thus, technology power us by filling knowledge and skills required in our daily life.

At the same time, the teacher's role becomes very facilitative that he or she has to guide children in accessing broader information on the particular topic. Ultimately, it ensures child-centred pedagogy of learning that learners get to learn independently. Thus, they get an opportunity to explore, think critically, activate their knowledge, develop research skills and learn to integrate relevant information. 

Students consider the internet as a virtual textbook, reference library, virtual tutor; learn to study shortcuts and virtual study groups. Hence, Informative tool makes the work of the teacher and students easier and faster.

In this modern world, children are known as digital natives that they are the computer generation, they are born with the technological facilities available around them. The traditional methods of teaching and learning that exist for many decades where the teacher is the only source of information is replaced by  ICT integrated teaching and learning. Thus, children explore information beyond the limited knowledge set in a text. As a result, children integrated, analysed and evaluate relevant ideas on the internet. Moreover, children develop information search skills and enhance critical thinking.

Everyone says that the 21st century is dominated by technology where nobody left without access to the technology. In fact, newborn children are bought up with the different types of technology. Thus, we can see people are using technologies to hear about the world, read information about the world, write about the world, and learn about the world. When I was a child back then in my village, there was no technology to be seen. I saw people either climbing on the roof to call neighbours or walk hours to pass a single line information. Hence, there were limited access and medium to information that comes from people near them. However, the advancement of technologies in this modern world has a direct impact on people's access to information. We can access to information, both near and as far as around the world within a few moments through a small device on our plam. Life has become esair and advanced by huge information through modern technology. We are grateful for the development of technologies that brings information available, connected people around the world to achieve success. Otherwise, we may not know the information around the world and our life would be in mundane. Technology bring positive as well as negative impact to the student's learning. As a teacher, I will teach children on how to find out an authentic source for an information. As we all know that we fond different types of an information in various source. However, an information largely depend on the authenticity of source. There are many duplucate source we find across social media often lead to the misuse of an information. Thus, I wanted to teach on how to find authentic information from the right source.

Thank you

ICT integration in teaching and learning

ICT integration

ICT integration is a means of using technology in another situation to promote efficiency and working condition of it. It is being integrated into the field of teaching and learning in the classroom. This helps the teacher to deliver the lesson effectively and smoothly to the children. On the other hand, students learn better with fun and enthusiasm. Moreover, it caters to the needs of a diversity of children in the class. Hence, the quality of education improves drastically with the help of ICT integration in the school.

There are three different levels of ICT integration teacher can use with the student. The first level or basic level of ICT integration is a process of using technology just to substitute the delivery of the lesson. It is also stated that teaching using technology is more effective than not using it. This level of integration is prevalent in our classroom especially during the presentation as projector and laptop are used just to substitute chalk and green board.

The second level or middle level of ICT integration states, "Technology is purposefully used to promote and support learning in the classroom especially the key points." For instance, software is used to promote learning. As a teacher who is supposed to teach at primary level, I can use any software to promote students learning such as improving pronunciation and vocabulary through different apps. 

The third level or higher level of ICT integration states, "Technology is used by students to help them through a variety of important learning processes." This level of ICT integration is best for enhanced learning for the children. 

The SAMR and TPACT models are two types of ICT integration in the classroom for teaching and learning.

SAMR model is designed to help educators infuse technology into teaching and learning. There are 4 degrees of ICT integration in the SAMR model. They are Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition. The first degree of the SAMR model is a substitution and it is a direct substitution of technology. The second degree of the SAMR model is Augmentation and it is about substituting technology in the teaching and learning with functional improvement. The third degree of the SAMR  model talks about technology integration that allows for significant changes in task design in the classroom. The final degree of the SAMR model is a redefinition and it is about the creation of a new task with better design through integration of ICT otherwise it is inconceivable. These are the four degrees of ICT integration in the SAMR model. We are clear that the degree of Redefinition is best followed by Modification, Augmentation and Substitution.

We have another model called TPACT model. It is a framework to understand and describe the kind of knowledge needed by a teacher for effective pedagogical practice in a technology-enhanced learning environment. This model requires understanding plus negotiation among pedagogy, technology and content of the particular subject for effective integration of technology in the classroom. As a result, we understand the importance of well-rounded understanding of pedagogy, technology and content to create an effective learning environment of the children. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1F3ZmW5BAomjf7T29GlHOsdcpCinK4Ajm/view?usp=drivesdk

There are differences between these two models. The SAMR model is developed by Dr. Ruben Puentedura and this model focus on incorporation technology into the classroom and less on content knowledge vs. Pedagogy. On the other hand, TPACT model was developed by Punya Mishra and Matthew J. Koehler. This model focus on the importance of a well-rounded understanding of pedagogy, technology and content. In conclusion, both models are geared towards creating an effective learning environment in the classroom with the help of technology. I encourage my dear respected teachers and near friends to integrate technology while teaching and learning sessions. If you do, learners learn with fun and acquire knowledge far better than neglecting technology. I wish everyone could integrate technology for betterment.

Thank you

Welcome note to ICT reflection

Introduction

What is ICT? I answered Information Communication and Technology that resulted in a full of laughter. I knew my answer was wrong, then I closed my eye to focus, later look up into the vast sky for an answer, still, I could not answer the question and asked from my friend sitting next to me for an answer but it was just like my first answer. So, I end up scratching my head without an answer. After a few second, I saw my smartphone right in front of me holding many different types of answer by various people around the world. Thus, I knew technology help us discovering new knowledge. 

ICT in teaching and learning is defined as a technology integration in the field of everyday teaching and learning to make learning effective, easy and comfortable. It is often found that technology integration enables access to a broader exploration of new knowledge. There are three broad themes under ICT  (Why? What? And How?) for the teacher during classroom teaching and learning. I like the idea of how ICT is integrated into teaching and learning as we are supposed to use it in the school.

Welcome to my reflection inside this blog. You will come across the like and dislike, strength and weakness, experiences and challenges, opinion, examples in learning through this blog.

Happy reading.