A-Star Interactive CD-ROM
I had bought this A-Star Interactive, Singapore's leading publisher of children's CD-ROMs, was started in 1996 by two teachers who saw the need for good educational software.
Observing that children can be totally absorbed and dedicatedly paying attention to the most intricate details while playing, they designed software that engages children by introducing a high element of fun and play.
It comes with the interactive learning about English, Maths and Mandarin including "Hanyu Pinyin". The presentation of the CD-ROM is play-oriented which are so close to the text-book yet you does feel that you sending your child to school twice.
The CD-ROM learning allows a child to learn at his own pace without publicly feeling embarrassed. At the same time, CD-ROM learning gives children many opportunities to succeed and in this way, build confidence. CD-ROM are multi-sensory and a well-planned CD-ROM can provide learning that is both enjoyable and effective.
The software does not negate the need for doing school work or exam practices. It does, however, enhance learning which give a very strong motivations for the child to finish the learning programme.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
How can ICT contribute to meeting learners’ needs and learning objectives?
Key Question
• How can ICT contribute to meeting learners’ needs and learning objectives?
Level ONE
Identify a small group of learners whose ways of learning you are familiar with. Use the table in the Advice section to identify what you believe to be individuals’ preferred learning styles.
Many people recognize that each person prefers different learning styles and techniques. Learning styles group common ways that people learn. Everyone has a mix of learning styles. Some people may find that they have a dominant style of learning, with far less use of the other styles. Others may find that they use different styles in different circumstances. There is no right mix. Nor are your styles fixed. You can develop ability in less dominant styles, as well as further develop styles that you already use well.
My learners are a group of Full-time National Servicemen (ages btw 18-21). Some are excellent learner and some are slow learner. They are under my in-charge and i felt that they belongs to mix of learning styles. However, I identify one person from the group that he belongs to Theorists Style. This is why so cos he will complete the tasks been assigned to him without any fail; be systematic & observation.
Now take an example of a learning session you have already taught, and think carefully about only one part of that session.
I will introduce him the interactive learning as he already has the computer literacy and knowledge which is much easy to pick up.
How could you have used ICT to help them make the most of their learning styles?
I would help them by using Pragmatists style to make them participate in role play, contributes ideas, solve IQ/EQ questions & make them present their work in using ICT tools like Powerpoint presentation.
How do your reflections and answers help you to respond to the Key Question?
I would make my learners contributes ideas, participate in role play, group discussion, sharing experience of what they have learned.
• How can ICT contribute to meeting learners’ needs and learning objectives?
Level ONE
Identify a small group of learners whose ways of learning you are familiar with. Use the table in the Advice section to identify what you believe to be individuals’ preferred learning styles.
Many people recognize that each person prefers different learning styles and techniques. Learning styles group common ways that people learn. Everyone has a mix of learning styles. Some people may find that they have a dominant style of learning, with far less use of the other styles. Others may find that they use different styles in different circumstances. There is no right mix. Nor are your styles fixed. You can develop ability in less dominant styles, as well as further develop styles that you already use well.
My learners are a group of Full-time National Servicemen (ages btw 18-21). Some are excellent learner and some are slow learner. They are under my in-charge and i felt that they belongs to mix of learning styles. However, I identify one person from the group that he belongs to Theorists Style. This is why so cos he will complete the tasks been assigned to him without any fail; be systematic & observation.
Now take an example of a learning session you have already taught, and think carefully about only one part of that session.
I will introduce him the interactive learning as he already has the computer literacy and knowledge which is much easy to pick up.
How could you have used ICT to help them make the most of their learning styles?
I would help them by using Pragmatists style to make them participate in role play, contributes ideas, solve IQ/EQ questions & make them present their work in using ICT tools like Powerpoint presentation.
How do your reflections and answers help you to respond to the Key Question?
I would make my learners contributes ideas, participate in role play, group discussion, sharing experience of what they have learned.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Reflection of usage of MSN as a learning tool
First of all, i wish to thanks Zack, Rosanna, Komalaa & Mr Kevin for my patience in using MSN as i am slow with it. To be honest, i still prefers the traditional way of teaching like classroom base. It seems that i would be more concentrate & understand with Mr Kevin standing in front of the clasroom (stern look) or have doubts in certain topics that i can discuss with the coursemate in the classroom.
MSN is a one of the good learning tool which at least I experienced it nearly two and half hours (never chat in my life time for so long). MSN is a shortcut learning path in e-learning and is easy to manage without much flaws (for what i think).
Effectiveness:
I do enjoyed the learning session in MSN cos it do gives me more time to stay at home (rest & relax) of saving the time for travelling to class (at least more than a hour). As for the environment wise, i like the classroom type compare to home as we can freely interact and shows expression with emotion.
Advantage:
Save time in travelling to class if tired after work. Can do what you want like have a bite, toliet break & wtach TV at the same time.
Disadvantage:
No control of the student as full concentration not given. If too big group not advisable as e-communicate will be straying. Difficulty for those have typing problem / slower motion.
Which category does it belong in the function table?
E-learning & E-communicate.
MSN is a one of the good learning tool which at least I experienced it nearly two and half hours (never chat in my life time for so long). MSN is a shortcut learning path in e-learning and is easy to manage without much flaws (for what i think).
Effectiveness:
I do enjoyed the learning session in MSN cos it do gives me more time to stay at home (rest & relax) of saving the time for travelling to class (at least more than a hour). As for the environment wise, i like the classroom type compare to home as we can freely interact and shows expression with emotion.
Advantage:
Save time in travelling to class if tired after work. Can do what you want like have a bite, toliet break & wtach TV at the same time.
Disadvantage:
No control of the student as full concentration not given. If too big group not advisable as e-communicate will be straying. Difficulty for those have typing problem / slower motion.
Which category does it belong in the function table?
E-learning & E-communicate.
Reflection on ICT as a new literacy
Literacy with ICT consists of critical and creative thinking, ethics and responsibility and ICT literacy. Literacy with ICT is the ability to find, evaluate, use and share information by thinking critically, creatively and ethically. It is also about when, why and how to use ICT in responsible ways.
Using ICT is not only the need of the time for teaching anything, but also an efficient way to make learners more independent.
We are in the world of Technology. The school, the company, the shopping mall, the community centre all applies to ICT tools. Using ICT tools can be divided into: Access, Manage, Integrate, Evaluate, Create and Communicate.
Access - Using ICT tools to identify and appropriately represent an information need.
Define -Collecting and/or retrieving information in digital environments.
Manage - Using ICT tools to apply an existing organizational or classification scheme for information.
Integrate - Interpreting and representing information, such as by using ICT tools to synthesize, summarize, compare, and contrast information from multiple sources.
Evaluate - Judging the degree to which information satisfies the needs of the task in ICT environments, including determining authority, bias, and timeliness of materials.
Create - Adapting, applying, designing, or inventing information in ICT environments.
Communicate - Communicating information properly in its context (audience, media) in ICT environments.
Using ICT is not only the need of the time for teaching anything, but also an efficient way to make learners more independent.
We are in the world of Technology. The school, the company, the shopping mall, the community centre all applies to ICT tools. Using ICT tools can be divided into: Access, Manage, Integrate, Evaluate, Create and Communicate.
Access - Using ICT tools to identify and appropriately represent an information need.
Define -Collecting and/or retrieving information in digital environments.
Manage - Using ICT tools to apply an existing organizational or classification scheme for information.
Integrate - Interpreting and representing information, such as by using ICT tools to synthesize, summarize, compare, and contrast information from multiple sources.
Evaluate - Judging the degree to which information satisfies the needs of the task in ICT environments, including determining authority, bias, and timeliness of materials.
Create - Adapting, applying, designing, or inventing information in ICT environments.
Communicate - Communicating information properly in its context (audience, media) in ICT environments.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Report 2 - A Network to Share Best Practice
. How convinced are you currently about the impact of ICT on learners' learning?
There are real success stories – as this short report shows – of innovation, sharing
best practice, improving skills and exchanging ideas. These providers are identifying new pathways and methods of meeting previously unforeseen challenges around ICT as we take stock of the wider demands on all teaching and support staff, managers and other agents in the education and skills service.
The achievements of these pioneering networks of providers will help us all identify
and learn lessons about the best way forward, as we address the issues and take stock
of social, economic and cultural changes, not only at home but globally.
. What were the research projects you looked at?
Strengths of the networks:
• Peer support and interaction is well liked.
• Visits were well hosted and well received.
• Organised contact gives insights into other people’s methods.
• Peer activity validates your own work and gives recognition to good practice.
Challenges:
• Flexibility for running mini-networks was welcomed, but is there a need to
evolve the structure? How hierarchical – or flat – should it be?
• How can the lessons learned regarding the successful operation of the
Network be shared?
• How can the good practice in e-learning and the effective use of technology
be shared across a wider audience?
• How will the Network be sustainable in the future?
. Briefly state what the conclusions were.
The challenges Becta and the LSC set for all participating learning providers were to proactively communicate across the network and share their aspirations, the issues
raised, the learning gained and areas for development in an open and honest manner, and to positively contribute to the objectives of the network.
. Has your view on the value of ICT changed at all since reading this research?
No matter how poorly developed you think you are, there is always something you can teach the more advanced institutions.
There are real success stories – as this short report shows – of innovation, sharing
best practice, improving skills and exchanging ideas. These providers are identifying new pathways and methods of meeting previously unforeseen challenges around ICT as we take stock of the wider demands on all teaching and support staff, managers and other agents in the education and skills service.
The achievements of these pioneering networks of providers will help us all identify
and learn lessons about the best way forward, as we address the issues and take stock
of social, economic and cultural changes, not only at home but globally.
. What were the research projects you looked at?
Strengths of the networks:
• Peer support and interaction is well liked.
• Visits were well hosted and well received.
• Organised contact gives insights into other people’s methods.
• Peer activity validates your own work and gives recognition to good practice.
Challenges:
• Flexibility for running mini-networks was welcomed, but is there a need to
evolve the structure? How hierarchical – or flat – should it be?
• How can the lessons learned regarding the successful operation of the
Network be shared?
• How can the good practice in e-learning and the effective use of technology
be shared across a wider audience?
• How will the Network be sustainable in the future?
. Briefly state what the conclusions were.
The challenges Becta and the LSC set for all participating learning providers were to proactively communicate across the network and share their aspirations, the issues
raised, the learning gained and areas for development in an open and honest manner, and to positively contribute to the objectives of the network.
. Has your view on the value of ICT changed at all since reading this research?
No matter how poorly developed you think you are, there is always something you can teach the more advanced institutions.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Report 1 - Next Generation Learning
. How convinced are you currently about the impact of ICT on learners' learning?
Based on the graphs and data it convinced me on the learning of ICT and technology has already had a huge impact on the lives of our customers, many of whom now accept technology as an essential aspect of everyday life. Schools and local authorities are responding to this rapidly changing context, increasingly recognising how technology can help improve teaching and learning and the management and support of children and young people. Where technology is used well, we have seen real benefits, including improved motivation, engagement and achievement.
. What were the research projects you looked at?
Improved personalised interactions and experiences
Technology-confident schools and providers
Engaged and empowered children, young people and families
Confident system leadership and innovation
A world-class, joined-up technology infrastructure
. Briefly state what the conclusions were.
Greater flexibility and choice among learning options
Tailored and responsive assessment
Engaging learning experiences
Strengthened relationships between families, schools and learners
. Has your view on the value of ICT changed at all since reading this research?
A step change is needed if we are to make the most of the opportunities that technology offers, and that step change will need action from many areas. It will require focused leadership, a capable and creative workforce, a responsive curriculum and assessment system, fully engaged learners and parents and a strong supply industry providing innovative, high-quality products and services. Our goal is to develop a fully technology-confident system.
Based on the graphs and data it convinced me on the learning of ICT and technology has already had a huge impact on the lives of our customers, many of whom now accept technology as an essential aspect of everyday life. Schools and local authorities are responding to this rapidly changing context, increasingly recognising how technology can help improve teaching and learning and the management and support of children and young people. Where technology is used well, we have seen real benefits, including improved motivation, engagement and achievement.
. What were the research projects you looked at?
Improved personalised interactions and experiences
Technology-confident schools and providers
Engaged and empowered children, young people and families
Confident system leadership and innovation
A world-class, joined-up technology infrastructure
. Briefly state what the conclusions were.
Greater flexibility and choice among learning options
Tailored and responsive assessment
Engaging learning experiences
Strengthened relationships between families, schools and learners
. Has your view on the value of ICT changed at all since reading this research?
A step change is needed if we are to make the most of the opportunities that technology offers, and that step change will need action from many areas. It will require focused leadership, a capable and creative workforce, a responsive curriculum and assessment system, fully engaged learners and parents and a strong supply industry providing innovative, high-quality products and services. Our goal is to develop a fully technology-confident system.
When and When not to use ICT in learning session?
Level One – Introduction of Computerized Dictionary
· Did using ICT help me to realise my teaching aims and objectives?
My ICT tools is a Computerized Dictionary and is rarely seen by the audience. This ICT tools I had chosen in some ways help me conveying or delivering the messages of the training topic or subject.
· Were the learners engaged with and interested in the tasks set?
I find that my audience is paying attention to my conducting of the training. They do show interest in the ICT tools and ask me questions related to how the using Computerized Dictionary. I offered them to have the hands-on experience.
· Was the lesson more effective because of using ICT?
Yes, the ICT tools I used for this lesson is effective because it delivering the messages to the audience then the hard copy notes provided. Besides that, hands-on experience is also necessary.
· Did using ICT offer sufficient challenge to the learners?
That depends of the topic or subject you want to deliver to the audience. Some audience may have difficulty in handling IT stuff and might not understand or “catch no ball then it will mean that use of ICT in your training is not effective, cos "wrong" audience.
· Did using ICT enable me to provide differentiated learning activities for the learners?
Yes, without this ICT tools I am unable to deliver the objective or aims. The audience was enjoyed and responded with throwing out questions.
· Could I have achieved the same outcomes without using ICT?
The "correct" answer should be NO, as a trainer if I don't use ICT it will not be able to achieve that kind of effective outcome for the training.
Level 2 – Feedback to the learners (Zack, Rosanna & Komalaa)
· What did you find different about the lesson?
Zack introduced the Google Earth which lets you fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, from galaxies in outer space to the canyons of the ocean. You can explore rich geographical content, save your toured places, and share with others.
Rosanna introduced the Presentation Skills which emphasize the positive body language like eye contact, facial expressions, posture, movements, gestures.
Komalaa introduced the Cleaning of Roller Mouse using a tissue or cloth with some cleaning liquid on it, clean the mouse rollers until all of the debris is removed.
· What did you enjoy and why?
I enjoyed the 3 demo as it interest me. Google Earth I have heard before but seldom use. Presentation Skills taught me to have positive body language when I do my presentation. Cleaning of Roller Mouse which taught me something new as I am now using optical mouse in case I need to switch over for refresher.
· What you did not enjoy and why?
None. I enjoyed everything cos the topics interest me.
· Did you feel you were successful in the session?
I felt that it was quite success cos the audience did asked certain question.
· Did using ICT help me to realise my teaching aims and objectives?
My ICT tools is a Computerized Dictionary and is rarely seen by the audience. This ICT tools I had chosen in some ways help me conveying or delivering the messages of the training topic or subject.
· Were the learners engaged with and interested in the tasks set?
I find that my audience is paying attention to my conducting of the training. They do show interest in the ICT tools and ask me questions related to how the using Computerized Dictionary. I offered them to have the hands-on experience.
· Was the lesson more effective because of using ICT?
Yes, the ICT tools I used for this lesson is effective because it delivering the messages to the audience then the hard copy notes provided. Besides that, hands-on experience is also necessary.
· Did using ICT offer sufficient challenge to the learners?
That depends of the topic or subject you want to deliver to the audience. Some audience may have difficulty in handling IT stuff and might not understand or “catch no ball then it will mean that use of ICT in your training is not effective, cos "wrong" audience.
· Did using ICT enable me to provide differentiated learning activities for the learners?
Yes, without this ICT tools I am unable to deliver the objective or aims. The audience was enjoyed and responded with throwing out questions.
· Could I have achieved the same outcomes without using ICT?
The "correct" answer should be NO, as a trainer if I don't use ICT it will not be able to achieve that kind of effective outcome for the training.
Level 2 – Feedback to the learners (Zack, Rosanna & Komalaa)
· What did you find different about the lesson?
Zack introduced the Google Earth which lets you fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings, from galaxies in outer space to the canyons of the ocean. You can explore rich geographical content, save your toured places, and share with others.
Rosanna introduced the Presentation Skills which emphasize the positive body language like eye contact, facial expressions, posture, movements, gestures.
Komalaa introduced the Cleaning of Roller Mouse using a tissue or cloth with some cleaning liquid on it, clean the mouse rollers until all of the debris is removed.
· What did you enjoy and why?
I enjoyed the 3 demo as it interest me. Google Earth I have heard before but seldom use. Presentation Skills taught me to have positive body language when I do my presentation. Cleaning of Roller Mouse which taught me something new as I am now using optical mouse in case I need to switch over for refresher.
· What you did not enjoy and why?
None. I enjoyed everything cos the topics interest me.
· Did you feel you were successful in the session?
I felt that it was quite success cos the audience did asked certain question.
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