User talk:Qed522

Exploration & Evaluation of ICT Resources
Resources

1. Interactive Resources - www.moe.gov.sg/edsoftware/ir

2. e-videos - www.moe.gov.sg/evideo

3. Microlessons - C:/ICTJan2006/Session 3/NIE Microlessons

4. Webquest - webquest.org

Instructions 1. Do a quick scan on all 4 categories of resources                     (20 mins)

2. Pick 1 resource from the most engaging category to explore further:  (10 mins)

- What are the characteristics that are engaging?

- How would you use this resource in class to make it more engaging?

3. Sharing and discussion		                                (40 mins)

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1. Interactive Resources

1a) What are the characteristics that are engaging?

The students have to participate so that the lessons can be finished. The students are also allowed to learn at their own pace so that they can take time to understand any concepts they might have difficulty in.

The interactive resources contain relevant notes, quizes and glossary which allow learners to be able to explore and learn independently and according to their own pace. The resources allow contain animations which allow learners to have a proper visuals of the topic they are learning.

The objective and basic concepts are listed down, tools are presents to let them explore the outcome of different possibilities.In addition, quiz is included to assess how much they have learnt. And also, colourful pictures and videos are used to arouse the students interest in learning.Most importantly, it allow the students to learn at their own pace.

The interactive component allows the student to learn at their own comfortable pace. The game incorporated help to add the fun factor into learning. This will create great interest in the students to continue to find out more about the topic. (Fun at the Maths Carnival – Fishy)

Math IR :The use of sound, color and animations to capture the imagination of the students. Math IR : Allow visualisation of concepts via the IR so that students can understand better. Math IR :Allow students to learn from own mistakes as well by allowing repeat attempts of sample questions. Math IR : Math comes 'alive'!

It allows visualisation of mathematical rules/laws, using appropriate models. Such approach will aid in the understanding of why certain rules are such, and will enhance the students ability to remember much more easily(as there is an image involved)

It allows students to explore on their own by changing variables. This leaves little room for ambiguity and helps students see that the rule is still universally true despite changing the variables.

The resource that I have chosen is the Essay Helper from Interactive Resources. I find the resource engaging because the presentation is very nicely designed and so it can capture the attention of the students easily. In addtion, I feel that there is a good mix of pictures and words rather than having too many words in each slide which can easily bore the student. Furthermore, I feel that it provides example that sufficiently guide some students that may be totally lost before some hands-on exercises on the topic taught. Of course, the fact that there are hands-on exercises helps the student to practise on what he/she has just learnt which make the learning more impactful and engaging.

1b) How would you use this resource in class to make it more engaging?

Math IR :Break away from the usual blackboard teaching to allow students hands-on approach to their own learning( Student Centred )

I would use it before the start of new topic to allow them to be exposed to the new topic first. This may help to motivate them in learning

Forum should be concluded to allow discussions among the students. It will  enable them to ask questions and allow them to think more in order to help fellow students to answer their queries.

After having students done a self test on the topic, I may, depending on the appropriateness of the topic concerned, put in a “challenge” question that will serve to link the current topic and the next topic I will cover

I could ask a student to use the program in class while getting helpful contributions from his/her classmates.

2. e-videos

1a) What are the characteristics that are engaging?

1b) How would you use this resource in class to make it more engaging?

3. Microlessons

1a) What are the characteristics that are engaging?

(microlesson - Catch the Fish (optics))The ml classes draw the kids into a story with a goal, the story/game helps in engaging their interest rather than a plain old step by step presentation to pore through. By the end of the lesson, the kids would've picked up the necessary skills and also had fun, without feeling that class was a drag/bore.

RC:(Microlesson: Science 2): It employs visual and audio to attract attention and get people interested to explore the contents further. It uses real-life examples to explain concepts and people want to know more because that affects them - they want to be educated so that (1) they will not be 'cheated' (2) they can come out with solutions to their problems.

Students work in pairs to find the answer. Colourful powerpoint presentations give a sense of entertainment that adds the element of fun to the learning process.

1b) How would you use this resource in class to make it more engaging?

(microlesson - Catch the Fish (optics))I'd makeup a story (crime investigation and the likes) to draw their interest, throw hints to the class (which are only solvable if they understand the lesson curriculum) which are needed to solve the story/reach the goal. Groups of students with mixed abilities would be formed to faciliate the exchange of ideas and for weaker students to benefit from the better students. Ending, there'd be a presentation for the kids with the purpose of making them explain their choices.

RC:(Microlesson: Science 2): Provides different real-life examples to explain one concept because different students experience different scenarios/situations. Follow up with some Q&A and assignment(s) to reinforce their understanding. May be good also to ask them to come out with a scenario that involves the taught concept themselves.

After time is given to solve the answers, appoint various students to present each step they take to reach their answer.

4. Webquests

1a) What are the characteristics that are engaging?

Suject: Maths Webquests provides a wide range of activities that are linked with the school syllabus. It also gives an interesting introduction(history,situation-based) on the topic that the students are about to learn which might capture their attention and makes them wanting to learn more. Exciting tasks are being assigned to each member of the group and each role have much to be involved in and evaluation is also being done in the end to allow them know how they fare.

- To me, engaging means being able to arouse and sustain the interest of the students in working on something. It should also have the interactive component where students where students are able to do hands-on work. It is also systematic in its approach of learning.

Site: http://teacherweb.com/in/pnc/babb/ Teaching Subjects: English, Maths Stream: Express - cross subject collaboration Target level: Lower Secondary Purpose: to create a Restaurant setting Mission: students create their own restaurant based on the theme Disney movie. Comment: great geographical layout of uncluttered information Curriculum: binds English writing skills, Math understanding and general info for business & health Main draw: informs students ofthe resources require: people, skills, materials Rubic: extremely clear expectations of teacher Skills: reading & writing, calculating, social collaboration, organising, creativity, oral presentation, multi tasking ... ... Engaing factors: task targeted appropriate for young curious minds, end-result achievable, content is refreshing, resources are provided, ... ...

The students are given tasks where they search the answers themselves with some hints. The puzzle is made interestingly enough to motivate students to want to know the answer. It can also be made into a competition as there are different tasks to be done.

1b) How would you use this resource in class to make it more engaging?

It can be given to the students as a monthly or holiday assignment. It can be a task given to them to pull up their marks if they have not done too well in their tests or exams.

-After browsing the webquest on Maths topic, I am intrigued by the way Maths teaching is being approached. It started off with a storyline and some of it tried to relate to real life so that students would find intrinsic motivation to learn the topic. For instance, the topic on enlargment uses a boy’s wish to build a house for his grandmother and has to decide on the enlargement factor of each building component.However, using webquest in classroom teaching period might not be feasible. Hence, I will approach it more as a project-based activity where for certain topics, the students are able to explore and learn the topic through webquest on a group learning project basis. It can also be used as one of the assessment tool for CA so that students will also put in effort to do the project.By doing as a group project, students can also share and discuss their findings and learn together.

After tasks are done, students can present their answers and explain how they got them. Different processes would then be shared with class that could be useful.