7.3.4 Reflection on old days New ways

7.3.4 Reflection on old ways new things

My position between the old ways and new things with technology is almost the same with most of the people in Uganda  using technology enabled devices, more especially the mobile phones. It is believe that 70% of the adults in Uganda use these devices, but only a small number explore all the technology tools and services they render. Many mobile phone users use them for calling receiving, and sending massages not bothering the endless tools they have. A few of them log in the face book, but the use it just for leisure by posting photos, friend requests, some use it for bulling their enemies, and all sort of funnies for taking time. This i believe that it its an old way of using the device not knowing that it can afford more of what he or she is using.

Secondly the desktop, laptops, and hand held devices are also used the same way like the mobile phone. Some people still believe that these devices are for typing, editing, and storing data and information. Those who have some online ideas takes the internet as some thing which is expensive, thus shying away from using these devises and ends up using them the same way.

Technology has totally changed the way in which i view learning spaces and personal learning environment of my students, in that i now know what is needed, the skills to give the learners, and what is needed to integrate technology in classroom.

Am going to adapt the way in which i manage my classroom by first of all convince the board of director to put more funds in technology integration, and we solve the problem of limited facilities like computers, smart boards, and other devices which can help in the integration.      

            

7.2.4 Reflect on collaborative writing in a wiki

7.2.4 Reflect on collaborative writing in a wiki  

A Wiki is an application software designed to help people involved in a common task to achieve their goals. So it is a collaborative software.

The use of collaborative software in the learning space creates a collaborative working environment which enable learners to share views and ideas collectively. One of the hazard of the traditional teaching is the fact that it does not accommodate group work. The teacher just lecture, give notes, and that is all.

The process of collaborating on a wiki can be improved when the members work at real time at least once in a while for effectiveness. Other wise its a perfect collaborative tool for learners.

The most important learning gained from this design group is intentional group process done collaboratively with a broad concept that overlap considerably with computer supported cooperative work.  

Managing the warm ware

It is not news that were there is some thing new people start to compare, criticize, supplement and giving negative/positive comments.  So it is important to create awareness of the up coming development, organize different workshops and seminars involve learners, teacher and stakeholders. This can help the entire school and the community to back the new development since the are now a ware of its impotence. It can also be easy for the school to ask some assistance from the community, after knowing the benefits from the projects.

As a result of what i have acquired from this lesson, i wish to change some of my approaches of teaching . I have to involve learners participate more in what ever am teaching. I have to create small groups for their collaboration, I have to introduce some technology aided devices for the learners to refer to. For the start i thing that can help them to start fitting in this technology dominated world.      
    

7.1.4 Reflect on concept of Learning Space

7.1.4 Reflect on concept of Learning Space 

First and foremost, let us agree that Learning Space is the physical arrangement or set up for a place were learning takes place. This can either be indoor or out door. 

Most schools in Uganda do not bather about how their learning spaces should look like. They always think that a place is taken to be a class when it is full with learners. I have been influenced by the technology surrounded environment of learning, and the number of the learners the teacher attend too. 

A sizable class gives proper control to the educator, and the equipment obviously becomes enough for the learners.     

6.9.4 Last Reflect on Learning through projects

              

6.9.4 Last Reflect on Learning through projects

             

When saying bye to this module allow me to share with you what i have learned, how this course has influenced what i do in classroom, and what my plans are to implement the project based approach. 

In this module, i have appreciated the fact that project based learning is the core of active exploration of real world challenges and problem solving. This can help learners to acquire knowledge by working for an extended period of time thus acquiring the higher order thinking skills, since with real world problems solving learners need to analyze, evaluate,and possibly synthesize

The major activity which has covered this module is the use of a web quest. I have learned that a web quest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most or all information that the learners work with comes from the web.

I have mastered the importance of role playing as a form of learners engagement, and this is the degree of attention, curiosity, interest, optimism, and passion that learners show when being taught.

I have also enjoyed the pre-resources where by the learners analyses the task and its information requirement. Among the interesting part of the  web quest is the processing phase.

I have learned that the process phase is were you explain the learners exactly what they are supposed to do. It is also where you direct them to specific resources to examine at each point in the project.

We have ended with the most challenging part of the assessing learners, and this is one area were i felt that we need to change from summative to formative. because, this type includes numeracy and literacy as well as wide variety of life skills such as collaboration, information management, higher order thinking, communication, digital literacy and self organisation.

My Plans for implementing some of project based approaches is start employing and empowering my learners with the endless knowledge/resources, skill,tools of technology i have acquired in this course.

I wish to end by thanking our tutor, the ministry of education, fellow learners, and my follower. My message is (i love you all), and i think we shall continue to be ever in touch. 

6.9.4 Last Reflect on Learning through projects

              

6.9.4 Last Reflect on Learning through projects

             

When saying bye to this module allow me to share with you what i have learned, how this course has influenced what i do in classroom, and what my plans are to implement the project based approach. 

In this module, i have appreciated the fact that project based learning is the core of active exploration of real world challenges and problem solving. This can help learners to acquire knowledge by working for an extended period of time thus acquiring the higher order thinking skills, since with real world problems solving learners need to analyze, evaluate,and possibly synthesize

The major activity which has covered this module is the use of a web quest. I have learned that a web quest is an inquiry-oriented lesson format in which most or all information that the learners work with comes from the web.

I have mastered the importance of role playing as a form of learners engagement, and this is the degree of attention, curiosity, interest, optimism, and passion that learners show when being taught.

I have also enjoyed the pre-resources where by the learners analyses the task and its information requirement. Among the interesting part of the  web quest is the processing phase.

I have learned that the process phase is were you explain the learners exactly what they are supposed to do. It is also where you direct them to specific resources to examine at each point in the project.

We have ended with the most challenging part of the assessing learners, and this is one area were i felt that we need to change from summative to formative. because, this type includes numeracy and literacy as well as wide variety of life skills such as collaboration, information management, higher order thinking, communication, digital literacy and self organisation.

My Plans for implementing some of project based approaches is start employing and empowering my learners with the endless knowledge/resources, skill,tools of technology i have acquired in this course.   

6.8.4 Reflect on Assessment of the process

6.8.4 Reflect on Assessment of the process

  

Assessment of learning is important if we are to ascribe grades to learners and provide accountability. teachers should focus more on assessment, which supports learning during the process and they are considered part of the learning. This type of assessing is called the formative. 

This type includes numeracy and literacy, as well as a wide variety of life skills such as collaboration, information management, higher order thinking, communication, digital literacy and self organisation among others.  

The best assessment standard is that one which put teaching and learning on the first step. of an assessment cycle which leads to the growth of learning and teaching through feedback and reflection.

The  summative assessment can not be necessary once the project is completed because of  its way of assess. For summative, an assessment tool is what we use to see whether our learners are meeting standards set by the classroom teacher. the summative assessment are conducted after a unit or certain period of time to determine how much learning has taken place. 

What we should know is that what we assess is closely linked with how we assess. So continuous assessment and integrated assessment all serve to make us much more aware that assessment is not something tagged onto the end of the unit of study. 

6.7.4 Reflect on the Processing phase

6.7.4 Reflect on the Processing phase

The learning process

To be an effective teacher you must study and analyze the learners behavior, observe learners in various situation especially that one you teach or plan to teach.

The processing phase is were you explain the learner exactly what they are supposed to do. it is also where you direct them to specific resources to examine at each point in the project.

The processing phase help the learners in higher-order thinking  and transformation thinking skills. It involve setting a challenge which is clearly referred to as a task. this require processing the information gathered. 

In this phase the learner need to take data/information/ideas, process them and create their own ideas or come up with their own conclusion. 

Some of my most successful ideas in the process stage is the idea of starting with individual planning , group and the use of technology plus resources.  

6.6.4 Reflect, the pros and the cons of pre-research resources

6.6.4 Reflect on the pros and the cons of pre-research resources 

  

To days learners can use a variety of technology to access knowledge resources. The pros of pre- research resources are quite many compared to the cons as we are going to see below. 

When we look at the pros, the learners analyses the task and its information requirement. good tasks ever challenges the learners to engage in complex and higher order thinking process. 

They provide a good resource to support the inquiry of the learners either as a group or in their individual roles.

They carry information and links which make excellent use of the webs time line, colorful, varied resources, and providing enough meaningful information for the learners. 

They deepen understanding of an issue or subject content, and help learners in terms of making efficient use of time in the classroom.

It help learners to be more active in developing an information gathering. 

The cons includes the cost of the internet as we all know that the charges of the internet differs depending on the service providers. It is also important not that some sits on the internet need to be payed for much as your already online.

The advice i would give the learner is to inform them that not all the information on the internet is collect. so they have to look for credible and meaningful information with varied resources. They should be relevant and in line with what they are studying.

I have obviously discover new ideas of using technology during this gathering stage.for example the endless links with varied and meaningful resources. 

     

6.5.4 Reflect on Role playing

  6.5.4 Reflect on Role playing as a form of learner engagement 

Learner engagement:-

This is the degree of attention, curiosity, interest, optimism, and passion that learners show when they are learning or being taught. 

Role playing:-

This is an effective learning strategy which encourage participation among passive learners.When one love what he is doing, the process feels meaningful, he retains the information better and the experience motivates him to learn more 

I have learned about Role playing as one of the specific activity that can contribute to successful and highly enjoyable learning experience. Learners can benefit through increased interaction with the materials and with each other. 

Role playing can be used to deepen the analysis of a work of fiction to illustrate case studies and scenarios, and to learn more intimately about different historical time period.

Role playing can be incorporated into our lesson, through grouping learner with given task to research on and after, reporting back to the class. This can help them to look for the desired information online and the materials thus helping them to be update and to be ever informed.   

As online education is escalating, it is important for educators to explore teaching techniques that engage learners and enhance learning at a profound level. 

  

 

6.3.4 Reflection on my initial thoughts about Web Quests

 

 

 

My initial thought about Web Quest was totally opposite to the one am learning of right now. I used to think that, its an application software which provide the user with contents which are their by default. But you find that technology has endless educational tools for teaching learners. It is up to the educator to select for the appropriate tool which can fit to what he is going to teach.  

 

I have learnt that a Web Quest in an inquiry- oriented lesson format in which most or all information that learners work with comes from the web. these can be created using various programs, including a simple word processing document that includes links to website. Go to link, www.Wikipedia.org/wiki/web quest

 

The web quest has some elements of the 21st century learning and innovative approaches to learning. Fist and fore mast, the web quest is an hands on real world promoting application. It help learners to develop flexible solving skills, self- directed learning, effective collaborating skill, and intrinsic motivation to mention but a few. All these are elements of the 21st century and innovative approaches.

 

A web quest also gives the learners freedom to choose what kind of technology tool to use while conducting their research. learners learn though experience of problem solving and creating projects. these are some of the elements which makes a web quest a powerful tool for students learning in the teaching sector. 

6.2.4 Reflection on Initial Project Idea

Computer Networking

Project based learning is the core of active exploration of real-wold challenges and problems solving. Students acquire knowledge by working for an extended period of time, and this lead to hands on experiences, investigating, plus responding to some complex tasks, questions, challenges, or problems.   

Initial project idea (computer networking)

Computer networking is the interconnection of devises on a network.We should know that networking is under communication, and computers can not communicate at their own. There must be two or more computers plus networking devises for the communication to carry on. 

Students will divided into small groups and they will be given different tasks of planning and looking for the appropriate networking and communication devises to use in this project. This should be given a period of time to be completed. At the beginning students will start by creating small networking stations call a Local Area Network (LAN). 

     

In their small working stations, all groups will agree to a centralized station which will be supplying data and information to all called the saver. They will be put to task of using one printer and a scanner for all stations, and all their information should be access by the offices of the director of studies and other offices. They will have to put it in their mind that no body or office can access their information, unless when they are authorized by the administrator     

Curriculum objectives

1. Resource sharing

This is one of the most important objective because all programs,data,and equipments are available to any one on the network with out the regard to the physical location of the resource and the user  

2. Saving money

This is as a result sharing the resources on the network. you find that programs,data, and equipments can be shared by all the working stations , there is no need of buying equipments for each computer or work station like a printer . the same is to data and information you just have to feed the saver and the rest pick from it.

3. To provide a high reliability of files replicated on two or more machines. backing data is more important to organization because of the hazards on the internet like viruses, hackers and etc.

4. Communication

This is among the core value of networking, messages, data, information are received instantly with out any delay and at any point. 

5.Security

Through encryption and use of password, only authorized persons or offices can access the information on their net work.

Higher order thinking skills 

This is more difficult to learners or to teach, because such skill are more likely to be usable in a novel situation.( This is a situation other than that in which the skills was learned).. These skill involves Analysis, Evaluation and Synthesis, and this is the way of teaching which is good for students instead of teaching them to remember facts. When you look at this project idea students are tasked to think beyond their thinking.

21st century skill

Like we have seen in the project, the following skills are very important for this century. critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, initiative, planning, interrogative questioning, information and communication technology (ICT) data interpretation, analysis, computer programming and etc.

    

6.1.4 Reflection on Project Based Learning 

( my perception, advantages, and challenges.)

This is Learning that results in demonstration of performance. It is a teaching method in which students gain knowledge and skills by working for an extended period of time to investigate and respond to an engaging and complex question, problem, or challenge.

This learning is a hands on student directed activity, it involve in-depth investigation of subject matter outside experts that supplement teachers knowledge, learning from experiences, and engaging students in conversations.

This type of learning, help students to understand, apply, and retain information. It help in building skills like critical thinking, communication, and collaborating, Thus create an environment of encouraging students to engage constantly in active search, and taking their findings combining them with those of other learners, and end up working collaboratively as a team.

 They learn how to search, how to change what they have found, how to combine, so learners takes the responsibility of learning with limited supervision, and the decision making is done by the student.

The strongest argument of this type of learning is that, students become able to self evaluate, becoming good researchers, getting peer to peer feedback plus teachers, and end up internalizing their desire to improve their working ability plus developing the ability to access their own progress.

The major challenges of implementation of this approach of learning is the teachers tactics to push the students into finding more information, to put the information into a form that is understandable to the learners, synthesizing the information and empowering student to be self driven plus being confident while approaching some tasks and challenges.    

Reflect 5.4.4 Knowledge building and the power of collaborating

5.4.4 Knowledge building and the power of collaborating knowledge 

What is knowledge building?

Knowledge building refer to the process of creating new cognitive artifacts as a result of common goals,group discussions and synthesis ideas.

This happens when students combine new information with what they already know to generate ideas and understandings that are new to them. Knowledge building is not about finding certain information on the internet, and then write about it. Its about finding information on the net and you analyze multiple sources of information for common themes, interprets, synthesis and evaluate.
Knowledge building skills include problem solving, decision making, designing and etc    

Collaborative knowledge building

This is learning activity in a formal setting that involve group work. Knowledge building is seen as creating or modifying public knowledge. it is considered as deep costructivism that involves making a collective inquiry into a specific topic and coming to a deeper understanding through interactive questioning, dialogue and continuing improvement of ideas.

5.3.4 Reflect on learners engagement

5.3.4 Reflect on learners engagement 

• What is the essence of engaged learning?

Engaging learners is all about involving students in every thing we do in classroom activities. we need to motivate them, encourage them, talk with them and even fostering peer relationship, Learning comes from passion and we all know that our job as educators is to engage learners with the help of  these endless technologies. It is important for the educator to go to class when they can understand what these technologies can do, so that they can help the students to evaluate, figure out were these tools will help. 

• Is technology a critical role-player in engaging learners?

Technology is a critical role player in engaging learners. Learners know how engagement with technology feels like and they like to feel it every time, and when they are learning. To day learners go online every time they wish to do so, and they know what to get online. The best strategies used for engaging learning is the use of technology and its tools. for example social medias is one of an effective way to broaden engaged learning.  

    

• What are the limitations of technology in engaging learners?

One of the common limitation of engaging learners in teaching is the unreliable and slow internet services plus luck of adequate facilities and equipment. This is common in most of the African countries and beside that, many educator are ICT illiterate and some don`t even know how to use computers. So all of these factors limit the use of technology engagement of learners.

All in all, engaging learners  has to be our number one goal. we should stop thinking of what we are going to teach to day, but we should think of what we are going to engage our students with.

5.2.4 Reflection on innovative learning activities 

What is innovative learning?

Innovative learning involves the students engagement in real work that has a purpose and will be shared with real audience. A real purpose means that the work that the learners undertake will be relevant to their daily lives and will be an impact on their future in a way that is recognized to them now.  

The new perspectives i have gained is that creative and motivation way of engaging learners.This needs the teacher to go to educate learners when they can understand what technology can add to their teaching. This can further help the learners to evaluate, figure out were these tools will help. We all know that some of the best strategies used for engaging learners using technology are, the use of social media which is one of the an effective way to broaden engaged learning plus using other technology tools. 

One way of adapting my teaching to include more innovative learning is to know how learners should learn with the integration of technology. They normally prefer experiential hands on learning, , learning in groups, images over text, highly structured learning and so on. 

In conclusion, teaching learners should be geared with more innovative activities for example the game based learning, brain based teaching, cultivating creativity and many more which i thing can be accessed on the internet.  

5.1.4 Reflection about the Digital society

5.1.4 Reflection about preparing learners to the Digital society

Am a teacher of a high school located five miles away from the capital city. It a girls school with a total number of 1500 learners, they range from thirteen to seventeen years old. These learners are all Digital Natives, despite the fact that they were all borne in the Digital era, unlike some of the teachers who are Digital immigrants. They learners are already exposed to digital technology intensively, although most of them are lucking the technical knowledge of using it effectively.

How effective you and your school prepares learners for  the digital society:

We started by creating awareness through a carrier guidance program with senior ones and tow, sensitizing them of the importance of technology in learning. We ever to put it to their minds  that we can not leave the next hundred years the way we have leaved the past years. We encouraged the learners the to continue taking computer studies, since it is an option subject were by one is free to drop it after senior two. We have also created room for all classes to access the internet, not leaving it to those offering computer studies.

I as a teacher, i often encourage my students to use social medias and some of the technology tools which can help them subsidize and add to what they have. Its now ridiculously easy to connect, organize, share, collect, collaborate, and publish. 

        The achievable changes i would like to make in order to be more innovative are:

First and foremost i would like to promote more experiential hands on learning than than the dumping system of feeding information which is still used. I would like seeing educators employing teaching with more images than text. I prefer a more highly structured learning, teaching learners in small groups,  

The school should create more time for computer studies on the time table, and it should be put among the compulsory subjects to be done in the school. The school should buy more computer, and also make sure that the internet is available for all classes.