~WisdoM ToOth~

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This is my digital photostory about my personal experiences of two different education systems; China and Australia. I spent my preschool and first two years of primary schooling at China. Everyday was full of homework, where i often had to finish until 8 or 9pm. In class, we had appointed seats of 2 people at one table, and in rows. We had a different teacher for each subjects, where THEY will come to your class. Each lesson is about 50 minutes and we have 10 minutes break during each lesson. School usually commence at 8am and ends at 4:30pm. Students were often asked to sit at their tables during each lesson and absorb knowledge from the teacher; transmissive approach.

So as i came abroad, i was very surprised that students were ENCOURAGED to speak up and have their say in the classroom. They are able to construct their own learning in a supportive and positive classroom environment.

As someone not born in this country, but raised here. I’m extremely keen and enthusiastic to learn more about the education and become an effective, positive and caring teacher.

Jenny

For most people, the computer is a vital tool for completing work or organising information. For people with disabilities, the computer is a medium for communication; it is part of their daily aspects. The video “Working Together:People with Disabilities and Computer Technology” http://www.washington.edu/doit/Video/wt_dis.html has inspired me to understand computer technology onto another level.

Some computers are adapted to suit people with particular special needs or disabilities. For example, a computer can alter its screen so it becomes englarged for the person to view, or changing the light or darkness of the screen for those people that are sensitive to light. For someone who is blind, a small speaker (speech output) will sit next to the computer and read out what is on the computer screen.

Although sometimes the use of computers and the internet can be a hassle when it comes to young children and security measures. However, there ARE benefits of computers, especially for people with disabilities, as it allows them to communicate with their surroundings and feel like any other person.

Jenny

xjypodcast

This is my very first podcast that i have ever done! It’s about my thoughts of what teachers should be in terms of catering for children’s needs and interests. I added some background music and sound effect, so it interweaves into my little speech to make it more interesting.

I personally think podcasts are great! Rather than having children to simple write a recount or story, teachers should employ the use of podcasts to make learning more varied and exciting! Podcasts are very user friendly once you get the hang of it. If i was working with a class, i would teach my class some basic knowledge of how to use a podcast, then allow them time to first handedly free play.

I may sound a little weird, but that was my first time using podcast! So please enjoy! =D

http://flickr.com/search/?l=cc&q=children+and+computers&m=text

As i read the article “Digital Video Goes to School” by Hoffenberg, H., & Handler, M. (2001), i reminisced about my own primary schooling experiences. What was it like more than a decade ago? Did i use computers at school often? Was i exposed to digital media like the students of this generation? I guess the response would be no.

This article concentrates on the use of digital video in classrooms. Digital video has surely brought everyday teaching and learning into another level and perspective. Today’s combinaiton of video camcorders and computers has allowed students to model out and record their views or feelings towards a particular issue, to promote something, or simply a class play. Digital viedo can motivate students to promote their texts in motion rather than the traditional pen on paper work, as “a picture is worth a thousand words”. As a prospective teacher, i think its pretty essential to provide students with additional tools to expand their learning outside their own little bubbles.

Jenny

http://flickr.com/photos/spacesuitcatalyst/528623392/

Watching the news the other night (11/06/08), something about chatting over the internet had me locked onto the screen. As we have all probably heard of Prime Minister Kevin Rudd’s visit to Japan about Toyota’s Hybrid cars, he also mentioned about the bilingual chats that children at one of Japan’s elementary schools has been having with some children in a Melbourne primary school here in Australia.

In a way, i was surprised to hear that online chats were seen as a bridge between the relationships of Japan and Australia. It was also very exciting to actually hear such event happening and conveyed as a very important concept. I definitely agree that global chats among schools can create good relationships between the nations, and also for students to get to know each other’s culture, language, customs etc.

Jenny

http://flickr.com/photos/sitmonkey/2251266697/

Just something i overheard during this prac in the staffroom that i thought would be interesting to share; teachers and facebook. One of the teachers at the school mentioned that what happens when a student tries to find their classroom teacher or any other teachers at the school through online social networks like facebook? There IS a system on facebook where users can search and add any other users by simply typing in names. At times, user’s can even access other people’s profiles without even adding one another. So what happens when a student actually DOES find their teacher’s profile and views their personal information, photos etc?

The University of Brighton has developed a social networking software known as Elgg, which has been translated into 40 different languages and          http://www.wired.com/culture/education/news/2007/04/myspaceforschool schools can download this software for free, create profiles, add users and enjoy collaborative learning! Professor Ewout ter Haar said the software can allow teachers and students to debate and express about their work.  

The potential for online social networks like facebook, myspace and bebo are forever increasing. Even though it’s a great idea for teachers and students to share ideas over the internet, however, these should be communicated only through a school based and established forum, not social networks.

Jenny

As prac is almost over, i’d just like to comment on a few things that i overcame at prac.

I have a composite year 1 and 2 class, and last week their teacher took them to the computer room for some free time. I was amazed that even year 1 and 2 kids were able to operate computers sooo smoothly! They simply logged into their accounts, went to application and found whatever games they were looking for. The game that most of them were playing wasn’t educational, but it did require some keyboard skills and fast thinking to be able to play; using various keys on the keyboard to control a marble from travelling around certain rollercoasters. To be honest, i even had some difficulties controlling it, because i had to constantly find which keys did particular jobs!

There are 4 computers at the back of their classroom, however, of the period that i am at their class, i did not see a single student turning on the computer once, not even the teacher. I don’t understand the purpose of having 4 computers in the classroom when they are not even in use.

However, the teacher herself is quite literate in computers. I’ve often seen her using the computer to research and organising work on it, but in the staffroom only.

Perhaps she may think they are only stage 1 kids, so there is not much need in using computers? Well i certainly hope that’s not the case.

There is supposedly a technology lesson tomorrow (13/5/08), i am eager to see what the teacher has planned for them, can’t wait.

Jenny

Maths can never be so much fun! As i was reading the article called “Marvelous Maths Products” in the May/June 2006 issue of Multimedia & Internet @ Schools. My mind travelled back in time to my own schoolig era where i dreaded maths lessons. It was sort of like the equation: Me+maths=sleepiness! However, as i was reading on, i found this article to be quite interesting. It discusses of the various types of maths softwares and websites available for different grades, and what it intends to teach. It also made me think about the many ads i would hear or see on radio and television about how to improve a child’s maths.

Most of the maths products are associated with computers, while a small number provides equipment for skill development, practice, and assessment in logic and problem solving. This also made me ponder how many of the activities we undertake on daily basis relies heavily on computers and technology.

One of the webs-based software for example, PLATO Mathematics 2 www.plato.com is a new supplemental classroom program that covers all syllabus outcomes. It consists of online and offline instructional materials where teachers can lead mini lessons or investigations and offline workshops for students.

Jenny

http://www.flickr.com/photos/uncleboatshoes/489549381/

In the issue of Multimedia & Internet @ Schools, of March/April, the article “Bookbinders: Fusing Technology, Image, and Literature caught my eyes.

Technology is playing a key role in various types of communication within the classroom today. For many kids, they are probably spending more time with their Xbox, playstations and Gameboys more than televisions, books or other activities. Being portrayed as ‘the technology generation’, this also means it is a challenge for teachers to decode these uses of technology, embrace and integrate in everyday learning.

Sounds daunting, doesn’t it? Well the author Johanna Riddle illustrates that “In today’s world, being a teacher also means being a learner”. It is not only the students that are embracing technology, teachers must also be ready to tacke this new media.

Don’t be afraid to jump in! Teachers and students should share the spirit of adventure within the class and incorporate visual literacy, creative problem solving and engage in researches. The author also has found out that studednts are more engaged in learning when works are fully integrated literature, visual literacy, and technology based problem solving questions.

Jenny

As technologies advance, so does classroom learning. After reading the article “Inspiring Creations” http://4teachers.org/testimony/inspiration/ i’ve acknowledged that almost any sort of learning can be integrated with computers and technologies. The article talks about the software “Inspiration” where students can brainstorm their ideas using this mind mapping software. I myself have used this software several times to brainstorm particular ideas. I prefer using Inspiration than pencil and paper because its colourful, organised and easy to use where you can add additional arms, pictures from the internet or a toolbar on the side, and links to it. Moreover, after completing a mind map, it can be easily transferred online and shared with others.

Above is an example of a mind map that i have created using Inspiration, enjoy!

Jenny