WIKIS FOR THE CLASSROOM

The wiki created is a collaborative task effort where each member contributed to the work task.  A wiki is considered to add creativity within the classroom during instruction and used for  reinforcement.  This wiki page focuses on musical styles called genres.  The origins of those highlighted which are the Gospel, Jazz, Hip pop and Calypso is noted. Also, the first artistes in that genre of music.  As a viewer of my blog, you are invited to view my group's creative work of the musical wiki at:
http://maestro7.wikispaces.com/ .

Reflection

The piece produced is a wiki on musical genres; a topic during instruction of teaching music.  It will be used to teach the students on the subtopic area and introduced to the students to join the page to add and edit information on the wiki page.  Challenges faced personally with working with this piece is getting signed in and then trying to figure out how to add and edit the work of the others. However, collaborative effort was produced for the completion of the piece, so in my opinion I would say it is well produced.

                                  

 



CREATING A VIDEO FOR CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION

The following video is to sentisize students of the pressing issue of Bullying within our Schools. It is very harmful when a person or group repeatedly tries to harm someone who is weaker or who they think is weaker. Sometimes it involves direct attacks such as hitting, name calling, teasing or taunting.  Sometimes it is indirect, sunh as spreading rumors or trying to make others reject someone.  Bullying can lead teenagers to feel tense and afraid, to avoid social gatherings, to react violently and may consider committing suicide.

Reflection

The piece produced is a video on bullying, to emphasize the effects of this social issue among our teenagers. The challenges faced are many, however I was not able to upload a video onto my movie, which got me all emotional about it. I hope what I produced is well done.

PODCASTS IN THE CLASSROOM

A podcast is an  essential teaching tool because both teachers and students can contribute ideas to different subject areas or matters of interest to a larger conversation or audience.  This is done via an amateur radio that is downloaded from the web and the information recorded and then exported as an mp3 file to be listened to. This also encourages shy students to become apart of  and feel involved in the lesson by using this piece of technology.

The podcasts recording produced by the group is on the subject of Physical Education; what it is, its importance, objectives of learning it and possible challenges faced by teachers in teaching the subject.  The podcast can be used for classroom instruction where it can be used as a listening device for information sharing and ideas can be shared openly and recorded to share with the wider audience.

REFLECTION

 The piece that is produced is an amateur radio called a podcast, where a recording was done on the Physical Education topic area. This piece can be used to sensitize the wider public on the basis of P.E. in schools.  The major challenge faced in completing this exercise is exporting the information to a mp3 file after recording, bearing the timing needed in mind which grew to become very diffcult to manipulate.  Suggestively the piece can be improved with the music and tone of the voices for a much clearer projection of the information produced. In all, the piece is well done due o the effort of both group members involved.

 

The following visual aid is a replica of a manila piece that will be used in the execution of the lesson plan to form two students on the topic of types of poultry. It will be used within the development procedure of the class session to illustrate to the students the four main common types of poultry, where they can be able to see them in picture form. Along with a brief use description of each.  Additionally, on the visual aid is a picture showing the external features of the chicken, marking the parts of the bird.

The basic challenge faced was simply the manipulating of the text wrapping of the words, with the pictures. But after exercising some patience, my group partner and I eventually succeeded in completing that particular task.  A simple improvement for this piece, would be the improvement of the structure and information placed within the description part of the piece.

Teachers should adequately prepare for each lesson, because it serves as the fundamental part of teaching lessons to the students in an adequate and orderly way. This indicates to those you are imparting the knowledge that you are organized and have things well put together, therefore they will feel good in knowing that this is a well-grounded teacher.  It covers the prerequisites, objectives, body of content, conclusion and the teacher’s reflection of the class pertaining to the feedback received. Additionally, the teacher can make note of class activities to cover, materials used and homework follow-up for the next class.  Lesson plans assist greatly with the order of presentation and delivery and it guides the teaching and learning exercise allowing for classroom efficiency.  I also notice that writing a lesson plan helps one to reflect on what has already been covered; this helps the teacher to avoid repeating over the same contents in other class sessions, in cases where one might easily forget. Lesson planning is vital and crucial in teaching.

I think every educator should write lesson plans even though they have taught the lesson many times over, due to the fact that technology gives rise to new information every day, of which, students have in their very hands the very gadgets to research recently acquired information. Therefore renewing the structure of the lesson plan will bring up-to-date, and will not leave the teacher behind in this case. With this in mind, recent and updated information always help to improve learning and keeps things current and in perspective.  Putting a different twist so to speak on the same information regularly, will assist with using the different teaching and learning styles. Allowing one to add and subtract information where necessary, leading to help the students and importantly the teacher to not be left behind.

 

 

 

Hi guys,

With the conception of my blog, it is in my intention to use it inform my students about the following:

• The course work material concentrated for the lower forms (1-3), along with videos or youtube clips to aid with the understandings of the text book materials.
• The outline for the syllabus which begins in third form to fifth form for my agriculture students. This will help them to read ahead on the content needed, to prepare them for cxc.
• Their course work assignments will always be osted online, for easy clarification.
• Additionally, they will be allowed the chance to interact with me on any difficulties anyone might have by giving their feedback on the lessons.

Furthermore, using a blog will help to enhance the quality of my teaching because it fosters critical thinking in my area of science, also the students will be able to learn from each other online. The blog will accomodate for the diverse styles of learning and allow students to be more active in growing their own new knowedge using this new technological tool.

Technology on the Move

Good day fellow colleagues,

My favourite quote goes like this: " Let thy will be done".

I have created this blog as a means of giving my views on why I think that technology is on the move.  It is in my interest to dialogue with others who share similar views, when your comments or views are been posted or with those who don't as long as you can answer why. We live in the technology era, therefore the need to become computer literate and mindful of its place in society is of up most vitality.

I await your views and welcome your comments, as we work together in this endeavour.


S. Jackson