Session 2: Videos on Indicators: Engaging Environment

Whenever technology is used in teaching, I would question its purpose. We teach with powerpoint slides. We may also set up a website for students to download our lecture notes. Or design online quizzes for students to take. By doing all these, we are just improving our efficiency and accessibility. Are we really tapping fully into technology? These two videos gave me some ideas of integrating IT into our curriculum. Here are my insights.

Quilt Maths
IT Tools: Digital Image Editing, Word Processing, Website
The teacher was interested in developing maths ideas in her students, and also encouraged them to read and write about maths. These documents with digital images of the quilt were uploaded onto a website. We can see that the teacher is tapping into the archiving capability of IT. The additional benefit of using IT in this case is the intricate level of bonding between students-teachers-parents.

The project would be better if there is more students' ownership. Can we perhaps ask students to draw quilt patterns using imaging software themselves or scan in their pictures instead of using teacher's designs?

Ms McClane's Bicycle Journey
IT Tools: Emails, Internet
Ms McClane's Bicycle Journey exposes students to real-life practical situations. Naturally, this will pique students' interest. It also provides a benchmark for communication. Compared to the Quilt project, IT has served its purpose here. Students can improve their literacy through reading the emails or updates of the journey, and writing to Ms McClane through emails. This second case is a fine example of an engaging learning environment with the support of IT.

To add, it would be interesting if the journey can be updated real-time through 3G technology. I did not know that the technology is so advanced until I read a review on new Motorola phone that allows user to update their Facebook and chat with their friends on Messenger. It would be cool if Ms McClane can blog and upload pictures through her mobile phone. Video calls can allows students to see Ms McClane's surroundings and people she meet along the way too.

Session 1: Podcast Reflections

My ideal effective school environment is depicted in the book Totto-Chan: The Little Girl at the Window by Tetsuko Kuroyanagi. What inspires me was the uncoventional headmaster who seek to recognise the students' strengths and qualities, and develop them. He created a safe and happy learning environment despite the physical constraints he faced. Moreover, World War 2 was going on at that time. There was a sense of empowerment because the child decided on his/her pace of learning and chose what they would like to learn daily. Headmaster and teachers heaped praises and encouragement on the students. Everyone is treated equally. There is no discrimination because in this book, the physically disabled students are regarded with equal importance. How I wish I am there with the author! Learning would be so meaningful. It would probably be more of a 'want' than a 'need'. :)

On the other hand, I suddenly recalled a tutor in Junior College. I was the worst student in terms of academic performance in the subject. She would be very sarcastic with her remarks and she did it openly in front of my peers. She had no respect for my feelings. This was one of my worst learning experience. My self-esteem needs were not met, based on Maslow's hierachy of needs. In the class, I was 'mute' and felt like wearing an invisible coat, so that she would not notice me. I dread going for her tutorials.

Based on these two examples I have given, I feel that teachers play an important role in shaping a conducive and effective learning environment. Effective learning environment makes one desire to learn but an ineffective learning environment can disable a learner.

Review: Learning Environment for 21st century

My school was built around 1980s. We are celebrating our twentieth anniversary this year. The physical state of the school is dismal. When my male colleagues received the devastating news that we will not be selected for PRIME for the next seven years, their hopes of a new male staff toilet are destroyed. I fully sympathise with them because it is worse than the public toilets. There is only one cubicle and the toilet bowls are choked often. The students' toilets are none the better.

After reading this article, I just cannot agree more that architecture, layout, decor and facilities shapes the learning environment. In recent years, the transfer rate of the Secondary One students to another school is increasing. I feel that the physical environment is the one of the key factors pushing them away. If you step into a classroom in my school, you will have a chance to admire our students 'personalised' tables and chairs. They certainly left their marks whenever they go such as 'Bel sits here in 2007.' At one time, the window panes were removed by students. It was easy to remove because the hinges were rusty. Still, I feel that the school is making an effort to upgrade and maintain the facilities.

I begin to compare the psychosocial and physical aspects of learning environment, in relation to the overall learning environment. Since I am Mathematics teacher, I wonder if these equations will hold true. In the case of third and fourth equations, I feel that psychosocial needs are higher needs in Maslow's hierachy of needs. The higher needs in the hierarchy only come into focus when the lower needs in the pyramid are satisfied. However, the individual never regresses from one level to a lower one (Maslow). Thus, this is how I devise these equations.

1. psychosocial(positive) + physical(positive) = overall (positive)
2. psychosocial(negative) + physical(negative) = overall (negative)
3. psychosocial(negative) + physical(positive) = overall (negative)
4. psychosocial(positive) + physical(negative) = overall (positive) ?

Blogging

This is the first time that I am using the blog to learn.
I always wanted to engage my students using this tool.
Now I have this opportunity to experience it for myself.
I am so excited.