Reflection on Session 5 (Field Trip to Odyssey Preschool)
27 August 2014
Today was the worst day ever. I forgot to bring my wallet! I never knew how important the cards in my wallet was. Even though I only had cards in my wallet, I literally couldn't live without it! I could not board the bus to school, I could not withdraw money, I could not use the prepaid cards to get food, it was absolutely frustrating!
Technology has brought so much convenience to me. I have so much assess in one card. My Ezlink could be used to pay for my purchases, transport, food, and borrow books. Moreover, my Ezlink card also provides assess to my POSB account as I applied to link them using GIRO. This might have it's own set of benefits, but it also comes with other disadvantages.
Today, we visited a childcare center to observe about how technology can be included in the classroom. During the visit to Odyssey preschool, I observed many forms of technology, such as light boxes, OHPs, interactive white boards, and Ipads integrated into the classroom. Teachers are each provided assess to a iMac for portfolio purposes. Even if classrooms for young children, as young as 2 years old, children are provided with assess to light box and OHP with constructive materials for exploration. Older children have assess to interactive white boards, bringing new enthusiasm towards learning.
Apart from these technological tools, children are also provided with assess to recording devices like professional cameras, DSLR cameras, and video cameras. Using these recording devices, children are also working on technology projects such as Stop motion animation. Inquiry skills are also included into the curriculum, allowing children to ask questions about technology and learning by questioning. In one of the classroom, I observed a chart that allows children to brainstorm about how life would be like without certain technological tools.
Including technology in the classroom can be beneficial for children in terms of learning and brain development, however, technology can also bring danger to children. With assess to technology, teachers and parents have to consistently ensure that the children are using the internet and technological tools in a safe and correct way. I observed that teachers are always present to scaffold children's thinking and staying nearby when the children are using the computer or technological tools.
After the visit to Odyssey today, I believe strongly that technology can be included into the classroom, regardless of budget or space. What's most important is the teacher's ability to use cost-effective technological tools in creative ways.
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
Tuesday, 26 August 2014
E-LEARNING ON TECHNOLOGICAL TOOL
Reflections on Session 4
25 August 2014
Just a few days ago, I was teaching a group of students at the tuition center I work at. I noticed that one of the primary 6 student was more distracted than usual. After I had a short talk with him, I learnt that he had a heated argument with his mother about the hours he spend on the computer. He told me that his teachers in school often post homework and activities online to replace paper worksheets so as to integrate technology into the classroom. He also asked if I could help him by explaining it to his mother.
After tuition, I sat down with his mother to hear about the argument from her side of the story. She explained to me that she is worried about her son as he isn't studying for his PSLE. I explained to her that her son is using an online website, asknlearn, to study for his exam. Using my computer, I explained to her how the website works and showed her some of the online test that her son had taken on the website.
She was delighted to see that her son got good results for many of the test. After much explanation, she finally understood what e-learning was about. Before she left, she asked me an interesting question: So how do I know if my son is doing homework, playing games, or doing wrong things on the internet?
This reminded me of a funny incident I saw on the train a few months ago. A mother was scolding her son, threatening to confiscate his phone and computer if he continues to misbehave. Ironically, the boy laughed and willing gave his phone to his mother. Shocked, the mother asked the boy if he was trying to be defiant. The boy shrugged his shoulders and replied "well, confiscate lor, then I tell my teacher I cannot do my homework because my mother decides to take my phone and computer".
Technology and education has become so interlinked that it has become almost indispensable. Children these days are using technology so much that it is no longer a privilege but a requirement. Even though this is a huge advancement in the 21st century, it has also become a controversial issue within parents and teachers. It is expected for computers to replace textbooks and worksheets in the future, but is it beneficial or detrimental to the development of children?
25 August 2014
Just a few days ago, I was teaching a group of students at the tuition center I work at. I noticed that one of the primary 6 student was more distracted than usual. After I had a short talk with him, I learnt that he had a heated argument with his mother about the hours he spend on the computer. He told me that his teachers in school often post homework and activities online to replace paper worksheets so as to integrate technology into the classroom. He also asked if I could help him by explaining it to his mother.
After tuition, I sat down with his mother to hear about the argument from her side of the story. She explained to me that she is worried about her son as he isn't studying for his PSLE. I explained to her that her son is using an online website, asknlearn, to study for his exam. Using my computer, I explained to her how the website works and showed her some of the online test that her son had taken on the website.
She was delighted to see that her son got good results for many of the test. After much explanation, she finally understood what e-learning was about. Before she left, she asked me an interesting question: So how do I know if my son is doing homework, playing games, or doing wrong things on the internet?
This reminded me of a funny incident I saw on the train a few months ago. A mother was scolding her son, threatening to confiscate his phone and computer if he continues to misbehave. Ironically, the boy laughed and willing gave his phone to his mother. Shocked, the mother asked the boy if he was trying to be defiant. The boy shrugged his shoulders and replied "well, confiscate lor, then I tell my teacher I cannot do my homework because my mother decides to take my phone and computer".
Technology and education has become so interlinked that it has become almost indispensable. Children these days are using technology so much that it is no longer a privilege but a requirement. Even though this is a huge advancement in the 21st century, it has also become a controversial issue within parents and teachers. It is expected for computers to replace textbooks and worksheets in the future, but is it beneficial or detrimental to the development of children?
Sunday, 24 August 2014
THE OLD HAS TO GO, FOR THE NEW TO COME!
Reflections for Session 3
22 August 2014
Today while I was walking home, I saw my neighbor throwing away an old monitor together with some old furniture. Seeing that this could be an interesting opportunity to understand her perspectives on technology, I started a short "interview" with her. When I asked her why she was throwing away the monitor, she told me that she needed to clear the space so she could install a new iMac that her son bought. She added that she was reluctant to throw it away as it contained a lot of memories from her younger days. She begun to share about the fun she had on the computer and how technology was so fascinating to her in the 1990s.
Curious about her views on modern day technology, I asked her if she liked her new iMac. She laughed and told me in Chinese that when time passes, you have to learn to let go, and embrace the new. She explained that even though she likes her old computer, her grandchildren are finding it very hard to use it as it is slow and not user-friendly. Before I left, she even took out her iPhone to show me photos of her computer before she brought it downstairs to the Rubbish Chute. It was amazing to see that her computer was actually still running on Windows 95! It was indeed a rare antique.
This short conversation with my neighbor brought me to reflect on how technology has advanced in the past few years. 1995 was just 10 years ago, but if I were to bring that old monitor to my pre-school, I can guarantee that no one can even switch it on.
During class, we were prompted with a simple discussion question: "How can we use old technology for learning in the classroom?" Despite racking our brains, no one in my group could think of other activities apart from classroom museum and dramatic play. We now live in a society where we must have the latest technology. My friend worked for 2 months during his holiday, just so he could buy a new iPhone 5S to replace his old Iphone 5. Being so obsessed with getting our hands on the latest and best technology available, we are forgetting that the best technological tools for learning are already in our hands.
Do we really have to let go of the old, to embrace the new? Are schools really deprived of budget to include technology into the classroom? Is the quality of learning really determined by the price and quality of the technological tool?
22 August 2014
Today while I was walking home, I saw my neighbor throwing away an old monitor together with some old furniture. Seeing that this could be an interesting opportunity to understand her perspectives on technology, I started a short "interview" with her. When I asked her why she was throwing away the monitor, she told me that she needed to clear the space so she could install a new iMac that her son bought. She added that she was reluctant to throw it away as it contained a lot of memories from her younger days. She begun to share about the fun she had on the computer and how technology was so fascinating to her in the 1990s.
Curious about her views on modern day technology, I asked her if she liked her new iMac. She laughed and told me in Chinese that when time passes, you have to learn to let go, and embrace the new. She explained that even though she likes her old computer, her grandchildren are finding it very hard to use it as it is slow and not user-friendly. Before I left, she even took out her iPhone to show me photos of her computer before she brought it downstairs to the Rubbish Chute. It was amazing to see that her computer was actually still running on Windows 95! It was indeed a rare antique.
During class, we were prompted with a simple discussion question: "How can we use old technology for learning in the classroom?" Despite racking our brains, no one in my group could think of other activities apart from classroom museum and dramatic play. We now live in a society where we must have the latest technology. My friend worked for 2 months during his holiday, just so he could buy a new iPhone 5S to replace his old Iphone 5. Being so obsessed with getting our hands on the latest and best technology available, we are forgetting that the best technological tools for learning are already in our hands.
Do we really have to let go of the old, to embrace the new? Are schools really deprived of budget to include technology into the classroom? Is the quality of learning really determined by the price and quality of the technological tool?
Thursday, 21 August 2014
ENCULTURATION OF YOUNG CHILDREN AND TECHNOLOGY
Reflection about article: Enculturation of young children and technology
21 August 2014
As defined in this article: "Enculturation is a process by which an individual learns the traditional content of a culture and assimilates its practices and values". In simpler terms, enculturation happens when a person learns about a new culture through experience and observation. In this process of enculturation, young children from as young as 2 years old, have contact with technological tools like cellphones, MP3, baby monitors, audio recording devices, and many other portable media devices. Even though children from previous generation had assess to traditional computers, children of this generation have assess to other ubiquitous computing tools such as those mentioned above. Apart from these technological tools, children have assess to other technology-based toys such as "toy laptops", "electronic toy phone" and much more. Using these tools for recreational and educational purposes, children are also exposed to "trans-media intertextuality", a phenomenon where young children use lunch boxes, confectionery and clothings with designs from movies and video games.
Even though technology has its benefits such as promoting motivation, self-directed learning, socialization and independence, it still remains as a controversial issue. Parents and teachers continue to interpret video games, computers and technological tools as addictions or wastage of time. One of the last learning points I got from this article was the importance of teacher scaffolding. Children can learn best when teachers are available to provide appropriate levels of assistance and feedback on their choices. Living in this era of enculturation, it is clear that these negative views on technology has to be changed before it can be integrated successfully into the the educational curriculum.
21 August 2014
As defined in this article: "Enculturation is a process by which an individual learns the traditional content of a culture and assimilates its practices and values". In simpler terms, enculturation happens when a person learns about a new culture through experience and observation. In this process of enculturation, young children from as young as 2 years old, have contact with technological tools like cellphones, MP3, baby monitors, audio recording devices, and many other portable media devices. Even though children from previous generation had assess to traditional computers, children of this generation have assess to other ubiquitous computing tools such as those mentioned above. Apart from these technological tools, children have assess to other technology-based toys such as "toy laptops", "electronic toy phone" and much more. Using these tools for recreational and educational purposes, children are also exposed to "trans-media intertextuality", a phenomenon where young children use lunch boxes, confectionery and clothings with designs from movies and video games.
Even though technology has its benefits such as promoting motivation, self-directed learning, socialization and independence, it still remains as a controversial issue. Parents and teachers continue to interpret video games, computers and technological tools as addictions or wastage of time. One of the last learning points I got from this article was the importance of teacher scaffolding. Children can learn best when teachers are available to provide appropriate levels of assistance and feedback on their choices. Living in this era of enculturation, it is clear that these negative views on technology has to be changed before it can be integrated successfully into the the educational curriculum.
POWER AND MOTIVATION USING TECHNOLOGICAL TOOLS
Reflection on article: Children's power for learning in the age of technology
20 August 2014
From this article, I learnt that there are various benefits of technology in terms of motivation and power. My parents would often joke about the manuals found in the packaging of technological tools, because we have no need for it at all! My brother finds it very difficult to read due to his dyslexia. Even so, he can read books non-stop on Pokemon and Minecraft. I had always wondered, books are books, but what motivates him to seek information on his own about a topic that sparks his interest? I believe that this is one of the benefits about the use of technology.
According to the article, there are three factors of motivation: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Personally, I learn the most when I am allowed to seek information on a topic that I am interested in. In some way, I get motivated as I learn more and more about the topic. As for my brother, he feels motivated to read about Pokemon and Minecraft as he desires to do well and gain mastery in those two games. In Singapore, schools often operate using a factory model. Teachers act like factory technicians to ensure that the products (students) leave the factory (school) in it's best quality, ready to face the world. However, in this new technology era, schools are beginning to acknowledge that children has power in their own learning.
Technology is a tool that can provide children with a platform to have power and an active role in their own learning. Even so, teachers often undervalue this potential as a learning tool and constantly attempt to control it. Schools are not a place where children memorize information and repeat them to the teacher when needed. I felt that it is important for teachers to understand that power is not a zero-sum. By giving increased power to the children does not mean that the teacher has less power. This is extremely important as teachers are often wary in sharing their power, worried that they might become over-powered by the children.
Another learning point about technology from this article is that there are eight separate types of power: Legitimate, reward, coercive referent, expert, information, ecological and power over oneself. If children are given each of these eight power, there are four outcomes of power: commitment, liberation, compliance and resistance. After reading this article, it showed me a new perspective on how technology can impact a child's perspective towards learning and technology. I personally believe that technology is an excellent tool to move learning to new level.
20 August 2014
From this article, I learnt that there are various benefits of technology in terms of motivation and power. My parents would often joke about the manuals found in the packaging of technological tools, because we have no need for it at all! My brother finds it very difficult to read due to his dyslexia. Even so, he can read books non-stop on Pokemon and Minecraft. I had always wondered, books are books, but what motivates him to seek information on his own about a topic that sparks his interest? I believe that this is one of the benefits about the use of technology.
According to the article, there are three factors of motivation: autonomy, mastery, and purpose. Personally, I learn the most when I am allowed to seek information on a topic that I am interested in. In some way, I get motivated as I learn more and more about the topic. As for my brother, he feels motivated to read about Pokemon and Minecraft as he desires to do well and gain mastery in those two games. In Singapore, schools often operate using a factory model. Teachers act like factory technicians to ensure that the products (students) leave the factory (school) in it's best quality, ready to face the world. However, in this new technology era, schools are beginning to acknowledge that children has power in their own learning.
Technology is a tool that can provide children with a platform to have power and an active role in their own learning. Even so, teachers often undervalue this potential as a learning tool and constantly attempt to control it. Schools are not a place where children memorize information and repeat them to the teacher when needed. I felt that it is important for teachers to understand that power is not a zero-sum. By giving increased power to the children does not mean that the teacher has less power. This is extremely important as teachers are often wary in sharing their power, worried that they might become over-powered by the children.
Another learning point about technology from this article is that there are eight separate types of power: Legitimate, reward, coercive referent, expert, information, ecological and power over oneself. If children are given each of these eight power, there are four outcomes of power: commitment, liberation, compliance and resistance. After reading this article, it showed me a new perspective on how technology can impact a child's perspective towards learning and technology. I personally believe that technology is an excellent tool to move learning to new level.
FORMS OF TECHNOLOGY IN DAILY LIFE
Reflections on Session 2
20 August 2014
Today morning, on my way to school, I stopped by MacDonald’s’ to grab some breakfast. While I was at the store, there was a short circuit affecting the order screen and the cash registers. As they were still able to assess the money in the cash register manually using a key, business went on as usual. After placing my order for an Egg McMuffin set and a cup of ice Milo, I stood amazed to the chaos that was happening. Even after getting her colleagues and managers to help, no one in the store could not calculate what $4.80 plus 55 cents was. After waiting for a long time, one of her manager finally found a calculator.
This experience helped me to reflect on the importance of technology in our lives. Just a few days ago in class, I read an article titled “Enculturation of Young Children and Technology”. The article shared about the role of technology in the lives of children and adults in the 21st Century. From the article, I learnt a new term “ubiquitous computing”. The term was interesting to me as it opened my eyes to see how technology has gone beyond a traditional computer hardware. Technology is so embedded in our lives that I can hardly imagine a day without it. My experience today was an excellent example of the impact that technology and ubiquitous computing has on everyday life. Although it sounds extremely strange, I couldn't figure out what $4.80 plus 55 cent was too.
Wednesday, 20 August 2014
FOR CONVENIENCE AND REFERENCE
LINKS TO THE OTHER BLOGS IN MY GROUP:
JACOB TAN:
http://jacobandhisthoughts.wordpress.com/
ANGELA LIN:
http://annseobie.blogspot.sg/
NURLINA:
www.talkabouttechnology.blogspot.sg
JOEY YUEN:
http://joeyyuen37.blogspot.sg/
JACOB TAN:
http://jacobandhisthoughts.wordpress.com/
ANGELA LIN:
http://annseobie.blogspot.sg/
NURLINA:
www.talkabouttechnology.blogspot.sg
JOEY YUEN:
http://joeyyuen37.blogspot.sg/
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