Module 2A-4: Activity 5 Spreadsheets for administrative purposes: Recordbook‏

11-12-11

Working with excel spreadsheet was quite a task for me. The formulae were not coming out the way they should have, even after clicking on the help option in the pop up box, that came up everytime the formulae were just not working.

I however saw that once there is some general understanding with time I would be able to to redo a recordbook and have it all downpack.

I believe it is a very helpful tool for administrative purposes due to the fact that everything would be added up for you once the formulae are correctly inputted.

Group 2A-4, Activity 4B - Integrating the word processor

06-12-11

The word processor is a very interesting tool for students to use as they learn. It not only makes writing (typing) easier, but it also helps in checking spelling, deleting errors and retyping information. As a result, whatever task there is to complete students may use the features or functions of word processor to do so.

However, one must remember we may never learn all there is to know about the word processor, but it doesn't hurt to start learning to use it now, as it may increase learning on a whole in different disciplines.

Group 2A-4, Activity 3: Word processor for lesson preparation (Classroom materials)

1-12-11

The use of word processor for preparing classroom materials is a very tedious but fulfilling task. It may at times be easier to think of what you want to do, than to actually write it. However, whether it's creating a test, designing an activity sheet or simply organising and sending notes to your students word processor is an excellent tool.

I believe although we use the 'normal' Microsoft Office programmes, there are still other programmes that exist with a lot more features that may assist us in preparing lessons in the classroom.

I hope that on completion of this module that we will have gained from the experience of using 'word processor' by attempting the activities, working on the assignments, sharing documents and information via different mediums and collaborating among each other, through all this.

Group 2A-4, Activity 3: Word processor for lesson preparation (Classroom materials)

29-11-11

As educators it is very important that we allow our students to reflect upon their learning, as a result we may design activities that may foster this.

In concentrating on Activity 3. Which asked to prepare a document for an actual classroom activity, such as notes, a test, a learner-centred worksheet, etc. I was a little stumped. Why? Well, at this point in time the semester is coming to the end, therefore it is now the study period week in preparation for the upcoming two weeks of exams. As a result, my class material document is a reflective activity.

N.B.: Some class materials may be collected and/or graded by the teacher, whereas others are just for the learner to check his/her process or understanding of a topic, concept, lesson, etc.

General Reflection - A challenge for today!

24-11-11

I was asked by a student today, "how do you burn a CD unto a desktop?" First of all I was unfamiliar with the computer model she had, then I was not sure how to use the version of the programme that was on the computer as the music player, finally I said, "well just select the option rip to library."

Inside my head all I could hear was, HELP! A simple question at once was asking me to perform one of the most complex tasks in my life.

I remember using Widows Media Player on my Compaq Presario HP computer, to burn a cd to another cd, dragging copy pasting from a cd unto the computer, and also sending music to my desktop music file.

Well, I must say, it is very important that whatever knowledge and skill that may be adquired about the use of ICT should also make a person flexible in using any ICT equipment at anytime.

Everyday you live, you learn, what there is still for you to learn. For me - alot!

Group 2A-4, Activity 1. Seven Roles of the Educator

23-11-11

ICT can assist the teacher as a mediator by:

Creating an environment that is non-threatening with learning spaces that are equipped with the appropriate, adequate learning resources that may make discussions, conferencing, completing and submitting assignments, planning, executing and evaluating lessons way easier. These spaces such as facebook pages, blogs, wikipedias, and websites/webpages provide tools and resources depending on their nature that allows one to read, post and/or share comments. The use of interactive whiteboards, interactive CD’s and encyclopaedias set up by different software programmes and transmitted by the available hardware will definitely make communication of information more effective to and from the teacher and the student.

ICT can assist the teacher as a designer by:

Giving the teacher the necessary multimedia software programmes to create appropriate teaching and learning documents such as course outlines, registers, worksheets, tests, observational checklists and rubrics; and activities for example, blogs, games, videos, etc.

ICT can assist the teacher as an administrator by:

Providing word processor text editor, text formatting programmes: for example Microsoft Office: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Publisher, Outlook, Access, Groove, InfoPath, OneNote, Office Tools to collect, store and interpret data e.g. attendance records, grade books, report cards, transcripts, exams, surveys, etc.

ICT can assist the teacher as a scholar by:

Allowing the teacher to be able to navigate the internet and access different academic institutions, on-line courses, newspapers, encyclopaedias, databases, podcasts and wikispaces among others that may help to develop them personally and professionally.

ICT can assist the teacher in his or her pastoral role by:

Supporting the teachers with their gestures of reaching out to the community of learners by creating documents like curricula, handbooks, rules and regulations, flyers, agendas, letters, brochures, contact cards, report cards, blogs, websites, etc.

ICT can assist the teacher as an assessor by:

The teacher using the word documents and spreadsheets available to create assessment tools and evaluation forms; calculate and record grades, observe and monitor the teaching learning process and record all this to make future decisions.

ICT can further assist the teacher as a specialist by:

Aiding the teacher in remaining an expert in his or her area by tapping into networks, attending on-line training programmes (conferences, seminars, shortcourses, etc.), accessing internet resources, and sharing instructional activities and lesson plans.

Group 2A-4, Activity 1. Seven Roles of the Educator

21-11-11
How can ICT support the seven roles of an educator?
1- Mediator
2- Designer of learning programmes
3- Administrator
4- Scholar
5- Pastoral
6- Assessor
7- Learning area/phase specialist
         

The seven roles of an educator can be supported by ICT in numerous ways. Therefore, the educator just needs to capitalize on the different uses of ICT and incooperate them appropriately in any learning institution.

CCTI Orientation Workshop Day 1

17-11-11

What do you do as an ICT faciltator when you are unable to access the worldwide web due to internet connection failure?