ICT as Co-constructive Tool

My Understanding of Co-constructive Tool

ICT plays a vital role in teaching and learning. It makes teaching and learning easier and effective. In the past, the text book and the chalk board were only our teaching learning materials due to which our knowledge remained in the box. There were no other sources of information. Now, with the advancement in the technology, we are able to shift from teacher dominated classroom to the student centered that provide students with an opportunity to explore beyond what has been taught in the class.

After learning about the design principles and with the help of FIT (101), now I can make the power point presentation effectively. I can make use of multimedia, animations and graphics to involve the audience effectively in the presentation. This knowledge and skill made my work easier during my teaching practice in the year 2018. I was able to take my students around the world by just sitting in the class through this power point presentation. For instance like I was able to make my students realize the importance of animal habitat and the plants through a video in my presentation.

On top of that, college life is always to do with assignment. For that we need to have good searching skills otherwise we would get lost in the middle of the information. At the beginning, when we were asked to do an assignment for the first time, my assignment was like trash bin with the information all jumbled up most of which are irrelevant to the topic. But now through the continue usage of ICT, I can choose most relevant and authentic sources and cite the sourcing and most importantly analyze the information. In a nut shell ICT helped me to develop my search skills and evaluate resources on the internet. I have compared the presentation I have made in the first year with the presentation I have recently made and found a huge difference in terms of quality and screen design. I am very proud to say that I have become more knowledgeable and skilled in terms of my ICT knowledge.

Importance of Co-constructive Tool

I have learned that assigning such task will help students work collaboratively in learning or achieving a common agreed goal. Applications such as Google docs , blogs and discussion forums helps learners to be actively and meaningfully engaged in learning. It also promotes intentional learning in learners. Integrating co-constructive tools in teaching and learning can be very effective especially in cases where we can't have face to face interaction. The use of co-constructive tools help both learners and teachers to take learning beyond the four walls of the classroom.

I feel that these tools are playing a vital role in out learning at the present scenario. Without these tools, teaching and learning would have been way beyond impossible. So to ensure that we are prepared for such scenarios in the future, integration of co-constructive tools are must in teaching and learning.

Using Google Docs to Plan an ICT Integrated Lesson

We used google docs to work in groups for an assignment. We were to plan an ICT integrated lesson in groups of three. I was quite worried about how we can work on in collaboratively since we cannot have face tp face group discussion. This is when we used google docs as a co-constructive tool. 

Using google docs, we could construct our knowledge through collaboration. We were able to share our ideas and thoughts while planning the lesson through google docs. Such applications will make the learning effective by fostering feasibility of communication without having to waste much time as that of gathering personally in person to discuss the topic. This tool allowed the group members and also our tutor to view, comment and edit the lesson we have planned. I realized that we have learned a lot from one another. Moreover, it also enhanced our cognitive, social, problem solving and collaborative skills.

Evidences of working with google docs

After using google docs for this assignment, we were able to  work collaboratively and share a common goal towards creating an effective ICT integrated lesson plan.

Working With Camtasia Studio- Applying ICT as Constructive Tool

Working with Camtasia Studio 

What is Camtasia Studio? 

Camtasia studio is a software program which is used for creating video tutorial to make our lesson effective. Such software are of great help when we face situations like the current situation due to the outbreak of Covid-19. The necessity for teaching and learning to continue regardless of the situation demands such software to come into action. Camtasia studio allows us to capture or record the computer screen. Camtasia studio also helps to capture live video screens and shots. It is an easy to use program where it provide user to create or edit recording video as per their plans and ideas. We can even record PowerPoint presentation using record the screen in camtasia studio.

Camtasia consists of two major components: 

1. Camtasia Recorder – A tool for capturing screen audio and video. 
2. Camtasia Editor- Used for editing video tutorial using show timeline or storyboard.

What can we do with Camtasia Studio?

• Add or insert images 
• Add sound or audio files
• Add a text
• Add or insert animation
• Add video clip
• Editing video clip
• Add narration voice (record our own voice)
• Record the screen
• Capturing the live video tutorial

My Learning Experience after Creating a Video Lesson Using Camtasia Studio 

I made an English video lesson to teach children the names of animals and their homes for class PP. It took me some time to get used to and know how to use the software. Once I got familiar with the app, I had a great learning experience. It provided me the platform to create an interactive learning experience, and publish an eLearning video of my own. 

So as a teacher I will surely use this application to enhance my teaching and learning with my future students because it is going to help Me in delivering my lesson with ease. Not only that I can use my video lesson during my absence to teach the student with the help of other teacher. Moreover, video lesson are never going to bore our lesson as it has right amount of text and images sometime video as well as cater the individual difference in learning. It was fun using Camtasia App to make the video tutorial and I felt proud as I could come up with my own video tutorial using Camtasia studio.

Steps to Create Tutorial Lesson in PowerPoint using Camtasia Studio 

• design the presentation in PowerPoint
• click on add-ins plug option 
• click on record option
• click on begin recording along with voice narration

My Video Lesson 

To watch the full video tutorial, click on the link below:

https://www.facebook.com/karmachoney18/videos/3063479887049834

ICT as Constructive Tool

ICT as Constructive Tool

Constructivist Approach 

Constructivist approach to teaching and learning emphasizes that students need to construct their own understanding and fosters critical thinking to create motivated and independent learners. Constructivists believe that children construct meaning as they interact with their surroundings. Using ICT will not only help children learn and construct meanings of their own but also fulfills certain aspects of constructive approach such as:

• Helps learners to learn without the teacher
• Generating new ideas as they use technologies to create meaning
• Shifting from passive learning to active learning pedagogy
• Do away with the rote learning method like memorization
• Encourage students to engage in learning actively 

What is ICT as a Constructive Tool?

ICT as a constructive tool are those applications such as simulations, PowerPoint Presentation, Blogs and any other social networking sites that encourage learners to create meaning of their own by manipulating the information they get. Some of the ways to use ICT as a constructive tool are:

• Maintain a blog
• Create a short video using video editing apps
• Prepare simulations 

My Learning after Creating a Simulation

We were asked to design one page simulated advertisement to attract visitor using PowerPoint presentation program. We were supposed to do that with the motive of attracting visitors to our locality. This was a very challenging as well as an exciting task because I have never created a simulation and moreover we were asked to use only one page for the advertisement.

To carry on with the task, I looked up on internet for ideas to create simulations and how it should be done. I found myself exploring the different features available in PowerPoint Presentation particularly the animation features. I learned how to adjust timings for information that I portrayed using animation. I realized that given a chance and a platform, we can learn a lot through exploration and practice. I also realized how we can construct knowledge using ICT and become independent and competent learners. With proper guidance, the activity was very productive and worthwhile.

My Simulated Advertisement 

Simulated Advertisement Sample

The Ad-hoc Holiday and E-learning

Using ICT as a communicative tool 

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected educational systems worldwide, leading to the near-total closures of schools, universities and colleges. The virus has made its way also to Bhutan which has held us back at home. Schools and universities have been forced to rethink the ways students and learning should move forward in the wake of coronavirus. If we look at this situation from a positive perspective, it is an opportunity for both teachers and students to learn using ICT as a communicative tool. 

Although, E-learning seemed quiet difficult in the beginning due to poor internet, high-data cost and many other factors, we are starting to adapt to online sessions. We use the VLE(Virtual Learning Environment), WeChat, Messenger, Hangout, Zoom, etc. as ways of learning. 


Through the use of these tools we are able to discuss, share and ask our doubt as like we do in real classroom. Moreover we get opportunity to interact with our tutor frequently and at any time of the day. Reflecting on my experience of virtual learning, I couldn't agree any less that ICT is very beneficial in many way. It connects people not only to catch up and for leisure purpose, but also for a great deal of teaching and learning. following are some screenshots of how we have used ICT as a communicative tool. 

Video Conference using Hangout

                                         

WeChat Discussion

Virtual Learning Environment 

                                              

ICT as Communicative Tool

ICT as Communicative Tool

Effective communication is one of the important skills that a teacher should have in order to teach students effectively. A teacher who cannot express their ideas properly in classrooms will fail to become a good teacher. This will lead to students' losing interest in the subject and gradually losing their respect for the teacher. ICT can be one asset that we can use in classrooms to teach students and communicate ideas more precisely and effectively to them. There are many ways to use ICT in classrooms as a communicative tool. 

Communicative tools are applications which enable easy communication between teacher and the students as well as among the students beyond the physical barrier either by space, time or both of the classrooms.

Two types of communication 

1. Synchronous- It is also called as real time, in which users must be simultaneously connected rather like a telephone call. Example: Video-conferencing etc.
2. Asynchronous- It does not require people to access to the internet at the same time. Example: E-mail, WeChat etc. 
   

For me, I prefer to use asynchronous learning methods because I am someone who takes time to process things being taught. I don't really do well in things where I have to respond in a very short period of time. Using learning tools such as emails, and VLE are usually what I prefer. Of course, other learning platforms such as using the zoom, google classroom, and google, online chats are helpful for learning because we have teachers that can guide us and provide instant feedback but for me, when I am assigned a work, I prefer to do things slowly and with proper planning and therefore, asynchronous learning is just perfect for me and my learning needs. However, I plan on using both types of communication in future because that way, I will be able to cater to my student's needs as well as connect with my students and get to understand them.

The communication tool basically emphasis on the social constructivist learning theory where people use communication tools such as email, WeChat, skype and etc. to interact with other people and enhance their ideas and knowledge. There are lots of opportunity using communication tool such as sharing of ideas and knowledge, exploring new things, construct new knowledge and make relation with the people around the world. However, there are threats while using communication tool such as lead to addiction, become more dependent on the information source and high chance of losing one's own culture and identity as people are exposed to other culture. 

ICT can be used as a tool for communication. It is a platform which provides great opportunity for teacher-to-teacher and student-to-student communication and collaboration. In a nutshell, it benefits people from all walks of life to a greater extend. It is a blessing to humanity indeed if used appropriately. Never before, humans were connected to each other as in today's world. I have learned that ICT is an indispensable tool in 21st century and both student and teachers are ought to leverage ICT to assist and facilitate learning for the benefit of all learners and teachers across the curriculum.

Importance of Communication Skill for Teachers

Importance of Communication Skill

As a teacher in making, I have been taught about the importance of communication skills. Teaching is all about communication - listening, speaking, reading, presenting and writing. Teachers who sharpen their communication skills are prepared to instruct, advise and mentor students entrusted in their care. Additionally, teachers must communicate well to effectively collaborate with colleagues and update administrators on student progress.

Good communication skills of teacher are the basic need of academics success of students, and professional success of life. Teacher communicates more instructions orally in classroom to students. Teacher with poor communication skills may cause failure of students to learn and promote their academics. Student need to understand that what is right, and what is wrong while it totally depend upon the communication skills of teachers which he adopt in class-room. Communication skills of a teacher have significant role in the academic success of the students. Therefore it is necessary for a teacher to adopt good communication skills while teaching to the students.