15th entry....

Throughout the semester, we have to write reflections on blog. What i like about blogging? It helps an individual to express his or her feelings. Moreover, through blogging, we can actually see our friends opinions and point of view. With this, we are able to understand each other better and share information. Apart from that, I also developed technology skills through blogging. What I dislike about blogging is that there are a lot of task and assignments that needs to be done. Blogging is a weekly task, therefore, we have to find time to squeeze in the blogging task into my "list of doing things". They are many things that I gained from blogging. I have learned on how to improve my critical thinking skills. This is so as we have to do weekly reflection. By doing the reflection, I have to really think critically on what is learned during the week, what are the disadvantages and many more. Thus, I had to engage my mind actively in thinking process. By doing so, I developed critical thinking skills. I like this course as I learned a lot of things in this subject.

This course helped me to learn and explore the technology world. Before this, I did not know anything about blogging, video editing and audio editing. Thus, I like this course as i gained many things about technology. Moreover, I can use the learned skills in my future classroom. However, the exposure on non-traditional was not really emphasised. I feel that if they are integrated in the lesson, it would be more fun and interesting. I did not expect to learn to create a video but i have learned on how to make a video. I excepted to learn about non-traditional materials too but did not have the opportunity in the lesson. In conclusion, I learned many things in the subject and will apply the skills learned in my future classroom..

Week 14- Test + Final week of the semester

I almost could not believe it! This week is the last week for the semester. It was almost like yesterday, I stepped into Universiti Malaya. Nevertheless, in the disbelieve I had to accept the fact that I am having a test today. It cannot be denied that I was feeling a little nervous. There were butterflies flying in my stomach. When I came into the class, we were asked to be sitted and in no time at all the test began. I quickly looked through the questions and yes, the test actually evaluates our understanding on the subject. Thank GOD I was able to answer the questions. The test duration was 2 hours.

That is how the class ended for the last week. We had test for 2 hours and in no time everything was over. While walking thorugh the door, I still could not believe my eyes that this week is the last week. Anyway, I would like to wish good luck to everyone as the exams are around the corner...bye..

week 13- submmition of assignment 3

I have to say that I am glad that this week we submitted our assignment. It was a relieve when I submmited the assignment. I felt so 'light' all of the sudden. Yes, finally, "i have submitted the assignment," I thought. We had to compile the assignment together with our group members. Therefore, my group members and I compiled it in a file.

After submmiting the assignment, we were briefed on the test that will be placed next week, which is the last week. The test will test on our understanding on the subject so far. Thus, there was no time fooling around, it is time to study and revise all the things that we learned so far. Again, time management plays an important role here as I have to planned my time wisely. This is so , as I have to manage my time with other subjects as well.

Hence, I started reading as soon as possible to avoid procastination. I have to say that I am a little nervous as the test is just around the corner. However, it cannot be denied that I am very relieved to submit the assignment. Well, another task left to be done-It is test. I would like to wish all my friends good luck for the test and do plan your time wisely.

Preparing to complete assignment 3

Well, i have to say that this week i was busy preparing to complete assignment 3 where we have to create lesson plan based on the four skills. They are writing, reading, listening and speaking. We had to draw lots in order to get the topic. I got Year 3 with the topic- working people. Well, i have to say that this assignmnet is really challenging as we have to create lesson plan based on all the skills. It is not an easy assignment but it will be very beneficial to us in the future especially during the teaching practice. This is so as,we have to teach the same topic for the week using different skills.
Therefore, my whole week was occupied with completting the assignment. It really test us on time management. aas we know. Time management is crucial in doing any work. As i have mentioned in the previous blogs, through well planned time management anything is possible. Therefore, I did not waste any time in planning in the assignment. I am already doing half of the assignment. There is only another part left. One may think that it can be done very fast. Nevertheless, we have to really see whether one lesson is related to another lesson, is there flow in the lesson and many more.
In the process of doing the assignment, I have realised that it is very important to scrutinise the lesson and objectives in order to create a good lesson plan. Moreover, when planning the lesson, one should ask himself or herself questions like " Will the pupils be able to understand the input?", "Is the language simple?", " Are the inputs too easy or difficult for the pupils?" and many more. If one is able to question himself or herself in that manner i personally believe that the lesson will be able to attract pupils' attention as well as be successful.

Selamat Hari Raya.....

This week, we were briefed on the new task. We were to work in pairs and find articles relating to teaching aid and also relating to the ESL- English as a second language class. Wow, I have to admit that it was a difficult task as it is not easy to find a research article or journal. Nevertheless, it was good as it would teach us a new skill and we will apply this new skill in the future.

Besides, this week each group presented in the class on the selected topic. The topics were given last week. Therefore, we were given time to prepare for the presentation. Thus, this week, we were briefed on the new task – research and all the groups presented in the class.

That’s all for this week. We would not have class the next week due to the ‘Hari Raya’ celebration. Hence, I would like to take this opportunity to wish al my friends and lecturer ‘Selamat Hari Raya’. But, do not forget to complete the task and assignment. That’s all from me this week. Bye….

Submission of assignment 2

Well, this week we had to submit the second assignment that is accessing and manipulating resources for the ESL classroom. This assignment consist of the lesson plan based on the Michael jackson's video clip and another video of our own choice. It is not necessary for us to take the whole video and insert it in the lesson plan. WE are given the opportunity to choose eithrt the pictures, audio or may edit the video. Based on these we are to create a new developing material. These can be in the form of e-bbok, flashcards, and many more. Therefore, i personally feel that this assignmnet is very challenging as we have to create a lesson plan as well as create a new material based on the video.

For example, at the beginning my partner and i was having difficulty in creating a lesson plan based on Michael Jackson video clip. However, after scrutinising it carefully, we have discovered that we can teach many things from it. For instance, animals, pollution, and many more.

After the submittion of the assignmnet , we were briefed on the tasks that had to be done. We have to work in pairs and also in groups. How so? WE have to prepare pampletes and bussiness cards in pairs. The topic is on our own choice. Then, we have to create newsletter in groups of 6. The topic is also of our own choice. Moreover, in the same group of 6 we are to present based on the topic given in the following week.

Thus, what is the key point to success here? yes, you are right1 time managment. Time management is very crucial as we are able to manage our time as complete the tasks given within the time given. Hence, that is what my group did. We divided our work and compiled it in the time given. I would also like to add here that doing these task is very benefical to us as we are able to use it and apply it the future.

Week 9

This week, we were briefed on the third assignment. We are to create weekly lesson plan. Nevertheless, the group is not decided yet. Basically, we presented our work that was done last week. It took a while in order for all the groups to present as there are many groups presenting their work. It was interesting listening to their presentation. I personally feel that through the presentation we can improve our presentation skills and soft skills.

Besides, this week my partner and I are busy preparing ourselves on the second assignment. So far, we have already done with the downloading, audio extracting and picture capturing. Now, we have to focus only on the lesson plan. That is how to plan the lesson using the material given. We choose the second video( which is our choice of video) basing on the criteria like suitability, and interesting video as this is one of those important criterion to choose in planning and choosing an interesting and interactive lesson plan.

I have to agree that all the skills that have been taught earlier in the previous weeks will come handy. This is because we have to know how to edit a video or extract a video using the skills learned previously. Therefore, I feel that the things that I have learned are used and applied into the lesson rather than just learning about it and not applying it at all. I always believe that we have to apply what believe and learn. Moreover, I am actually applying what I have learned.

That is all for this week. Basically, we presented on the presentation that were done last week and briefed on the assignment 3. Apart from that, we are all actually working on assignment 2. I do hope that I could finish the assignment a few days before as I do not want to procrastinate and to avoid any unnecessary technical problem like unable to print or burn and so on. Finally, I would like to wish all of you good luck in completing your assignment.

Something to share with all of you..

Hello everyone...I found this video in the youtube and thought that it might be beneficial to all us since it is related to our subject. It is how to use technology in the classroom. We are learning resources but i thought we are using technology as well. So, look at it and i hope that you will gain something from it...

Michael Jackson assignment + four skills

This week we had a few tasks to be done. First is the four skills task where we are divided into groups of four and each of us have to choose a particular skill. Well, for me i choose the writing skill. This task is interesting as we have to use the skills that we have learned previously. It can be either video editing, picture or audio editing and so on. Therefore, the skills that we learned will be related to the things that we can use in the classromms in the future. I personally feel that the integration of all these skills into the lesson plan is important.

Moreover, i waas glad when i found out that the second assignment that we were assigned has been extended into one week more. This gives us the oppurtunity to plan and discuss on what to be done as it is a pair work. In addition, due to the busy schedule my partner and I did not have much oppurtunity to discuss as we have different elektifs. Nevertheless, as i always tell myself- No procastination! Thus, i am going to stick on it and plan to finish the task and assignment as soon as possible.

Back to university !!!

Today is the first day of class for this subject after the holidays. Therefore, it is obvious that we were still in the holiday mood. Well, what can I say, we are students after all. So, you can expect some grouses and the amount of noise that we produc- greeting and catching up with the latest news with our friends. Nevertheless, work is work. Yes, it is.

So, basically this week we were briefed upon on the assignments that we are going to do soon. Apart from that, we were also shown some sample of work done by our seniors. I really think that this approach is good as it will help us to get a rough idea on what is expected out of us and how to do the assignment.

We were also told to do a task for this week that is the e-book. Yes, you can either do it individually or as a pair. I chose to do it in a pair as I always believe the saying that goes ‘Two heads are better than one’. Moreover, it would make things easier as the work load would be lesser as two people are working on it. To add on, doing the work together is merrier and fun.

I was glad that our lecturer- Puan Foziah showed us some samples of e-book done by seniors. It gave me a wider scope on what is to be done. We were given time to discuss in group on the storyboard. As a result, my partner and I took the opportunity to sit and discuss thoroughly on the e-book. But, I have to admit that the time given was not enough. Thus, we had to discuss further on that outside the class.

Later on, we were briefed on the second assignment that is to be done in pairs. This assignment is quite challenging as we had to download a video and do a lesson plan on it. The other part is that we had to download a video of our choice and create a lesson plan on it. I think that it is fair and square as we are given a choice to choose a video as well as given a video to work on.

I have no option but to agree that for the first class for this subject after the holidays, we were bombarded with assignments. What can one say? This is university life and it is part and parcel of it. We have to learn to cope with stress and assignments. If not, we would be left behind. So, what I can advice to all of my friends out there- please do not procrastinate your work. In the end, you will be the one suffering. So, why not just do your work and leave life like a free bird. When, I say do your work, I seriously mean do your work. Yes, say no to procrastination!

Ok, I think that is all from me for this time. Hope you enjoyed your holidays because I did enjoy mine. Bye!

holidays + video editing(group) + video(pair work) ...what a combination!!

Video editing…This week we were required to edit video clips using any software. We learned how to download a video on the net, combine all the parts and edit them. We were divided into group of five of different gender and race. Well, of course, we had to submit it before Saturday midnight and as we all know, we are going to have our semester break this week. So, we divided the task to ensure that we finish the work given on the time set. So, on Thursday, we all went back thinking that our task is completed. However, time again proved to us that we are wrong. Why? This is so as we are required to download the task in adec. But, adec can only receive the maximum 128 mb and ours is more than that. Therefore, there was some confusion on how to submit the video. Finally, we got to know that we have to burn the work in a DVD and submit it on Saturday to one of the reps. Unfortunately, all of my group members went back to our respective hometowns. Now, there was confusion on how the submit the video. Thankfully, we managed to solve the problem. Pheww..what a week. What a workload! This semester break is not for us to enjoy but it is an opportunity for us to buck up with all the unfinished work. Yes, I am determined to finish the entire task during this holiday- If possible in a few days. Hahaha.. it is always easy to say but difficult to do it. Well, what one can expect when you have astro, internet, visits to grandma and relatives house as one of the many obstacles that stops you from finishing the pile of work. Here, I really feel I am tested. Who will win? My anticipation to finish the work OR the magnet powers that are pulling me to give myself a break…Whatever, the excuse might be I have to finish them in one way or the other. Aha..i forgot. We also have to create a movie on whatever theme that is approved by our lecturer. The date due is on next Friday -22/8/08. Hmm, my partner and I were wondering how we can do the work as we are on holidays. So, we decided to divide our task and contact each other through the net. This is the easier way isn’t it? Rather than cracking our heads on how can we finish the work. Actually, we were planning to finish the work before holidays itself. But my partner has already bought her tickets. Therefore, we have to stick to this resort. As I have mentioned earlier, I am not letting myself to procrastinate anymore. I have to finish the task given, not only for this subject but for other subjects as well. So, happy holidays everyone and remember to complete your work as soon as possible. Why? The answer is clear isn’t it? After the holiday is over we will be busier with the test, exams and assignments. So, good luck to all of you and me too!!!

music editing.....hmmmmm

Well, if you do not like a certain part in a song or just wished that the chorus in a song will suit better in another song, what will you do? Continue to listen to the song? Do not listen to it at all? Imagine how the song will be without the part that you dislike? OR edit the song. Yes, now I can do it! As a matter of fact, all of us can do that. Why so? The answer is simple and straight forward. This week we learned and were required to edit audio. In other words, music. You are allowed to do whatever you want. For instance, you can increase the speed in a song, or delete the parts that you do not like, mix a few songs together to create a new song, and so on. I would say that this task was rather interesting. This is so as we can apply the skills that we have learned in the classroom where we think that we need to adapt or modify a song as it is not suitable for primary kids. Moreover, we can also apply what we have learned in our daily lives, as human beings who sometimes want to add a change in a particular song. I seriously think that this task is worthwhile and fun too. However, the process of editing the audio is not as simple as we all thought. It requires 100% attention as we have to really concentrate on what song to edit, where to edit, where to combine and so on. Frankly, it consumed a lot of time. I actually, spend two days to complete the work that was given. On top of that, there were other works from other subjects as well that needed immediate attention from us. Thus, I was basically fighting against the time to complete the task. I was looking at the time in the hope that I would not miss the date due. Thankfully, I managed to submit the audio editing at the time given. I must say that I was so relieved. Nevertheless, as I have mentioned earlier this task is worth the pain as it will be beneficial to us sooner or later and as the saying goes ‘No pain no gain’. You cannot gain anything without going through a certain degree of pain. I think that’s all for this week. I would like to define this week as a hectic week as we were all busy in one thing or the other.

Photo Editor....Hmmm..sounds fun...

"Mummy i don't like my photo" said Sally. " Why?" asked her mother. "Well, I have “red-eyes” in the photo and I don't look fair here" complained Sally. " Look, Sally. We cannot do anything about it as the photo is already captured” said her mother. Ok. Sally went away with a sigh. Well friends, this is a common if not familiar situation that we had encountered before. Have you ever experienced the same kind of displeasure? I am sure you have experienced it. Anyway, no worries. Now, if you want to remove the red-eyes or increase the brightness or change the background you can do so through photo editing. If you do not know what it is, I suggest that you take up this course- Using and developing resources…Gosh! What will happen to me without this course! I am learning something new each week. This week, we learned on how to edit photos! Wow, isn’t that great. You can shape the picture according to your own taste. Nevertheless, suddenly, i realised i am not at all a tecno-savvy person. Suddenly, i felt so stupid as i do not know how to edit a photo and change it if not professionally to near satisfactory. Anyway, i did some editing work before but, not that skilled like what we are required to do. Whatever it is, I am sure there is so much more that need to be explored and learned. I anticipate it. So friends, how is this week? I would like to describe this week from a quotation from Woody Guthrie - "Take it easy -- but take it". This quotation is dearly related to me. Well, at least for this week. As i have mentioned before, the work loads for this semester is piling up profusely. However, i have learned to take it, although not in an easy way. But, i am learning to take it. I am much calmer and relaxed this week. Maybe it is because i have learned to adapt into this way of living. Anyway, I am very grateful to our lecture as she had given all of us time to work on the photo editing after presentation. I feel much more relieved as I can actually start working on it and could ask her question whenever I face some drawbacks.

The climb into resources.....

Well, what to say? Today we were briefed on the second assignment. I have to admit that UM life is quite challenging as it test u again and again. What I found out was that time management is very important here. If you do not manage your time, you will be left out. Yes, coming back to the assignment- we were required to do the assignment in groups of five. This time with different group members. Yes. and the method of choosing the members was different. We had to draw lots. This is so to ensure that each group is multiracial.-a blend of races and mix gender. I have already mentioned this in the previous blog but I am going to say this again. The idea of having members in a group consisting of different races and gender is a good move as we will be able to know each other better and come out from our present social gang to get to know others. Yes, this week is quite hectic as we are working on the first assignment that is due next week. At the same time, we are bombarded with another assignment. Well, what to say. We have to manage our time well. That is the one and only knight in shining armour for us .hehehe…nevertheless, life has to go on! Isn’t it? This week lecture was a bit special as we had group presentation instead of the previous method where the lecture explains to us. Personally, this way of teaching and learning is my favourite. This is so as we read the notes and through our comprehension we explained to other group members with the use of technology. Believe it or not! We were actually applying the inquiry discovery method as were ourselves discover the input. This is an excellent method on expanding input. I have to admit that I was pretty well astounded with my friends’ presentations. Some showed examples from Youtube while others created a moviemaker on the topic of the presentation in the limited time given. Well, what to say. We are all still in the process of recognising our own talents and others. I really enjoyed myself in the class that day. Each week I find myself taking pleasure in the class in various ways. I wonder what is in store for us in the next class! Can’t wait for it…

BE PREPARED !!!

The second day of the lecture we were all told to select our groups for the upcoming assignment. So, we all logged in adec and choose our groups which were to be of mixed races and genders. Unfortunately, some of us got confused and did not do as required. Therefore, our lecture had to cancel all the groups and we were asked to choose the group members again. I personally feel that the idea of each group having mixed gender and races a productive idea. This is so as we were able to communicate with other races in the process of doing the assignment. Even though previously we have done before, it was not that massive as now. Therefore, I feel that at the end of this semester we would have known each and every course mates of ours very well. Then the most anticipating moment came. We were all given our first assignment for this course. We discussed in our groups on what we planned to do. It was really interactive process as all of us brainstormed on what to do. Well, as the saying goes ‘Two heads are better than one’. Here we have five heads. hahahaha… But I have to admit that choosing a topic for this assignment is not easy. We really had to crack our heads to the breaking point to choose a topic as we want to give out BEST in the assignment. Whatever it is, I had lot of fun with my group members. We reminded ourselves that we had to manage our time well as there other assignments to do. Thus, we all came into a conclusion not to do last minute work but to start doing the assignment as soon as possible. so friends, be prepared for the assignment ok... Yes, on this class I relished myself a lot. There is one thing for sure that I can tell you- we are going to have fun in this subject. Just mark my word!

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A step into the WORLD of resources....

Using and developing resources for the ESL classrooms, when I first heard about this subject there were many questions generating in my mind. What is it all about? Do we have to produce resources all by ourselves? Those were two of the many questions lingering in my mind. So, the first day of the class cleared all my doubts. Yes, it is about producing resources that can be used in the primary classrooms but we have to use technology and not the traditional approach. ‘Wow, it would be great’, I thought when I first heard about it. Basically, the first day was all about learning what the subject has in store for all of us. Moreover, we had to register to adec and create our blog on the day. In addition, we also had to answer a few questions that were posed by our lecture to us in adec. As a matter of fact, I felt that the questions were an eye opener as it requires one to scrutinise himself or herself on his or her computer proficiency and what they really expected in this course. We also were advised by our lecture to buy a 4Gb thumb drive for our course. It was really nice of our lecture to tell us this on the first day as it gives us time to go and look for one. All in all, the three hour class were filled with all this activities. It was really compact as we were all occupied with the tasks given. Personally, I really enjoyed the class as it was fun, enjoyable and exciting.