3rd Week

Being a typical teenager means we are so accustomed to downloading songs, video clips and lyrics that we could sometimes do it with our eyes half closed. But today in the Resources class for the first time ever we were asked not only to find a song and its lyrics and its video clip but we were also asked to make a documentation of it using PowerPoint. It’s as if we are going to use our slides to teach some absolutely technology- deprived young ‘kampong’ teenagers.

It felt great because it was something that we all could relate to and it was easy. I also learned something new which is how to copy a web screen and paste it in a PowerPoint slide and then edit it. I’m sure this would be a useful trick to be used later when I’m preparing my teaching slide as it would make my presentation more interesting and livelier.


We were also introduced to the Moyea Downloader Software. It is a useful tool to download videos faster and utilize it more effectively. This software allows us to convert videos that we have downloaded into any formats that we prefer which means we have more options of playing the video in any player that we have. Another advantage of it is the download rate is much faster than any other youtube downloader.



This class has really shown that no matter how much time we spend on the internet and think that we know all there is about the internet world, there is still something that we can learn everyday and improve ourself.

2nd Week

WORKING WITH YOUNG LANGUAGE LEARNERS

As a teacher there are certain principles that we need to be aware of when dealing with young language learners.



1st is Children's ability to grasp meaning- Children are able to understand what is being said to them even before they understand the individual words. They are able to use intonation, gestures, facial expression to help unravel unknwon words or phrase. Teacher could help to polish this ability by emphasizing on the importance of focusing on the nonverbal communication skill. For example playing games such as Charade.

2nd is Children's creative use of limited language resources- Children have the ability to use creative forms of language to express themselves due to the limited knowledge and vocabulary that they have. Using games in classroom will utilize this skill and creativity especially games that focuses on the need for communication.

3rd is Children's capacity for indirect learning- Acquisition of language takes place best when it is unconcious and indirect. Once again using games in classroom ensures that children will not be intimidated with the learning but rather focused on winning the game and solving the problem in hand, this make sure that learning takes place in an effective yet subtle manner.

4th is Children's instinct for play and fun- It in impossible to seperate children with fun and play. So the best way would be to incoprate those two in the learning. Creating a fun based classroom with lots of games and play and not forgetting the learing content would work miracle in boosting childen's learning.



5th is The role of imagination- Children's sense of imagination is at an outmost capacity. They are able to relive the reality in a fantasy world. Thus using stories such as fairy tales would bring their learning the world they are familiar with. Tecaher's should not hinder on their imagination but rather try to encourage them.


6th is The instict for interaction and talk- Language learning is all based on the ability to interact. It is the most powerful and obvious means of applying the language. It is also the best way in receiving feedback and assessong children's ability.

1st Week

This was the 1st official class for the developing and using of resources. Last week was merely an introduction to the course as well as setting some ground rules. This week we have already been divided into groups so the class is much more comfortable and conducive. We are able to use the lab computer and the internet connection was very good. This was very helpful in adding and editing our blog for the subject.
Pn. foziah has introduced us on the importance of using virtual teaching aids as a teacher. she also encouraged us to start collecting materials that we could use as teaching aids such as videos, audios and etc. for future portfolio.
She also emphasized on the correct and most effective way of typing and how we are supposed to utilize both hand and use all 10 fingers for typing. though we may not be strangers to computers and typing but we sure do lack the 'fast-fingers' that are needed to skip and fly through the keyboard with uncanny easiness.
So far, i could say this course would be highly useful and entertaining as it offers me a chance to improve and enhance my repertoire in computer skill and how to use it to create a better learning environment for my future students as well as for my personal gain.