ICT Session 5

Our ICT class was held at the MxL Lab. I have mixed feelings. The first part of the lesson, Jessica’s team and my two teammates were impressive and were like cool cats. During my turn of the demo presentation it was disastrous. I was a bunch of nerves and sounded like a nervous-wreck even to my own ears!

Blogging is very powerful as it enables distributing of information and with the comment feature, questions can be asked, comments and critques give a voice. Being observed and assisted by other students enable students to stay engaged on the task.

MixedInk

Using MixedInk in our lessons is an impactful tool. Working in a specified timeframe, this tool provides an avenue for groups of students to simultaneously post their ideas and work towards a consolidated version. For instance in a creative writing group project, students can submit their suggestions and ideas and then come up with the most suitable version. This encourages collaboration and sharing. The teacher can provide guiding scaffolding to ensure that students are on track. Students are being prepared for the real world in school.

Outside the school domain, it can solve real world problem. When everyone pools their contribution and the best version of the idea is put forward as in a protest letter from members of public airing their grievances e.g. against increase in bus fare or residents’ outcry on demolishing an old treasured building. It enables the crafting out of the best idea from the submission of all the “spokespersons” and projecting the group’s opinion.

Station 4 - Wii (Sports and Fit) - Gaming

The second part of the lesson was a real treat. Finally, I “played” tennis - backhand, forehand and volley! The boxing punches were also fun ! It was a fun-filled de-stressing session. It was a visual treat to watch Riza skiing merrily, Jessica hullahooping energetically and Alphonsus swinging blistering punches that will put Mike Tyson to shame!

What I learned from the activities?

Games are an in thing with students. We need to think from their perspective. I guess, gaming helps us to relate better with students. Learning how to dodge those punches and play proper tennis certainly needed thinking and strategizing. Therefore, I would say it’s an energizing and healthy activity certainly not a waste. I enjoyed it! Students nowadays are digital natives and have this we-and-them attitude towards teachers. Gaming is fun and a starting point to win students over and show them that there is a child inside every teacher. The challenge is to strike a balance and ensuring that the curriculum aspect is not overlooked and must be delivered.

Station 5 - James Paul Gee's 36 Learning Principles of Games

Our group chose one of the principles and tried to google for more information. It was quite a rush. We need to relook at this alternatively select another learning principle.