competency-test2

Please find above  the new competency test. I have used my old test, and placed a Y instead of an X to show the new results. When I finished the test, it shows that I have i higher score than the first time I filled the test out. This is due to the fact that  I have gained more skills in ICT than when I had started the course. This course I have found so useful. There were so many programs which I have not heard of before such as Inspiration, WebQuest and Photostory 3. This has therefore broadened my skills and knowledge in the new technology.

I think some of the areas which are weakened are due to the fact that the next box required me to place a letter if it was implemented into the school program, which is where the boxes seem to finish. This is because I am not a teacher as of yet, and am observing students at a school. If I was a teacher, these programs would be implemented. Some of the weaknesses however, involve the multi tasking of some of the medias. My skills have advanced though as previously said by using the computers.

Some of the areas in ICT to improve are probably ways in which to show the students these programs, and using them in a group situation. Apart from that, without physically introducing the task, I couldn’t see a way to improve without implementing it within the classroom environment.

This unit will as a teacher provide me with the foundations to implement technology within the classroom environment. The reason for this includes the fact that technology in its advancement enhances the learning of the students. For example, Inspiration allows students to present information in a mind map in a neat manner, with the advantage of writing information in a text box.

In terms of Excel, the program can assist teachers in presenting the marks of the students in their assessments. The information can also demonstrate to teachers which students are excelling, and which ones are emerging in their learning.

With Photostory3, teachers can use the program for students to tell a story using images. The program gives simple instructions on how to write a story, and where to place the images, with the additives of sounds, transitions and text.

Powerpoint allows teachers to implement a new topic, and present it to students. The program also allows students to present information on an assessment task. With assistance of a teacher, students are able to establish skills in technology in order to follow through with this task.

It is therefore conclusive that the programs that have been taught in ICT are vital to the current student body within the education environment. Without the current education presented to student teachers and teachers inclusive, it provides a barrier on the programs available for our new generations. It also allows teachers to use technology to cater and integrate the curriculum. It is of great help to have this knowledge to teach and share with other students in the future.

photostoryHere is the last item find attachment below

interactive-whiteboard.doc

This is my Portfolio item for Weeks 10 and 11. This entry includes the Inspiration Task, which should be attached.

excel-assessment.xls

This week, we had finished the Excel Portfolio Item. I found the concept of the Grade system difficult, and had to ask for assistance. I think this was mainly due to the fact that I was at the back of the room, meaning that it took me a while to follow through with the sums, in order to complete the portfolio item.
After the assistance, I can now present the item, and hand it in as an assessment. Please find it attched.

As an evaluation of this task, I found Microsoft a valuable tool in the Education world. I believe that Excel can be used in a variety of ways, in terms of displaying results of students marks, forming a graph on results or with data gathered by students- within the classroom environment, the program would also allow students to use another tool other than pencils, and rulers to display mathematical information, it would integrate technology within the classroom, as well as teach skills to the teacher.

This resource can also be of assistance while at uni as it can assist in the evaluation of information for an assessment task or to develop further skills from other sources eg. teachers in order to broaden the skills in the program.

portfolio-4-publisher.jpg

This is my Portfolio 4 Assessment- which is attached to this file. I felt that this was a fun and therapeutic exercise, as it was an opportunity to talk about myself…rather than researching a topic, and then presenting it on a page! This made the designing of the page alot easier!

I just realised that the link may not work for my Portfolio on Web Quest 1. Here it is:

http://members.tripod.com/africa_cms_cwr/home3.htm

The Bibliography for this is:

Ramseur, C.A. (January 5, 2005). Exploring Geography in Our Global Classroom: “The Study of Africa Using a Web Quest”. Retrieved 2 April, 2008, from

http://members.tripod.com/africa_cms_cwr/home3.htm

I didn’t realise that this was unable to be accessed from the page, Sorry also for the delayed Bibliography with this source.

portfolio-4-2nd-web-quest.doc

portfolio-4-pt-1.doc

This entry involves the portfolio of Web Quests. I felt Web Quest to be an interactive server where students can access information regarding a project. I  felt that some positive aspects of Web Quest (since my previous entry) include:

• Teachers providing students to relevant sites for Web Quests
• The information for the project relevant with its captions
• The tasks to be interactive and web-based
• Students were able to express themselves within the tasks through art, and technology.

I felt there were some negative qualities of the web Quest. This involved:

• That the information to be accessed had a more internet bias approach
• Some Web Quests had links which were broken, where as a book for example would have the information presented in it, without a “broken link”.

Overall, I felt that Web Quests were a great and interactive tool for students to use, and it’s great to see the advancement in technology since I was at school, and the way in which information is presented. If I had not taken part in this subject, I would not have known that this worl even existed.

I feel that this supports Vygotsky’s theory of scaffolding as students are able to use the basic information they know on subjects such as “bugs” or “Africa” and find out further information such as the use of technology, and the thought of even being a bug, such innovative and creative ideas. It also gives students the opportunity to be creative with their mind, and think of ways to process informaion and be in the mind of someone else, or another object.

http://members.tripod.com/africa_cms_cwr/home3.htm

a-rubric-for-evaluating-webquests.docx

I have read the reading for this week, and found the introduction to Microsoft Publisher to be quite interesting. I am looking forward to playing around with it for the next portfolio. I think Publisher is one of those programs (which I have experienced before) where it gives you alot of le-way on the sorts of tasks you can do. It also allows an individual to use the creative side of their brain, and create a variety of projects, and information sheets. I feel that this task will be a little easier to grasp.

I found the instructions for WebQuest to be ok. The rubric was fairly complex, but I’m sure over due course that the information will come as second nature to me.

uni-ict-portfolio-assessment-2.docuni-ict-portfolio-assessment-2.docThis tutorial provided me with the opportunity to start some of the work due for this assessment. It was great that Mark was able to re-cover the expectations of the second assessment, as I was unable to attend the lesson. I feel with my learning style (auditory), that Mark gave me a greater idea on how this assessment was to be presented. This week, I feel I have locked into the University life in terms of the amount of work that needs to be done with a certain amount of time. Tjis will be continuous until the break in the middle of the year- which will be great.

I felt the second part of Mark’s lesson this week was good on the WebQuests. I had never heard of them before, and fouund it interesting that students (or children) were not encouraged to not use the search engines as much unless they were looking for information and then evaluatiing. The use of WebQuest allows students to have that interactive tool, as well as analyse, synthesise and evaluate information. This is far greater and more high order thinking I feel for students in a learning environment. I shall remember this tool when teaching in a professional role.. I would like to have more information on the types of Webquests available so that when I am in the professional environment, I’ll know exactly where to go inorder to show the students. I look forward to next lesson.