reflection #15

 The Rise of Technology

“Before you become too entranced with gorgeous gadgets and mesmerizing video displays, let me remind you that information is not knowledge, knowledge is not wisdom, and wisdom is not foresight. Each grows out of the other, and we need them all.”
― Arthur C. Clarke

Looking back in our past, we have a traditional concept of learning and education. It was more like of lecturing, reading books, taking notes back-to-back and completing assignments in the form of answering questions or writing essays. Therefore, it would be impossible if the presence of a teacher, books, and chalkboards are missing: learning and teaching would not be existing. But nowadays, it's a whole different point of view. Students of today can progress at his/her own because teachers have used the full advantage of manipulating a computer. computer then became an essential part of being an aid in teaching.

It is indeed to be remembered that owning and manipulating a particular technology is not a reliance of knowledge and wisdom. As teachers, we are reminded that this technology is just a tool to use the full potential of technology.

Teachers in the past have a hard time teaching complex things. In an article written by Lynn Schrum of Education World, "It is certainly not enough to tell educators that they need to use the boxes and wires that have invaded their schools simply because they are expensive or because students need to know how to use the latest widget. If it's clear that technological tools will help them achieve that goal, educators will use those tools. In a technology-rich classroom, students don't "learn" technology. Technology merely provides the tools to be used for authentic learning. It is a means, not an end. Technology provides educators with the opportunity to move from simply streamlining the way things have always been done to really imagining things they would like to do."

Then moreover to this,  considering technology as a tool in teaching, there are some Factors in deciding on which technology is to use. One is Practicality, this put into consideration if the equipment or hardware or the already prepared lesson material/ software is available. and If not, the possible cost in acquiring the equipment or producing the lesson in audio or visual form is taken unto account. Secondly, the appropriateness in relation to the learners. It should be considered and reviewed if the material to be used would be just for entertainment, amusement or for learning. The main goal is that through technology, students will learn. Suitability comes third and Objective-matching  comes fourth. Most important of all if the medium helps in achieving the learning objective(s).

Finally, teachers must educate themselves on how to best use those tools to enhance teaching and learning.

It is an exciting time to be teaching, and we must seize this moment to challenge ourselves, our students, our administrators, and policymakers throughout the country to help all teachers make the best use of the technology tools available to them.

Reflection #14

A Teacher Can Make A Difference

 

Reminiscing the moments that we had this night, the movie clips were all heart-warming and heart-touching. Most of it really made us brought into somewhat tears not of joy but of realization. Realization of how blessed we really are in that room compared to the children we have seen in the clips. 

 

When most of the time we complain about the food, the shelter, the clothing while opposite of the world we are living are embracing the famine and loss of everything they need.

 Let us complain less, and give more!

 

In lieu with this,  teachers can have a big part in making a difference. What the learners need is not the academics but their need is the teacher's compassion for teaching them. Compassion makes a lot of differences. I have seen the videos or rather the slideshow of pictures in which there are programs to help children and their parents in terms of livelihood. We could ask, "Where do the programs PARDO and SARDO come from?" But the answer is out from the compassion of the teachers to help children learn and to help their parents make a living.

 

From the story of the Four Candles, even though a teacher may have lost its faith, peace, and love, but a candle of Hope is undying, then the teacher's heart of compassion would never end also. How amazing it is for the Almighty Creator to have thought of creating a teacher that a kindle of Hope doesn't fall out. Because of hope, compassion to the learners is always present, it never dies.

 

For a teacher to be a maker of difference, one thing I've realized is not to complain. Complain less and give more.  Complain less of the hard work in letting them understand a lesson, complain less of the sacrifices to be patient, complain less of being the head instead give more love, give more understanding, give more gentleness, give more patience, give more self-control, give more joy, and give more smiles. It takes hope to have compassion.

 

What shall we do then, but to have the first step in making a difference. I remembered my late mother, in her employment as a government teacher, I had never heard her and seen her complain concerning the authorities above her. In my mom's burial, her Principal even testified to this, that one can never see and hear her complain, maybe that explains why on her burial, as much as my mom in her compassion have touched the heart of many people, many witnessed it.

 

it is high time to follow my mom's footsteps. Thank you Father God for this learning in which it enlightens my mind to see things the way You want me to see it.

To God be the glory!

 

reflection #13

Problem-Centered Design

Reflection of the Discussion

 

This problem-centered design or others call it as Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is a student- centered pedagogy in which through the experience of problem solving, students learn about a subject. Not only that, the students can also learn both thinking strategies and domain knowledge. To help the students develop flexible knowledge, effective problem solving skills, selfdirected learning, effective collaboration skills and intrinsic motivation are the goals of Problem-Based Learning. 

For the students to identify what they already know, what they need to know, and how and where to access new information that may lead to resolution of the problem, they have to work in groups. To facilitate learning by supporting, guiding, and monitoring the learning process is the role of the instructor or also known as the tutor in PBL. This model represents a paradigm shift from traditional teaching and learning philosophy, which is more often lecture-based. The constructs for teaching PBL are very different from traditional classroom/lecture teaching.

One positive thing about this design is that this addresses the need to promote lifelong learning through the process of inquiry and constructivist learning. This design is considered a constructivist because of its approach to instruction, in which emphasizing collaborative and self-directed learning and being supported by flexible teacher through scaffolding. On the other hand, this design is not applicable to all educational levels and this is only best in secondary and tertiary levels. For fundamental years are very critical, so the children at this stage must be fed very well namely the elementary years of an individual.

The output of this design is one of a kind because it concerns the learner's dealing with his/her life. This design aims to let the learners or students master the art of problem solving and decision making. Our instructor also discussed to us that Science is not just facts. One example of this fact is about the teaching of the scientific method, in which when we were yet in our elementary and secondary years, we have been taught of this by our Science teachers. It is sad to note that this lesson of scientific methods are left in the four corners of our rooms. Were we even taught that this scientific methods can be applied in our daily life? Knowing our real-life problems, observing it and concluding of what is best to do on that problem, were our eyes open to this reality? Little did we know that scientific methods can be applied in our life and in our decision making. Only if we have known this truth, then maybe this could lessen our regrets in life. Unfortunately, our teachers that time were not even enlightened by this realization.

In this Problem-based learning, we can implant to our students the most important learning of their total experiences. The most valuable of our teaching is to integrate our academic lessons into their real life situations. In which through this academic learning, we can let our students know how to deal with life in their social problems, needs, interest and abilities. As future teachers, we can embrace this kind of learning on what to teach to our students.  We can be more meaningful teachers if we are to know how to implement this strategy and technique.

I don't have long term memory in my case that's why I can't remember the detailed experiences with my past teachers and on how they dealt with this problem-centered design (if there was ever). Knowing also the reality that traditional lecture-based learning cannot be avoided in our teaching. We are so much engrossed in this technique that it is hard for new teachers and old teachers alike to shift from the traditional way.  But yes, our experience is our best teacher that is why with our past experiences, we can move on to the more effective way of letting our learners learn the true meaning of learning.

Today is the tomorrow of yesterday and yesterday is the tomorrow of today.

assignment

 Problem - Centered Design