It's quite convenient for teachers to create websites by various website creators. They don't need to worry about coding and server problems. All they need to do is to arrange the layout of the pages, fill them with useful content, and click "publish". Then their websites can be seen by the world.
The process of creating a website is a big fun, but you have to think about all the factors to make the pages more engaging and user-friendly. As user interface is highly required in current Internet situation, colors, fonts, pictures, texts, and even flash, audio and video clips should be taken into consideration when doing the design. The pages should be resourceful but not overwhelming. The amount of content should be controlled strictly, and the content should be placed right in the pages.
As a teacher for the new generations, it is very important for me to keep up with the technological trend. Both teaching content and ways of teaching should be updated to meet the students' satisfaction. Though it is a big challenge, I would like to try to conquer it.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Reflections on Evaluation Rubrics
Since using the iPads in the classroom is a trend in the educational field, appropriate applications should be selected carefully for assisting teaching and self-learning. The Evaluation Rubric for IPod Apps is quite clear and easy for educators to apply in the evaluation. There are six domains in this rubric. They are Curriculum Connection, Authenticity, Feedback, Differentiation, User Friendliness, Student Motivation, which are essential to be considered. When applying this form, in my opinion, based on the backgrounds of students at different ages and levels, it is not necessary that every application reaches the highest score in each domain, as long as it meets the specific requirements of the students. For instance, if an application cannot provides enough feedback to correctness of student responses, I think it is probably not a problem because students can get feedback from the teachers as well. My point of view is that electronic devices should always be secondary, and should not take place of the existence of real teachers.
In the form of Critical Evaluation of a Content-Based Mobile App, the standards seem more detailed. Four more components (Reporting, Sound, Instructions, and Support page) are added. Moreover, Bloom's Taxonomy is mentioned in this form. I think that it is more helpful for the teachers who are working with regular school students.
From my point of view, higher scores or more yes boxes in the evaluation cannot determine whether an application is appropriate or not. These forms can only be reference but not evidence. The decision relies more on the teachers' judgement and analysis on the current situation about the class and the students.
In the form of Critical Evaluation of a Content-Based Mobile App, the standards seem more detailed. Four more components (Reporting, Sound, Instructions, and Support page) are added. Moreover, Bloom's Taxonomy is mentioned in this form. I think that it is more helpful for the teachers who are working with regular school students.
From my point of view, higher scores or more yes boxes in the evaluation cannot determine whether an application is appropriate or not. These forms can only be reference but not evidence. The decision relies more on the teachers' judgement and analysis on the current situation about the class and the students.
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
Use of Microsoft Spreasheets
In my opinion, the most interesting part of this week's class is that I have learned how to create crossword puzzles by Microsoft Excel. Additionally, seating charts and timelines can also be created by it. I have never tried these before when learning how to use Excel.
Excel is an excellent office software for calculating students' scores and making records of their progress. Although it is very common to most of people, apparently many of its functions have not been discovered. The teachers cannot only apply equations to calculate, but we can also create handouts for the students. I think that various usages will be found in the future use. Just have fun with it!
Excel is an excellent office software for calculating students' scores and making records of their progress. Although it is very common to most of people, apparently many of its functions have not been discovered. The teachers cannot only apply equations to calculate, but we can also create handouts for the students. I think that various usages will be found in the future use. Just have fun with it!
iPad in ESL classrooms
There is no doubt that the iPad is an advanced tool for assisting teaching and learning. With the help of modern technology, the teacher and the student can reach more useful and lively resources than textbooks. The class can be more flexible than teaching in an old-fashioned way. However, how much knowledge and skills students will master by the iPads cannot be estimated.
Based on my TESOL background, I still consider that the best way to learn a language should be old-fashioned. Actually, without modern technology in ancient times, our ancestors can acquire foreign languages, and they can even compile dictionaries. So I don't think advanced technology is the primary condition on second language acquisition. In the process of acquiring a language, memorizing and practices should be the most significant elements. Human internal devices can never be replaced by any external tools.
The teachers should control and manage the use of the iPad, and encourage students be more dependent on their own brains than those electronic devices. In my opinion, human beings should be the creators of new technology but not slaves.
Based on my TESOL background, I still consider that the best way to learn a language should be old-fashioned. Actually, without modern technology in ancient times, our ancestors can acquire foreign languages, and they can even compile dictionaries. So I don't think advanced technology is the primary condition on second language acquisition. In the process of acquiring a language, memorizing and practices should be the most significant elements. Human internal devices can never be replaced by any external tools.
The teachers should control and manage the use of the iPad, and encourage students be more dependent on their own brains than those electronic devices. In my opinion, human beings should be the creators of new technology but not slaves.
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