Episode 7 - My E-World (Websites)

EPISODE 7
MY E-WORLD (Websites) 

TARGET
At the end of this activity, you will be decisive in terms of using on-line resource materials and intensive programs.

MAP
For this process, explore the world through these steps:
Step 1. Observe a class and take note of the topic being presented.
Step 2. Surf the net to find sites that provide support materials and/or interactive programs on the topic.
Step 3. Evaluate the materials or programs.
Step 4. Reflect on your FS experience.

      TOOLS

      Please use the activity form provided for you.

Name of Site Author:	Michael Lester Catacutan
Name of Site:	The Official Website of Milescat
Posting or Revision Date:	Not yet posted
Organization represented:	Personal
Date of Access:	Not Applicable
URL:	Not Applicable
Brief Description of the material in the website:	The materials on this website are the author's profile, photos and interests including topic and video.
Evaluation of the Website:	STRENGTHS	WEAKNESSES
The website is very simple but with sense and style.	The site does not use only HTML  codes. It has other script like CSS and Javascript which enhances the tone, style and arrangement of the webpages.	One weakness probably is has only limited information. The website is not interactive to the users.
Name of Evaluator:

Please write your reflection on your FS experience on this page.

Here is my thought about FS3 Technology in the Learning Environment.


Technology changes the way teachers teach, offering educators effective ways to reach different types of learners and assess student understanding through multiple means. It also enhances the relationship between teacher and student. When technology is effectively integrated into subject areas, teachers grow into roles of adviser, content expert, and coach. Technology helps make teaching and learning more meaningful and fun.

Technology may be changing the experience of education, but the role of teachers and parents grow increasingly important as they become the experts and guides for new learning resources. Teachers remain the constant in an ever-changing classroom environment, which will continue to shift with the technological tides.

“Technology cannot teach students. Rather, learners teach technologies. Meaningful learning will result when technologies engage learners in the following:

Knowledge construction, not reproduction

Conversation, not reception

Articulation, not repetition

Collaboration, not competition

Reflection, not prescription"

Episode 6 - Slideshow Biz (Slide Presentation)

EPISODE 6 
SLIDESHOW BIZ (Slide Presentation) 

TARGET
At the end of this activity, you will gain competence in developing and utilizing materials (slide presentations) which involve students in meaningful learning. 

MAP
An effective teacher makes it her/his business to create slide presentations that really enhance instruction.

      To reach your target, follow the storyboard below:

•      Select a topic or subject matter.
•      Develop a slide presentation to support a learning activity on the topic.
•      Try out your presentation to a group of learners.
•      Write a narrative pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of your presentation.

      TOOLS

       As you prepare your slide presentations, use the activity form below. Include an electronic copy of the presentation when you submit it to your FS teacher.

      My Sample PowerPoint Presentation

Analysis

After working on your slide presentation, answer the following questions:

What are the good features of slide presentation?

• Keep it Simple
• Limit bullet points & text
• Limit transitions & builds (animation)
• Use high-quality graphics
• Have a visual theme, but avoid using PowerPoint templates
• Use appropriate charts
• Use color well
• Choose your fonts well
• Use video or audio

Which of these features are present in the slide presentation you made?

• Keep it Simple
• Limit bullet points & text
• Limit transitions & builds (animation)
• Use high-quality graphics
• Have a visual theme, but avoid using PowerPoint templates
• Use appropriate charts
• Use color well
• Choose your fonts well
• Use video or audio

Which features are not present in the slide presentation you made?

• Spend time in the slide sorter

Reflections

1. What difficulties, if any, did you encounter in making the slide presentation? How did you overcome them?

For me, I find it difficult on how to start the presentation, on what theme, design or fonts to use. When I have plenty of ideas, it would take sometime to sort those ideas. I overcame it by being patient, take time to think more and careful planning so that  I won't have major changes of the presentation. 

  

Episode 5 - Paper Works! (Preparing Hand-outs)

EPISODE 5
PAPER WORKS! (Preparing Hand-outs)

TARGET
At the end of this activity, you will gain competence in preparing instructional materials (hand-outs) that are appropriate to the learning content.

MAP
With a lot of reflective thinking coupled with your creativity, you can design hand-outs that will truly work well to make learning effective. You will see that preparing hand-outs is not just any paper work. When you produce high quality hand-outs and eventually try them out, you will discover that, indeed., paper works! To reach your target, follow the steps below:

• Prepare handouts for a selected topics (i.e. flowcharts, schema, graphic organizers).
• Describe your handouts.
• Present it to your FS teacher before reproducing it.

      TOOLS

       As you prepare your hand-outs, use the activity form below.

HAND-OUT PLAN Subject Matter:  What is a Computer? Grade/Year Level: 2nd year Outline Definition of a computer Different types of computer Parts of the computer Types of Graphic Organizers/flow-chart/schema to use:  T-Chart References: Internet E-books My Sample Hand-outs

Analysis

After working on your hand-out, answer the following questions: 

What are the good features of a hand-out? 

• Easy to follow 
• Short bullet point format 
• Your presentation should follow the same order (so that it is easy to understand what you are saying) 
• Subtitles make it easier to read 
• Put keywords in bold type 
• Make sure that all the important points of your presentation are on the handout 
• Don't include too much info (otherwise it can become cluttered) 
• Your topic should be easily recognizable 
• Best if it is only one side of a sheet of paper 

Which of these features are present in the hand-out I made?

• Easy to follow 
• Short bullet point format 
• Your presentation should follow the same order (so that it is easy to understand what you are saying) 
• Put keywords in bold type 
• Make sure that all the important points of your presentation are on the handout 
• Don't include too much info (otherwise it can become cluttered) 
• Your topic should be easily recognizable 
• Best if it is only one side of a sheet of paper 

Which features are not present in the hand-out I made?

• Subtitles make it easier to read 

Reflections

What difficulties, if any, did you encounter in making the hand-outs? How did you overcome them?

For me, probably the arrangement of the text and images because sometimes both mix up. Take time to arrange it properly and use some sense of creativity.

What tips can you give teachers regarding preparation of hand-outs?

Of course, make sure to follow the good features of  hand-outs. Keep it simple and brief. Plan the design of your handouts well. Students should have a copy of the handouts available after discussion.     

Episode 4 - Tools of the Trade (Teaching Aids Bank)

EPISODE 4
TOOLS OF THE TRADE (Teaching Aids Bank)

TARGET
At the end of this activity, you will gain competence in preparing instructional materials that are appropriate to the learning content.

MAP
Step 1. To reach your target, follow the steps below:

      Step 2. Decide on a specific content area.

     Step 3. Find out the learning resources relevant to your topic that are available from your school/university’s learning resource center.

      Step 4. Develop a pile of teaching aids (flash cards, pictures, cut-outs transparencies).

      Step 5. Organize them in the box.

TOOLS

      As you observe the class, use the activity forms provided for you to document your observations.

OBSERVATION REPORT Name of the School: Xavier University Observed: Xavier University Library Location of the School:  Corrales Ave., Cagayan de Oro City                            Date of Visit: August 31, 2013 It’s been awhile that I haven’t gone to a library for a cause. I think it’s almost a decade and just last Saturday, August 31, 2013, I visited Xavier University Library. I remembered the times when I used to go to the library to study during exams and quizzes as well as doing my researches. The libraries of Xavier University are housed in two fully-airconditioned buildings:  the three-storey Main Library and the five-storey Library Annex.  The two buildings are connected by a walkway. There are so many resources you can find at Xavier University Library and its ample enough for doing researches. There are lots of books for courses such as Nursing, Engineering, Business Management, Agriculture, Medical, Graduate and Law. There is an American Corner or AC which houses a special collection of resources for use in courses with American content and for those interested in American culture, institutions and society.  FILIPINIANA LIBRARY is also open where you can find local and national newspapers, including books and journals on and about the Philippines and its people. And if you are looking for old documents, the Serial library will help you with more than 3,000 titles of foreign journals, magazines, newspapers, plus 250 titles on microfilm and microfiche. Back issues, starting 1994, of national newspapers are on microfilm. The library is very conducive for studying. There are plenty of tables and chairs to accommodate the students and the place is well-lighted and well-ventilated. The XU library is very organized and you can see a lot of signage to quickly find the books you are looking for. Aside from that, the librarians and student assistants are very approachable and knowledgeable about their work. The library is very clean and there are also proper etiquettes to be followed like no food and drinks allowed and dragging of feet while going up and down the stairs. The XU library is a computerized one. When you enter the library, ID’s are scanned first and when borrowing books bar code readers are used to scan the books and record it in the computer database. There is an Internet laboratory for online researches. There are also other services provided inside the library. You can reserve books, availability of photocopier, access to ALINET (Academic Libraries Information Network in Mindanao) and Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC) or the Web Public Access Catalog (WebPAC) and other beneficial services. The library is a place to study, to do research and could really help a lot in the learning of students. If students are very studios and resourceful enough, I’m pretty sure they will be successful in school and at work in the future. If the library is well ventilated, organized and in order, more students are motivated to use it. But sometimes, libraries are abused by students like they just go there to sleep and other activities unrelated to learning. I just hope that more students will maximize the use of the library because it is really useful in their studies.

Learning Resources on a Specific Content Area                  Use the graphic organizer to present the learning resources relevant to the topic chosen. On the line inside the box, indicate if the resource is already AVAILABLE, MAYBE PURCHASED, OR WILL BE MADE (by you, of course!) TOPIC: Parts of the Computer                                    Grade/year level: 2nd year

Analysis

Give at least three benefits of doing a survey of available materials before making your own materials? Explain each.

1. For me, doing the survey of available materials would save time and effort. Like for example I am looking for a material and it is already available at a bookstore so instead of making one I will just buy it.
2. Another benefit also is you can add new insights and details on your desired material thus making it more original and expressing your own creativity.
3. Learning. As you do the survey, you will find new things and ideas probably irrelevant to your material but maybe in the future these things and ideas will be useful.

Reflections

1. Which of the materials did you like making the most? Why?

For me, the material that I like making most is the PowerPoint presentation because I can do a lot of things on it. I can put some video, pictures and other styles and I can do a lot of customization. Most students love PowerPoint presentation in class.

2. What difficulties, if any, did you encounter in making the materials? How did you overwhelm them?

There was one instance my teacher ask me to do a mock-up of computer. It was difficult because you need to do it with indigenous and crafting it was not easy. I overcame it with patience and being resourceful enough.

3. What tips can you give teachers regarding preparation of teaching materials?

Make sure that the materials you are using is appropriate in the class instruction. Prepare and test the materials before using it in the class. As much as possible, be resourceful enough to save time and money and also try to use variety of materials so that the class won't get bored.

Episode 3 - See and Say (Utilization of Teaching Aids)

EPISODE 3
SEA AND SAY (Utilization of Teaching Aids) 

TARGET
At the end of this activity, you will gain competence in determining the appropriateness of teaching aids to learning tasks.

MAP
To reach your target, follow the steps below:

      Step 1. Observe a class on its regular schedule.
      Step 2. Note down the various teaching aids that were utilized in the teaching learning process.
      Step 3. Comment on the appropriateness of the teaching aids to the learning tasks.
      Step 4. Reflect on your learning.

      TOOLS

       As you observe the class, use the activity forms provided for you to document your observations.
     

       

OBSERVATION REPORT Date of Observation: September 24, 2013 Name of Center Observed: Xavier University - Center for Integrated Technologies Subject: Digital Electronics                                           Topic: KMAP Grade/Year Level: Second Year Last September 24, 2013, I went to Xavier University –Center for Integrated Technologies to observe the class of Ms. Oliva Lim. The subject was about Digital Electronics and students were 2nd year level.    This subject required more of a direct instruction approach so students must be attentive on the steps given by the teacher. Ms. Lim started discussing the new topic and everyone was listening and was looking on the board. The class was interested on the subject. While Ms. Lim was writing the illustrations on the board the students were taking some notes. Within the discussion, there are some questions and clarifications raised by the students. It really showed that the students were active on the class. There was truly an interaction between the teacher and the students. Ms. Lim also asked questions to the students to affirm that they understand the topic. The environment was really conducive for learning and students had high respect for Ms. Lim and there were not afraid to share their ideas or ask questions related to the topic. Even though Ms. Lim was only using the traditional board and pen teaching aid, the students were eager to learn about the lesson. Ms. Lim made sure that her writings and illustrations on the board were clear to the students. The teacher doesn’t really need to use high tech devices to catch the attention of the students as long as the teacher is effective in teaching her lessons. Ms. Lim had ways to maintain the level of attention of the class thus making lesson more fun and interactive. At the end of the day, materials and other aids could not replace a teacher because she can feel and understand what the students need to learn.

UTILIZATION OF TEACHING AIDS FORM

Grade or Year Level of Class Observed:  Second Year
Date of Observation: September 24, 2013
Subject Matter: Digital Electronics
Brief Description of Teaching Approach Used by the Teacher: The subject requires more of a direct instruction approach so students must be attentive on the steps given by the teacher. The students will solve problems through drills or seat works with analysis.
Teaching Aids used (Enumerate in bullet form)	Strengths	Weaknesses	Comments on  Appropriateness of the Teaching Aids used
Whiteboard	Easily available Inexpensive and  easy to install Easy to clean  and edit  Attention grabber	Temporary and  cannot be saved Sometimes messy Teacher turns back  while writing Handwriting and  spelling deficiency  can cause  disruption	It should be maintained  and cleaned Plan ahead what to write  on the board Write legibly and neatly Avoid talking to the board Never use hand in erasing Don't block the board  while writing

      

       

Analysis

What do you think prompted the teacher to choose the materials/learning resources that she/he used?

I think she choose the whiteboard because it is easy to write and erase or edit data on it. It is easier to draw diagrams and illustrations spontaneously. It is more about the convenience aside from the fact the subject requires  direct  approach which is a teacher oriented instruction.

What difficulties, if any, did the teacher experience? How can this be managed?

Based on my observation, I didn't find any problems because the teacher was adept with the subject and she was teaching the subject for almost twenty years. So using the board was not difficult for her but probably if you are new to it, the handwriting and blocking of the board will be a factor.. Practice writing on the board to manage this problems.

Over-all, were the learning resources/materials used effectively? Why? Why not?

For me, Yes, the learning resources were used effectively because the students were attentive and there was class participation going on. At the end of the lesson, I can say that the students learned a lot based on how they react to the instructions of the teacher.

Reflections

1. Put yourself in the of the teacher. What could you do similarly and what would you do differently if you will teach the same lesson to the same group of students? Why?

If I was to teach the same lesson to those group of students, I still used the same teaching aid because it is really difficult to teach subject that involves a bit about numbers and diagrams. I will make sure that my writings on the board are as legible and neat as to the teacher that I observed. To break the monopoly of using the board, I will probably show a video or have a presentation using the LCD projector and later used the board for further discussions.

Episode 2 - Bulletin Board Displays

EPISODE 2
BULLETIN BOARD DISPLAYS

TARGET
At the end of this activity, you will be competent in appraising the effectiveness of display boards as learning resources.

MAP

Display board, or what we more commonly refer to as bulletin board, is one of the most readily available and versatile learning resources.

To reach the target, I need to:

1. Look around a school for bulletin board displays.
2. Pick one and evaluate the display.
3. Propose enhancements to make the display more effective.

TOOLS
As you look around and examine board displays, use the activity forms provided for you to document your observations.

       

OBSERVATION REPORT Name of The School: Xavier University - Center for Integrated Technologies Observed: Bulletin boards Location of the School: Masterson Avenue near Pueblo de Oro, Cagayan de Oro City                                          Date of Visit: December 16, 2013 Last December, I observed the bulletin boards of Center of Integrated Technologies, a unit of Xavier University for three year technology courses at Mastersons Avenue near Pueblo de Oro. I roamed around the campus and I found out that there are more or less three to five bulletin boards. There were two big bulletin boards near the entrance hall which everyone can see. There was another bulletin board near the registrar and director’s office and two inside the offices, one in the registrar’s office and the other in the faculty room. The displays were about news and information for the students and the entire campus community and memos from the director and school president. There are pictures and letters posted in the bulletin board. The main bulletin board is well arranged and were labeled and categorized. The main bulletin board is from a recycled blackboard and others were cork type bulletin boards. There were no borders in all bulletin boards. I did not find any errors on the boards that I observed.

From among the board displays that you saw, pick the one that you got more interested in. Evaluate it using the evaluation form below.

BOARD DISPLAYS EVALUATION FORM

Topic of the Board Display: News and Information

Location of the Board Display in School: Near the entrance hall 

 Check the column that indicates your rating. Write comments to back up your ratings. 
4-Outstanding            3-Very Satisfactory                  2-Satisfactory             1-Needs Improvement

Criteria	NI  1	S    2	VS  3	O    4	Comments
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION Conveys the message quickly and clearly			ü		the board was located in place  where everyone can see
ATTRACTIVENESS Colors and arrangement catch and hold interest.		ü			there were less decorations and eye catching effects
BALANCE Objects are arranged so stability is perceived.			ü		the posts on the board were categorized
UNITY Repeated shapes or colors or use of borders  holds display together.		ü			less shapes and colors used
INTERACTIVITY The style and approach entice learners to be  involved.			ü		the board was informative especially  on what's going with the school
LEGIBILITY Letters and illustrations can be seen from a  good distance.			ü		the headings were very visible from a distance
CORRECTNESS Free from grammar errors, misspelled words,  and ambiguity.				ü	no errors at all
DURABILITY Well-constructed, items are securely attached.			ü		probably it will be detach if intended

AN EVALUATION REPORT OF A BULLETIN BOARD

Bulletin Board Evaluated by: Michael Lester Catacutan
Location: XU-CIT
Brief Description of the Bulletin Board: The bulletin board is made of a recycled blackboard and news and information of the school are posted on it. It is located near the entrance hall, a border-less  bulletin board and categorized according to purpose.
EVALUATION
	Strengths	Weaknesses
Observations	Very spacious - you can put lots of postings Very visible to everyone Very informative	Less attractive, not so compelling Can be detach easily
Judgments / Evaluation of educational content and other aspects	It is more on the news and activities of the campus which are important on the school life of the students.	Probably some of the students will  not get the information if the board is not attractive to them.
Recommendations or suggestions for improvement: Add more eye catching effects or decorations, add a border and probably put a cover so that the postings will not be detach easily. I also suggest to have a different type of bulletin display to be used.

Analysis:

Did the board display design reflect the likes/interests of its target audiences? Why? Why not?

Yes. I believe that the display design reflects the interests of the audiences because the students get lots of information and updates which can be useful for them. For example, announcement of schedule of exams and activities and other information that are beneficial on their school life.

Was the language used clear and simple for the target audience to understand? Why? Why not?

Yes. It was very clear for the audience to understand because it was using English language and it was not using symbols or jargon which would be unfamiliar to the audience

What do you think was the purpose of the board display? Was it effective? Why? Why not?

The purpose of the display was simply disseminating of information, updates and news to the students as well as to the teacher and other members of the campus community. I think it was effective because students take time to read the news and updates on the display board thus giving them information of what is going around the school.

What suggestions can you make?

Add more eye catching effects or decorations, add a border and probably put a cover so that the postings will not be detach easily. I also suggest to have a different type of bulletin display to be used.

Based on your suggestions, propose an enhanced version of the display board. Use the form below.

MY PROPOSED BOARD DISPLAY

Theme: Technology Based Look

Board Title: Xavier University - Center for Integrated Technologies Bulletin Board

Rationale: (Purpose) To inform the students about what's new in the school community. News and updates about the latest policies and rules of the school made by the administrators. Guide the students on their school life and update them on the latest activities and exam schedules. Give  information that are  beneficial to the students and the campus community.

Objectives: To be able to create and design an enhance version of the board display which is more attractive, clear and well arranged and secured.

Best features of my proposed bulletin enhancement: The best feature of my proposed bulletin enhancement is the use of glass as its cover. In this way, the postings on the bulletin board are protected from any form of damage and vandalism.

Content Resources (Name each needed resource and give each a brief discussion): Letters and memos from the administrators: These could contain new policies of the school and other agenda that the school wants to tell to the students as well as the teachers. Pictures, Clippings, Announcements and Flyers These could contain a lot of information for the students like schedules of exam, activities of the school (Intramurals, Foundation Days), health tips and other things.

Materials for aesthetic enhancement: New bulletin board with glass cover Printed Text and Photos Adhesives Cutting Materials

Based on your suggestions, make your own board display lay-out. You may present your output through any of these:

• A hand-made drawing or layout
• An electronic (computer) drawing/illustration or layout
• A collage

My Board Display Lay-out

Reflections: 

Name at least five skills that a teacher should have to be able to come up with effective board displays. Elaborate on why each skill is needed.    

• Creativity  - A teacher should be creative so that the display will be attractive and interesting to the audience.
• Organization - A teacher should be organized so that display will be arranged properly thus making the information clear to the students.
• Communication - A teacher should be well versed on what words to use for the display so that it will be understood by the audience.
• Resourcefulness - A teacher should be resourceful so that the display will not be costly and he/she can use indigenous or recycled materials for the display.
• Knowledgeable- A teacher should know the information or data that should be posted on the display. 

Which of the following skills you named in # 1 do you already have? Recall your past experiences in making board displays. How do you practice these skills?

For me, I think I have all the skills but not on the excellent level probably just average. I really don't had much experience in making board displays though I have art lessons during elementary and secondary years. I sometimes do photo editing on computers and making tarpaulin layouts which could be a good practice for creativity and organization skills.

Which skills do you still need to develop/ what concrete steps will you take on how you can improve on or acquire these skills.

I will develop more on the knowledge aspect and resourcefulness on making board display. Since I am not used to in making board display, I will do some researches about the design and type of board display to use and what are the important information needed to be posted on the display. I also need to enhance my resourcefulness to maximize the materials around me and can save little amounts for other projects.