All Categories - GE1155

Reflection (Week 14)

12/25/2015

Hey guys! So, this is going to be the last reflection for this semester. There's no reflection for Week 13 since the class is cancelled due to a reason that I can't remember. Hahaha. Anyway, for this week, it's the presentation day again! And, it is about the video! That video! The one that I told you in the last two weeks? Alright, that should clicked something in that pretty little mind of yours. Nahhh. Back to the video, my group mates and I were actually very excited to present it. We're doing about 21st Century Skills in which we'd decided to compare between 20th Century education and 21st Century Education. The video portrayed on how back in the 20th Century, teachers were still the one who stands in front of the class, delivering all the information, depending on textbook and teaching and learning process always takes place in the classroom. And then, we compare it with 21st Century, in which it is more to student-centred, there's even collaboration among the students and learning environment is more flexible. Personally, I prefer the 21st Century ones. What say you?

However, it seemed that Dr. Fariza kind of disappointed with all of us as for not truly ready to present it since most of us were begging to present the video instead of the findings. Hopefully, the message from our video is successfully delivered.

Oh, right! Before we did our presentation, we were taught about Microsoft Excel. Even this is the last class, there is still a new thing that we need to learn. Phewww. I have no idea about what it is actually about. However, as a teacher-to-be, this is one of the crucial things that we need to know as usually, this is the easiest way to calculate the students' marks, average and position when in school. So, basically the first thing that we did is creating students name and their marks for each of the subjects. I had so much fun while doing this. And, the next thing, Dr. Fariza taught us how to put the formula in grading the marks, how to calculate the total marks. Along that, we came across new terms for example, VLOOKUP, COUNTIF, AVERAGE, MIN and MAX. At first, I also didn't understand what is 'bins'. And it took me sometimes to really understands what it is used for. So, after finishing with the names and marks, Dr. Fariza assigned us to create histogram for each subject and SHE DIDN'T SHOW HOW TO DO IT!

ICYMI, 21st Century is no longer spoon-feeding. So yeah, I finally managed to do it of course with the help from YouTube video. Even though I don't know whether it is right or wrong. I have to admit that it is kind of difficult to find video of instruction on YouTube that is the easiest to understand since most of them for 2010, 2013 whereas mine is 2007.

That's all I've got for now. All the love - A.

Reflection (Week 12)

12/5/2015

Greetings everyone!
First of all, hope whoever read this post is in the pink of health.

So, what we've done in this week?
It was only 1-hour class as Dr. Fariza needs to go somewhere else. But of course, before she dismissed the class, she asked to each group about the progress of the storyboard. After explaining the flow of the video, Dr. Fariza said it was a good idea. And now, we are going to the next phase which is creating the video. Hopefully, it turns out well as planned. ICYMI, she also suggested few of free online video editor software such as WeVideo and Filmora instead of the common MovieMaker. Also, she emphasized on the participation in the forum in GE1155 website as a part of assessment.

Last but not least, she also reminded us again to finish all the previous assignments and the reflections and not wait till the last minute.

That's all I got for now. All the love - A.

Reflection (Week 11)

11/28/2015

Hello everyone. This is the reflection for Week 11! Wowwwww. Time sure flies by fast. Anyway, today is another presentation day! So, basically everyone presented their own dream place and mine is LONDON! Hopefully, one fine day I can go there.

Let move to the discussion session. This week, we learnt about the elements of multimedia. Of course with the help of Mr. Google, I managed to find the information on how they differ from one another. There are FIVE (5) elements of multimedia, namely

The first element is TEXT, in which is the most basic element of multimedia that contains words to express something. It involves the use of text types, sizes, colours and background colour. Second, GRAPHICS make the multimedia application attractive by illustrating ideas through still (static) pictures. Third, a multimedia application may also require the use of speech, music and sound effects. These are called AUDIO or the sound element. There are two basic types of audio or sound: analog and digital audio. Fourth, VIDEO provides a powerful impact in a multimedia program. Common digital video formats include Flash, MPEG, AVI, and WMV. However, it is limited in resolution and size. Last but not least, ANIMATION; a process of making a static image look like it is moving. It then can be categorized into three broad areas: 2D (2 Dimension), 3D (3 Dimension) and 4D (4 Dimension).

Next, just like the previous week, before the class dismissed, Dr, Fariza assigned us with another assignment where we (Aifa, Izza & Izzy) have to create a storyboard and script about 21 Century Skills. She then went on elaborating more about the importance of having the storyboard where it is the best way to share the vision, makes production much easier and saves the time.

So, what is a storyboard? A storyboard is a graphic representation of how the video will unfold, shot by shot. It is made up of a number of squares with illustrations or pictures representing each shot, with notes about what's going on in the scene and what's being said in the script during that shot.

Therefore, let's create one, peeps!

That's all I got for now. All the love - A.

Reflection (Week 10)

11/22/2015

This week, the class has been delayed an hour and started off at 10.00 a.m. And supposedly, this week is the presentation day regarding the survey that we'd done before. Unfortunately, all of us are still struggling to complete it including my group as well. Even me myself was confused about 'Data Analysis' and 'Findings' which turned out to be the same thing. Because of that, Dr. Fariza had to explain it all over again.

Note to self: Pay attention. Pay attention. Pay attention.

Since each week has different task or assignment, for this week we were assigned to make use of Microsoft Publisher in creating a brochure about a place that we dream of going one day. In most of occasions, when talking about Microsoft Office, it has always been Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Instead, there are other packages offered by the Office such as Outlook, Access, Groove and Publisher too. A little bit of facts - Microsoft Publisher works like a desktop publishing program in which you will find it useful for making catalogs, invitation cards, newsletters, flyers and other documents that require intricate layouts and graphics. Everything is simply ready where you just need to fill it with information and it is done. No longer having to fiddling around with text boxes, resizing them or messing up the preceding page layouts. Simple as that and of course it's depends on your creativity as well. Thus, for those who do art, animation and publication, this is exactly what you are looking for.

I am actually very excited as it is such a rare opportunity, so be thankful, peeps. If not, my group needs to do the same topic of "21st Century Skills" in which had been uninvited official member of the group since week 5. So overall, today's class was indeed very beautiful with a beautiful assignment.

To end, I inserted few pictures as a glimpse on what my brochure is about.

All the love - A

Reflection (Week 9)

11/4/2015

Hello, it's me!
I was wondering if you'd read my previous reflection. 🙈🙈

Today, Dr. Fariza asked us to help each other by answering the links of questionnaire that had been posted at the Weebly forum as some of the groups happened to not reach the target at least 30 respondents. Then, Dr. Fariza showed to us the correct way of creating the online survey in which what is matter and what is not when she's evaluating the form. Third, since survey and has been completed, the next step in the survey process is to present the analysis and findings, which involves the creation of a research report. Hence, we then were told about the correct format of the report. And, she also emphasized to need to be very transparent on how the data was captured. For example, be specific on how it was delivered to the respondents - email invitation or social media. Also consider who and how many it was sent to, how the analysis was conducted and so on. Fourth, Dr. Fariza also shared with us about the hidden functions of Microsoft Word which are very useful in completing the survey report. It's good to know the existence of those things such as the Page Break, Headings,Table of Contents and Navigation Map. I would say that they are undoubtedly very handy and time-saving too. Therefore, the good thing is, we no longer need to use the traditional-lame methods that are not efficient enough. To say I was in awed is an understatement. Fifth, she dismissed the class earlier! That's absolutely the best part, right? 😂😂 Nahhh, just kidding. 😁😁

Last but not least, it’s finally the last week before mid-semester break, and it already feels like a lifetime! Assignments and tasks are piling up. Not to mention all the readings and tutorial questions to catch up on. But it’s the break. So take a break, peeps! 🙆🙆

Stream Made in the AM by One Direction on Spotify and you are good to go!
All the love - A.

Reflection (Week 8)

10/30/2015

Assalamualaikum and hello everyone! I forgot to mention that after the lecture last week, Dr. Fariza asked each group to come up with 1) Research Question and 2) Questionnaire regarding the topic that we presented. We then created them using Google Forms to create online surveys as they provide opportunities for users to share their views and be counted in a quick and easy manner.

Basically, Google Forms allows the users to plan events, make a survey or poll, create a quiz, or collect other information in an easy, streamlined way with Google Forms. Besides, it is also directly connected to spreadsheets in Google Sheets. Thus, all the responses will automatically be sent to the spreadsheet. Such a helpful assistance!

After we showed our Questionnaire to Dr. Fariza, there are lots of things need to be fixed and supposedly, we need to build the Research Question first before creating those questions. Not simply from the slides as to make the analysis later easier. After few times editing it, we finally distributed the following Questionnaire through email, Whatsapp and other social networking sites. So, below is the sneak peek of how the questions look like.

If you have free time you are welcome to answer our questionnaire on 21st Century Skills.Therefore, I've personally invited you to fill out the form 21st Century Skills. To fill it out, click here.

Your cooperation is greatly appreciated in this regard.
All the love - A.

Reflection (Week 7)

10/23/2015

Since last week, each group had already presented their topic respectively, Dr. Fariza continued the lecture with another three topics which are 1) Open Source Software, 2) Original and Licensing Software and 3) Internet and Computer Security.

First and foremost, there are lots of free software available on the internet. For example, the cloud storage. According to Webopedia (2015), cloud storage is defined as the storage of data online in the cloud. There are lots of benefits to using cloud storage, including data backup, recovery and others. However, the most noticeable is file accessibility. Do you still remember those times when to use files for example, word processing and spreadsheets on different computers, you needed to save the files on a thumb drive or CD-ROM disk. Then, the drive or disk travelled along with you so that you could load the information onto other computers until the documents were safely retrieved. That is so ancient! With cloud, files are stored and can be accessed at any time from any place as long as you have the Internet access. You do not need to worry about losing the device, breaking the CD or not having the information loaded properly anymore. Just how fast the technology changes!

*seems familiar?

However, the big question here is “Are we aware of the trusted and reliable sources?” One thing to bear in mind is that using open source software is not all milk and honey. Have you heard of EULA? That item is the End User License Agreement which covered the software you use. If you read their terms, (most of us blindly agreeing to it, right?) it is stated that the companies disclaimed all liabilities when problems occur and disrupt the productivity. Which means that you won’t really have or receive any support and the worst part is, the responsibility for the product falls on you. From my understanding, ignoring EULAs not only expose the computer to security risks but also your privacy. Therefore, before you jump into the bandwagon and download all the products you’ve been eyeing on, find out if it is worth your while.

Next, there are several issues that arise when talking about Internet security. One example is the online threats such as malwares, spywares and viruses. Every time a home PC or laptops go online, it connects to thousands of unknown networks and millions of their users. While you’re connected, that’s when a hacker break into your computer by finding out its IP address. Hearing a story from Dr. Fariza about the man whom nearly lost RM 10, 000 as the result from being hacked only through the wifi connection scared the shit out of me. Never crossed in my naïve mind that these things could happen to be honest. Being a student, I understand the struggle to keep up-to-date with all the advancement in technology. Tell me who doesn’t love the open wifi? They actually couldn’t care less whether sharing information or having an account at a particular site bring good or harm to them. In fact, youngster nowadays, they couldn’t pass a minute without flooding the social media with selfies or update status on Twitter. What’s on their mind is they have the accessibility.

That's all from me.
All the love - A.

Reflection (Week 6)

10/16/2015

It’s a presentation day! Since we (Alia, Izza & Izzy) are Group 1, our topic is about 21st Century Skills. Actually, there was a draw lot to decide the sequence of the presentation. But, I don’t know why, the three of us still got that legend number – 1. Nevermind, being first doesn’t always mean the worst presentation, right? Supposedly, for each group the given time only 15 minutes. But then, since all of us were too excited to share the findings, it goes on and on for 30 minutes each group. Whoops! Dr. Fariza even said that never in the history of computer in education of course in the class she taught, the presentation took from the beginning of time till the end of the class. I took it as a compliment*clap your hands, peeps!

In the last reflection, I had already reflected on the 21st Century Skills education but not fully enough. Overall from the presentation, I can say that there have been a lot of changes in our education system this past few years. Nowadays, learning is comprised of formal and informal. The terms formal and informal here have nothing to do with the formality of the learning, but rather with the direction of who controls the learning objectives and goals. In addition, they are the Generation Z. The learning process solely in the classroom has never been enough for them anymore. Besides, in this era we have been exposed to various new terms, for example, flipped classroom, blended and mobile learning and e-Learning. Also, another important thing is the assessment is no longer exam oriented. Instead, it is formative where it enables the educators to evaluate the progress of the learners from time to time. By doing this, I think it is much more applicable and relevant in the present context and period because exam orientation is totally outdated.

Next, we ought to acknowledge that ICT is a matter of culture, not some kind of diseases that damage young people today. Also, these days, learning is becoming more and more dynamic because of the fast development of ICT tools and devices that allow them to be multi-tasking. Knowledge also is no longer in school textbooks or in the teacher’s brain but is accessible through numerous channels. What’s more, within the emergence of technology and few new ways of learning, the term self-paced learning also popped up. Through reading a couple of articles, I found that self-paced learning here means that learners have the opportunity to complete their learning in any setting, at home, on the road, or anyplace that has internet connections. In fact, the student is more relaxed and can concentrate on their learning better. Also, it can progress at a pace that suits the learner. Fast learners who work at a fast pace have the opportunity to gain competency quickly while slow learners have the opportunity for repetition without being pushed ahead too quickly.

To recapitulate, there are lots of skills presented in the framework of 21st Century Skills but the main focus is on 4’C (Communication, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Creativity). What I can conclude is that the 21st Century Skills is about being true to self, being assertive and being proud of the gifts as to illuminate a path on which all of us will spend the rest of our life. Because at the end of the day, facts and memorization will bring you nowhere. Thus, the educators need to implement and improved the 21st Century Skills to prepared the youngster adequately for college and work. This is due to the fact that without these skills, they will not be able to successfully participate in the global economy.

All the love - A.

Reflection (Week 5)

10/9/2015

A week ago, we (in a group of three) were assigned with different topics respectively. My teammates and I got the topic of 21st Century Skills. From the finding, we managed to sort out the essential skills that need to be equipped for every learner in the 21st Century which are 1) learning and innovation skills, 2) information, media and technology skills and 3) life and career skills as to fit and survive in this 21st Century global society.

I would like to reflect it on the 21st Century Education. What do you think when we think of the future? What does the future of learning look like and how are we going to create it?

Sir Ken Robinson in his talk about Changing Education Paradigm also analyzed that educational system in most countries is built for the Industrial Revolution where the students are shaped and forced to become their ideal kind of students to fit the economy structure. Nowadays the students are living in the Digital Revolution. The path that we tread in the 21st century is completely different from that few decades ago. These days, it is not about teaching the content nor skills, but it is about using the content to teach the skills. What’s more, it is intended to empower the teachers to integrate technology effectively in the current curriculum while focusing on students problem-solving, critical thinking and collaboration. So, how are we going to move forward if we still utilized the same system that have been designed for a few centuries ago?

Moreover, today’s students are growing up with technology such as smartphones, iPads and tablets. To be exact, almost any given day, you will probably find a student using a social media in the classroom. Whether they are sneaking the smartphones out to recess, trying to scroll Instagram during the lesson, or using the Internet for a class project. And also, it has been proven that learning using modern tools is better as students can be more innovative, dynamic and it can be fun for learning.

To conclude, before pursuing my degree in TESL at UKM, when I went into the education field I didn’t sign up to be expert in habits of mind, but as the future teacher, it is significant to implant the skill for the sake of students as to foster their talents and navigate them in a right direction. Hopefully, with the 21st Century skills, the learning objectives are more open-minded and develop the divergent thinking as well, where they will learn that sometimes a wrong answer is a right answer to a different question, just like in the real life.

All the love - A.

Reflection (Week 4)

10/2/2015

In this session, we were discussing the contrasts between Learning Management System (LMS), Course Management System and Content Management System (CMS). At first, I couldn’t decipher how they vary from each other even after googling them. Then, with the help and further explanation from Dr. Fariza, it can be concluded that Learning Management System is more into administration in which students used to deal with the courses, Course Management System is more into communicating with peers and lecturers while Content Management System is more into organizing and editing content on the websites.

To close, the presence of LMS and CMS has become a vital cog in the wheel of knowledge. For example, the students can chat with the teachers, collaborate on projects, reflect learning through blogs and e-Portfolios, and play educational games in a safe online environment.

On the other hand, if we see from another perspective, the concept of LMS and CMS in fact, are relevant to mobile learning too as it enables us to access the information whenever and wherever we are. Besides, it is said that 2015 is the year of mobile learning. And, according to a recent mobility trends report, the majority of Millennials aged 18-24, rate their mobile phone as more important to their daily lives than their laptop, television, deodorant and toothbrush.

We could not deny the fact that mobile devices nowadays are becoming more and more ubiquitous both inside and outside of our professional lives. To be exact, mobile has transformed numerous parts of our personal lives, from reading books to hailing a cab. In addition, Prof. Amin once said to us “Those who are born after 1995 up till now is known as the Generation Z – a generation that grows and learns with mobile devices”. Also, these days, students are communicating through Twitter, share photos on Facebook and keep up-to-date through blogs. Thus, there is no compelling reason to prohibit or force them to quit using those digital tools when actually, they had been proven in increasing the test results when students have the access to mobile devices.

In a nutshell, the digital era is already here. Therefore, their education needs to keep up at the same pace.

That's all from me. All the love. A.