As I come to the end of e-teacher scholarship course, I can't help but wonder why I named my blog "Eye Opener". The ten weeks have opened my eyes more than I thought. It's not writing clear objectives, creating a blog, effective web searching, skill building websites, technology enhanced lesson plannning, project-based learning, WebQuests, rubrics, teaching large classes, using PowerPoint effectively, learner autonomy, one computer classroom and teacher resources on line, it's about Deborah and Sandra. Fantastic tutors!
My eyes have not only been open to a new learning experience but also a new life experience.What I have gone through for the past three weeks has opened my eyes to know people deeper, control my emotions and live one day at a time.Thanks to Deborah for assurance. Thanks to Roland for the concern.
I have had an experience of a life time through internet interactions. How would it be if it was live?I feel priviledged and honoured as the only representative of my country Kenya in this course. Thanks to the embassy in my country for nominating me.I have learnt that it takes a teacher and courage to break the norms and make learning an interesting experience for students, many a times we make it painful and boring.
My course mates have been wonderful people from other parts of the world. I will miss them.You would think we had met before. The ease with which they communicate just impresses me.The end has come but wait... it is the beginning of good things to come. Yes, the Eye Opener!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Turning Point
Hey! A turning point in my life. I now become a mother and father to my two children, Franklin and Angelica because dad is no more. The experiences I underwent are life's little lessons. I realize that life is like a syllabus.It must come to an end at the appointed time. I have the scholarship to safe guard so 'Never Give Up!' I tell myself.
Learner autonomy was not new to me but is seldom practiced in Kenya's education system. I apply it occassionally but now I will do it with more confidence. I learn that it changes things for the better and that the learners try to outsmart one another to impress the teacher hence better work.
Creating an online course site or an exercise to use online or offline was not easy. I could not think, I could not be the creative me. Deborah and Sandra have to understand me here. The exercises I went through such as word search, crossword puzzles, matching, scrambled sentences and cloze are appropriate for my students. These will definitely enhance their vocabulary, sharpen their thinking and even make the lessons more interesting.
Mmmh! Final project? Forgive me please. This is what I longed to accomplish but...
Learner autonomy was not new to me but is seldom practiced in Kenya's education system. I apply it occassionally but now I will do it with more confidence. I learn that it changes things for the better and that the learners try to outsmart one another to impress the teacher hence better work.
Creating an online course site or an exercise to use online or offline was not easy. I could not think, I could not be the creative me. Deborah and Sandra have to understand me here. The exercises I went through such as word search, crossword puzzles, matching, scrambled sentences and cloze are appropriate for my students. These will definitely enhance their vocabulary, sharpen their thinking and even make the lessons more interesting.
Mmmh! Final project? Forgive me please. This is what I longed to accomplish but...
Monday, March 8, 2010
Really Tough
Week 8 I will live to remember you.It has been tough for me. It is by the grace of God that I have gone through you. Learner autonomy which is about learner freedom is a great idea.The syllabus ties the teacher and learner so much but this encourages the learner to do more on his/her own and gives the teacher the freedom to approach certain topics as deemed fit.I have to practice more of this.I have been doing it with reservations.
One-computer classroom was also an encouragement to me whose school does not have the equipment.I now learn that I can use my laptop in various ways to enhance learning of English in my classes without fear.I must do this as schools open for the second term.Oh! the draft report I am still working on it and I know I will make it.
One-computer classroom was also an encouragement to me whose school does not have the equipment.I now learn that I can use my laptop in various ways to enhance learning of English in my classes without fear.I must do this as schools open for the second term.Oh! the draft report I am still working on it and I know I will make it.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
PowerPoint
This must be the climax of this course I think. A real PowerPoint.After reading about using technology in large classes I learnt that teaching large classes is not a daunting task after all as long as the right technique is applied and accompanied with the right technology.This I do but I must say I have learnt more and should now apply appropriately.
Possible uses of PowerPoint in classes was a good topic, quite interesting and worth trying but poor me ! no facilities to help me implement. I got to know that this is a shortcut to the tedious lectures we sometimes give and most learners get nothing. I really wish someone could come to my aid with the relevant facilities for this would indeed make learning an exciting experience for all the teachers and students.
Creating a short PowerPoint interactive show? God! I had it rough but I never give up so I tried what I could. I learnt it can be addictive if not checked but the most interesting technology and suitable for students of all learning abilities.This one is worth implementing, it's delicious! I failed to get a partner because I couldn't think of any and am anxious to know who Deborah or Sandra will assign me.All in all the eye opener continues.
Possible uses of PowerPoint in classes was a good topic, quite interesting and worth trying but poor me ! no facilities to help me implement. I got to know that this is a shortcut to the tedious lectures we sometimes give and most learners get nothing. I really wish someone could come to my aid with the relevant facilities for this would indeed make learning an exciting experience for all the teachers and students.
Creating a short PowerPoint interactive show? God! I had it rough but I never give up so I tried what I could. I learnt it can be addictive if not checked but the most interesting technology and suitable for students of all learning abilities.This one is worth implementing, it's delicious! I failed to get a partner because I couldn't think of any and am anxious to know who Deborah or Sandra will assign me.All in all the eye opener continues.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Strategy
The need to strategize arose.Reading about learning styles and which technologies work best with them was exciting.I learnt about verbal/linguistic, visual/spatial, bodily/kinesthetic,musical/logical learning styles name it.I realized that I make these applications unconciously and now with conciousness they must be put in their right places.These tools will create variety and enhance interest in learning for my students.
Enhancing learning by engaging students was very important to me.I learnt that the use of technology tools enable certain techniques which are good for handling large classes.Collaboration,small group informal learning activities,concept maps,small group extended learning activity and many more are just the right assets.An application of these in my lessons will enhance listening,speaking,reading, writing and grammar.
Rubrics!Wonderful and quite different from the norm in Kenya's education system.I have learnt that there are many other ways of assessing students work. I plan to apply it on writing and speaking .This is indeed an eye opener.
My project? Excitment greeted it.A different approach.I used two lessons for reading therefore this was done in class and all had a chance to read.(" The River Between" by Ngugi wa Thiong'o chapter 7 and 8). The students then listened to the analysis on the audio tape and discussed questions I had prepared and given out earlier.The answers were diverse hence the need to illustrate from the novel.The discussions were lively.Some learners were not aggressive because they were still trying to catch up with the new method. So we repeated the same on Saturday for familiarization and preparation on writing the summaries of the said chapters. We are looking forward to more lessons with critical minds.I can't wait.
Enhancing learning by engaging students was very important to me.I learnt that the use of technology tools enable certain techniques which are good for handling large classes.Collaboration,small group informal learning activities,concept maps,small group extended learning activity and many more are just the right assets.An application of these in my lessons will enhance listening,speaking,reading, writing and grammar.
Rubrics!Wonderful and quite different from the norm in Kenya's education system.I have learnt that there are many other ways of assessing students work. I plan to apply it on writing and speaking .This is indeed an eye opener.
My project? Excitment greeted it.A different approach.I used two lessons for reading therefore this was done in class and all had a chance to read.(" The River Between" by Ngugi wa Thiong'o chapter 7 and 8). The students then listened to the analysis on the audio tape and discussed questions I had prepared and given out earlier.The answers were diverse hence the need to illustrate from the novel.The discussions were lively.Some learners were not aggressive because they were still trying to catch up with the new method. So we repeated the same on Saturday for familiarization and preparation on writing the summaries of the said chapters. We are looking forward to more lessons with critical minds.I can't wait.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Quest
A tough week to quench my thirst of knowledge.Creating a WebQuest was not as easy when I saw the words "Congratulations",I rejoiced.I had learnt a new way of posting assignments that could help many learners and teachers all over the world.I must try this in the near future. I have shared this experience with my colleagues and one who is a part-time lecturer has done it with her university students. That is learning made easier.
Project- based learning was the most exciting for me.I really enjoyed making out the lesson plan.I learnt that this method can motivate weak students to love learning.It makes them develop multiple skills thus improving their mastery of language faster.This is an a must do. Technology enhanced lessons are actually interesting. I realize that some of the equipment we keep ignoring like the radio is a powerful tool in the teaching of Language.I have learnt that creativity enhances learning and variety adds value to lessons. I have to use whatever is within my reach to enhance the teaching and learning of English.
What a week! I am yet to quench my thirst.Deborah, Sandra and Rick, I need more.
Project- based learning was the most exciting for me.I really enjoyed making out the lesson plan.I learnt that this method can motivate weak students to love learning.It makes them develop multiple skills thus improving their mastery of language faster.This is an a must do. Technology enhanced lessons are actually interesting. I realize that some of the equipment we keep ignoring like the radio is a powerful tool in the teaching of Language.I have learnt that creativity enhances learning and variety adds value to lessons. I have to use whatever is within my reach to enhance the teaching and learning of English.
What a week! I am yet to quench my thirst.Deborah, Sandra and Rick, I need more.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Busy!
This has been a busy week but I have added more items to my library. The optional discussion on lesson planning taught me that lessons plans differ from one country to another. The differences added more value to what I have always known and practised. Sharing on multiskills websites was great and how I felt bad when it was locked. I was wrong, the discussion on articles was even better, thanks to Leslie who was the moderator. This was followed by recommendations for multiskills websites. The articles were great and would add value to my students given that most of the passages they read are African based at least variety spiced up the delicious menu.
Project task 2 is leading me somewhere and I can see how needy my school is in terms of technological equipment. It is an uphill task but I am not giving up just yet. My eyes must open wider for me to create technology enhanced lesson plans. This is a challenge to me. My school must sort itself out in terms of technology for learning to be exciting and interesting.
This week, has made me think out of the box, I love challenges and I have enjoyed.
Project task 2 is leading me somewhere and I can see how needy my school is in terms of technological equipment. It is an uphill task but I am not giving up just yet. My eyes must open wider for me to create technology enhanced lesson plans. This is a challenge to me. My school must sort itself out in terms of technology for learning to be exciting and interesting.
This week, has made me think out of the box, I love challenges and I have enjoyed.
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