Assignment of ICT (6)

BLENDED LEARNING

What is Blended Learning?

Blended is mix two things into one thing. The definition of blended learning is a formal education program in which a student learns: (1) at least in part through online learning, with some element of student control over time, place, path, and/or pace; (2) at least in part in a supervised brick-and-mortar location away from home; (3) and the modalities along each student’s learning path within a course or subject are connected to provide an integrated learning experience.

The majority of blended-learning programs resemble one of four models: Rotation, Flex, A La Carte, and Enriched Virtual. The Rotation model includes four sub-models: Station Rotation, Lab Rotation, Flipped Classroom, and Individual Rotation. The same person generally serves as both the online and face-to-face teacher. It differs from a fully online course because face-to-face learning sessions are more than optional office hours or social events; they are required.

Today's schools are embracing blended learning environments where technology and teaching inform instruction—leading to increased student engagement and academic success

Language Labs

Students complete courses in the school's language lab with the assistance of lab mentor or teacher.

Classroom

Teachers use our courses as primary or supplemental curriculum and leverage in-class rotations and student grouping.

Extended Day or Summer School

Schools expand their world language program with support from parents, paraprofessionals or world language teachers.

Independent Study

Students complete self-study of a Middlebury Interactive course onsite or at home with a virtual language teacher.

What is Blended Learning Classroom and The Pros and Cons ?

Blended Learning Classroom

The blended classroom is designed to meet the individual needs of student by allowing teachers to personalize instruction. It combines what traditional teacher do in the classroom with the technology (virtual, online). Blended learning combines face-to-face and online instruction. Project Based Learning is a type of blended classroom. Students work on projects at home, and in class. In class, they can ask the teacher for help, and continue on the project at home, with online materials for help. By having online materials available, students have access to support when out of the classroom. Students access some material at home and complete some work at home, while leaving more time during class to get into deeper context with the teachers.

There are some pros and cons in the Blended Learning:

The Pros

The Cons

·           Provides for individualized support for the students ·           students can access material at anytime, anywhere, to review the material ·           provides richer, more interactive learning experiences ·           provides more time for collaboration with the students and teachers ·           parents have access to what students are doing - better communication and support ·           studies show it increases student and teacher productivity, improves teaching and learning, and provides more and better data, and helps customize learning. ·           more and more colleges and even workplaces are using this model ·           gives students more time to learn - extends the learning beyond the end of the school day

·         Teachers will need time to create and/or select content. ·         Teachers will need training on using this method of instruction to make it effective ·         Students will need to be shown how to access, use the technology and what is expected of them ·         Students need to be able to do work outside of school hours do they have access to technology at home? do they have access to internet at home? do they have other things that take up their time (job, etc.) students need to be self-directed to work at home

In the web, there are two kind of videos. The first video is about 4 models of  Blended Learning and the second video is about five different images from different websites about blended learning.

In the first video, those are 4 models for instruction of Blended Learning:

The Blended Learning Models by Clayton Christensen.

In the second video, there are five different images from the VoiceThread.

1.      Hybrid learning

2.      Blended learning from Online Coaching

3.      Blended from Virtual blended learning

4.      Blended learning from Mrs Spicer's Grade 6 class

5.      Blended learning from About the classroom, a blended learning environment

I think Blended Learning is very sophisticated learning because it is an online learning. After I had read some webs and videos in the e-teaching web, I know that blended learning is very useful for teacher to make students interest in learning. The students can find the other material that the teacher have not explain yet in the class. I find one of the disadvantage of blended learning, if the school uses WiFi connection when the WiFi is not fast so it will be obstacle for both teachers and students.

Sources:

1. https://www.middleburyinteractive.com/curriculum-courses/blended-learning
2. http://olecommunity.com/blended-learning-what-is-it-and-why-is-it-trending-in-k-12-education/
3. http://moodle.unitec.ac.nz/mod/page/view.php?id=214273
4. http://elearninginfographics.com/6-blended-learning-techniques-infographic/ 
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L75oPzauAlw
6. http://www.christenseninstitute.org/blended-learning-definitions-and-models/
7. http://kevincorbett.com/2013/07/4-blended-learning-models/

Assignment ICT in Language Learning Class (5)

E-LEARNING

·         What is e-learning?

http://www.google.co.id/www.elektronikasmk.com/

The first e-learning systems were really only set up to deliver information to students but as we entered the 70s e-learning started to become more interactive. E-learning is a computer based educational tool or system that enables you to learn anywhere and at any time. E-learning offers the ability to share material in all kinds of formats such as videos, slideshows, word documents and PDFs. Conducting webinars (live online classes) and communicating with professors via chat and message forums is also an option available to users. E-learning also lets people communicate through email, forum or chat, allowing even introverts to take part in related conversations.

·         How is e-learning shape in the future?

Several e-learning trends give us a view to how e-learning and learning tools will be shaped in the future:

a.      Micro-learning focuses on the design of micro-learning activities through micro-steps in digital media environments, which already is a daily reality for today's knowledge workers.

b.      Gamification is the use of game thinking and game mechanics in a non-game context to engage users and solve problems.

c.       Personalized Learning is the tailoring of pedagogy, curriculum and learning environments to meet the needs and aspirations of individual learners.

d.      The distant future: Automatic learning

In a well-known scene from the movie The Matrix, Neo lies down in a high-tech dentist’s chair and straps on a wild array of electrodes, downloading a series of martial arts training programs into his brain. Afterward, he opens his eyes and speaks the words geeks have been quoting ever since: “I know Kung Fu.”

·         What is the purpose of e-learning?

The purpose of e-learning is to allow people to learn for personal accomplishment or to earn a professional degree, without physically attending a traditional university or academic setting. E-learning can be applied for all levels of schooling from grade school to graduate degrees, and is versatile enough to accommodate all learning styles.

·         What are the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning?

The Advantages of e-Learning training includes:

1.      More Flexible

e-Learning can be done in short chunks of time that can fit around your daily schedule.

2.      Mobile

As eLearning can be done on laptops, tablets and phones – it is a very mobile method. Learning can be done on the train, on a plane or any other time that could normally be wasted. Whilst you used to be confined to the classroom, the whole world can now be your classroom.

3.      No Travel

As just mentioned, eLearning can be done wherever you have a device capable of doing so. Therefore again you can fit it in to your schedule, but also save money on the costs of travel.

4.      Lower cost

As you aren’t using a trainer’s time or any room or equipment, eLearning tends to be the much cheaper option.

5.      Tailor it to you  

eLearning courses aren’t confined to be fixed to try and suit the needs of the majority. Everyone is able to learn at their own pace – a massive factor that only eLearning can provide for.

6.      Technological Possibilities

eLearning is fast becoming a more and more popular method and with it, so has the investment into how to improve it further. The computer based nature of training means new technology is being introduced all the time to help with the learning.

7.      Global

With very few restrictions companies can be confident that their staff can receive the same content regardless of their location, and in many cases, their nationality.

The Disadvantages of eLearning Training includes:

1.      Lack of Control

A lack of routine or fixed schedule can mean e-Learning becomes complicated with various deadlines often given to different people at different stages of their learning.

2.      Learning Approach

It is still a challenge to make e-Learning appeal fully to these groups as different people learn better or worse using different styles. Some may prefer images, some prefer just reading words and some prefer to talk about or actually do a task in order to learn.

3.      Isolated

E-Learning often doesn’t allow that with trainers often having to answer numerous questions all of the time and only doing it within working hours – where a lot of learners may prefer to do their learning out of working hours.

4.      Technology Issues

With heavy reliance on computers that eLearning brings, comes the potential risks that comes with it. Poor internet connection and unavoidable general random faults also can interrupt learning and so need to be planned around. 

5.      Computer Competency

Some employees might not be too comfortable using computers, especially if their jobs don’t require them to. Therefore even if the software is user friendly, the very idea of using the software can be daunting and demotivating for some. Therefore these employees are likely to learn a lot less than they would from a physical course.

·         What are the example of e-learning?

Some online tools and applications of e-learning:

1.      Busuu (Learn Language for free)

https://www.google.co.id/edugameshub.com

2.      Spanish Pod (Learn Spanish on your term)

3.      Livemocha (The social way to learn a language)

4.      TwistyNoodle (Coloring pages and handwriting practices worksheet)

5.      CarrotSticks (Online Math Games)

References

1.      http://www.ehow.com/about_4743220_advantages-disadvantages-elearning.html

2.      http://www.go2web20.net/#tag:e-learning

3.      http://e-teachingweb.blogspot.com/

4.      http://www.talentlms.com/elearning/what_is_elearning

5.      https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140715064821-11282346-indonesia-higher-education-e-learning-management-strategy

ICT Pop-quiz Result

THIS IS MY ICT QUIZ RESULT 1

Assignment 3

Computer Assisted Language Learning

thefourdaies.blogspot.com

Last week Mr. Rudi explained about CALL. Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is often perceived, somewhat narrowly, as an approach to language teaching and learning in which the computer is used as an aid to the presentation, reinforcement and assessment of material to be learned, usually including a substantial interactive element.

In the 1980s CALL moved away from its initial leanings towards behaviorism and drill-and-practice, widening its scope to embrace the communicative approach and a range of new technologies. CALL now includes highly interactive and communicative support for listening, speaking, reading and writing. Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) may be defined as "the search for and study of applications of the computer in language teaching and learning".

CALL programs/materials include:

·CALL-specific software: applications designed to develop and facilitate language learning, such as CD-ROMs, web-based interactive language learning exercises/quizzes.

·Generic software: applications designed for general purposes, such as word-processors (Word), presentation software (PowerPoint).

·Web-based learning programs: online dictionaries, online encyclopedias, e-texts, web-quests, web publishing, blog, wiki, etc.

·Computer-mediated communication (CMC) programs: synchronous - online chat; asynchronous - email, discussion forum, message board.

Types of CALL activities are multiple-choice & true/false quizzes, gap-filling exercise/cloze, matching, re-ordering/sequencing, crossword puzzles, games, etc. Principles of using and designing CALL programs in language learning and teaching are student/learner-centeredness (to promote learner autonomy), meaningful purpose, comprehensive input, sufficient level of stimulation (cognitively and affectively), multiple modalities (to support various learning styles and strategies), high level of interaction (human-machine and human-human).

In the one of the links that Mr. Rudi gave, it also explained about computer.

www2.nkfust.edu.tw

Roles of the computer in language learning and teaching:

·         Computer as tutor for language drills or skill practice

·         Computer as a tool for writing, presenting, and researching

·         Computer as a medium of global communication

How computers can be used in the language class 1) Teaching with one computer in the class  - Delivery of content (PowerPoint, word-processor, Webpages, etc.  - Classroom activities/discussions mediated by the computer  - Interactive whiteboard 2) Teaching in the computer network room (network-based language teaching) - task-based group work /activities - computer-mediated communication (CMC): asynchronous/synchronous - tandem learning 3) Self-access learning (independent learning) - drills and exercises         - word processing  - resource searching 4) Distance learning (i.e. individual learners working by themselves, at a place and time of their choice and, to some extent, at a pace and in an order also chosen by themselves.)   - delivering online course content   - CMC activities: email, discussion forum, chat rooms   - tandem learning   - community building Sources :  1. http://www.elmoglobal.com/en/html/ict/01.aspx 2. http://www.infodev.org/articles/use-specific-ict-tools-education 3. http://www.pcpro.co.uk/features/372979/10-free-online-tools-for-teaching-and-learning 4. http://ictpost.com/role-of-ict-is-multi-faceted-in-education/ 5. http://www.englishteacher.com.au/AboutUs/OfficialStatements/ICTsinEnglish.aspx

Assignment 2

ICT Tools, Roles and Application

ICT

ICT is a valuable tool to enhance teaching and learning. For teachers ICT is a professional resource, a mode of classroom delivery, and a source of valid and valuable text types. For students, ICT provides opportunities to communicate more effectively and to develop literacy skills including skills in critical literacy. It is a valuable tool for researching, composing and responding, and viewing and representing in English.

ICT for education

https://www.google.co.id/www.dalberg.com

Worldwide research has shown that ICT can lead to improved student learning and better teaching methods. ICT have some advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages of ICT tools for education :

	·  Through ICT, images can easily be used in teaching and improving the retentive memory of students.
	· Through ICT, teachers can easily explain complex instructions and ensure students' comprehension.
	·       Through ICT, teachers are able to create interactive classes and make the lessons more enjoyable, which could improve student attendance and concentration.

There are also disadvantages of ICT tools for education :

	·         Setting up the devices can be very troublesome.
	·         Too expensive to afford.
	·         Hard for teachers to use with a lack of experience using ICT tools.

Role of ICT in education

In the twelfth plan, The Planning Commission has stressed that ICT tools must be used for significantly improving the educational services and for streamlining the admission process. Says Dr Veera Gupta, Secretary, Central Board of Secondary Education, “ICT is integral to the teaching learning process. In an age where massive expansion of education is required, we cannot do without the use of technology. ICT is vital for dissemination of knowledge, for evaluation and for keeping data and records. The role of ICT is multi faceted and it has to be exploited to the maximum potential.”

The draft of 12th five year plan document states, “Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) should be harnessed to enrich teaching-learning experience, to extend and diversify delivery, improve research quality and collaboration by making knowledge and information widely available, and ensure effective governance both at the institutional and systemic level.” The draft says that student services needs to be significantly improved and admissions should be streamlined.

Online tools for teaching and learning

https://www.google.co.id/www.blognazcules.com

Louisa Mellor reveals ten free online tools that might change your teaching for the better. One of the tools is Prezi. A presentation tool, Prezi provides users with a large canvas upon which to pin text slides, video clips and images. Prezi's selling point is its creation of a spatial narrative, meaning users can flow around presentation elements in the same non-linear way one might use an iPad: scrolling, enlarging, sliding and zooming in while always being able to return to the wider context. Prezi is a sure-fire way to cure your classroom of PowerPoint fatigue. The finished product is leaps and bounds ahead of PowerPoint in terms of style, engaging the attention of pupils who groan with over-familiarity at seeing cheesy slide transitions on the whiteboard. it's one example of a free on line tool where novelty adds value.

One weakness is that Prezi doesn't yet support a master account to create student logins, so each pupil will need to apply for a separate EDU Enjoy account. lf your school allocates pupil email addresses (only educational addresses are accepted), this should be an easy hurdle to vault. If not, it still remains useful for teacher-led presentations.

• Ideas for use: Whenever you or your pupils would use Microsoft PowerPoint, Prezi provides a more dynamic, engaging and visually attractive option. Innovative Science and Maths teachers of all key stages are already using Prezi to explain key concepts to pupils around the world.
•  Alternative: Ahead.com is a similar tool that's particularly useful for showcasing student portfolios as well as making presentations. Student projects are granted free educational licences.

From the explanation above, the conclusion is ICT is very useful for education. It makes education better and easier for teacher. Eventhough there are some disadvantages, but ICT can help teacher in teaching and assessment.

Sources:

1.      http://www.elmoglobal.com/en/html/ict/01.aspx

2.      http://www.infodev.org/articles/use-specific-ict-tools-education

3.      http://www.pcpro.co.uk/features/372979/10-free-online-tools-for-teaching-and-learning

4.      http://ictpost.com/role-of-ict-is-multi-faceted-in-education/

5.      http://www.englishteacher.com.au/AboutUs/OfficialStatements/ICTsinEnglish.aspx