Final Thoughts

Final Thoughts

First of all I would like to thank Dr.Myint alot for supporting us and helping us in everything. All the appreciation and respect for Dr. Myint for his efforts to help us and provide support and advice for us. Also thanks to Dr.Myint for cooperation with everyone at all times

What I learned

During this course, I learned some topics related to incorporating ICT in teaching and learning and through my reflections so far in my blog I was able to discuss the extent to which ICT is incorporated in teaching and learning in Bahraini schools which is unfortunately not taken good advantage of effectively, how to incorporate ICT in Bahraini schools especially in the education track that I was attached to before joining BTC which is vocational education and the impact of this incorporation on the learning of students especially for their future employment.

What I believe

I believe that it is time for us to move away from the traditional teaching and learning strategies that make learning to students meaningless and adopt new strategies especially that students not only in Bahrain but all over the world live in a digital society that attracts them to the extent that they are dependent on technology in a lot of aspects in their lives (Internet, mobile phones, ipods…etc) and therefore we need to link between How students learn and How students live so that we can motivate students to learn, making learning meaningful to them and help them acquire skills useful for their future employment like problem solving, creativity, decision making, team work…etc unlike the basic skills that were required in the past for employment and which are not significant today in our world for employment. The world is changing and we have to change with it.

What I wonder

All the above is good and encouraging but will we as teachers be able to apply ICT effectively in Bahraini schools especially with the constraints imposed on us like the structured curriculum that has to be finished within a timeline, being bound by dates for midterm and final exam and lack of ICT resources in some Bahraini schools that in most times discourage teachers to change their traditional teaching and learning strategies. I believe that one day, these constraints will no longer be a obstacle to incorporate ICT but I wonder will this day be near or far in the future.

ICT as Tutor

 ICT as Tutor – Tutorial, Drill & Practice, Simulation, Games.

We live in a digital society; therefore we need to utilize technology in learning to achieve one of the 21^st century goals which is link between how students learn and how students live.

Simulations and games have become a billion dollar industry thanks to the visual and sound effects that attract users to be engaged in them; therefore we need to utilize such an industry in our schools to motivate students to learn as well as help them develop high-level thinking skills required by today's knowledge society that we live in and by that I mean that students not only become consumers in this industry but also become producers where we as teachers provide them the technical skills to create the simulations and games and as a result the students can express their creative skills in producing them. Also, becoming producers will help the students understand the purpose of learning some subjects like geometry when they incorporate what they learned in these subjects to the simulations and games they are producing.

From my experience as an IT teacher in secondary vocational education in Bahrain, students are taught programs like adobe flash, Microsoft PowerPoint and 3D-Max and although these programs can create very simple games but it can be a starting ground to help students become creative game producers.

Simulation and game corporations can use students as testers to their products , where they are exposed to things they won't be able to perform in real life, uncover the hidden world that isn't tangible to people in any other way and help improve the games and simulations.Deploying games and simulations online will enable students to have a teacher anytime and anywhere.

However, there are some concerns that by using simulations and games in learning may contribute to students becoming computer addicts but isn't that a good thing because they will be addicted to learning which is a requirement in our knowledge society.

This is a link to a video demonstrating how educators can benefit from simulation and games in their classrooms "How to Benefit from Simulations and Games"

 1. Tutorial : Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) programs are brilliant examples of computer based tutorials; where the software or a website explains all required content knowledge in details.

2. Drill & Practice: There are many software programs which assist students to have a good practice on some certain issues. For example, Mathematics teachers should no more be worry about Multiplication tables! Students can use drill and practice programs and master them.



3. Simulation: Learning some knowledge contents requires existence of the learner in certain environments. However, it is costly to move around to learn! Moreover, some faults during learning process are not acceptable in real life environments. Here is where simulation helps a lot.

4. Games: Students adore playing games. So let them learn through playing.



ICT as Mind Tool

     ICT as   

   

The learning environment can be enhanced by stimulating the use of innovative ICT applications. In particular, this writing focus on mind tools as a mean of ICT for development of students skills.

What are ICT mind tools??

Briefly, I can define the ICT mind tools as they are computer-based tools and learning environment in order to engage and facilitate critical thinking and higher order learning. These tools include databases, semantic networks, spreadsheets, visualization tools and many other useful tools.

Before I read about ICT mind tools I were using ICT as mind tools in my classrooms but I didn’t notice that this is called ICT mind tools. I discovered new use of computer as a mind tool and it is the mind mapping or concept map. It is a visual thinking and learning approach, which help me in teaching and help my students in learning. Below is an example of how I use illustrator software as a mind tool.

 

Before, I was always drawing maps and divided any information related to me personality and tried to connect all the ideas with each other and I followed this technique with my students. All the information I taught them I drew them on the board and connected to each other because I knew that it is the easiest way for my students to remember and understand. But after, when I know more about the visual concept map, I will use it more and more inside my classroom because it is useful for my students in many ways, It provide structure for thinking, writing, focus thoughts and ideas which leading to understanding and interpretation and connect between the previous knowledge and the new concepts.



I really get benefit from these tools and also my students benefit from them. ICT mind tools engage students in higher thinking. In addition, mind tools required students to be creative and to think and make connections for them. Also these tools help students to analysis and organize their ideas and their thinking.

Here are some of the useful links:
     (1) Mind tools contributing to an ICT-rich learning enviroment
     (2) ICT MindTools

WEBQUEST

Have you ever heard about “WEBQUEST”? What did you know about “WEBQUEST”? Have you ever used the “WEBQUESST”? Many questions come in my mind when I heard the word WEBQUEST for the first time. Honestly, I never used the WebQuest before. But I started doing some researches about what is WebQuest, the use of WebQuest and its benefits. From my simple researches I come up with these important information about WebQuest.

What is WebQuest?

Simply, it is online lessons created and prepared by the teacher. Mainly, it is based on the concept on inquiry-based approach. WebQuest provides a technology-rich environment for problem solving and collaboration. It is also add some adventure to my class. The below diagram shows the main components or parts that should be includes in any WebQuest.

WebQuest Main Components.



Benefits of using WebQuest:

When the teacher integrates the WebQuest as a tool of learning in hiss lessons he will get many advantages of using this new technology such as:

1.   Involves students in the learning and provide them a good problem solving and collaborative learning environment.

2.   The lessons will be more interesting and it will add some adventure to the class.

3.   Students will be able to work in teams this will improve their communication skills.

4.  The students will refer to the internet and other available resources for researching, this will help the amount of student information to grow up and get knowledge.

5.  Encourages readers to interact with information-based internet resources.

6.  Motivating way for students and the WebQuest can be worked and available at home or library.

And many other benefits can be get from using the WebQuest in classroom lessons. In my opinion, I think that the only disadvantage for the WebQuest is that when the teacher creates his own WebQuest it will take time.

I did a simple research about examples of WebQuest; I would like to share some of them here in my writing:

1.  Here is an excellent example of WebQuest that has host: “Whose Restaurant will rule?” It designed very well and it contains all main elements of the WebQuest.

WebQuest Example 1



2.   This is another example of WebQuest. The design is colorful and it also contains the main parts of a WebQuest. Well designed and structured.

WebQuest Example 2



3.   Here is an example of a WebQuest:”WebQuest Fire Safety”. This example is clearer for students and it explains everything in details for the students. It is helpful and easy to be used by the students.



WebQuest Example 3





4.   Another WebQuest example, it has simple design and contain the main components for each WebQuest.



WebQuest Example 4





5.   This is an interesting example of WebQuest. It is a great an motivating WebQuest for students. It contains all WebQuest parts.

WebQuest Example 5

 

The goal of the WebQuest is a fun, engaging lesson that the students will enjoy and get a lot out of. I will use the WebQuest in my classroom lessons because I think it is a good way for students to learn. Now I am working on my first WebQuest, I am trying to make it colorful and designed very well. In addition, I chose a great and interesting topic that the students will enjoy.

Here are some of useful links about how you can create your own WebQuest:

         (1) Presentation Sildes of how to create a WebQuest

         (2) Creating a power point WebQuest

         (3) Basic Information about the WebQuest

Inquiry Based Learning

Before I start my writing I would like to present this short video, which I think it can give you a clear vision and breif introduction about Inquiry Based Learning Technique.



To continue talking about the Flipped Classroom, in my last post I discussed the Student-Centered-Learning technique. In this post I will talk about Inquiry-Based-Learning technique. In the following writing I will define what Inquiry Based Learning is, how I implemented this technique at my classrooms and its advantages from my opinion based on my previous experience.

What is Inquiry Based Learning?

It is a teaching technique which mainly depends on getting the students involved through questions which will stimulate them to think and leads to understand. Moreover, the students do some research or seeking information knowledge through asking those questions.



Last year when I was teaching high school students, I tried to use this teaching technique and integrate it with the other teaching techniques to develop my teaching style and to foster my student educational level.

I used to ask my students creative questions related to my subject whom I teach or sometimes I give them a problem and ask them to find appropriate solution for it. I used to ask questions with different levels not only hard or creative questions so that each student gets the useful knowledge easily. I think that the questions have to be entirely focused on the subject matter that the teacher taught.

From what I tested in my classroom lessons, the questions do not have to be always from the teacher side it also can be from the students’ side. This can develop their thinking level. In my opinion, the best learning and gaining of knowledge can be occurred from inquiring which involved learners and leads to positive outcomes.

Briefly, there are simple steps of inquiring or main components of inquiry based learning which are:

1.       Questions have to be related to the topic of inquiry.

2.       Investigation and gathering of information related to the question.

3.       Discussion of collected information and data.

4.       Reflection on what was learned.

Inquiry based learning components



From implementing this technique in my classrooms I come up with these advantages:

1.       It developed the students thinking.

2.       Let the students think in a creative way and allow them to solve problems.

3.       Gaining the right information and knowledge.

4.       Increasing and fostering the students learning level.

5.       Improving the students’ skills.

                                           

Finally, I think that integrating the flipped classroom techniques together such as applying student centered learning, inquiry based learning and problem solving will leads to positive outcomes and it will enhance the students’ educational level and skills. Indeed, they will be prepared very well for future life.

Advantages and Problems of Student-Centered-Learning (SCL) for Teachers and Students

Advantages and Problems of Student-Centered-Learning (SCL) for Teachers and Students

The old teaching style was that students sit in the classroom and the teacher stand up in front of them and spend the whole time talking. The teacher was the transmitter of the knowledge to the students. So the teachers were the core of learning process and the classroom. This leads the learning process to be boring and the students do not get the full benefit from learning.

From my previous experience as a teacher and from being a student, I think that this old teaching style ends with that the students might feel bored very quickly and start texting their friends or sleep or even interrupt the teacher. Moreover, the students might not understand anything from the lesson.

In my opinion as a teacher, education and teaching in our schools these days is in process to be changed and developed for better outcomes. To develop the education me and the other teachers have to know that education will not occur if the students do not involved to this process. I believe that flipped classroom or student-centered-learning is the most important approach to develop and enhance the education and student learning quality.

Student-Centered-Learning Style

Old Teaching Style

            VS

What is Student-Centered-Learning?

The concept of student-centered-learning is the shift in power from the expert teacher to the student learner, driven by a need for a change in the traditional environment.

Last year I was teaching high school students, vocational education. This type of education in Bahrain girls’ schools is almost based on the idea of student-centered-learning. From my experience and practical feedback, I believe that student-centered-learning environment encourage students to become independent learning. Also the teacher can help them effectively to learn more. The teacher role will be more of coach and consultant. Teacher is able to advice the students, guide them and give them the correct guidelines.

I used to apply student-centered-learning technique in my classroom. There are many ways to apply this technique, below are some examples of how I applied this techniques in my classrooms:

1.       Collaborative learning, I divided the students into small groups and give them problem to discuss it and find the solution this called (problem solving). For example, think how to use the dream weaver software to create an interaction webpage. In fact, this way encourage students to think, be creative and show innovation.



2.      Student-to-student teaching: for example, I used to let the high ability student to teach the low or medium ability student. The students’ works in pairs to exchange knowledge and help each others. Another way I used to apply is I give the students some activities and they have to work in pairs to solve the activities, so they exchange ideas and develop their thinking level.



3.       I give the students a case study and divide them either to groups or in pairs and they have to work together.

4.       In vocational education we have to teach the subject matter by applying the project-based-learning. I divide the students into groups at the beginning of the semester. During the semester they have to work on their project idea and apply the skills that they learned to produce their project products at the end of the semester.

From implementing and applying SCL technique at my classrooms I come up with that it is an effective way of learning and it has a lot of advantages. In fact, student and teacher get benefit from applying this technique. From the student side, I think that SCL technique prepare the student to be able to accept new responsibilities and prepare him for the future responsibilities and situations. Moreover, the students devise a plan and they will be creative to demonstrate understanding. The students be actively engaged and involved and they will be the most important element in the education and learning process.

In addition, I believe that the learning is meaningful when topics are relevant to students’ live and interests or needs. When I applied SCL technique I focus on how they learn, what the experience and how they engage with their learning. Also students engaged in constructing their own knowledge and they learned how to learn.

Briefly, students will be responsible to construct their knowledge, be a participant in the learning process. Share and exchange their experience and improve their communication skills.

I think that low and medium ability students benefit from observing strategies of high ability students. On the other hand, the high ability students learn new strategies by teaching other students in the group. It’s also enhanced student communication and collaborative skills.

My role as a teacher became facilitator, help students to access information, organizer and increase students self-esteem. In addition, teacher has to foster students’ critical thinking and advise them to the right way. The teacher became more of coach and consultant and this can be considered as advantage for the teacher.

In my opinion, SCL technique has limited problems or disadvantages for both teacher and students. For example,

From Student side:

1.       Sometimes some students needs more help from the teacher not only observing and consulting.

2.       Some students are shy or afraid from working with other students.

From Teacher side:

1.       May be not all courses or subjects can apply SCL technique.

2.       Some classrooms environment cannot help the teacher to apply SCL technique.

3.       Some classrooms do not have enough resources to achieve SCL goals.

4.       Teacher needs to put more effort to let the students be creative and talented.

5.       Group work may cause some noise in the classroom and the teacher has to control this issue.

To solve these problems the students have to know that they are part of the learning process and foster their self-esteem be more confidant and ask the teacher for more help or advice. The teacher has to manage and plan her classroom very well and utilize the classroom resources. Also teacher has to be developed professionally to deal with any problem occurred at the classroom.

Finally, I believe that applying SCL technique is a very useful way for both students and teachers. From my previous experience in applying this technique in teaching I come up with important thoughts and beliefs which can be briefed at the following points:

1.       The students are the focus of the learning process.

2.       Teacher considered the views and needs of students.

3.       Students feel engaged and involved in the learning process.



How teachers use the computer as Tool, Tutee and Tutor?

How Teachers Use The Computer as Tool, Tutee and Tutor?

Nowadays, we are using the computers everywhere and we can’t ignore the huge benefit we get it from computer especially in education domain and schools. I think that when the teachers use the new technologies and integrate the use of computers in their lessons they can enhance and foster the student’s educational and learning level. Also teachers can add a magic touch of fun and let the students enjoy the lessons when they know how to utilize computer resources and tools.

I used to get benefit from the use of computer and new technology to the maximum as a teacher in preparing my lessons, passing and transmitting knowledge and information to my students and give them the opportunity to create and show their innovational side. That can help them to discover their talents and provide them a higher level of thinking. 





If I start talking about how teachers can use the computer as a helpful tool, I think that the computer provides a useful communication approach for teachers. Teachers can communicate with each others also they can communicate with their students via email. In addition, teachers can use the computer tools such as (Microsoft Word, Excel Sheet, and Power Point) for keeping students records (data and grades), manipulate information and can produce individual letters to student’s parents. Also we can use it to create charts and students lists. Moreover, from my side I used the computer to make personalized certificates of achievement and this gives a positive push for my students.



I can make a good power point presentation not only by using many words and many pictures to explain my lessons to the students, it is includes all kinds of media like music, videos, pictures and animations. This can add some fun to my lessons and my students will interest to involve and engage to the lesson.

We can use the computer as a tutee. For example we can use any programming language (coding language) to develop and produce software to manage the students’ attendance issue. This software will make this process easier for the teachers.

Another example, last year me and my colleagues created simple software using visual basic language to help us in entering student’s grades and do the required calculations. This software was easy to use and very helpful for us because it reduces the calculation errors and saved our time and effort, indeed, it makes this process easier and faster than the previous year.

In my opinion, sometimes we might face some problems in using the computer as a tutee, because we have to learn some new programming languages to develop certain needed software. Learning new programming language could take long time so it will slow down our work completion. I think this is the main difficulty that might face us.

From my point view, I believe that using the computer as a tutor is the most powerful approach of benefiting from the computer. Me as a teacher and based on my previous experience in teaching high school students, I get a huge benefit from using the computer as a tutor. I prepared some tutorials for my students to help them in studying and getting the right information. In addition, I used online educational games to help the students and increase their skills. Those games were related to the subject that I teach and the students take a huge benefit from using the online games. On the other hand, students enjoyed the lessons and the feel so excited and interested.

When I teach the first level students I used the online typing practices tutorials to help the students in being familiar in using the keyboard and prepare them for the second level. I used to make some typing competitions between the students; this helps them in learning and enjoying the lessons at the same time.

Sometimes I made online tests for the students and it was a helpful way. It does not need printing exams papers and wasting my time in distributing and collecting papers from students. Also the test correction occurred immediately so it saved my time and effort.

By using the computer technology either as (tool, tutee or tutor) the teacher’s role as passing information will be reduced and the teacher became more of a coach or coordinator.

I think that teachers have to know how to use the computer to access what they need and also for communication. Moreover, teachers need to know how to utilize computer resources in their classrooms to foster the learning process. Teachers should understand how to use the computer in a way to maximize the potential learning of their students.

About Myself

          

                                                                         
Dear All,

My name is Rawan Yousif. I graduate from the high school specialized in science section. Then I studied computer engineering in University of Bahrain and graduate at 2009.

I worked in Ministry of Culture and Information as a help desk in the IT department then I joined Tylos Industries as an IT assistant coordinator. After that I worked in Zain Telecommunication Company. I like traveling and visiting new place also I like discovering new things and meeting new people.
I began my career as a teacher about two years ago. I was a teacher in AlMarifa secondary school in the vocational education, teaching IT and Multimedia courses. I have a good knowledge in the IT major and I hope that I can transmit this knowledge in a good and interesting way to my students to get the maximum benefit from it and this is one of my goals. In addition, I hope that what I will teach for my students they can use it and apply it in their life.

I started improving my teaching skills, teaching techniques and knowledge from my other colleagues by sharing with them their experience and attending a lot of training courses and workshops. I have the motivation to develop myself and the ability to learn new things and I hope that I can apply what I learned in the real life because I believe that one day I can make some positive changes. Moreover, I hope that I can left good effect on my students either on their knowledge, values, behavior or beliefs. I want to share what I had learned with other teachers to let them benefit from this good experience and pass the good ideas   to them.