EDTK 2030

Hi Shaliza

In response to your post, I would like to add that critical thinking is self-directed, self-disciplined, self-monitored and self-corrected thinking which attempts resoning at the highest level of thinking. It requires the individual to assess, apply, analyze and evaluate their experience or observation of a topic before making a conclusion (Foundation for critical thinking, 2013).

I am of the believe that parents must be involved in their childs education, hence giving a task where parents will be required to assist children is a good example. Parents will also be given the opportunity to use their critical thinking skills. They will be able to monitor the sites their children interact with. In using ICT careful analysis must be done to help children think critically. Please refer to the APA document for proper citing of sources used.

                                                                                                                 Reference

Foundation for critical thinking. (2013). Defining Critical Thinking. Retrieved from The Critical Thinking Community: http://www.criticalthinking.org//

Hi everyone

I am expecting to learn as much as i possibly can about technology so i can be up to the speed of this generation. I am expecting my e-tutor and CC to be my guide and motivator throughout this course so i can be successful at the end. I am expected to participate in all activities, make my post on time and interact with my peers. At the moment i am a little sad because i have been searching through the course page trying to find the activities that i missed and i can't. I hope i will find them before it's too late.

Hi everyone

My name is Hulla Cooper form the beautiful sunny island Jamaica. I am very passionate about the early years and am willing to dedicate my remaining years to the development of young children in Jamaica. Financially, it will not be worth it but the passion and enthusiasm i have for these children will give me the satisfaction i seek each night before i fall asleep, the confidence that i was able to make a positive impact in molding a young mind. I am looking forward in learning all i can so i am able to share this knowledge with my colleagues and parents of these children. All the best to my fellow online learners.

I tried using VT am not sure if it does work, however, i am placing the link here for my peers to view my first video. Happy viewing: http://voicethread.com/#thread/6120338/31414986

Subject: Science

Topic: My eyes

Date: October 23, 2014

Age Group: 4yrs Duration: 15 minutes Number of children: 8

Activity Title: Picture Discussion

Objective: At the end of lesson children should be able to:

1. Tell the purpose of the eyes

2. Tell where the eyes can be found

3. Tell what happened when the eyes are closed

4. Count the amount of eyes

5. Match eyes correctly on chart

6. Tell some color of the eyes

Introduction:

Lesson will be introduced with the song ‘my head my shoulders my knees my toes.’ Children will be asked to touch the different body parts as we sing the song.

Knowledge

1. Where can our eyes be found?

2. What do we use our eyes to do?

Comprehension

1. What happened when we closed our eyes?

2. What are the different colours of the eyes?

Evaluation:

1. Do all eyes have the same size?

2. Can everybody with eyes see from them?

Web Quest by: Hulla Cooper

Numeral 2 means two something

Class level: 3 years old

Subject: Mathematics

Topic: Numeral 2

Materials Needed: Working computer with mouse, number chart, body parts chart

Introduction

Lesson will be introduced by singing the jingle “I can jump on two feet…early in the morning” (will use all body parts that are in pairs of two).

Task

Children will be asked to identify parts of the body that are in pairs of two. They will be asked to identify the square from among other shapes.

Process

Activity 1

Children will be asked individually to click on body parts that are in pairs of two.

Activity 2

Identify the square and place items clicked in it.

Activity 3

Children will be asked to tell the name of the body parts they clicked to put in the square.

Activity 4

Children will be asked to tell the function of the body parts that they clicked.

Activity 5

Children will be asked to click on the numeral 2.

Evaluation:

Were children able to:

Identify items in pairs of 2?

Identify the square?

Tell name of item clicked?

Click on the numeral 2?

Reflection:

Children were able to manipulate the use of the mouse by clicking unto the body parts that are in pairs of two. They were able to identify the square, talk about the body parts that they clicked and its usage and also click the numeral 2 showing the amount of things that are in the square. Children were given 5 minutes free time to play a game of their choice on the computer as their reward for successfully completing each activity.

Define two or more types of ICT tools that can be used in the classroom to enhance the teaching and learning process. Say how these tools support the major dimensions of constructivist theories. You may use tools from your own experience.

Two ICT tools that can be used in the classroom to enhance the teaching and learning process are digital camera and the laptop with a wireless mouse. The cellphone is used to capture moments with children like making videos of them working, every child would get a turn to video his/her peer at work. I would then transfer and edit this video unto the laptop and allow children to watch themselves at work. We would have our general discussion from the video. The laptop is used to creative art work such as painting, the use of lines to make objects and also to play math games and fit puzzle pieces together. The math game is also loaded onto the cellphone. During break and lunch period would play some nice nursery rhymes for them to relax and dine.

Children construct knowledge by doing, having them engaged in the different activities with theses ICT tools keep their attention focused on the lesson at hand. They are able to use what they know to try and create different images of things they may have in their minds. They are able to remember what they did that was incorrect and try to figure the correct way out by themselves under the observation of the teacher.

                                                                                      Response to

Hi Alliyah

I use my laptop a lot for my lessons. I have two “special” children in my class before I knew they were special I tried many different ways to get through to them but nothing worked. The first day I used my laptop during Circle time everything changed, it was as if they were just waiting to communicate with me and I didn’t know how. So the use of ICT tools does help the teaching and learning process.

Hulla

Convergence as it applies to ICT

Information Communication and Technology (ICT) include a range of technology and other resources used to create, store, communicate, disseminate and manage information (Tinio, as cited in ECDFS essential readings, 2014). According to Janssen (n.d) convergence is the process of combining two or more different pieces of technology into a single system making it possible to share information across a variety of medium. There are different types of technologies such as computers, radio, cellphones, blue-tooth and television.

ICT facilitates and support collaborative learning whereby interaction is made between teachers and peers. Whenever I am writing lesson plans I try to integrate the use of the ICT where I would show a video of what I am teaching. Sometimes I would use my cellphone to video them while they work, show it to them and ask them questions. The use of ICT helps to keep the child focus and participatory.

One institutional factor that impedes implementation is the cash to purchase the necessary tools for both children and teacher. The institution that I work, even though it is registered with the Ministry of Education, they do not contribute any form of materials for teachers to use, everything that is needed has to be purchased through fund-raisers or at the teachers' expense. This slows the process of getting the child up to speed with the technology age.

Justify the use of Web 2.0 tools for development of higher order thinking skills (500 words)

Web 2.0 is a World Wide Web site that uses technology beyond the static pages to increase changes in the way web pages are made and use. It allows users to interact and collaborate with each other in a social media dialogue (Wikipedia.org, 2014). Students are given the opportunity to share what they have learnt with the use of technological tools of web 2.0 as these tools gives students more engagement through choice of topics. Web 2.0 calls for a major shift in the way education is provided for children as education should be collaboratively constructed, meaning, that an open atmosphere is created where children can participate and engage in class discussions. Students can take control over their learning which will help them to be successful, however, teachers and parents are worried about the negative outcomes that may derive from using web 2.0 tools such as gossiping, time wasting or engagement in dangerous activities (Wikipedia.org, 2014).

Higher order thinking according to Thorne & Thomas (2014), is the thinking of an individual on a higher level rather than memorizing and restating facts. It requires the individual to understand, infer, connect, categorize, manipulate, put together then apply the facts to seek solutions to new problems. Higher order thinking skills can be learnt and or increase with practice (Thorne & Thomas, 2014). Web 2.0 tools change the way we create, collaborate, edit and share contents online. Some web 2.0 tools are; presentation tools, video tools, mobile tools, community tools and related links (Discovery Education, 2014). For the purpose of this assignment I will show how community tools can be used to develop higher order thinking skills in children.

Community Tools are a set of tools which enables teachers and students to collaborate, communicate and share work with each other. These can be in the form of social networks, wikis and google docs (Discovery Education, 2014). Community tools offers community features which enable users to post and like photos and forums, customize their profile and form unlimited sub-groups. Publishing tools- this gives users access to advance blogging features, add multiple blogs, invite members to co-publish and unlimited custom HTML pages. Social Integration- allows members to sign in via facebook, twitter, linkedin, instagram, integrate youtube with other video sites, it also allow real time aggregated activity feed. Gadgets readiness- this feature allows memebers to create their own mobile app. Custom design and URL- allow members to use their own domain. Privacy control- members are able to appoint multiple administrators, take control of their privacy and choose their anti-spam protection.

Web 2.0 has proven to contribute in the development of higher order thinking skills in children. Instagram is one such social network that give teachers the opportunity to help children learn or increase their higher order thinking skills while interacting with each other through the use of web 2.0 community tools. Teachers can integrate these activities into their curriculm, it can also be used as a form of assessment. You may click on the link provided to see an example of a lesson provided through web 2.0 community tools https://discovery.app.box.com/SOS/1/2649248337/11784709163/1 (Web2.0.14, 2014).

                                                                                                                     References

Discovery Education. (2014). Web 2-0. Retrieved from Discovery Education: Web 2.0: http://web2014.discoveryeducation.com/web20tools-presentation.cfm

Thorne, G., & Thomas, A. (2014). Higher order thinking. Retrieved from Reading Rockets : http://www.readingrockets.org/article/higher-order-thinking

Web2.0.14. (2014, July 23). Instagram. Retrieved from Discovery Education: Web 2.0: http://web2014.discoveryeducation.com/blog/

Wikipedia.org. (2014, November 12). Web 2.0. Retrieved from Wikipedia the free encyclopedia: http//:wikipedia.org/wiki/Web_2.0

Hi Monica

Very attractive presentation. The twisting of the different colours clearly depicts the lesson the children in your care will be learning. I would also like to add that the use of ICT in education also saves time and prepare early childhood children for the technological age. Also children are fond of these devices so they will pay keen interest in the lesson being taught and eager to have hands interaction with them.