The grand finale!

It seems just like yesterday when we began the course now its over. It has been a thrilling 10 weeks of online learning. This is actually my first online course and it has been a fantastic learning experience.
I have learned how to write better learning and behavioral objectives. I have been using technology in class bt the course introduced me to new websites and technology to improve teaching.
One of the highlights for me was the interactive powerpoint for teaching. I have created and experimented with some during an informal religious program for children and they loved it. It is going to be a main stay of my teaching from next session.
Project based learning is another interesting aspect of this course. I loved the dimensions which PBL was highlighted as a teaching tool. Rbrics writing was also important and can be used to get better results from students.
 My project plan was done focusing on reading fluency and pronunciation.
I thank Donna Shaw our course instructor for her kind and useful comments during the course. she is a gem. I also made new friends like Kenneth Nsah from Cameroon and Ali from Pakistan (hope I got that right). special regards to Tinatin my project plan partner, Dianna Poppa and all the rest of the class.
Thanks.
Namse

Multiple intellegences

Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences theory provides the back drop for this week's work. the theory describes the various learning styles of students. The nine are listed as:
1. Verbal-linguistic intelligence
2. Logical-mathematical intelligence
3. Spatial-visual intelligence
4. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence
5. Musical intelligence
6. Interpersonal intelligence
7. Intrapersonal
8. Naturalist intelligence
9. Existential intelligence
Understanding These intelligences are essential  to deploying technology in teaching. I believe that many teachers in Nigeria do not take multiple intelligences into consideration that's why they have problems with some students.

The beginning of the end.

I cant believe the journey is coming to an end. It has been a wonderful learning experience.
This week was majorly about putting finishing touches to my project plan. I have made my draft including all technology and web-links I intend to use when school resumes. It has been uploaded on the course wiki for review by my partner Tinatin. My plan involves creating a platform for pupils to listen to downloaded audio books to improve reading fluency.
I downloaded two games that would be used to improve pupils sentence construction and general written English.
On a personal note, I did my final defense of my masters thesis at the Ahmadu Bello University on Tuesday and it went successfully. Now planning for my doctorate (hopefully in University of Oregon).
*wink* @ Donna.

The end is close but the work is fun!

Its week seven and we have come a very long way in the web-skills course. I have really learned a lot from  the course so far, I feel privileged.
This week has been all about autonomous learning. This concept is not very common where I work. Our Educational system is too teacher centric and old school. I guess I have a lot of work to do to sell the idea to my colleagues. I think making the classroom more student centric would greatly enhance learners' autonomy.
The one computer class room really relates to me because there is no computer in my class. I use my personal laptop to show materials to my pupils. The lessons learned would definitely be used in future classes. There is still a heavy reluctance to encourage students to mobile phones and laptops in where I work. There are even universities in Nigeria that ban students from using smart phones!
I have choosen Tinatin to be my project partner. I hope it all turns out well.

wish me luck and your best thoughts as I defend my Master thesis on Tuesday. thanks!

some throw back pictures of my old wind vane class project.

Interactive power points: the power with the teacher!

It has been quite and interesting week. I am still enjoying my long holiday by the way! The interactive power point struck me as power I had without knowing it. I use power point for mainly official and other non school related presentations but Interactive PowerPoint: Not Your Usual Approach by Deborah Healey was a major shot in the arm. It took me a while to create mine because i work with kids and really needed something children friendly, so a made a sponge bob themed presentation on verbs. In future when I have a better equipped classroom i will make interactive power point a main stay of my teaching.

My project plan is in progress, still gathering materials to aid my one computer class, I guess I would be using more of  worksheets from the net. I having also been downloading audio and video files to be used to enhance reading fluency of my pupils. It is quite complicated but I hope to have something tidy later in the week.
Now back to my vaccay!