Article review

Hussain, W., Ahmed, B. S., Dahir, O. A., Abdul Rahman, A. D. (2011). Collaborative Web-based Teacher Professional Development system. A new direction for Teacher Professional Development in Malaysia. The Special Issue on Behavioural and Social Science. Vol.1 No 7. Centre of Promoting Ideas, USA

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            The issue investigated in this article is the teacher's professional development in terms of  technology leverage. Specifically, the study is  intended to propose a collaborative web-based system to enhance  the professional development of teachers in Malaysia. The literature review  which mentioned as 'related work' for this concept paper are sufficient in giving overall picture of the research where the section consist of the current situation of the  collaborative learning environments, the existing collaborative teachers professional development systems and  teachers readiness for collaborative professional development systems. Consequently, the issue that being studied are relevant to the existing gap of literature as mentioned by the authors that 'the current professional development for in-service teachers is being done using the very manual approach'.

            In order to overcome the problem, this concept paper proposed  two design models that can be the based or referred theory for the sake of upgrading the teachers development systems towards the future. Additionally, the author does listed and explained about the advantages of using a web-based collaboration technology as a learning tool for teachers which emphasized on the transfer of knowledge, working as a team, expanding creativity and innovation, improving instructional strategies and  improve teacher's professional image.

            The conclusion made by the author are relevant enough as this is just a concept paper. However, the recommendations are a bit vague as the researcher suppose to add the suggestion for future research. As the paper explained the significant of applying the proposed system compared to the current system, it is recommended that further complete research paper should be published by the researchers in the future.

A visit to STEM centre at CYBERJAYA

            At 18th December 2015, i've joined a visit to Cyberjaya, KL with fellow UTM lecturers and postgraduate members.

           Actually we've been bought to a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) lab where they used to teach students to built a software themselves. Emphasizing in coding language, students/participants are asked to built a software according to the instruction given (sort of a DIY) project. We've been givem a task on producing a piano sound using banana slice and of course provided a software and its hardware device with guided (DIY) instruction.  

         Another interesting part is, they also provide a space and facilities for university students (commonly MMU) to build their project. One of the most interesting facilities provided is a 3D printer. We've been informed that the 3D printer can produce a 100% mice organ..huh,scary at the same time. In future, human organ would been produced too.

Interesting right?? I wouldn't have known such programme existed if i didint attend the visit. Do you?? 

For more information visit http://www.techmahindra.com/

Found this on Pinterest. I thought it is very interesting and very related to our ILE class

Jigsaw learning activity

           Throwback at week 3, Dr Jamaludin provide us a handout with titled, The 7 Principles of Learning meant for 21st century classroom or learning environment. After a brief explanation about the content of the handouts, Dr assigned everyone with a number and alphabet ABC to form 3 group. At first,  i thought we'll be grouped as A1, B1 and C1. Instead, we've be grouped as A1, A2 and A3, B1,B2 and B3, C1,C2 and C3. Based on the handouts given and in 15 minutes, Group A were asked to discussed about learning principle 1,2 and 3, Group B about learning principles 4 and 5 and Group C about learning principles 6 and 7. And then i wonder what else Dr asked us to do. After the discussion Dr then asked us to sit in a group consist of person A,B and C which is A1,B1 and C1 in a group and so on for group 2 and 3 where we have to explain the mastered principles tat have been discussed before to our fellow group members. After completing the task, Dr Jamal then explain the approach that been used as a part of cooperative learning that known as the jigsaw learning activity.

           

The reason i recall the activity because that i am so fond of the activity that i've never heard before. I really found that the activity is so effective in engaging student especially in handling and understanding an information by a reading material. Eventually, according to Mengduo & Xiaoling (2010), Jigsaw is said to be able to increase students’ learning since “a) it is less threatening for many students, b) it increases the amount of student participation in the classroom, c) it reduces the need for competitiveness and d) it reduces the teacher’s dominance in the classroom”. The full paper can be obtain here for further reading. Enjoy!!

            

My first reflection

Basically, i don't like blogging and i rarely update my status account on facebook because it feel awkward and i do not comfortable to share my activities or my thought with others. But i do envy those who are so excel in writing an interesting article. I do have a personal blog before but it has been neglected and lost in the space :D. So dear DR thank you because i have to do this.......enjoy

Honestly, i have to take two more elective subject to graduate by the end of this semester. Unfortunately the elective subject offered by MPK coordinator is limited and the class schedule clash with another pre-requisite course that have to be taken in order to graduate too. So after we go through the schedule, the word of 'Innovative Learning Activity' are glowing and look very tempting. So after Istikharah pray i decided to take the class and insyaAllah didn't regret it till the very end (kalau dapat A la kan..) :D

What do i want from this class?

I want this class to guide me in how to built a conducive teaching and learning environment so that i can attract student/learner to be more engage during the process. Apart from that, i want to add my personal skill in inventing new technology in education.

What might i need/expected from this class?

My expectation from this class is that i might be an 'advance in technology' educator which i could make use of technology in the educational world.

How/why this class is relevant to my study?

As chemistry become unpopular subject among students because of the complexity, i'm thinking of ways or option that we have to enhance students interest in chemistry. One of the way is by using technology as it has been loved and near to everybody's heart especially students. This gen y students can be easily impress with technology rather than conventional or traditional chemistry classroom. So this class is relevant to my study as i learn new ideas and technology that can help me to help students or learners in their chemistry learning.

What new thoughts have come into my head so far in the 1st class?

The new thoughts have come into my head in the 1st class is the advanced technology used in education is actually aligned with the constructivist teaching approach and active learning classroom. However, value added to the teaching approach by innovatively injecting new technologies.

What will i learn from this class?

I will learn to use the proper technology in teaching environment.

I will manage to built an innovative, interesting, engaging, rich in knowledge and meaningful classroom environment.

Finally, i hope that DR and fellow friends would help me in completing this class successfully. A big Thank You in advanced for the thoughts and kindness..