Ict Tools Bridge To Learning

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

By MR. LINO M. PAGALING

T-III, Talavera Central School

In this fast phased world where everything changes with a blink of an eye, education faces a tough challenge. The challenge to fuse learners’ basic education with today’s generation of information technology learning.

Information Communication Technology (ICT) provides a window for our learners to explore things that most Teaching Tools and Materials failed to do. Through the use of equipments like computers, projectors for slide presentation and now the state-of-the-art Interactive Whiteboard (where pupils can interact with different activities through touch screen technology), learners can acquire higher percentage of mastery.

Studies show that one factor of pupils’ low performance today is due to their inability to focus and pay attention to the discussion. Different distractions like sudden noise from inside or outside the classroom, lack of interest and unchallenging activities can lead to failure of learning. ICT tools give that kind of energy boost to pupils, keeping them focused and earnest to participate with every lesson’s activities. Through these equipments, students can learn and have fun at the same time.

Interactive Whiteboard is another useful tool that can easily facilitate learning among our pupils. With just tap or swipe of your finger, teachers can show videos, tutorials and pictures of actual objects, people or places needed for their discussion. It also gives the pupil a chance to interact with the board itself with installed programs that cater to pupils’ active nature. With Interactive Whiteboard, learning is just a single tap of a finger.

Educators cannot deny the fact that learners nowadays have higher demands of learning. And indeed, different ICT tools and equipment offer an answer to our educational setbacks. It is clear that computers and other devices can fill the gap between our learners and learning. ICT tools with the proper utilization can indeed build a strong bridge that can be stepped on in one’s journey to education.

THE CHOSEN ONE

(E-Classroom’s Chronicles)

By MR. LINO M. PAGALING

Teacher III, Talavera Central School

The Announcement

Sometime in 2010, Talavera District ICT Consultant Mrs. Noreen U. Vigilia announced the good news that our school, Talavera Central School, was chosen to be one of the recipients of E-Classroom package composed of 1 Projector, 7 Monitors with keyboards, 1 CPU (server) and 1 state-of-the-art board known as the Interactive Whiteboard among thousands of schools in the country. The TCS family was beyond happy for the news. No specific date was given so we just waited but nothing came. Anticipation turned disappointment when there is no news about the said project was heard. Then 2011 came. And the project was almost forgotten.

A Spark of Hope

It was a couple of weeks before the third quarter when a Division Memorandum about a 2-Day seminar for Batch 7 E-Classroom recipients circulated. Talavera Central School (TCS) was included on that Batch so TCS ICT Coordinator Ms. Allet Flerida Del Valle and ICT Consultant Mrs. Vigilia was designated to attend at Tagaytay City, Cavite on August 24-25, 2011. Our excitement came back because definitely it is a sign that the project will push through.

1st Step for E-Classroom

August 24, 2011 arrived. The 2 delegates from TCS headed to Tagaytay International Convention Center to attend the 2-Day Orientation/Briefing on the Nationwide Rollout of Batch 7 of the DepEd Computerization Program. In the briefing, they are advised to prepare a room where all the equipments and gadgets will be placed. It will be known as the E-Classroom. The speaker told the participants to be prepared for anytime after the seminar, equipments will be delivered.

A Surprise Guest

Twenty days after the seminar, September 13, 2011, an unexpected visitor arrived. They are the people who are going to deliver the equipments and device for the E-Classroom. Teachers and pupils are so glad that finally the long wait for an E-Classroom is over.

Installation Day

The Installation team arrived nearly four months after the delivery date on February 1, 2012. It felt good to watch how the team installed and connected equipments like a puzzle being assembled piece by piece. Hours later, the installation is complete.

Time to Get Serious

The teachers were instructed not to operate the units yet and wait for the speaker who will hold a Seminar/Training for the utilization of the equipments a week after the installation. On February 8,2012, the trainer, in the person of Mr. Rafael Martin, arrived in our E-Classroom and conducted the 2-Day Training on How to Operate the E-Classroom Devices. TCS teachers attended the said training and eagerly listened and participated to every lesson discussed. After the training, TCS teachers are optimistic that this E-Classroom will work. But sooner they realized that the room is not 100% ready for its clients, the pupils.

Room Makeover

After the training, E-Classroom Teacher Ms. Del Valle saw the need to upgrade the physical structure of the room to make it appropriate for the name "E-Classroom". So little by little, with the help of the teachers, parents and pupils, the basic needs of the room were addressed. Computer tables, chairs, lighting condition, security of the room and repairs were the top priorities in the first months of the E-Classroom operation. And before the year 2012 ended, almost all the stated needs were complete.

E-Classroom in Action

TCS teachers maximize all the functions and services that E-Classroom can offer. From their individual lessons, to meetings and SLAC sessions, E-Classroom was there. Indeed it is a big assistance to both pupils and teachers. Pupils, who entered the E-Classroom, leave the room asking when they will come back. Teachers, who were afraid to use computers, were confident to use them now.

The Future

The question now is what’s next for E-Classroom. Because of the success of the initial E-Classroom recipients, Deped Nueva Ecija announced that more public schools in the province can enjoy the benefits of the E-Classrooms. It means more pupils can avail the state-of-the-art learning experience from E-Classroom Devices for free. So what’s the future of E-Classroom? QUALITY EDUCATION.

THE IMPORTANCE OF ICT IN EDUCATION

By MR. LINO M. PAGALING

Teacher III, Talavera Central School

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) nowadays, especially internet, plays an important role in the process of empowering the technology into the educational activities.

Being aware of the significant role of ICT (internet) in our life, especially in the educational activities, is a big advantage in order for us to maximize the full effect of ICT to our pupil’s learning. Therefore, educators and administrators should be serious in implementing the strategies to empower ICT in supporting the teaching and learning process in the classroom.

ICT is considered essential and significant in modern education because:

INTERNET MEANS INFORMATION

Internet is everywhere. It is like a huge library where information is free for everyone. The wide range of information is almost limitless. It is an open source tool where pupils can avail for their home works, research and projects.

ICT DEVICES PROVIDE ACTIVITIES THAT REQUIRE MULTISENSES RESPONSE

Devices like computers and interactive boards offer activities that can develop 2-4 senses at once. Slide presentation uses visuals and sound effects that can arouse pupils’ interest thus there’s a better chance for them to learn and understand the lesson.

MEDIA SERVES AS THE WINDOW FOR LEARNING

When a teacher gives a home work or project that involves computers or internet, pupils are also given the chance to explore the different knowledge and skills that can be acquired in the process like computer and internet basics.

ICT PROGRAMS HELP TEACHERS TO PERFORM CERTAIN TASKS FASTER

Class records, lesson planning, reports, and test results are some of the task in which teachers spend much time to accomplish. Teachers can save their precious time with the aid of some applications and programs like the Google Apps. Through this, teachers can manage and divert their time to other important tasks like remedial classes.

ICT PROMOTES TECHNOLOGY LITERACY AMONG PUPILS

In this generation where everyone must be globally competitive, there’s no other way to cope up but to train our future workers young. Exposure to different technologies at the very young age can lead to readiness in the future. Now that Information Technology courses are booming everywhere, computer literate pupils might be at advantage compare to those who have zero computer knowledge.

ICT indeed plays a significant role in our learners’ education. Therefore, we, teachers must be open to the different ideas and methods which ICT requires. Now that our educational system needs a drastic measure, ICT might be the answer. So let us encourage our administrators, colleagues and pupils to step outside of the box and embrace the learning that ICT offers.

ELECTRONIC INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD AS A LEARNING AID

By MR. LINO M. PAGALING

Teacher III, Talavera Central School

One key to an effective discussion is a good presentation. Presentation tools nowadays are essential for educators because they can be a great help to the speaker (teacher) in sharing concepts, ideas and information to the receiver (learner). In present time, interactive applications are in demand for educators who want to involve their students in learning with technology. The Nationwide DepEd Computerization Program for public elementary school offers a package which includes the Electronic Interactive Whiteboard which can be utilized in teaching different subjects.

But what is an electronic interactive whiteboard? What makes it different to the traditional blackboard/whiteboard that we normally use? What are the benefits of using such tool?

The electronic interactive whiteboard is a device that can facilitate the transfer of information from the teacher to learners and vice versa through pupils’ interaction with the device itself. It is a presentation device that interfaces with a computer. The images are displayed on the board by a digital projector, where they can be seen and manipulated. Users can control software both from the computer and from the board. Participants can add notations, and emphasize concepts by using a pen and or highlighter tool. By using his finger as a mouse, the teacher or student can run applications directly from the board. Another user at the computer can also have input. Any notes or drawings can then be saved or printed out and distributed to group members.

Here are few of the advantages of using an Interactive Whiteboard.

IT IS A COLORFUL TOOL.

According to studies, students respond to displays where colors are employed, and marking can be customized both in the pen and in the highlighter features to display a number of different colors. Width of lines can also be adjusted to add flexible marking choices.

THE BOARD CAN ACCOMMODATE DIFFERENT LEARNING STYLES Tactile learners can benefit from touching and marking at the board, audio learners can have the class discussion and visual learners can see what is taking place as it develops at the board.

ALL AGES OF LEARNERS RESPOND FAVORABLY TO BOARD USE

Originally, interactive whiteboards were used to facilitate meetings in the business world sector. As they have gained popularity in schools in some countries, teachers have reported success with the youngest learners through students in academic settings.

THE BOARD UNLIKE THE TRADITIONAL BLACKBOARD IS CLEAN AND ATTRACTIVE

There is no need for cleaning messy chalk dust or other by-product after every discussion so it can also save time. While the board can be used with regular dry erase markers, it is more likely to be used with the electronic marking feature, which employs either stylus or finger, and thus requires no cleanup.

IT IS INTERACTIVE

The device allows the learners to participate directly by input both at the computer and at the board. Pupils can write or draw on the board during the evaluation for a certain lesson. They can also use the device whenever pupil reporting is needed.

KIDS LOVE TO USE IT

Curiosity makes the kids excited and interested. The interactive whiteboard provides that mystery that kids love to solve. They always want to use it at every opportunity.

Technology based tools are indeed essential to cope up with the ever changing world. With proper planning, preparation, and training, Interactive Whiteboard is a powerful instructional tool which can be used to elevate the traditional methods of teaching. So will I suggest this device to others? Without a doubt I will.

MATHEMATICS NEEDS CREATIVITY

By MR. LINO M. PAGALING

Teacher III, Talavera Central School

Teaching Mathematics can be challenging and fun at the same time. As educators, it is our responsibility to search and update our methods and strategies in order for us to adapt to our pupils’ needs.

Here are some creative teaching ideas from Gisele Glosser of mathgoodies.com which I find very helpful in teaching specific lesson in Mathematics.

THE DECIMAL DANCE

When teaching students to multiply decimals, I often find that they forget to account for decimal place value. To help them remember to mark the decimal point, I use the decimal dance. At the chalkboard, I work out the product of the numbers. Then I simply exaggerate the motion of counting decimal places. I make a large white arc under each digit until I have accounted for the correct number of decimal places. By calling this The Decimal Dance, students remember to account for decimal place value after multiplying decimals. It may sound silly, but it works.

FRONT LOADING

Most teachers start the school year by reviewing previously learned concepts. However, this is a time when students are most motivated to learn. Why not introduce a new topic they've never seen before? This technique, known as Front Loading, shows students that you intend to challenge them, and sets the tone for the year.

GEOMETRY AND GUMBY

I introduce the square, rectangle, parallelogram, rhombus, and trapezoid at the chalkboard, noting the properties of each. To summarize the lesson, I hold the shoebox in front of the class and say: "If you bend a rectangle like Gumby, what quadrilateral do you get?" (parallelogram). Bending the shoe box demonstrates the change in angles, and the fact the length of the sides has not changed. I then ask: "If you bend a square like Gumby, what quadrilateral do you get?" (rhombus). The whole thing sounds silly -and that is exactly why my students remember it so well!

THE HOMEWORK WAVE

Every once in a while, I motivate students to do their homework with the Homework Wave. If every student has completed their assignment, they take out their assignment sheets and wave them. This is just like the wave in the bleachers at a game, except that they are waving their homework instead of their arms. Students enjoy this activity tremendously.

REPEATING DECIMALS AND THE MONSTER THAT WOULDN’T DIE

Some students have trouble grasping the fact that a repeating decimal goes on forever. I start with a simple fraction like one-third. At the chalkboard, I divide the numerator by the denominator several times until a pattern becomes apparent. I then ask the class what they think will happen if I continue to bring down a zero and divide. Most of them say that I will keep getting the same digit in the dividend. To emphasize the concept of repeating decimals, I make an analogy to a monster movie where the monster is relentless -it just keeps coming back and never dies, no matter how many times you try to kill it!

TIPS ON HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR GRADES IN MATHEMATICS

By MR. LINO M. PAGALING

Teacher III, Talavera Central School

Most pupils are struggling with Mathematics. One reason why such thing occurs is the lack of system and order on how to get the correct solution or answer. Most of the pupils who failed are pupils who don’t at least try to understand the concept and ideas. Children with correct attitude with Mathematics are the one who has the higher chance to learn.

According to Jason Gibson, there are ways on how you can improve your performance in Mathematics. Here are some tips:

IF YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND SOMETHING, FOCUS ON MASTERING THAT TOPIC BEFORE MOVING ON TO THE NEXT TOPIC

Math is very much like learning to read. If you don't know your letter sounds then you have no hope of being able to sound out words of course there is no way possible that you could read a book. All math courses are taught in a specific sequence because every topic builds on the previous topic. If you are having a problem with a topic, continue working with that one until you understand it and can work problems successfully.

WHEN YOU STUDY AND DO HOMEWORK, TRY TO FIND A QUIET PLACE TO DO IT

Try to find a quiet spot in your home or in the Library to get your schoolwork done and you will get your work done much more quickly because you'll be able to focus and absorb more.

NEVER, EVER WORK MATH PROBLEMS IN PEN

You will make a mistake; it is only a matter of time. When you do, you will want to completely erase your mistake and write over it. You will never, ever want to scratch something out and write next to the scratch-out. This will lead to a paper that is hard to read, and the scratch-outs will actually increase your anxiety about solving these problems. You want clean-neat paper with a clean well thought-out solution.

KEEP YOUR SOLUTIONS NEAT AND LINE-BY-LINE

Always work problems vertically, with one step on every line. Never work horizontally. It may take more paper, but you will be able to follow your steps much more easily. More importantly, the teacher will be able to follow your work much better which allows him/her to give you partial credit. If there are just 2 steps when there should be 10, you will not be getting any points for your thought process. The steps you write down tell the teacher what you are thinking and how you are attacking the problem.

TRY TO USE A PENCIL WITH SEPARATE ERASER, IF YOU CAN

Try to use a pencil with separate eraser, if you can.  Nothing is worse than making a mistake and trying to erase something then just smearing that all around your page. The cheap erasers will do this and make your life hard. Invest in a good pencil and a good separate eraser.

Indeed, answers in Mathematics examinations are not as easy as 1-2-3. But with the right attitude and strong will to improve, Mathematics can also be fun and easy. A little bit of "step-by-step" process can help. So Mathematics is not just about numbers. It’s also about tenacity and determination.

SPELLING MADE EASY

By MR. LINO M. PAGALING

Teacher III, Talavera Central School

Spelling is a major part of the English subject. Most pupils find it hard to spell certain words especially if they are uncommon. Writing the correct spelling of words is essential in pupil’s performance in English. Correct spelling is required whether it is for a 200-word essay or a three pages book report. So our young learners must exert more effort to improve his spelling skills.

Here are some simple techniques, drawn from a combination of educational studies and video tutorials, on how to elevate learners’ spelling skills:

SEE IT, HEAR IT, SAY IT

Involving several senses in the learning process can really speed up word-acquisition. Each time you see the new word, don't just look at it, find out how it is pronounced and say it aloud. If possible, get somebody else to help out by saying the word too.

TARGET YOUR SPECIFIC WEAKNESSES

Spelling performance is different among learners so word study has to be personalized if it is to be efficient. When you receive a spelling list from a teacher, it will typically contain a large number of words you already know.

Although you need to revisit familiar words occasionally, you will improve spelling far more rapidly if you filter out all the familiar words. Not just by crossing the familiar words out - which still leaves distractions all over the page - but by constantly recreating new lists filled only with the words you are not confident with.

If you want to progress as rapidly as possible, you need to take charge of your own spelling program.

FIRST TEST, THEN STUDY

Traditional teaching requires us to study a set amount of material for weeks on end, and then tests us at the end to see how well we mastered it. There are several weaknesses in this approach. For one thing, you may then be devoting far too much precious time on things you already know. For another, you can take a very long time to find out that your study has been ineffective. The solution? Test yourself first, and then develop a study program around the weaknesses you found in your test. This also means that you don't have to make guesses at what you think you already know.

FORM RELEVANT ASSOCIATIONS

Disorganized lists of words and facts are very difficult to remember. There is a well-known strategy for achieving almost miraculous feats of memory when it comes to recalling long random-looking lists, and that is to make extensive use of images and stories.

The idea then is to group words together into meaningful lists, where each list has a clear theme. You can then use pictures, stories, and other clever memory devices to glue the words in each list together. This practice can also help reinforce distinctions that are often accidentally blurred. You may forget the spelling of a specific word, but just by remembering the group it belonged to you can be confident about the correct spelling.

TIME REPETITIONS CAREFULLY

There are far too many words in any dictionary to rehearse every word every day. It would take most of us a whole year to get through it once. But words have to be repeated many times (experts say 6 or 7 is typical) before they become a part of our working vocabulary. So how can we possibly master a long list of words in a reasonably short period of time? The answer lies in carefully timing your repetitions. Once you have successfully spelled a word on three or four occasions, remove it from the frequently-tested list. You know it. Move on. Other words need to be rehearsed more frequently.

Now that we learned some learning styles in improving one’s spelling skills it’s time for you to initiate the most important tip: Keeping yourself motivated. Those techniques are useless if you don’t have the determination to solidify your spelling skills. So practice now and then practice more later

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