WEEK 1 (20 JULY 2010)

Today is the first day for me to attend the class of PMEY3104 Integration of Technology in Primary Science Teaching. The class is at Computer Lab. Professor Dr.Rohaida Mohd. Saat introduce herself to us and told us that she is the lecturer for this particular subject. At first, she told us clearly what the learning outcomes for this course are. On the completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Discuss the evolution of technology example OHP, slide projector, video, TV etc.

2. Develop knowledge to manage suitable technology to be used in primary science teaching.

3. Evaluate science coursework and other digital resources in the teaching and learning of primarY science.

4. Evaluate web-sites suitable in the teaching and learning of science among young learners.

5. Design simple web-based Science teaching and learning materials.

From this discussion of learning outcomes, I get a clear view of what is expected for me to do in this course. Consequently, I become aware that the learning outcomes of this course require us to be knowledgeable and skillful in technology that can be integrated in teaching science.

Moreover, she also asked us to open SPECTRUM and click for this subject. Then, she directs our attention to open the course pro-forma of the course and Course Information for current semester/term. This site details information about this course, specific topics that we are going to learn, references and etc. Professor Dr.Rohaida Mohd. Saat also briefly told us about our assignments. She directs our attention to look for assignment 1.

Assignment 1 (15%) CRITICAL REVIEW OF A JOURNAL ARTICLE (INDIVIDUAL work) Select an article from any science education journals (e.g Journal of Research in Science Education, etc that involves the integration of ICT in science education. Summarize the article and make a critique on the ICT integration. The article you choose must not overlap with other students.

She briefly told us about this assignment and asked us to search for article that suitable for this assignment. Once this briefing session is over, she starts off the lesson with PowerPoint. There are 3 slides.

In the first slide of PowerPoint, Professor Dr.Rohaida Mohd. Saat discuss with us the definition of technology and how to integrate it in teaching. From this discussion, I realize that, there are many ways on how teacher can integrate technology in teaching science. As I reflect, I recall when I was in School Experience Program last semester at SK Bandar Tun Razak 2. I noticed that the science teachers in this school using PowerPoint in eliciting science concepts effectively. Moreover, they also using a lot of animation that I find interesting and fun! In short, the discussion gives me a clear view the connection of technology and education specifically in science subject.

In the second and third slides of PowerPoint, we discuss about the reasons of using technology in teaching science. In this discussion, I realize that technology in teaching science can enhance motivation of pupils in learning science. For example, the use of smart board as it is more engaging rather than ‘talk and chalk ‘method. Moreover, I also realize significant of practicality of integrating technology as it serves as a unique instructional capabilities in:

ü Linking to information resources

ü Helping students to visualize problems and solutions

ü Tracking learner progress

ü Linking to learning tools

Moreover, we also have been introducing to early technologies in science education which are OHP, TV, video and the use of slide projectors. To discuss this matter in details, Professor Dr.Rohaida Mohd. Saat divides us into 4 groups. So, each group is assigned one technology item.The items of technologies are OHP, Visualizer, The television and The Video Player.

OHP

Visualizer

htt (http://www.wolfvision.com/wolf/prof_2757.html)

The Television

1. The Video Player

From this discussion make me more alert and know in details the use and effectiveness of each items. In addition, I am able to compare and contrast each of the items. For example, compare to OHP, the quality produce by Visualizer is far better. Thus, Visualizer can help pupils to see object more clearly. However, visualizer is more expensive compare to OHP.

In conclusion, today's lesson make me a better view and expectation of what we are going to learn through out this semester. Moreover, I am aware the practicality of technology which can be integrate in teaching science so that we can enhance for learning!