Friday, 25 November 2016
Session 11 - reflection
Use of padlet as a dashboard
I asked students to copy everything from my powerpoint slides and stick all the worksheets onto their notebooks. I never give them a soft copy of what I prepared.
The first reason is because I want them to pay attention in class. The second reason is uploading various files onto e-class is very troublesome.
Now, with padlet, the dashboard function is easy to read and download. I just need to give students the link of the padlet before the exam. They can visit the page for revision. I can further upload other revision notes/ exercises.
The best thing is it is very organised and easy to read.
Pinterest
Thanks for showing me the use of that small icon on the left hand corner. I heard of pinterest. I browse it sometimes. But I have no idea how to create my own board! It is similar to 'bookmark' function except it is image-based, which is more eye-catching and easy to read through.
Prezi
With prezi, it is tricky. I have a prezi account with my edu. email but I constantly forget the login passowrd of Prezi. Receiving a password reset email in my edu.email takes time... I have been waiting for 5 mins now and the mail has yet to go through all the 'filters' set my the edu.email.
Anyways, I like prezi because of it layout. I don't use it a lot also because of its layout. Because it can be quite 'dizzy' if you don't have a clear organization of what your work or when you are only having a free account.
Still, it is a gimmick to arouse students' interest in class :)
Gimmick is a positive word
I asked students to copy everything from my powerpoint slides and stick all the worksheets onto their notebooks. I never give them a soft copy of what I prepared.
The first reason is because I want them to pay attention in class. The second reason is uploading various files onto e-class is very troublesome.
Now, with padlet, the dashboard function is easy to read and download. I just need to give students the link of the padlet before the exam. They can visit the page for revision. I can further upload other revision notes/ exercises.
The best thing is it is very organised and easy to read.
Thanks for showing me the use of that small icon on the left hand corner. I heard of pinterest. I browse it sometimes. But I have no idea how to create my own board! It is similar to 'bookmark' function except it is image-based, which is more eye-catching and easy to read through.
Prezi
With prezi, it is tricky. I have a prezi account with my edu. email but I constantly forget the login passowrd of Prezi. Receiving a password reset email in my edu.email takes time... I have been waiting for 5 mins now and the mail has yet to go through all the 'filters' set my the edu.email.
Anyways, I like prezi because of it layout. I don't use it a lot also because of its layout. Because it can be quite 'dizzy' if you don't have a clear organization of what your work or when you are only having a free account.
Still, it is a gimmick to arouse students' interest in class :)
Gimmick is a positive word
Friday, 18 November 2016
Session 10 - reflection
Think back to the resources, sites, activities you have visited or tried out. What are their strengths, and the potentials for using them in your teaching situation?
Grammar checking tools
It is really upsetting that Paul confirms the unlikelihood of having an accurate grammar checking tool.
Thanks for confirming the value / worth of English teachers.
Storybird
This is amazing!!!
I love the pictures. I love the layout. It is all big, colourful and fancy! Looking at the pictures, I really want to write something and express myself! The pictures really touch my heart.
I planned to use Adobe Spark Video for my term paper. Within minutes after exploring storybird, I changed my mind.
It gives so much freedom to students! They can write creatively, or share something personal!
Again, it is free of charge!
Mystorybook
This isn't as attractive as storybook. I have to say, among the three digital story making tool (mystorybook, storybird, adobe spark video), it ranks last. I am sorry for being frank. Reasons are simple -->
The 'book' is not big and the 'characters' aren't pretty.
Of course, it is very easy to use and allows me to attach my photos. But honestly, I don't think students would like to see their face on the screen. They prefer pictures.
Grammar checking tools
It is really upsetting that Paul confirms the unlikelihood of having an accurate grammar checking tool.
Thanks for confirming the value / worth of English teachers.
Storybird
This is amazing!!!
I love the pictures. I love the layout. It is all big, colourful and fancy! Looking at the pictures, I really want to write something and express myself! The pictures really touch my heart.
I planned to use Adobe Spark Video for my term paper. Within minutes after exploring storybird, I changed my mind.
It gives so much freedom to students! They can write creatively, or share something personal!
Again, it is free of charge!
Mystorybook
This isn't as attractive as storybook. I have to say, among the three digital story making tool (mystorybook, storybird, adobe spark video), it ranks last. I am sorry for being frank. Reasons are simple -->
The 'book' is not big and the 'characters' aren't pretty.
Of course, it is very easy to use and allows me to attach my photos. But honestly, I don't think students would like to see their face on the screen. They prefer pictures.
Friday, 11 November 2016
Session 9 - reflection
F.1 -5 students in my school are required to complete online reading tasks designed by Wiseman (English Builder) from time to time.
I found 'readtheory' is very similar in nature - give students extensive reading tasks. The difference is that 'readtheory' is absolutely free while the school has to pay for Wiseman subscription.
Is Wiseman any better than the free website? I am not sure.
One thing I am sure is that some students are so tired of doing Wiseman that they actually pay their classmates to finish their homework. The most impressive case was that 1 boy was credited the highest scorer in school and he actually did nothing.
I doubt the effectiveness of online extensive reading platforms.
Actively Learn
I think one of the best parts of actively learn is that there is a catalog with lots of articles. The main reading source for my students is SCMP. They rarely read English outside the classroom. The articles on actively learn are relatively shorter in length. They are from difference places, LA times, Newsweek ... (I understand that Wiseman serves the same purpose. But why Wiseman is so 'hateful' because students have to do it every week. They have no choice. However, actively learn is class-based so teacher and students can discuss the schedule together. I guess in this case 'cheating' can be avoided.)
Saturday, 5 November 2016
Session 8 - reflection
Think back to the activities, sample resources, etc., applications, etc., that you have viewed, or tried. What are the potentials for using the tools, or trying out the activities, in your teaching situation?
What are the advantages for students and/or the teacher)?
Making a video is easier than ever with help from Adobe Spark Video.
It is free and provides templates (background, music, even photos).
I was very afraid of making a video. Watching Zoella (famous UK vlogger), I thought producing a video means to have your face being 'magnified' on the monitor. However, it is not the case! Your voiceover narration with relevant photos, plus lovely background music cam already make your video 'look' and 'sound' professional!
After watching the videos made by HKUGA students, I think my F.2 students are capable to produce something similar! Not only can they practise speaking, they also gain a great sense of achievement!
In November and December, there are many school activities, such as school picnic, Christmas party. Students for sure will take tonnes of photos these occasions. It is very handy to ask them to produce a short video about one of these activities. I can ask them to draft first then show them how to use the software. They can then produce one after school or at home. The best part of the software is that it is FREE to use! Students can then share the videos with their family and I can play one or two during lessons as well.
What are the advantages for students and/or the teacher)?
Making a video is easier than ever with help from Adobe Spark Video.
It is free and provides templates (background, music, even photos).
I was very afraid of making a video. Watching Zoella (famous UK vlogger), I thought producing a video means to have your face being 'magnified' on the monitor. However, it is not the case! Your voiceover narration with relevant photos, plus lovely background music cam already make your video 'look' and 'sound' professional!
After watching the videos made by HKUGA students, I think my F.2 students are capable to produce something similar! Not only can they practise speaking, they also gain a great sense of achievement!
In November and December, there are many school activities, such as school picnic, Christmas party. Students for sure will take tonnes of photos these occasions. It is very handy to ask them to produce a short video about one of these activities. I can ask them to draft first then show them how to use the software. They can then produce one after school or at home. The best part of the software is that it is FREE to use! Students can then share the videos with their family and I can play one or two during lessons as well.
Friday, 4 November 2016
Screencast-o-matic video (indirect questions)
https://www.dropbox.com/s/7blu0554a742vqv/Recording%20%231.mp4?dl=0
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