The Net Generation

The class today touched on the topic of the Net Generation, a generation of youths that are radically different from the rest - mostly the older folks like me. It opened my eyes to realise that my students belong to the above-mentioned Net-Gen kids, or at least, growing to be one.

The qualities of a Net-Gen kid do sound rather threatening as one tends to challenge conventional views, is open and investigative or inquisitive about issues. The Net-Gen is always one step ahead - when I introduced the class blog, although they were pretty excited at that point, most of the pupils already have blogs of their own. What's even more incredible is that they were the ones to introduce Radio Blogs to me.

What are radio blogs you ask? Apparently, you can sign up an account and select your favourite songs into a favourite playlist and viola, you have an instant online 'cd' of sorts that plays all the songs you like! The best part is, it is totally free. You can also add this feature into your blog and suddenly, your blog becomes as cool as what your pupils have.

Imagine what these kids can come up with when they grow up!The sheer power that lies in their hands to literally shake up and change the world!

Thoughts on the BSU movie

It was rather exciting to view the video where the teachers were shown infusing technology in their classrooms. Personally, I am very open to using technology in my own teaching, from teaching my pupils to post on the class blog to setting up group activities where pupils can share what they have learnt and worked on with their peers, such as uploading files onto a shared online portal.

It was mentioned in the movie clip that in this fast changing time where technology advances by leaps and bounds, the mindsets of the teachers, students and parents need to change in terms of their expectations towards education. How true! Many times I stop and ponder if the parents of my class will march up to me one day demanding to know why there are fewer worksheets (on paper) given as homework.

One main issue raised by the video was the extent of student motivation when technology is harnessed into the teaching and learning. I have personally experienced the bright sparks in my pupils' eyes when they find out that there will be a lab activity that day. In my plans to set up a class blog totally monitored and run by the pupils, many responded favourably and wanted to know when the first blog committtee meeting will be held. Such is their enthusiasm to embrace this new tool. Imagine what it will do when this is infused with the everyday teaching and learning.

A pertinent issue raised was the possibility of authentic assessment in the current classroom. A teacher was featured using videos (e.g. i-movies) as records of her students involved in discussions during classroom activities as a method to assess their learning or communicative abilities. A great way to really evaluate how much a child has progressed compared to a pen and paper test that probably seeks to draw out purely information learnt through rote learning.

Opportunities abound in creating tasks reflecting real-life situations, giving pupils the essential skills that they need to do well later in life. A variety of learning styles can be accommodated and met through technology - both audio and visual learners will benefit.Creativity in presentation of ideas and content can be drawn out from the pupils.

At the end of it all, there is a reality check button within me that questions the feasibility of adopting such strategies in our Singapore classrooms. Perhaps a lot more thinking and research has to be conducted in order to fully utilise the wonders of the technology into the education arena. I know the time is drawing near where the movie scenarios become a reality on our shores. I am definitely going to prepare and gear myself for it. In fact, I am looking forward to my next session with my class blog committee members!

Welcome!

Dear all,

Welcome to my MAE812 Using ICT in the Language Classroom site! I will be sharing my reflection here as the module goes on. Feel free to add your comments.