The 2 web tools
Thursday, October 25, 2007
10:34 PM
The two web tools we have chosen are
-blogs
-podcasts
Blogs
Blogs are commonly used in today's society, not only by teenagers but also by working adults, for example, parents and teachers. Why is blogging so popular? Well, blogging allows one to post information on teaching, be it learning materials, lesson plans or suggestions. It is a form of easy mass communication whereby anyone in the world can have access to the information. Furthermore, with the advancement in technology, one can post not only word-based documents, we can include videos, songs and photos which can in one way or another assist other teachers in their teaching. As each educator differs in his/her style of teaching, we can exchange ideas and give comments on how to enhance our children's learning. As teachers, we also learn from others' experiences. With videos in the blog itself, we can visualise the way a lesson is being carried out, thus aiding in our understanding. Videos can show us the characteristics of how a good teacher should be, through which we can apply in our teaching. Blogs also enable us to upload songs related to our teaching such as nursery rhymes and classical music for various therapies to share with others. Blogging about information openly may encourage a sense of cooperation among educators as they will not feel that they are competing against one another in this career but are more so there to lend a helping hand to those in similar situations.
Podcasts
Since experts play a major role in our teaching career, we have to learn alot from them. Podcasts of seminars, talks and interviews can enable us to gain knowledge and skills without having to be at the venues physically, especially if the seminars are conducted overseas. Podcasts allow people to call in to express their views and give comments about a particular issue. This will be helpful for us as Early Childhood Educators to listen to the podcasts of information during our free time as there is no specific timing to tune in. If we feel compelled to share our ideas or make enquiries, we can easily make a phonecall. After listening to different opinions and clarifying our doubts and taking them into consideration, we should be more effective in carrying out our lessons and dealing with children.
The Comparison
Blogging is more practical as we are allowed to post/view various mediums (videos, songs, word-based document etc) under one website. Blogging also allows more free expression in terms of design and information. Blogging of word documents allows one to read at his/her own pace, thus digesting the information more readily.
As for podcasting, it may be troublesome for some as they have to listen very carefully lest they miss a point. Podcasts only come in one medium - voice recording.
Despite the differences between blogging and podcasting, it really depends on the individual as we have different learning styles, in this case, them being visual and audio learning styles.
With understanding, comes patience.
With patience, comes love.
And that is what an effective teacher is about.
-Nasyitah Bte Yassin-
-Tan Shu'en Grace- 2C01
