Reflection on Google Docs

One of the most important and interesting application of ICT I have found so far is the Google Docs. I was unaware of this application till I learn about this module EDN419. Google Docs is a free Web-based application and spreadsheets can be created, edited and stored online. The team members can work simultaneously in the same Document.

Working in group is the biggest challenges that the college students face when they have to work extra hours from the college hours. I have experienced and seen the group members complaining and having misunderstanding for not being able to turn up for group discussion. But now with the help of the Google Docs these problems could be solved. We can discuss on the topic without having to meet physically. Everybody can do their group work just by staying at their cozy bed room. Moreover, we do not have to spend hours in in front of computers/laptop in the computer lab to do the assignments or group discussion. we can discuss through our smart phones from everywhere and whenever we like.

In Google Docs, one member can start a work and then invite other group members through Email. The members can comment, add points and make necessary changes. Files can be accessed from any computer with an internet connection and can be stored online. we do not need USB drive to save the files. the files can be  saved automatically in the Google Docs or we can either link it to Google Drive. In a way we can save space in our computer/laptop.
 My group has planned a lesson plan on the topic plants and it part and function. The grouop has succesfully planned the lesson without any problems of gathering together. we had through discussion on how to go about the activities and other things. By now I am very confident to implement this skills in my profession and I urge all the teachers to use this application as well.

Reflection on Camtesia

Now a day the students being digital natives, they spend most of their time with technology. The technologies have become the necessity of all age. We use technology form the time we open our eyes in the morning till we go to bed. Therefore, the time has come for the teachers to change the teaching pedagogy. Teachers should be able to teach the way children learn. One of the most effective ways of teaching and engaging students actively in the learning is through video lesson. I have downloaded tens of videos from the YouTube to be integrated in my lessons but now with the help of camtasia, I can make my own video tutorial.

Camtasia is video editing software for creating video tutorial by screen recording or recording the PowerPoint presentation. Camtasia helps us to record our screen and voice as we demonstrate applications on the computer. Camtasia not only helps us record our screen, but it also helps us to easily cut and edit the video, import other videos and audio files. Other constructive features that we can play with are multiple transition option, voice narration, zoom and pan effect, callout, title, captions. In addition to that we can enhance and improve the audio quality of our voice recording with the use of audio enhancement. We can even record audio or music at the same time.

 Once we are done with editing, camtasia helps us to easily share our video by exporting into any format we like as mp4 video file, PowerPoint, YouTube, goggle drive etc. With the use of camtasia we learnt some basic video editing lessons like how to import files, trimming of videos, adding titles, adding transitions etc. we also learnt on how to make video tutorials etc.  with the help of camtasia we can record child’s learning and document it for the assessment.

One of the greatest acheivent I have achieved from this module is creating my own video tutorial. Now I donot have to spend so much time in looking for the relevant videos from the youtube to be integrated in the lesson beacuse I can create my own video tutorial anytime and anywhere. Moreover I don't have to worry about the children having missed the information I have taught in the class because through the video tutorial the children can pause, rewind, forward, stop, play and watch it at anytime and anywhere.

The video tutorial I have created was on the Poem Jimmy Jet and His TV set By Shel Silverstein.  I found it a bit challenging at the begining since it was my first time. ihad to re do it for more than ten times but as I went on I enjoyed doing it because i felt like i was professor recording a video. It was not as challening as I think it is.

Therefore, instead of downloading the videos from the online or YouTube, I urge all the educators to use Camtasia.

Reflection on Google Classroom

With the developed technology and a generation moving away from physical pen and paper to mobile, tab, palmtop, etc., the access to online education looks more practical and a timely solution. Many students and even lecturers are moving away from the traditional methods of studying and teaching. Google Classroom is one of the most important educational platforms that allow teachers and students to connect, communicate and facilitate classroom workflow. Teachers need not necessarily have to be physically present in the classroom to assign a task to the class. Similarly, students need not necessarily be present in the classroom to do the assignments and submit them. They can do it at their home.

I was not aware of this technology facility until I joint this college and particularly before learning about this module EDN419. I was first introduced to VLE (Virtual Learning Environment) in the year 2015, after joining Paro College of Education. I found everything strange at the beginning when we had to log in VLE to check for an announcement, to upload the assignments online, download the reading materials from it and so many things. However, after getting used to with technology usage, I found VLE very effective and easy to use. I could get and take reading materials everywhere and wherever I go in a smartphone without having to carry heavy books, submit the assignments from home without having to print the assignments and get the announcements without having to gather physically which we were very familiar with in our school days. Google classroom is very much similar to VLE.

Now, after my four years of stay in the college finally, I came to realize that I can actually create a Google Classroom in my classroom.  At first, I was very nervous and confused about how to create and how to upload the assignments but with the help of a tutor and the friends, I was able to create one. I have invited my friends to pretend as a student. In the real field, I can invite co-teachers and students using a generated code to work collaboratively. I can set up the due date for the assignments to check if the students are doing the works on time. Also, I can upload the materials online beforehand and ask the students to read and come so that we can directly start with discussion without having to read it again in the class. In a way, it can save time for both teacher and students and the problem of syllabus coverage could be solved.

However, it could be financially challenging for both teachers and students as they have to use their own net package in the absence of Wi-Fi. Since Bhutan is not fully developed, some parents may not be able to afford smartphones or laptop for their child. On top of that, the students residing in the hostels are prohibited to use phones. So there is a chance that the students might miss the important announcement. Nevertheless, I found Google Classroom very effective in teaching and learning. I must say that I am competent enough to use these skills in my teaching professionalism.