SCIENCE FOR LIFE- Artifacts on Photosynthesis

 These are a few artifacts to enhance your understanding of the topic being studied

SONG ON THE PROCESS OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS

INFORMATIVE VIDEOS ON THE PROCESS

SCIENCE FOR LIFE-Reflection on The Educational Technology Course

Reflection on Course

Once upon a time, there was this young lady who loved technology but was not aware of the different ways she could utilize the tool. This young lady is Nicole Levy, the writer of this post. I have always had a zest to use and integrate technological tools in my work, however before being enlightened through the Educational Technology course; I always thought that Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, YouTube videos and pictures were the only ways in which I could possibly make use of technology interactively and engagingly. However, after I was introduced to the course I have not only garnered knowledge on the other varieties of tools that can be employed but I have also developed the requisite skills that are required to successfully integrate the tools into lessons. In addition, the following course has corrected numerous misconceptions I had regarding tools such as WebQuest which I thought was a website similar to other web pages encountered frequently.

    For the first Educational technology class that was held, we had the opportunity to introduce ourselves and state what our expectations were for the course and presently I can recall my response was to be able to create and use various technological tools so that I can utilize such in my future occupation. Do you think my expectation was met? Well if you said 'yes' you are correct. I must say that my expectation (s) has been met. As the young lady that started the course has now become more innovative and creative with applying various technological tools. In addition, I also learned valuable information on how I can innovate, design, deliver and manage instruction. 

    Furthermore, I garnered a deeper understanding of how it is that I as a future instructor can implement learning resources that match the cognitive needs of my students as well as tools that can be incorporated to regulate and monitor behaviour within the classroom. In addition, I was also made aware of the world wide web, its implications in education as well a the advancements that have been developed through this platform. For example, I found that ABCmouse is a website that has a curriculum designed for primary school students. Wow, oh how much I have learnt, but I'm not through another thing I  about was the ISTE NETS standards, you may be wondering what are these, no need to worry because I learnt that these are Standards that provide the competencies for learning, teaching and leading in the digital age, providing a comprehensive roadmap for the effective use of technology in schools worldwide.

    Furthermore, the ISTE Standards ensure that using technology for learning can create high-impact, sustainable, scalable and equitable learning experiences for all learners (ISTE, n.d). I also learnt about the various standards which include; an empowered learner, digital citizen, knowledge constructor, innovative designer, computational thinker, creative communicator and global collaborator. These standards prepare teachers to teach technology and advanced concepts in the classroom. It also encourages teachers to communicate with one another for better ideas on how to engage their students (ISTE, n.d).

    In garnering a clear understanding of these standards from the course, I was not only able to become technologically savvy but I garnered the understanding of how to engage my students rather than just providing children with information for them to absorb passively. The first tool that I created was the interactive PowerPoint, which consisted of icons on the first page that allowed the user to navigate the tool without using the regular control options. I personally did not know that my very own Microsoft PowerPoint office could go beyond creating simple power points with a variety of themes, therefore; I was shocked yet intrigued. In creating the interactive PowerPoint I learnt another way in which I could use the tool to make my lessons interesting. The Title page for my PowerPoint:

 I am still surprised that I was able to produce such creative content but I am really grateful for the skill garnered.  I never thought I could create such an engaging tool using the same Microsoft office PowerPoint tool I use so regularly. The interactive PowerPoints I will use will not only engage my learners but will cater to their different learning styles and enable my pedagogical skills as an instructor to be improved so that the dissemination of information can be more effective. In continuation, the second tool I created was a photostory which I am not afraid to say I had no knowledge about until learning about it through my instructor Mr Simpson.

 

 

    In creating the photo story I not only learnt how to compile my information in a short format; especially for visual learners but I also learnt how to be creative in terms of designing one. For example, in the one I created, I utilized sound as well as my voice to deliver and enhance the information being delivered. Thirdly, the most exciting tool, I created in my view, was the podcast! Yes, I developed the skill to create meaningful podcasts to present information to students in my class who will prefer to receive information through audio. Thus, I believe my students will not only become competent learners but will be able to draft meaningful understanding from the content that will be taught. The podcast I drafted was used as an engaging tool for my lesson introduction on photosynthesis. My podcast can be explored using the following link:

https://ctcedumy.sharepoint.com/:u:/g/personal/nicole_levy_ctc_edu_jm/EVCmPfybjTlIot9FZ3Xc0BcBSxuQMHWVS3d_-9wuJw31Dg?e=dMTQSo
    Lastly, I created a WebQuest that featured information on the topic of photosynthesis. The WebQuest consisted of an introduction, task, evaluation among other items which students would have to navigate through to successfully complete. The WebQuest was the most challenging activity or tool for me to create as I found that it took a lot of time order to effectively create one. Furthermore, I also realized that a purpose for WebQuest has to be developed beforehand; as if there is no real purpose,  learners will not be able to benefit from the tool use. You can enjoy the benefit of my WebQuest here: http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=764260 .I have learnt a lot as an individual and as a teacher in training and I am really grateful for the knowledge I have garnered from the course as I have become more competent technologically and therefore by God's grace I will become an effective teacher in the future.

Reference

The ISTE standards. ISTE. (n.d.).from https://www.iste.org/iste-standards

SCIENCE FOR LIFE-WIKI on the Importance of Photosynthesis to Life and Human Impacts on Photosynthesis

 

 The following link will take you to a wiki that contains information on the importance of photosynthesis in everyday life as well as the effect human activities have on the process of photosynthesis. There are also two videos attached on the paged entitled "Human Impacts on the Process of photosynthesis" which provide greater depth of information on the specific ways in which humans impact the process. Lastly, there is an additional paragraph on the importance of photosynthesis to everyday life which serves as additional information on the information discussed on the pages before this. Please read carefully and enjoy learning! The wiki site contains additional pages with information relating to the importance of photosynthesis, the impacts humans have on the process as well as other wealth of information.

Link to Wiki:

https://photosynthesis-and-life.fandom.com/

SCIENCE FOR LIFE-WebQuest Providing further details on Photosynthesis as well as an ACTIVITY!

Description and Commentary on the WebQuest tool created

The following WebQuest consists of a host of information that relates to the process of photosynthesis, earlier a comprehensive definition of photosynthesis was drafted using context clues from the compounded word photosynthesis. At this point, information that covers the entire process of photosynthesis will be provided to you in this webquest that you will access using the link below.

It is very important that you pay keen attention to what is required, as you will be evaluated using a rubric that is also provided to you in the Webquest. There are also additional resources that yields information on the process of photosynthesis which has been attached at varying points in the WebQuest, please use the resources as these will enable you to grasp a full understanding of the information that is required. Lastly, the task will be graded based on creativity hence do not forget to add your own unique touch to your assignment!!

Please see the link to the WebQuest:👇👇👇😊

http://zunal.com/webquest.php?w=764260

SCIENCE FOR LIFE-PODCASTS on Photosynthesis

Welcome!! We are about to learn interesting information on one of the most essential processes to life!!

The following link will take you to a very engaging podcast that serves as an introduction to the topic of photosynthesis. In this podcast, information will be presented on the process of photosynthesis and the importance of the process as well as the impact humans have on the process. Have fun learning because learning should not only be informative but should also possess a zest of creativity.💆💇

The following is a scenario on photosynthesis that involves a grand-aunt and her grand-niece reflecting on the process of photosynthesis:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v4uWqJB6cMhNk_Vz48wb8gBr9JptOaYy/view?usp=sharing

The following is a more detailed podcast that presents information on the process of photosynthesis as well as its importance and benefits in nature.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1v4uWqJB6cMhNk_Vz48wb8gBr9JptOaYy/view?usp=sharing

 

Introduction to SCIENCE FOR LIFE BLOG

Introduction👋😊

Hello everyone and welcome to my digital portfolio. The following portfolio will encompass a collection of artifacts  and other resources which will all be centred on the topic of Photosynthesis. For example, a WebQuest relating to the topic will be in the folder as well as a podcast which will serve as an introduction to the topic. Additionally, a wiki will also be a part of the portfolio and this wiki will contain further information on the topic. 

        However, before delving into such engaging and creative information. The researcher's personal philosophy will be provided as well as a detailed reflection on the various tools created using the ISTE NETS standards and a general reflection on all that had been garnered from the course. Enjoy!!

 

SCIENCE FOR LIFE-Personal Philosophy For Using Technology in Education

Personal  Philosophy

    

The following image is a visual depiction of students who are overwhelmed by traditional and non-interactive forms of instruction, thus they are not even dedicating their full attention to their teacher as one can even be seen sleeping. 

 

   

    Looking at this image, however, it can be seen that the students are in possession of their tablets yet they aren't distracted but are more engaged with their instructor compared to the set of students in the first image. "We need to embrace technology to make learning more engaging. Because when students are engaged and they are interested, that's where learning takes place.”In today's era, students are 21st-century learners who will learn only when their learning needs are met. Students now require instructors to create lessons in which they do not only have fun but learn and understand the material whilst engaging with it. 

    Therefore, I am of the view that using technology within the classroom will enable lessons to be more interactive and engaging, more productive and will enable students to develop the necessary competencies which will be required of them in their later life. I am of the notion that technology integration within education is the key to the success of both teachers and students within the learning environment as when teachers are able to create lessons which foster learning among students, their professional or pedagogical skills will be enhanced and students will in turn progress in achieving educational targets.

    As it relates to creating more interactive and engaging lessons, it is my belief that technology is the main way to increase such within the learning environment as technology not only encompass computers and other devices but also includes the various software, games and other technological tools which are equally applicable within the learning environment. For example, the Kahoot web game is a very effective tool for evaluating the learning of students in a fun and competitive way. From experience, students who are exposed to this educational game develop an eagerness to learn so that they can amount as successors in these games when it is used, yet this game is not solely focused on exciting them but is also aimed at developing their critical thinking skill, their ability to comprehend as well as their competence in problem-solving and analyzing. 

       Furthermore, using technology in the classroom makes learning more productive as learners will be able to take full responsibility for their learning. In addition, using a variety of technological tools also caters to the different learning styles hence allowing lessons to cater to the individual needs of students. Thus making the instruction teachers present more differentiated and tailored to the specific needs of students. 

     

 

 

That was my personal philosophy on the use of technology in the classroom.😊

The following video also provides insight that is in alignment with my personal philosophy.

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Technology in the Classroom