Youtube

YouTube is a useful resource for my learners, it enables students to learn from watching videos as the info on most videos is clear, to the point and very easy to understand . Student can make their own video and upload them as part of their assessment. The uses of YouTube are endless. Here are the type of videos which I may use with my learners.

Resources used in my specialist area

Information communication technology (ICT) is my specialist area of teaching there are many resources which can be used to teach my subject depending on the topic being taught. For effective teaching to take place and to motivate learners different resources are used. Resources are only valid if they serve a purpose otherwise there is no point in developing or using resources.

The following definitions are taken from various sources to highlight different meaning of resources. Wilson (2008, p.55) defines resources as the “equipment and aids that a teacher or learner will use to promote learning”. Gravells defines (2008, p.56) resources as tools which “enable learners to acquire new skills and knowledge and increase students understanding of the subject also resources should stimulate learning and promote interest in the subject”. Furthermore Reece & Walker (2004, p.40) define a resource as “a support to teaching strategies which assists Learning”. From looking at the above definitions, I agree with Gravells definition of resources as recently I have seen resources as tools which help others to develop new skills, knowledge and understanding in my lessons at Shipley College. I recently covered a class for a tutor who is off sick and found that with the lack of resources such as handouts, books etc students have lost interest in the subject had their been resources students would have developed interest and liking for the subject. Certainly without any form of resources learners would not be passing exams, assignment and any type of assessment.


There are mainly a variety of resources which can be used in my specialist area of teaching such as boards (electronic and wipe), books, PowerPoint, handouts, worksheets videos, internet, interactive CD-ROMs, overhead projector and videos. Within my own teaching practice the following resources are commonly used to help students develop an understanding of their subject:

- Text books
- Computers/Internet
- Handouts
- Powerpoint presentations
- Overhead projector
- Worksheets
- Smart Interactive board

I have prepared several resources for my BTEC National Diploma ITP Software Development level 3 students. As part of this qualification student are studying unit 21 Website Production and Management which is planned and delivered by myself the resources developed for this unit consist mainly of PowerPoint handouts, worksheets and web based video tutorials, many other useful web links are also provided where students can refer to while completing their course work however the resources are only available on the network drive at Shipley College students can only access the resources if they log onto the College network drive, as part of the course students have been asked to develop a website to sell designer clothes online. To help my students in developing websites many handouts and worksheets have been produced to help students meet the assessment criteria for this unit. Below are twenty five slides which where developed for a two hour session you will find annotated comments on the slides which points out details as to what makes the following handout valid and useful for my learners.

Once the above PowerPoint presentation was given the following task was presented to the students which involved group work and individual research.

************************************************

Exercise

Work in teams of not more than 3.

1. Choose 2 static websites and 2 dynamic websites that you find interesting examples or that you already use.

2. Prepare a presentation describing the main purpose and features of the websites. Describe what you like about the information or services provided by each website. You may use one slide per website.

3. Make a list of criteria to judge each website, like ease of use, visual impact etc. Try and have about 6 criteria.

4. Rank each website using your criteria.

5. Add a slide showing your ranking results to your presentation to share with the class.

6. How would you improve the websites you have chosen?

********************************************************************************

All my resources are based on the college network drive as mentioned before this means students can only access the resources while they are logged onto the college computers. From my perspective students do not use resources to their full potential. To improve the way in which students use my resources effectively for my units, I have decided to develop a website using google site maker, and upload all my handouts, videos and links all on one site which can be accessed easily via a simple web address. The decision for making a website came to light after looking at how other tutors at different institutions organise their resources. Google site maker is a very easy application to use. Just to illustrate how easy the application is to use the following steps where taken to develop the site:

Step1: Log onto google site makerStep 2: Requires the user to select a site name and template

Step 3: Requires you to upload your information

With undertaking the above simple steps a website can be developed. The advantages of using a web site as a resource allows students to access class related resources from wherever the student may be. Information can be updated within seconds. Students can upload their work instantly to meet deadlines. Saves printing and stapling time. Resources can be reused with different groups every year. Information can be revisited if a student missed a session. Information can be presented in a wide range of formats. The disadvantages of websites consist of, students may not have internet access at home, all students may not be confident in using online resources.


According Melissa Mills “Online learning represents a big cultural shift. It gives much more of the responsibility for learning to students”. Also with online learning “students are free to learn from a variety of sources, and have more control over how and when they learn” further more “We must make sure that we don’t replace face-to-face teaching with technology (online learning)”. I agree with Melissa Mills if online learning technology was to be used by teachers we should incorporate tasks into the resources we develop which will ensure students meet up regularly with teachers otherwise we could easily replace face-to-face teaching with online learning.


Reference list:


Gravells. A (2008) Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector. Exeter: Learning Matters

Mills, M. (2001) Learning and Teaching. [Online]. Available: http://www.schools.nsw.edu.au/learning/yrk12focusareas/learntech/blended/buildsupport.php [21 Jan 2009]


Reece, I. & Walker, S. (2006) Teaching, Training and Learning: A Practical Guide. 6th Ed, Sunderland: Business Education

Wilson. L (2008) Practical Teaching: A Guide to PTLLS & CTLLS, London: Nelson Education Ltd.

Strengths & Weaknesses of resources

Handouts/ Worksheets

Handouts are the most commonly used resources used in my lessons from Petty's view they “save valuable time and made to suit your needs exactly” Petty (1998, p. 195) on the other hand from my perspective they can be very time-consuming to produce. Handouts can also come in forms of worksheets, which are a good way of moving away from the rigid course book approach. Good teachers make a huge variety of handouts with very different aims in mind.

Strengths of handouts:

• Easy to create
  
• Wide variety of formats


• Permanent record for students to take away
  
• Easy to adapt for differentiation


• Wide range of styles and uses

Weaknesses of handouts:

• Overused at times
  
• Learners don’t always read them fully


• Can get tatty when continually reproduced, especially copying from copies or reusing


• Need to consider copyright when copying from text book, internet etc
  

(Petty, 1998)

Power point presentations:

I find PowerPoint presentations easy to produce. They can be reused every academic year with a little revision if required. Animation, music, videos and web links can be added to slides which help students to engage in lessons. If a lesson was missed by the learner it can be reprinted and given to the student, or it can be placed on the college network drive in my case.

Strengths of Power point presentations:

• Graphics and animations aid interest



• Speed of use can dictate pace of lesson



• A professional delivery method for a large audience

Weakness of Power point presentations:

• Projection equipment needed which can be expensive


• Overused and poorly used
  
• Not widely available in community or workplace environments

(Petty, 1998)

Smart Interactive Board

The smart interactive board, is one of the best resources commonly used in my teaching practice, it allows my students to interact with class activities when given tasks such as can you identify x or y device. Generally the smart board is easy to use, fun and very interactive.

Strengths of smart interactive board

• Hand written writing can be saved and printed


• Professional method of delivery


• Anything visible on the computer screen can be displayed in a group setting and retrieved at a later date

Weakness of smart interactive board

• Very expensive to purchase


• Not widely available


• Training may be needed before effective use


• Needs special pens to write with

(Gravells, 2008)

Computers/internet

I am able to access a wide range of websites through computers which I can use with my students. Some of the applications available these days help me to organise and plan my delivery. I turn to the internet for advice and pickup tips on how to constantly improve my teaching practice. The internet can be classified as a superb resource which enable learns to carry out research if book are not available, and access a whole new world of information.

Strengths of computer/internet:

• Computers save time in producing handouts etc


• Ideal storing place for many electronic resources


• Students can access many internet sites which relate to their subject area

Weakness of computer/internet

• Student may end up copying and pasting from the internet


• Share or change work (plagiarism)


• Students and teacher may follow copy right laws

(Reece & Walker, 2004)

Books

I find books to contain the most reliable information rather then general internet web pages. Anyone can publish a webpage online this does not mean the information used on website is true or valid. Books contain information which is fully edited and check by others before it’s published. Most of the information contained in my handouts comes from books they can be accessed from the library and can be purchased locally or online.

Strengths of books:

• Massive collection of book can be borrowed from the library


• Information contained in books are valid


• Books don’t contain any spelling or grammar mistakes


• Massive can be purchased

Weakness of books

• Can be expensive to buy
  
• Can lead to students copying large amounts of text

(Petty, 1998)

Reflection of own strengths and development needs of resource design and production

I have great ability to design interactive resources for my specialist area, over the few years I have developed many interesting resources for my students to use, however recently this has changed as most resources developed are not interactive they all seem be PowerPoint presentations with one or two simple tasks to carryout which area directly liked to the assignments. Going forward I need to start developing resources such as drag and drop activities etc which motivate young students and explore technologies out their which develop resources with a few clicks such as quia and free tools online.

Reference list:

Gravells. A (2008) Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector. Exeter: Learning Matters

Petty, G. (1998) Teaching Today: A Practical Guide. Cheltenham: Stanley Thornes

Reece, I. & Walker, S. (2004) Teaching, Training and Learning: A Practical Guide. 4th Ed, Sunderland: Business Education

Virtual Learning environment

A virtual learning environment (VLE) provides alternative learning strategies, without the need for direct contact with students. Virtual learning environment can be described as a software application designed to use online to facilitate teachers in the management of educational courses for students. Not everyone can use this software unless a password is assigned. Wilson (2008)


There are many virtual learning environments available which can be used such as Moodle, blackboard, webct etc. At Shipley College we use Fronter. Fronter provides tools for to carry out learning activities and assessments e.g. create tests and hand-in assignments. With external search tools and course import options, users can gather external information to be integrated into the learning material used. (Fronter, 2008, Online) The following screen print shows the interface for front:








Advantages of VLE:

• Safe area to upload resources and notes
• Easy access through the internet
• The system is password protected
• Tracks students usage
• No direct contact is needed with students
• Offers many tools and facilities
• Allows students to access information from any available computer with internet connection

Disadvantages of VLE:

• Can be expensive to run
• Some learner may not have access to the internet
• Can be time consuming when updating resources
• Not all users may be ICT literate

Reference list:

Fronter, (2008) Learning and Teaching Tool Package [Online]. Available:
http://webfronter.com/fronter3/info/mnu1.html [1 Jan 2009]

Wilson. L (2008) Practical Teaching: A Guide to PTLLS & CTLLS, London: Nelson Education Ltd.

Need’s to be inclusive

The need to be inclusive ensures that interesting, varied and inspiring learning opportunities are created for all learners and to ensure all learners contribute and are never disadvantaged. To make sure my teaching and learning styles are inclusive at Shipley College, I ensure my lessons, include methods that appeal to visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learners. Follow a structured style introduction, middle and an end, with a balanced amount of teacher talk and plenty of things to look at and do. Vary activities and make learning fun.

To ensure inclusive resources are developed for my learners at Shipley College I ensure when developing written resources for my learners at least 14pt or above font is used, use larger display formats such as PowerPoint, overhead projectors or a smart interactive board. Use a clear fort style such as Arial, Berlin or Comic Sans as these fonts are easier on the eyes. Whilst on the subject, blue print on pale yellow paper is quite easy on the eyes. When developing written resources justified text should be avoided as this distributes words unevenly across the page.

(The open university, 2006)







Reference List

The open university, (2006) Making your teaching inclusive [Online]. Available http://www.open.ac.uk/inclusiveteaching/pages/inclusive-teaching/index.php [6 Jan 2009]

Games and quizzes

Games and quizzes are a fun way of learning. Word searches, crosswords and sudoku are good as openers, concluders or while waiting for others to catch-up, and help to develop functional skills. A paper dice can be make to initiate questions as recaps or lesson summaries, this is far more interesting that a test. Games are easy to create and most learners enjoy them. Word searches can easily be created using the following website:(http://puzzlemakerdiscoveryeducation.com/WordSearchSetupForm.asp )Here is a word search which I have created using the above link:





Advantages of Games and quizzes:

• Fun activities
• Good method of group work
• Does not require much planning time
• Can be used with many students with different abilities.

Disadvantages of Games and quizzes:

• Time consuming to create
• Can be expensive to purchase

Dvolver (tool for creating and sending online movies)

Dvolver is an easy to use tool for creating and sending online movies. This resouce would suit someone teaching on a BTEC media/games development course, where students can develop their own movies for a given topic. I would use dvolver with my students to make their own moives and link them to their assignments. Im sure they will enjoy this!

I made the following movie in less then 5 mins: