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.

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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?

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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.