For those who may have any misconceptions about wikis, this little note may assist in bringing some clarity.
Please feel free to comment or add any necessary information.
A wiki is a type of website that allows visitors themselves to add, remove, edit and change available web based context. This functionality means that wikis are excellent tools for collaboration online. In today’s classroom this tool can be used to enhance teaching and learning and also increase motivation. Let me also suggests some other benefits of the wiki. 1. The user needs no extensive technical expertise. 2. The user can always access current information. 3. The user can avoid transferring documents via e-mail and 4. One can complete real time updates of the web based content.
Here are just a few suggestions of ways to use the wiki in the classroom and remember that we also have an electronic portfolio to create. Why not use the wiki in the creation of study guides or a class encyclopedia, what about for editing in creative writing, even a vocabulary list and finally and my favourite, a book club. Well have fun and please share any other ideas!!
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Sea Results!
Hey, results were great! Eight children sat the examination and two scored total in Creative Writing. If you knew the history of my students you would understand why I still have a huge smile on my face.We must never give up.Our rewards are seeing our children succeed!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The Magic of the Word Processor
An age ole’ tool but can produce wonders in the classroom! I want to share with you my experience because I firmly believe that as educators we learn best from our experiences and the experiences of others.
When I received my students in Standard Four many were weak readers and as a result weak writers. We had just designed our computer lab so my job was to make use of all the computers or let all that money go to waste! The opportunity arose for me to use the word processor to enhance writing. So this is what I did. Using the writing process, students planned, drafted, edited, revised and published their work….and this is what happened.
The students used headers to outline the essays and texts to fill the appropriate headings. The word processor made it easy to rearrange items on the document. Drafting was the next stage and I paired students for this activity- a good typist and one with great ideas. Students then edited their work. The word processor can be used as an excellent spell check and even to detect some grammatical errors. Well, publishing was indeed fun. The students were able to choose their fonts, layouts, even add visuals and they presented excellent work. Most importantly, the students were motivated and wanted to write more. I did this for two years and we all benefitted immensely. Their writing definitely improved. Well, SEA results will be out tomorrow so I will get back to you on their performance.
I am enjoying this class and can't wait to use the technology in the classroom!
When I received my students in Standard Four many were weak readers and as a result weak writers. We had just designed our computer lab so my job was to make use of all the computers or let all that money go to waste! The opportunity arose for me to use the word processor to enhance writing. So this is what I did. Using the writing process, students planned, drafted, edited, revised and published their work….and this is what happened.
The students used headers to outline the essays and texts to fill the appropriate headings. The word processor made it easy to rearrange items on the document. Drafting was the next stage and I paired students for this activity- a good typist and one with great ideas. Students then edited their work. The word processor can be used as an excellent spell check and even to detect some grammatical errors. Well, publishing was indeed fun. The students were able to choose their fonts, layouts, even add visuals and they presented excellent work. Most importantly, the students were motivated and wanted to write more. I did this for two years and we all benefitted immensely. Their writing definitely improved. Well, SEA results will be out tomorrow so I will get back to you on their performance.
I am enjoying this class and can't wait to use the technology in the classroom!
Monday, June 21, 2010
My Passion
In Trinidad and Tobago and other countries worldwide, literacy is a pressing concern for governments, educators and the general public. One of the major thrusts of the Education Policy Paper (1993-2003) is to "improve the quality of learning levels of achievement in all areas of our schools but especially in those areas where underachievement and failure are particularly marked." Concerns have been raised by teachers in Trinidad and Tobago that children leaving the infant level have not mastered skills such as simple sight vocabulary, simple phonic patterns and word attack skills. Presently, this is having a negative impact on our country in terms of crime, unwanted pregnancies, school drop outs and poverty.
It is therefore necessary for an extensive evaluation of literacy practices in primary and secondary schools in Trinidad and Tobago. Our SEA and National Tests results speak volumes. If we as educators are to meet the needs of our students, there must be expert planning and implementation of the literacy programme.
Reading is my passion and it is my wish that teachers will assess and revise existing literacy strategies and incorporate technology in education to ensure the children of the infant levels are equipped with the skills necessary to become successful readers.
It is therefore necessary for an extensive evaluation of literacy practices in primary and secondary schools in Trinidad and Tobago. Our SEA and National Tests results speak volumes. If we as educators are to meet the needs of our students, there must be expert planning and implementation of the literacy programme.
Reading is my passion and it is my wish that teachers will assess and revise existing literacy strategies and incorporate technology in education to ensure the children of the infant levels are equipped with the skills necessary to become successful readers.
About me
Hey there,
I am Shasta Pierre- Sambucharan and I have been a primary school teacher for seventeen years.I am presently persuing the Master's in Reading Education at the University of the West Indies St. Augustine and I am loving it!!
This blog has been created to emphasize the importance of reading education, to share current information in reading pedagogy and to assist teachers and parents of struggling readers.
I am Shasta Pierre- Sambucharan and I have been a primary school teacher for seventeen years.I am presently persuing the Master's in Reading Education at the University of the West Indies St. Augustine and I am loving it!!
This blog has been created to emphasize the importance of reading education, to share current information in reading pedagogy and to assist teachers and parents of struggling readers.
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