ICT:Lesson 2 Reflection

Second week into the ICT lesson and we were introduced the domain of Self-Directed Learning and Collaborative Learning. Before the lesson, I was telling myself that the definition and meaning of these two methods are so straight forward. How would I not know? Apparently, my knowledge are all half-filled vessels.

Even though I have not fully understood the five aspects of meaningful learning, we were introduced how we can create meaningful lessons using the concept of SDL and CL. That is information coming in thick and fast.

Anyway, what i have learnt about SDL from the class and from the video is that students are directed towards independent learning. Students have to set their own goals and work on it to achieve their goals. They will have to ask questions and find answers to it by research. In the video, they were tasked to do a community project. From then on, searching of ideas, sourcing of informations, the search for answers to obstacles that they faced while doing the project, are down to their capabilities and imaginations.

Not only do students get to explore on their topic of interest, they will also be able to have a real feel of time management and how work can be effectively and efficiently be carried out. One thing I learnt from the introduction of SDL is that as students claim a larger ownership through SDL. Based on the efforts they put in, they will tend to gain more.

From the videos, students will have to do reflections to correct their mistakes and improve on the what they have at the present.

For CL, I understand that it is learning through sharing of ideas and knowledge. Students will come together to interact, inquire and come out with solutions to the problems. In the second video, the students were separated into different groups. The small groups will work together to solve one particular problem that was endangering the survival of the astronauts. Students after coming up with solutions, came together to share and come up with the rescue.

Throughout the process, students have to trust and share their resources and knowledge. They can also fill in the gaps by getting information that comes from group-mates. New ideas that come from others will only benefit. The process of thinking and interactions also help them to learn about inter-personal communication, which is authentic learning.

For SDL and CL, I personally think that they equip students with skills that are essential to face the challenges of the 21st century. (Authentic) They also incorporates at least three other aspects of meaningful learning. The constructive, active and cooperative elements will all be present when students undergo CL and SDL.

As for which one works best? I think both compliments each other. Both SDL and CL ensure learning to be meaningful. But sometimes, SDL might lead to isolation and being self-centered if the lesson is not planned carefully. As for CL, it helps to incorporate the sharing elements into learning. I feel that incorporating both elements will bring out the idea of meaningful learning. (Do correct me if I am wrong somewhere.)

CL and SDL can be very straight forward where u can incorporate into normal lessons. The challenge now is to come out with CL and/or SDL incorporating ICT. Introduction to Mindmeister is very refreshing. Doing mindmaps are taken to a whole new level. This allow more interactions and allow students to think and share their resources. Look at our class during the Q and A session and when we express ourselves in the mindmap.

Creating a meaningful lesson is hard. Incorporating ICT into meaningful learning is harder. While looking at Sheng Zhi's URL on ICT tools, it only reminds me that I really know very very little. Now the challenge is to step up to the challenge of understanding ICT first by doing SDL and CL. But is the challenge too much for me? Remains to be seen.......