Reflection for GBL and TEL demo

After all the fun and excitment for the past 3 weeks, it seems that it is time to seriously think about all the activities that had happened for the 3 weeks. Amongst all the fun, I seriously doubt anyone would have stop for 1 second to think about what is the objective of the game.

Looking back at how GBL helps in teaching, it seems that it is the ideas and strategies that are hidden underneath the GBL package. It seems that one of the most fundamental of ideas that make games stand out is the ability to fail without any serious consequences. Students will be able to learn from their previous mistakes and build on their knowledge by trying to overcome the obstacle and carry on with the game. If there are puzzles or obstacles, the student will practise cognitive thinking and subsequently find out the answers through available clues from any sources they have.

This brings out their determination and perseverence for trying to overcome their 'failure'. With the 'failure' being not having a serious consequence, the students will initiate and explore into the unknown.

Students should be asked to experience the idea where they will be given the opportunity to explore the new concept even before the teacher introduce it to them. Teacher can then build on their knowledge that they have obtained from their exploration.

I think this is a teaching pedagogy that suits the 21st century education well. Mixing this into my teaching is a feasible teaching method. This method, if done properly, can even cut down on the overall time taken for the whole chapter to be taught. This also helps students to be more responsible and have a sense of ownership for their learning, enabling them to have a longer retention for their knowledge.

For TEL demo, I had reflected on Grp B (My group) on my first post. But as for Grp C, D, E and F, they bring out the criterias that are needed. Different pedagogies goes along with different tools. Looking at how different pedagogies are being utilised with ICT brought meaning to this course. But sometimes I still wonder whether it will take a longer time to conduct these lessons.

One thing I did learn from this whole package is to constantly remind myself that implementing ICT is not for show and they are just tools to help in learning. The main character of teaching is still the pedagogies. Do not fall into the cool-tool trap.