A wiki is a web tool that can be viewed and edited/modified by anyone once they have access to a web browser and if the wiki itself has no privacy settings that will block the user from placing information on the web page. 

The wiki created is geared toward Business Studies or Principles of Business students who need assistance in their assignments and to also facilitate co-operative learning, group projects etc. 

Check out the link to the wiki created by the group.  https://business200.wikispaces.com/

The creation of the wiki posed some manipulation problems in terms of getting pictures onto the wiki, placing a video on to the wiki, also the other group members initially could not delete any files or pages that the placed on the wiki.  After much manipulation these problems were soon rectified.

With more knowledge and practical use the wiki could be improved and also changing the scheme and colours to make the wiki more attractive

Creating a Video for the Classroom

The video was created to accompany a lesson on bread .  It speaks about the ingredients and the procedures used to create bread and illustrates pictures of each step and the group members involved.  A video is an instructional tool that could be used in the classroom when a practical demonstration is not possible.

Limitation or difficulties posed in creating the piece were in finding supportive visual information (videos and pictures) and errors with movie maker; even after deleting and re-installing it stopped working on a number of systems.  The group had to find a system to start over the movie.

This piece could have been improved if the group members had actually carried out the bread making process so that students would be able to identify with the participants.

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The podcast produced was aimed to highlighting the issue of juvenile delinquency in the education system. To complete this task my colleagues and I interviewed three students and also conducted a panel discussion.  As a group we decided to create multiple files for the recordings and then use those recordings to create the final product. 

The podcast was made using the audacity podcast software. The creation of the overall recordings was pretty easy however the tedious task was in editing the podcast and making it into an MP3 file(I was in charge of this aspect).  After the podcast was edited, it was discovered that  the file could not be exported without a mp3 encoder. After much attempts I was successful in downloading the LAME mp3 encoder which is the software that is used by audacity. 

In trying to export the file another unfortunate error was made. I renamed the file before exportation and when I attempted to do the export to MP3 a dialogue box indicated that the path to the file could not be found. I then had to go over the editing process. 

The podcast could be improved after more manipulation of the software and its functions.  In gaining more knowledge on podcasts some degree of mastery is predicted.

PODCAST

What is a podcast?

The term podcast is a play on words created from broadcast and iPod. A podcast is an audio broadcast that has been converted to MP3 or another audio file format for playback in a digital music player. Although many podcasts are played in a computer, the original concept targeted portable devices.  

Podcasts in Education 

In education the use of a podcast could become an essential tool for teaching and classroom instruction, this technology can and will allow teachers to  improve their ability to communicate with students (since the teachers are now interacting or speaking the language of the youth) and promote more interaction among students. Podcasts in general provide individuals with a voice and can also showcase both the linguistic  and artistic creativity of the students and teachers involved. 

As an educator a few benefits seen is the use of the podcast as a study aide for students 

and even as an auxiliary for a lesson.  As a study aide the student will be able to access the podcast at his/her leisure and listen to the notes or lesson and use it as one of their study materials.  As an auxiliary for a lesson the podcast could be very essential, the teacher could introduce the lesson and provide explanations as to the task at hand then let students answer questions based on the material/information given in the podcast.

Working with Visuals

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The visual prepared would give the students a view of how a flowchart looks and its functions.  They will be able to identify the shapes used and should be able to replicate it.  Students should be able to grasp the importance of the flowchart and apply it to other subject areas. The students would be asked to create a flowchart for the process of buying a pizza using the necessary auto shapes in Microsoft Word.

The visual we created was a chart showing a sample of a flowchart.  The chart was created in Microsoft Word, and then it was taken to be enlarged. Afterwards a picture was taken and then each group member posted it to their blog. 

The challenges faced were in how to incorporate word wrap on the chart since the students needed to identify the shapes as part of the lesson.  We then decided to make two pieces: the first one without any notes/description  then the second piece would be shown to identify the shapes and give a brief description of their function/purpose  .

Lesson Planning

Should teachers adequately prepare for each lesson?

Teachers SHOULD adequately prepare for each lesson although at times it may seem to be a very labourious task.  A lesson plan is the most IMPORTANT tool for a teacher, a good lesson plan can actually help to determine the success of students.

While thinking about the question I came up with some points as to why it it is important for a teacher to plan their lessons:

• A lesson plan helps the teacher to be more organized. 
• Helps the teacher to create lessons that accommodate the different types of learners and their Multiple Intelligences. 
• Provides an outline as to the procedure of a lesson.
• Gives the teacher the confidence he/she needs to deliver a lesson.
• Shows a clear outline of objectives/goals.
• Enables the teacher to assess students' progress
• A lesson plan aides a teacher's growth where the teacher documents reflection/evaluation and can then change the lesson for future classes.
• Helps to keep students interested and motivated to learn.
• Students will have more confidence in teacher's ability.

Some persons may argue that they have been teaching for years and they know how to deliver the material or that the material is ingrained in their minds that they don't even need to refer to a text book; so why do they need or have to write a lesson plan?  It's pretty simple, lessons over time may or can become monotonous so the educator that has documented lessons can always refer to previous lessons and adjust lessons to suit or meet the needs of his/her students.

A good lesson plan is the blueprint  for a an effective or successful teacher.

What is E.D.P.M ?

E.D.P.M is the acronym for Electronic Document Preparation and Management.  This subject is geared towards enabling students to acquire the necessary knowledge and skills required to create, prepare and disseminate documents using the computer. Proper keyboarding skills/techniques are important as well.

Implication for the classroom

This blog was created with YOU (my students) in mind!

This tool will be used to give any additional information, serve as a question and answer forum and also be used to show off any creative pieces done (flyers etc.).  Overall this blog should as act a boost in self- confidence for you especially when your hard work is displayed for all to see.  Continue to work hard and at the end of the journey you would have successfully completed your Quest.

Looking forward to working with you.