Now Let's Turn On Our Gamification Mode!

I used PhET simulations to explain the difference between Series and Parallel Circuits. In this subtopic, I need to explain the difference of potential difference, current and effective resistance between these two types of circuits. Instead of having to set up the real circuits, I only need to construct the circuits in the simulation. The simulation can be downloaded from here. 

PhET simulation on phet.colorado.edu

I built two types of circuits before the class so that I can save the time for demonstration. The simulation done in computer can be displayed on projector which let the whole class to be able to observe the simulations.

Two types of circuits: series and parallel circuit.

Simulating the results.

By using this simulation, I was able to teach them the concepts of each circuit and how to solve the problems on current, potential difference and resistance. After that, I let them to explore the formulas in the group. In doing the task, they have to recall the concepts that have been observed on simulation.

After the exploration session, I used Kahoot! as an assessment tool to access the students’ understanding. This tool is very convenient as it provides lots of other quizzes which is very helpful for teachers. The teachers can simply use the existed questions to access their students. I acted as the host and the students can join the quizzes by keying in the password. I chose the team mode instead of individual mode as I can simply access the performance of the students by group. 

The student joined the Kahoot! hosted by the teacher.

The students joining the Kahoot!

The Power Renjer team

As Kahoot! automatically check for the correct answer, I was able to identify the number of groups who have failed to answer the question correctly. I can explain the correct answer after each of question. I can simply pause the game since Kahoot! let me control each of the questions.

The results after each of questions

Kahoot! also have the real time scoreboard which displayed the scores for each group. The students were competing among each other and are very excited to find out their marks. However, playing Kahoot! needs a strong connection of internet. One of the groups accidentally left the quiz because of the poor connection.

The students are eager to check their scoreboard.

The students are able to rate the quizzes, give feedbacks to the teachers after the quizzes and express their feelings.

Students can give feedback for the Kahoot!

The students enjoyed their classes especially when it comes to digital technology!

Have a nice day :)

Have you posted yours on our timeline?

We have our own timeline 😊 Ohh wait! Our own timeline? For the class? Just like Facebook?

I was introduced to one of best Internet-based Communication tool!

Padlet

This tool lets me share any content that I want for my students. The students are also able to post any content that they want for the rest of the class. This is a good way to promote the 21^st century environment. The students have the freedom to interact using the tools, thus promoting two ways of communication between teacher and students. This is how I shared the Data Analysis template to my students.

Our e-platform for discussion

Data Analysis using Microsoft Office Excel posted in the Padlet

This Padlet can be accessed here. Our Own Timeline. Prior to my class, I asked my students to download and sign up for the Padlet apps. Padlet provides QR codes, which let the audience to simply scan the code and join the Padlet.

QR code displayed for students to join Padlet

The students are joining the Padlet by scanning the QR codes

The students were eagerly scanning for QR codes. As they are able to access the Padlet, they are also able to download the Excel file to be used. After I explained the topic of Data Analysis using the Excel file, I asked them to upload the pictures of their graphs on the Padlet. Below is one the examples of graphs are being uploaded in the Padlet.

The graph uploaded by Gloria

I commented one of the graphs as example to the class. During the discussion, the students were cross checking their graphs as well. They can identify their common mistakes done in plotting the graph. I love Padlet as I can retrieve the homework instantly. Instead of checking the homework personally, I can easily comment their homework. The other students are also able to comment their friends’ homework.

Audiences are able to check and comment the homework.

The Padlet can be accessed from time to time and all the data can be kept here.  Previously, when I used Whatsapp as a medium to upload the learning materials, I found it is troublesome to hide the privacy of other chats. The use of Padlet as the communication platform is much safer for me as a teacher.

Since my school promotes the use of smart phone in learning environment, the access to the Padlet is very convenient to my students. The Padlet somehow is not convenient to be used if there is no access to the internet. One of my students were struggling to join Padlet since he has no internet data network. His problem was solved once I tethered my data by using Wi-Fi hotspot.
 

The students seem to enjoy my class when I combined the Microsoft Office Excel and Padlet. 

  

That's the end of my entry for today 😊

Stay tune for my next entry on PhET Simulation and Kahoot!

Microsoft Office Excel and Data Analysis for Beginners :)

Inspired by the theory of Pragmatism which hold the view of how education should be 'learning by doing', the digital technology has the key to this idea. The implementation of the digital technology would promote an active participation from learners, thus enhancing the process of acquiring knowledge. It helps teachers to implement the 21^st century environment in the classroom.

In today’s classroom, I introduced spreadsheet to my form 4 students. Microsoft Office Excel which is very famous for data logging, is a perfect software on plotting the data of the experiment.

The process of facilitating the students using Microsoft Office Excel.

The students are amazed of how changing the data will automatically change the plotted data. They can simply observe the changes of scales and trendlines. I made the template as a preparation for the class. The following is the screenshot of the file:

Templates of plotting data in Microsoft Office Excel

It is convenient for me to use Microsoft Office Excel as changing the data in table will automatically change the plotted data on graph. I managed to show the even scales to the students as the range of the scale changes with the plotted data as well. However, I failed to show the criteria of the best fit line as the trend line plotted on the data only limited to the data range. The trend line or the best fit line does not touch the axis. Nevertheless, teaching is always tricky! I managed to access the students’ understanding when I let them to explore the generated graph. They can identify this problem!

        

The recalling process of criteria in plotting graph before the exploration of their own graphs

Besides, the students are able to compare their graphs to the one that I plotted. They did the exploration based on the given criteria in a group of 5 students. I managed to identify their common mistakes, especially when it comes to drawing the best fit line. I can simply change the data in Microsoft Office excel into their data and show them the correct best fit line should be drawn.

The exploration activity on their graphs. The students need to determine the mistakes and do correction.

The introduction of the technology in my classroom is one of the cross curricular values that can be practiced in teaching. Although the Microsoft Office Excel seems as a simple software, the whole idea of data logging is a new knowledge for my students!

Stay tuned for my next entry on how I shared the template of Microsoft Office Excel to be used by my students :)