13th TecXplorers Gathering on 30 May 2006 at Guangyang Secondary School
|
 |
The theme for the 13th TecXplorers gathering was “Using IT as Mindtools”. It was a gathering of educators who were interested to find out what mindtools are and how they can be used as knowledge construction tools to scaffold learners in interpreting and organising their knowledge in meaningful ways.
| Dr Tan Seng Chee, Assistant Director of ETD, started the event by introducing the concept of using IT as cognitive tools. He explained that the cognitive tools could act as an intellectual partner to provide support to pupils as they learn, think and construct knowledge. A concept map was cited as one cognitive tool which pupils can use to represent and build on their understanding through identifying and establishing relationships between concepts. He also highlighted the roles of IT as cognitive tools, roles of pupils and teachers when using cognitive tools. |
 |
He went on to discuss 3 key considerations when using cognitive tools. View the Presentation slides. (pdf, 1.73MB)
 |
Mr Mohd Hafiz, D&T teacher of Guangyang Secondary School, mesmerised the audience when he shared passionately on how he used Tablet PC as a mindtool in his class. He shared the ways he tapped the inking features to engage his pupils in spontaneous ideation, guide them through stages of design modifications, record the working versions and archive the learning processes. The feature of the software, Alias Sketchbook Pro, allowed for collaborative learning where different pupils contributed to the initial design to improve upon it. View the Presentation slides. (pdf, 735KB) |
Mr Alexis Pang, ETD Officer, explained how Geographical Information System (GIS) could be used in Geography lessons. He demonstrated the use of GIS with software ArcView and explained how GIS could be used as a scientific visualisation and analysis tool. The database in GIS allowed pupils to search for information, interpret the data and present information in different ways. He highlighted the possibilities of using GIS in fieldwork and interdisciplinary projects.
View the Presentation slides. (pdf, 592KB) |
 |
 |
Ms Eliza Lim and Ms Jena Tong of Fuhua Primary School , assisted by Dr Zhang Baohui of NIE, shared with the participants their experience of using Model-IT as a system modeling tool for inquiry-based learning in science.
Model-IT was used to scaffold inquiry processes such as generating hypotheses, selecting variables, as well as analysing and explaining relationships between variables. Teachers found that the use of Model-IT allows pupils to learn in engaging and creative ways. View the Presentation slides. (pdf, 970KB) |
The gathering then adjourned to the PC Lab, where the TecXplorers experienced a hands-on session with IHMC CmapTools software. This is a concept mapping tool which empowers users to construct, navigate, share, and critic knowledge models. The difference between mind map and concept map was also discussed. The TecXplorers were engaged to create their individual Cmaps, contribute their Cmaps to the knowledge SOUP and collaboratively build Cmaps in a synchronous mode. Participants were encouraged to partake in further discussions on Cmap online via the TecXplorers.net forum.
The 13th TecXplorers Gathering ended with participants gaining fruitful insights and ideas on how mindtools could be used to enhance teaching and learning.
|
