Session 11

Before the session starts Nuddy asked us to form into 6 groups, and each group consists of 4-5 people. My group consists of Veraneeca and Dana from the Learning Support Centre, and Dennis from the Library.

At the beginning of the session we were given a piece of paper and Nuddy asked us to evaluate the wiki designed from the previous session in terms of strength, weaknesses and how well it was. Here are the ideas that we have discussed from our group in terms of the wiki:

1. Fun activiy.

2. Sharing of knowledge via the wiki.

3. Building interaction between the class.

4. Able to learn new technologies.

5. We are welcome to make any comments via the wiki.

6. As we received the email messages from the wiki therefore we have more understanding on other people ideas. However, we may not have time to read all the emails from the wiki.

Later Nuddy asked the class to discuss the following comment: "Easier to encounter new technologies as learner as encounter new technologies as teachers".

Earlene Wood from the Faculy of Business mentioned that as a teacher they got pressure of learning new technologies to teach students and answer their enquiries in regards to new technologies. Another lecturer agreed and pointed out that young people have more time to learn new things, whereas teachers have other commitments as well (for example, prepare notes for the session, setting up the exam questions).

After the discussion Nuddy asked us to carry out a role play activity, and our group need to demonstrate a scenario about a group of students who have just come out of a class and are enjoyed the way in which their teacher teaches them.

Our group decided on a topic and it was APA Referencing. The scenario was about Fred, the librarian who deliver the APA Referencing session. Veraneeca lead the role of the student who really like the librarian who held the session. Dana and Dennis was playing the role who still did not have any idea about APA and I played a role of explaining the idea of APA to Dana and Dennis. Nuddy has recorded the scene he sent us the video after the session.

After the role-play activity Nuddy asked us to comment on an article called "Giving control to students: But will they pick up the ball and run?"

Our group pointed out that 20% "Yes" and 80% "No".

Reasons for "Yes":

1. Young students will find it interesting.

2. Students want to pass particularly if it is a requirement.

3. Some students would like to follow up on the others.

Reasons for "No":

1. Students may not have access to internet.

2. Some students (especially the elderly students) may not find it interesting.

3. Lack of motivation.

4. Students may not have time to learn new technologies as they have other committments as well.

5. Laziness.

During the discussion Nuddy pointed out that we normally come across mature students who are having difficulity learning new technologies. One lecturer in the class mentioned that we should ask the mature students to join the younger students in the group exercises/activities so that the mature students can learn how to use new technologies from the younger students. I personally agree with this lecturer as I have worked with one mature student before on a Microsoft Access assignment, and she learnt very quickly how to use Microsoft Access from my guidance.

Later in the session Nuddy brought us to the NR109 Computer room again, and we were asked to identify two issues and reflect on our acting in terms of learning and teaching.

Our group has identified a number of findings from our acting. To see the video and the findings please visit the following link: http://session11video.blogspot.com/

In the computer room Nuddy also asked Dana and Samson from the Mechanical Engineering to show the class how to create a blog for this course. I've learnt how to create a blog when I studied my Master of Library and Information Studies degree from Victoria University of Wellington, therefore it is really easy for me to create a blog.