Week 2

This is the first time I entered PMEY3104 class. The course title is Integration of Technology in Primary Science.
During the class, we were brief about our subject and also were given our assignment. We need to find a journal that related to the integration of ICT in Science Education.

We were also introduced to the use of ICT in Science classroom. Our lecturer,Dr. Rohaida told us that we need to create a blog. Every week, we have to post a reflection in our blog. The reflection will help us to have better understanding of the lecture.
During the class, we have discussed on the use of technology in Science education. The big question is, “Why use Technology?”. Basically, there are several reasons why technology has been used and integrated in Science subject. We learned about technology that is used in classroom such as lcd, ohp, television, projector etc. These technologies are used widely in education field as they are tools that can help teachers to be able to transmit the knowledge effectively. Besides, the use of technology can enhance the students’ interest in the teaching and learning process. Technology in the classroom can enhance learning. It help the students to become capable users, information seekers, problem solvers and decision-makers.
Prof also led us on discussion whether it is best to teach science and technology as a separate subject or integrate both subjects together. In my opinion, it is best to integrate both subjects. It is because Science and Technology comes hand in hand. What I mean is technology is invented from the knowledge of Science and thus it makes science scope to become wider and broader. In teaching and learning Science, Technology is a tool that enables teachers to make the transition from a traditional classroom to one where technology is an imbedded and integral part of teaching and learning. Thus, the integration of Technology in Science classroom will help to enhance the effectiveness of the teaching and learning process.
Then, we were divided into groups. Each group need to do research on a topic given and my group got the topic OHP – Overhead Projector.
The Overhead Projector, or “OHP” is one of the most frequently used tools in education field. An overhead projector is a variant of slide projector that is used to display images to an audience. There are several steps that should be followed in using the OHP.

Instructions:
1. Situate the overhead projector on a low table that is 2 to 3 feet off the floor. Make sure the overhead projector is plugged into a reliable power source.
2. Place an overhead transparency on top of the flat glass surface of the projector. Transparencies can be written on directly with a wet erase overhead pen. Alternatively, a transparency can be fed into a laser printer, and information from programs such as spreadsheets and databases can be directly printed on the transparency.
3. Turn on the overhead projector. Most machines have a large, circular button on the front for this purpose, but on/off switch locations can vary.
4. Angle the mirror at the top of the projection arm until the image is properly aligned onto a blank wall or drop-down projection screen.
5. Move the table holding the overhead projector forward or backward (if necessary) until the projection image approximates the size of the projection screen or blank wall space.
6. Turn the circular knob at the top of the projector arm until the projected image comes into focus.
7. Press the on/off button again when finished with your presentation. Allow the overhead projector to completely cool down before using it again.
The use of OHP is usually under the control of the teacher. This means that it is by default an instrument of teacher-centred instruction. This is not necessarily a disadvantage of using the OHP. This is because the teachers can develop its use as a tool of session management. Switching it on, for example, is likely to send the message, "Now get ready for some input from me", and can be used to curtail discussions which are veering off the point. Similarly, switching it off when a discussion starts is a way of acknowledging that the class group is making the running.
OHP allows presentation of a series of images in sequence. The timing and ordering is controlled by the teacher. Thus, teacher an manage the class easily. Teacher should not put in too much information on any one OHT. This will create confusion among the students. OHP is a visual medium. Thus, it requires attention from the students. Teacher should make sure that the students are paying their attention during the input transmit session. In order to check their understanding, teacher can post questions to them. Besides, teacher can also include mind maps or any kind of graphic representation in the OHT so that it can attract students’ attention.
All in all, the use of technology in Science classroom will enhance the students learning. Thus, teacher should update themselves with the ICT knowledge and technology skills so that they can exploit them during teaching and learning process.