Week 2 (18-24 January): The ABCD Learning Objectives Framework and Effective Web Searches

Blog: Weekly Reflection

The task I did in last week can be bulleted as below:
* Describing Class and Learning Objectives
* Web Searching

In first task (i.e. Class description and Learning Objectives), the ABCD formula was very helpful. What exatly i did in class description is not repeated here as it is already posted on www.nicenet.org. Here, I would like to share my views on this task. I learnt the importance of understanding my Class. I also learnt the importance of Learning Objectives. Before going into this mental process, I 'thought' I know my class very well and my objectives are very clear. But as I undergo this process, I realised that how mistaken I was in both these aspects. Ans surprisingly, these are very vital aspects of teaching. One very important thing I realised is the wide range of variations among the students. To cater the needs of these studetns, Learning Obhectives must be more precise. This mental exercise gave me very good learning experience. Today, I can say, I understand my class better and have framed better Learning Objectives for them.

The second task was on Web Searcing. We were asked to test some new Web Searching Tools (WSTs) in lieu of Google. It was unique experience. Rarely, I have tried any other WST than Google. I came to know that there are some highly specialised WSTs which can help us in fast, precise and specific search results. These noodletools are very important in WebQuests. Earlier when I replied to the Pre-Course questionnaire, I said that my WebQuest skills are excellent. Now I say I have yet to learn a lot in WebQuests.

It is well said that the true learning begins when we realise what we 'dont' know.

How I might apply it in my teaching? Very important question to ponder over. It is not only necessary to learn but it is equally important to see how our learning an affect our teaching.

Firstly, after assessing my class on ABCD parameters and Learning Objectives, I would have a curriculum whih is precisely showing its learnig objectives. The LOs will be shared with the class, which was not done earlier.

Secondly, the use of search engines in the teaching will go an overhaul change. Earlier it was all Google, Google, Google. Now we will have more specific WSTs for varied searches. The students always came with the complain that it is very difficult to seach specific items on Google. It is like seaching needle in the stock of hay. Now, I suppose, they may be happy browsing internt for WebQuest.

Dear Sandra,
I hope you will give new comment after reading the entire blog. Your first comment came much earlier than I expected, which I have mentioned in the below given comments also.

Dear Participants,
Your comments will help me in better understanding of what I am learning from this course.
Thanks and regards,
Dilip (India)