Day 5

Topics: Component of Lesson Plans - Digital Writing Tools - Educational Technology - Animated Lessons

I was feeling relaxed today as Friday is going to be half day but my happiness and relaxation all went away as it was the most tiring day of whole training. Non stop and continuous activities practically exhausted me mentally and perhaps the effects I can still feel while writing reflections and trying to complete my routine tasks. Session, as always started with Quranic and naat recitation. Trainer randomly selected the members to read out their reflections. He then started sharing videos from flip. Majority of participants were able to upload their videos but those who were having network issues were allowed to share in teams. The flexibility, our trainer showed in online training sessions is the reason why all participants are able to submit their tasks otherwise such issues can easily create boredom among participants. Next section of session comprise of Lesson Planning. We already have a brief introduction of lesson planning through flip videos, trainer concluded the discussion by explaining qualities of a good plan and its components. Next home work task ready for us was developing a lesson plan using any digital writing tool. As I had been using One Note for maintaining plans and daily diary, this task will not be difficult for me inshallah. Trainer asked about Definition of Educational technology. He shared a video in which people were asked the same question and they were expressing quite same answers as been given in chat box. An animated video was then continued where how teaching tools have evolved from 1500 BC to-date. The video seemed to be very engaging and clarifies many of my concepts about ET. 3 tasks were given to be completed regarding the use of technology in our schools scenario. We had a healthy conversation in our room and complete this task in time. Presentation session was concluded quickly as in the short day we have to cover a large amount of content. To my surprise, another animated video was played demonstrating parts of computer, it seems to me that such video content is irrelevant for teachers having 15 years of experience of teaching Computer Science. What happened next was so shocking for me as it was yet again the task I ran from. As I reflected yesterday, living even in the age of vloggers, I used to think that I was not born to create videos. But this training seems to target my weaknesses. Being a part of training, it will be a challenge for me to develop a lesson through creating my own video content. Its what I never liked but the impact such videos can make on students was experienced during the session. For me to be an effective teacher I knew I have to adapt to the change of this era we are living in. In the mean while a powerful and interactive app/website  developed by Punjab Book Board, put all us in an awe. Its our own fellow province which is leading in Educational Technology and from our trainers motivational talk I was feeling that it will be our responsibility to put our share to Sindh Education too in whatever expertise and skills we have in IT field. The concluding session was loads of homework tasks. Thinking about a long to-do list, for a few moments, I felt I have lost all the interest in training sessions but thanks to Mr Nisar's flexible approach that those tasks submission date was extended and we were allowed to submit till Sunday. This releases my stress level and to my surprise the first assignment, I opened was Women's Face Work Pressure. The given passage uplifted my spirits and I am now ready to keep my pace with tomorrow's training session inshallah.