Overall Course (MITE 6323) Reflections

Theoretical Ideas / Knowledge

  • The most impressing idea / knowledge I have learnt is the "Interactive Representation of Information and Knowledge".
  • In this course, I have learnt how to re-present (re-organize) information (especially in text information) to non-textual information (such as image, videos, animations, sounds etc.).
  • Also, I have learnt that "interaction" provides extra-dimensions in representing data and reducing the space required.
  • These knowledge are very useful for me to think of developing teaching aids for hand-held devices.
  • The lesson tasks (PPT of myself and atmosphere; Flash of raindrops; Digital Storytelling) inspired me a lot.

    Virtual Learning Environment (Blogging)
  • It acts as an electronic portfolio for the students to record their learning stages and materials.
  • Teachers and classmates can give comments on each others blogs (portfolio)
  • Everyone can easily share ideas and materials in the blog

    Software (FlashSlideShow Maker)
  • FlashSlideShow Maker is easy to use.
  • It is useful for the teacher to quickly build an electronic photo-book with attractive apperance and navigation features.
  • I have tried to use it for my students. Here are some of my products:
  • X'mas Party
  • An on stage show of my students
  • Students' Lesson Activities #1
  • Students' Lesson Activities #2

    Software (PhotoStory)
  • PhotoStory is basically similar to FlashSlideShow Maker.
  • However, PhotoStory provides more functions than FlashSlideShow Maker.
  • PhotoStory allows teachers to use still images (or photos) to make a movie easily.
  • In addition, narrations, music and on-screen text can be added easily.
  • In my opinion until now, PhotoStory can be widely used in teaching. here are some examples:
  • In language subjects (e.g. Chinese, English), teachers and students can create video compositions (rather than text-writings);
  • In History and Science, teachers and students can present world events / histories / experiments more lively with zoomings, narrations and music;
  • In Maths, teachers and students can present a series of steps in completing a problem or a calculation.

    Software (Flash)
  • Before I attended this course, I know nothing about Flash.
  • Also, I found it difficult to learn Flash (not knowing where to start)
  • Moreover, I found it difficult to plan a storyboard and use Flash effectively in education
  • After the hands on practices on Flash in this course, I found the real use of Flash!
  • Flash is NOT just constrained to make digital cartoons
  • Simple but effective use of the interactive functions provided is quite enough for enough.
  • These includes: buttons, go to frame, tellTarget and basic Motion / Shape tween -> animation are useful.

    Project
  • (Please refer to the Project Reflections)