Lesson 2 Reflections

The 2 videos on self-directed learning and collaborative learning were inspiring as the students looked so engaged and interested in their learning which I believed is what most teachers will yearn for.

From personal experiences, collaborative learning is more common in school because teachers often assign project groups or carry out discussion in groups. On the other hand, self-directed learning seems less common and I strongly feel that students now adays lack this intrinsic motivation in learning which is not optimistic not just because of academic achievements but that they will face problems when they stepped into the society. Employers will always prefer workers who take the initiative to learn and upgrade their skills. Thus, if our students grow to be passive, rote learners who are not motivated in learning, they will be at the losing edge as compared to perhaps foreign workers who are motivated learners. In fact, just as what the reference book mentioned, self-directed learning and collaborative learning do not reap only acacdemic growth, they are important lifelong skills for the students as well.

In addition, though I have always enjoy learning but I rarely take the initiative to explore more than what my teachers imparted. It was only in the recents years of University life where the high demands of reports and projects forced me to explore more than what the professors provided. Surprisingly, this independent learning process intrigued me and I found it fun and fulfilling. It was only when I took this extra step out that caused me to awaken from the tiny well as in the chinses idiom 井底之蛙. There are so many things to learn and explore under the sun which are never dull nor boring. They broaden my view and perspectives in various ways. Now, I feel an internal drive in learning more than what was provided though it is definitely more time consuming. Still, the fun and enriching learning process made it all worthwhile.

I wish my students can also be self-directed learners. However, the scenarios in the videos screened in class are harder to achieve because they seemed to require high ICT skills on teachers and also the ICT resources available in school. I hope MOE and schools can provide teachers with more ICT upgrading course which I will be more than willing to learn.

Lastly, below is a link to the video on Microsoft future. I tried to upload the video but it was too big so I suppose it will be faster clicking on the link. I am SO looking forward to the future promised by Microsoft.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0USn7eufXps