Google map and Phet simulation as situating tools and its application in classroom

Google map

It is a free application of google after we are signed with google account. This application can be used to talk teach history, math, and other disciplines. 

History teaching

For example, the teacher is planning to teach about the various sacred Lhakhang in Bhutan. The teacher can use these applications to locate the temples and give real photos to talk about the Lhakhang. 

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This application can also be used to trace the routes taken and places visited by historical figures like Phajo Drugom Zhipo. 
For example, the teacher can give the following coordinates to look for the places visited by the Phajo Drugom Zhipo a trace a route. 

1) Jago Dzong: N27 38 59.99 E91 09 00
2) Yangthe Thuwo Dzong: N27 28 0.00 E89 38 30
3) Taktshang: N27 30 00   E89 20 00
4) Tango: N27 28 00 E89 38 30
5) Gomdra: N27°30' 00 E89 20 00
6) Thujedra: N27 28 00 E89 38 30
7) Draphu Senge gyaltshen: N27 28 00 E89 38 30
8) Tshechudra: N27 55 00 E89 40 59
9) Tsendong dowaphu: N27 30 00 E89 20 00
10) Langthangphu: N27 28 00 E89 38 30
11) Sengyephu: N27 35 28 E89 52 38
12) Gawaphu: N27 35 28 E89 52 38
13) Hungrelkha: N27 35 28 E89 52 38
14) Changkhag: N27 35 28 E89 52 38
15) Wachen: N27 30 00 00 E90 10 00
16) Dodeyna: N27 35 28 E89 52 38

Math teaching

The use of google application in math lessons can be again more interesting than we actually think. We can calculate the distance and area of the place. This can be possible with the use of calculating distance options in the google map application. 

This style of calculating distance can be used to teach measuring distance and calculate areas of the place. 

phET  simulation in Science teaching

Use pf PhET application can be sued to teach especially science subjects like biology, physics, and chemistry. For more details, ou can visit this link. https://phet.colorado.edu/ These simulation sims are generated by the Colorado teacher community. 

Teaching abstract concepts like bending of light in the various medium can be taught using such applications. If we use such applications learning becomes more visual and students will show interest in learning and exploring. 

Bending of light simulation

So, after attending this class I have realized that I am sure going to make full use of the application in schools. 

ICT as situating tools

What is a situating tool?

Situating tools are applications that make the user situate in an environment to experience the context and happenings. The 3-D images on the screen make the user feel and experience the simulations as if they are real in that environment.  Examples of situating tools are simulations (flight, driving, plays station), virtual reality, CD-ROM, and many other applications. 
As I went through the examples and explanation I realized that all the games that I play falls under this situating category. I play driving and flight games and trending games like PUBG too, which fall under situating application. 

What I learned from under these tools

This session made exposed me to many new applications, which are basically very crucial and interesting applications to apply in teaching and learning. Out of which some are very new like Phet simulation and GraphCalc, and some are familiar as that of Google map. 

Phet simulation

Phet application

This application is completely new to me. When I first got introduced to it I am a bit confused with it but, when I got to know how it works I really liked it. this application is free and we can download and use it. this application is mostly for science subjects but it can be used in other disciplines like geography and history too. 

when we talk about this application we can make many abstract concepts like atoms, pH values real. this simulation is going to make the learning more effective and students are going to love it. I wish me tutors would have used that to teach many concepts which I felt very difficult to digest during my school days. 

Google Map

Google map

Google map application is also a very interesting tool that makes you explore the area in various ways, such as 3-D, street view, a terrain view, satellite view, and many other options to explore the map. we can use these maps to locate the place using attitude and longitude and as well as calculate time. Moreover, you can explore an unknown place by using a search for the place and use the street view option.  

GraphCalc

This is another interesting tool to do lots of abstract graph problems into more realistic simulating learning. The use of this application can make the learner predict the nature of graph equations. This application is handy for the tutors especially math teachers. After the teaching students can be provided with an opportunity to see the patterns. 

This is another interesting tool to do lots of abstract graph problems into more realistic simulating learning. The use of this application can make the learner predict the nature of graph equations. This application is handy for the tutors especially math teachers. After the teaching students can be provided with an opportunity to see the patterns. 

GraphCalc as situating tools and classroom applications

GraphCalc as situating tools

This tool has remained unknown for me until the last session on situating tools. This application boosts my confidence in teaching maps to my students. the abstract nature of the mapping equation and its representation plane paper made me a bit uncomfortable in teaching it, but with the use of this application, it makes me feel easier to teach. 

Classroom application 

While teaching about the equations like 
linear = mx+b
quadratic = m^2 X+ b, we can use this application. 

for example, to teach linear equations teachers can provide a set of equations and make them plot on the graph. 
let them see the patterns, how the mapping and equation works. 

So, in order to make them realize that b value in the equation is a point where the line cuts y-axis give the following equations to plot on the map.
1. 2x+ 1
2. 2x+2
3. 2x+ 3
4. 2x-1

look at the point where line cuts y- axis

Like ways in order to make students realize that the value of m determines the slope of the map, provide the following equations and let them type the equation and make the see the patterns. 

1. 2x+ 1
2. 3x+1
3. 4x+1

Look for the value of x and its slope

This way learning becomes much easier and interesting. 

ICT as informative tools

ICT as informative tools

When tools of ICT acts as the source of giving relevant information to enhance the learning of the students it acts as informative tools.

This can be in the forms of Sounds, graphics, texts, and movies.
Unlike traditional ways of teaching which considers teachers and the book as only the source of information, this day's information can be gathered from anywhere and at any time. It is not necessary for the students to wait for the formal lesson from the teacher to learn new things. with the use of smart technologies, learning is seen as convenient and easier. for example the concept of atoms which was very difficult to teach in olden days where found much easier to teach nowadays. The use of YouTube gives visual as well as pictorial/simulation to explain the concept. Since the information can be accessed by anyone self-directed learning is found encouraged. 

 That information can be generated from

Radio, Television, and the Internet.

Television

Radio

Internet

My experiences of informative tools in learning

Informative tools are of great use in my learning process. With access to various digital tools around us with access to the internet, learning becomes much easier. it is smart learning. 
in the class, we are asked to find the rationale being the Doklam crises in 2007 between India and China. For that, I have gone through lots of articles and newspapers. In order to give a closer look and judgment to the issue, we have to read all the papers from different points of view. I have to watch documentary movies dated back to centuries and go through history books. This makes us self directed learners because it builds up curiosity. The major role of this is taken by informative tools. The topics I have learned will always remain within me because I liked doing it. 

For these reasons, informative tools can be one of the greatest tools in teaching students. 

Classroom implication 

These informative tools are the backbone of learning in almost all aspects of disciplines. Especially teaching abstract ideas to the students requires a lot of information to make the concept clear. For example, you are teaching atomic structure metals in physics, how are you going to teach. Teaching with the use of just a green board will not work. so to make the learning much easier teaching can use video tutorials with good simulations from the internet. for example https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWda9zHV6GU  this link will teach the students is a much easier way. 

To collect information for TV and radio, we can create a setting where students are supposed to share the news every morning. If such tasks are given students must go through TV ad radio especially during news time.  Through this students can learn a lot. 

ICT as the constructive tools

ICT as constructive tools

As emphasized by Jean Piaget and Bruner as the constructivist in learning, ICT played a significant role in self-directed learning through the construction of own knowledge backed by the technologies. Constructivism believed in the construction of new knowledge based on the child's experiences. They emphasize making learners independent, critical thinkers, and self-motivators.  

To fulfill the above constructivist models, the integration of ICT in the class is very necessary and handy. This is because learning through the use of ICT tools helps in generating the interest of the learner. It also shifts the learning style from teacher-centered to child-centered learning. Students can learn in the absence of a teacher through exploration, adapting, and practicing.

What are constructive tools?

Those tools which are used to manipulate information construct and visualize one’s knowledge.

Examples of constructive tools

1) Concept mapping

It is used to bring the idea alive by brainstorming.

      2) Desktop publishing program

It is used to organize and present the idea in many attractive forms.

3) MS Office programs

Excels, words, power points, publishers are used to create new work in a much convenient way. Features like narrations, formats for the different documents are available so that works are done in much easier and attractive ways.

My experiences in using constructive tools in learning

I have been using constructive tools from the time I joined the college, but I have never been so used to me because I have never known how to use it fruitfully. when I prepared PowerPoint it was dull and not so attractive. latter as I proceed with the teaching from FIT and ICT lesson I have learned a lot. the more we are aware of the tools the more it becomes useful and attractive. 

For example, during simulations task, I found it very difficult to prepare the PowerPoint where I have to add a lot of files which include videos, recorded voice, picture, animated words, and many other files within a single slide. I was shocked first but later I could successfully submit the file. that was the hardest job for me but now I can do such kinds of tasks with anyone's helping hand. 

How to use it in the classroom?

These constructive tools can be used on a daily basis as a component of the lesson. for example, before teaching new topics teachers can let them do mind mapping. This will make sure they use their rain to bring up something. This can be done either in the group or individual level. 

Like ways, desktop publishing programs and MS Off programs can be used to make them prepare and create their work in the most effective and attractive way.  When given opportunity with the help of these programs they are going to learn a lot through exploration and self-directed learning. 

ICT as a co-constructive tool

ICT as a co-constructive tool

Constructing knowledge through a collaborative effort from the colleges gives color to the idea. It becomes a masterpiece. To do that ICT does a great job in co-constructing knowledge. With various applications and programs of ICT, co-construction is made easier. Staying at home can develop a shared consolidated idea.

The use of these tools will make the learners active, focused, and co-edit the work.

Some of the examples of co-constructive applications are;

•   Google doc

The participants can comment, edit, and view the document based on the permission given by the person who shares the document. 

• Blog

• 
  

Here we share the document with or team members and permit them to work collaboratively.

In the blog, the viewers can comment on the works done by someone to make it much better. The publisher can change the published work into the draft and made a necessary edition and publish it again. This way the final piece becomes much creative and work of perfection.

Like ways, there are many tools like an electronic whiteboard, wikis, and many others.

How to use in the classroom?

Learning and constructing new idea through co-constructive tools are very important in today generation especially in middle of such unpredictable outbreak of pandemic. 
In the class teacher can give assignment and let them discuss and work on the assignment through google doc. Here participants can do all sort of necessary discussions to do the work. Which includes chat, comment, and edit. More over teacher has an advantages of tracking the work and participation of the group members. 

Like ways, Blog can be a forum where learners can express their feelings and understandings. Their learning can be co constructed by giving constructive feedback and improve as per the feedback. 
For that in the classroom teacher can direct the student to write weekly reflection of the class lesson. In this way learning can be co-constructed. 

ICT as Communicative tools and informative tools

ICT as communicative tools

We consider ICT as a communicative tool when it enhances the communications between teachers and students, and among the students. It can be in the form of email, video conference, chat and other social-communicative Media. 

Two types of communications

       1) Synchronous 
All are actively involved in the discussion at the same time.
           

Like in a video conference, chat, and call.

video conference 

2)     Asynchronous

Participants take time to respond. examples areas;

 Email                   VLE discussion forum,     Wechat, blog call, etc…

 

My experiences of using communicative tools

COVID 19 has been a blessing in disguise for us because we have experienced a lot of new challenges and achievements. It taught us to be an independent learner as well as the digitally equipped teacher. this involves the use of communicative tools. communicative tools include social media and certain programs like Google Docs, moodle and other tools. 

I have never used google meet to talk and share ideas and I have never used Google Docs to do assignments. Now I can easily use these tools. when I first used google meet firstly I could not log in and join the meeting, secondly, I could not use the buttons like the camera and recorder. I can't put on any of those buttons. those it was embarrassing for the first time but it was worth it. 

So, in future, I can use those tools easily and teach the students how to use it. 

How to use it in the classroom?

Communication tools are very important in learning. These tools are not only used for doubt clearing but also used for submitting assignments. 
So, in the class teacher can create a messenger or WeChat groups to discuss any matter for learning. Extra class for low achievers after class, the constructive class for higher achievers can be done at any time. Make students submit their assignments through mails. Provide materials for learning through mails. This will encourage them to work digitally.