A135735 Aileen Tiong Ling (IPGKS): August 2011

Wednesday 24 August 2011

A Thank You Note To All!

Throughout these seven weeks of intense ICT learning, I've found out that I gained so much more than what I've bargained for. In fact, I've never known that acquiring ICT-related skills could be so strenuous yet interesting at the same time. I used to stay out from anything that's related to ICT because I've always thought ICT learning is much more difficult and time-consuming compared to any other academic learning. And I was not wrong. Truth to be told, I faced numerous difficulties throughout Computer in Education especially problems regarding to stress and time management. I hardly had enough time to complete the tasks given on time. What more to say about the other two course subjects. I've learnt a valuable lesson through ICT learning that one must not procrastinate and postpone every work to the eleventh hour. I ended up a zombie (figuratively) trying to finish up all the tasks given in all three course subjects on time. Thankfully, I have Rachel Chin as a great partner to help me out. In order to further reduce more time being wasted, we even delegated the tasks among ourselves. In other words, the road to ICT learning might be bitter and energy-draining, but the fruits it bear are definitely sweet. I've walked away a more knowledgeable person. I not only learned a bountiful from ICT learning but also got the chance to re-use my prior knowledge regarding to ICT tools and brush up the existing skills. In fact, this entry is dedicated for those who have helped me to get through this difficult yet educational phase.

First of all, I would like to thank our course coordinator, Dr. Siti Fatimah and course lecturer, Mr. Fariduddin for all the helps given and received. Thank you for making ICT learning all the more interesting.

Thank you to Rachel Chin too, my ICT partner of seven weeks who always helped me through thick and thin of ICT learning. Your existence is definitely a blessing in disguise.

Last but not least, a heart-felt thank you to all my course mates for making ICT learning more bearable. Your selflessness in sharing information and providing guidances is deeply appreciated. I'll remember it forever.

Well, folks! This would mark the end of Computer in Education (GGGE1155). But rest assure. This would not be the last time you'll see me. And I'll always continue my journey in ICT learning to the ends of my life regardless the hurdles I might face.

Toodles ~ ~ And I hope to see you again... =)

Aileen Tiong Ling
A135735
B. Ed TESL IPGKS - UKM
GGGE1155 Computer in Education
Faculty of Education
Telephone Num.         : 013-5603522
Email Address(es)      : aileenukm7@yahoo.com/ aileenanaukm7@gmail.com
Yahoo! Group Account : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/a135735aileentiong
Facebook Account       : http://www.facebook.com/a135735aileentiong
Blog Address              : http://aileena135735.blogspot.com

Friday 19 August 2011

Week 7(b): Database

Hello! This is going to be our last week together. =)

This week, we're required to prepare a database about students' information management through the application of Open Office Base. Honestly, this is the very first time I've come across database. I've never seen the need of acquiring the appropriate skills of creating a database. How wrong was I then. In fact, the act of planning and creating a database is one of the most basic skill a teacher should acquire. It is our duty to prepare a database about students information as records to show our understanding and dedication towards the teaching profession. The following are some of the basic steps to planning and creating a database.

1. Tables: Create table in Design view (4 separate tables)

· Student table(use student ID as a Primary key)

· Parent table (use student ID as a Primary key)

· Curriculum table (use student ID as a Primary key)

· Co-curriculum table(use student ID as a Primary key)

2. Tool --> Relationship: Create relationships between tables by linking the student ID (Do not create students’ names in any other table except the Student Table)

3. Use Wizard to Create Form:

· Student Form

· Parent Form

· Curriculum Form

· Co-curriculum Form

4. Data entry using Form (Note: do not use table for data entry)

5. Create several queries from the database

6. Create reports based on the queries.

Here, I would like to thank Mr Fariduddin for relentless effort in explaining the ways to create and plan a database. In fact, the lecture given was sweet, short yet concise. Although I had no prior knowledge whatsoever in creating a database and this was my very contact towards such application, I found the task quite interesting and fun. Weird for me to say so, right? Yeah but I really enjoyed it. Maybe it's because this would my last assignment of GE1155 so I would like to make the best out of it.

Initially, I did face some problems regarding my planning and creating the database. In fact, I mix up the procedures required to be followed in order to create the desired database so my first database ended up in a jumble. After a series of trial and error, i tried again and found the prefect solution to it. It seemed that I forgot to refer to the instructions given by our coordinator and thus, I landed myself in deep waters. I was not supposed to insert students' names in any other tables other than that of "Student Table". Besides, I had some problems in inserting the required data into queries too. Truth to be told, I referred to others' work and found out that their queries was a one table results. It differed from mine as we had four tables of queries. Later, I've got to know that my method was also right. In fact, I spent hours of fretting and worrying over something that was supposedly correct. However, it taught me something new that day as databases can be created in several different ways based on people's preferences.

All in all, by the end of this course subject, I felt that I've gained more than what I've bargained for. And for that, I'm always thankful.

P/s: A thank you entry is coming up soon. =)

Happy Reading!

Link:http://groups.yahoo.com/group/a135735aileentiong/files/Week%207(b)/

Tuesday 16 August 2011

Week 7 (a): Spreadsheet

Good morning! Nice to meet you again! =)

This week assignment is similar with the previous one as we're required to prepare two spreadsheets namely , (a) personal annual finance and management and (b) students' scores and grade analysis spreadsheets.

In the first assignment, we're required to plan and create an annual financial management of income and spendings using Open Office Calc. Honestly, I've never come anywhere close to this application so thus I've pretty confused upon my first contact with this application. Try imagine my dilemma. Even though I did have some prior knowledge regarding Microsoft Excel, but I rarely find the need to use and apply it into my academics and therefore I was pretty vague about its functions and application. What more to say me using Open Office Calc which was such a foreign subject matter to me. In fact, I had a hard time trying to apply and link the formulas required together in order to produce data. Both Rachel and I felt lost and confused, so as my other coursemates. Therefore, I took the initiative to consult Mr. Farriduddin for help and thankfully enough, he did spend an entire two hours of lecture to brief on the ways to link the formula together to create the desired data. I found the assignment easier to complete and be done of after an explanation from our course lecturer. Initially, I made the mistake of thinking that the spreadsheet was to be done in 3 months. We later got to know that we have to prepare a yearly spreadsheet. In other words, we need to come up with a financial management spreadsheet of 12 months. However, all in all, we took just half a day to complete the first half of the assignment after much guidances from Mr. Fariddudin.

Next, moving into the latter part of the assignment where we need to plan and prepare a spreadsheet about (virtual) students' scores and grade analysis. We are instructed to complete this assignment through Microsoft excel. We need to include the functions present in the spreadsheet format namely, VLOOKUP, STDEV, AVERAGE, and COUNTIF. These functions are useful and time-saving as they help us to read values of the data keyed in automatically from the given range without much problems. Truth to be told, this application is extremely useful for us as future teachers as we too have to prepare students' score inputs. We don't have to spend precious time trying to insert the data given manually which can be proven to be quite troublesome compared to using the functions available in Microsoft Excel. Although I did face many problems upon my contact on both Microsoft Excel and Open Office Calc, practise always make perfect. My attempt in trying to locate the different position of the function butons and tans is proven to be a success after a series relentless trial and error.

All in all, both applications are proven to be very useful in my future teaching profession. the fist part of the assignment could be applied in managing the annual school finance management specially those related to event planning. The latter part of the assignment is equally important too as we need to acquire such skill in order to create and prepare students' score analysis. Both applications are of much use in our not-too-distant teaching career. Honestly, this course subject, "Computer in Education" has provided me the opportunity to acquire new skills and brush up the existing knowledge to be applied into my future teaching career. So, thanks so much!

Happy Reading! =)

Link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/ccckey=0Al7FDQNrqORedEJ4Ul82WlU5ekpNWGRRdmt2STlFQUE&hl=en_US
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/a135735aileentiong/files/Week%207(a)/

Saturday 13 August 2011

Reflection Week 6: Multimedia, Audio & Visual Presentation Kit/Courseware

Hello! Nice to meet you!

The following week, we're required to prepare a presentation kit and courseware. In the first place, I was pretty happy and relieved that that we're given the opportunity to fully utilise our presentation skills through Microsoft PowerPoint. How was I to know that we have to present using Open Office Impress? Although I've done countless presentation slides over the past five years, I've never tried using other application program other than PowerPoint. In fact, I initially thought that using Open Office Impress would be of no differences from Microsoft PowerPoint or so I thought. Hence, a new chapter of exploration has begun.

Remember in the previous entry. I've downloaded and installed Open Office application program into my computer? Yeah! So, I am going to move start into my progress of using Open Office Impress. Honestly, despite the fact that Open Office Impress has much simpler features and interface, using it to prepare a presentation kit was time-consuming. Both application programs might look almost the same but both functions differ so totally from one another. Truth to be told, I had a difficult time trying to locate the buttons and icons in Open Office Impress. Therefore, I indulged myself in a series of trial and error to familiarise myself with the various functions of Open Office Impress. Our assignment is divided into two parts, (a)presentation kit and (b)multimedia courseware.

For former part of the assignment, we've decided to re-use our our previous assignment, "Critical Web-Research Skills & Positive Web Behaviours". Based on my own experience, I'm more attracted to simple presentations with appropriate visual aids. Besides, the transition between the powerpoint slides need to be flawless and connected to ensure the smooth flow of ideas in-between slides. In the first place, i also had a hard time trying to import diagrams and images into Open Office Impress. After hours of trial and error, I've found the solution. Tada! Try clicking on the edge of the diagrams or images to alter their sizes and positions. In short, I've re-learned the skills of making a presentation kit through Open Office Impress. In fact, I'm glad that I've been given another opportunity to re-learn skills that I've known long before.

Next, I'll be moving on the second part of the assignment. However, I missed some lectures about the ways to prepare multimedia related courseware due to persona; family problems. In fact, I was absent for those lectures and thus I was pretty confused about the programs needed to be introduced into this courseware presentation. Thanks to my partner, Rachel Chin who relentlessly helped me in my understanding of the preparation of the courseware. In fact, we used all Windows Movie Maker, Audacity and GIMP application programs in our courseware presentation. I had no problems what-so-ever in using both Audacity and GIMP applications. Although I had no prior knowledge of what is and how to use the GIMP program, yet my pair and I managed to complete our audio file successfully without much troubles. The problem started to surface when we're trying to convert the Window Movie Maker file into video format. In fact, my computer had trouble trying to play the video, once imported into the courseware application. After series of trial and error, I managed to figure out the solution and delete the previous video in order to replace it with a newer version of the video. Truth to be told, we downloaded a video from Youtube.com which is related to our topic, "Thinking Skills and ICT'. Sorry not to mention it earlier that we've decided to prepare a presentation courseware based on our very first assignment, "Thinking Skills & ICT".

All in all, I've gained numerous throughout the whole week. I hope that I would be able to utilise all these knowledge I've gained in the not-too-distant future.

Thanks! Happy reading! =)

Link: https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B17FDQNrqOReMTI4ZTY5ZmQtZGVkYy00NGI3LThkYjktODFlMzJjNzExMjI4&hl=en_US
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/a135735aileentiong/files/Week%206/

Sunday 7 August 2011

Week 5: Graphic, DTP & Word Processor

Good morning!

Finally, there's something of ICT that I can actually relate to. This week assignment is all about creating and designing a set of brochure as well as booklet to illustrate basic ideas of a certain topic discussed. Yet, beforehand, we're given a list of URL links of 2D graphic editing software. We were told to explore and look for up for more information about the different types of graphic/image formats. These informations do come in handy in our attempt to create a brochure and a booklet of which are related to Assignment 1, 4, and 5.

Brochure

We were required to plan, create and design a brochure based on our previous assignments using Microsoft Publisher. In fact, it's one of the easiest yet most effective brochure creating program ever existed. Truth to be told, I was already aware of the functions of Microsoft Publisher and the ways to navigate it. In other words, there weren't much problems applying and using it to complete our task. As aforementioned, the application of this software is simple and user-friendly. The software itself is provided with a multitude of templates and designs available of which users could use to customise their brochures without much difficulties. Users could either select the existing templates made available or come up with a whole new design concept in their attempt to beautify the brochure. Thus, users are able to make full use of their creativity to design the brochure up to their likings. In fact, ICT learning becomes more interesting accompanied by attractive and meaningful visuals. However, I did find the software a little bit difficult to use especially in importing and moving the pictures around. The pictures tend to overlap one another upon insertion and it's proven to be quite challenging for both of us. After a few series of trial and error, we've finally get a hang of it.

Booklet

Honestly, I enjoyed my time completing this week task as I was treading along familiar territory. Microsoft Words software is no stranger to me at all. Maybe it is in booklet designing but definitely not word processing. I've only used this software for word processing purposes, never designing. In fact, it never came to my mind that one could actually create a booklet from this software. Therefore, a new discovery was made. The only problem encountered in creating and designing a booklet is that I could not locate the "bookfold" function in Microsoft Words. I tried asking around and found out that it is located in "Page Layout" tab. Just click "Page Layout" --> "Custom margin" and a drop box will appear. Proceed to click "Multiple pages" --> "Bookfold". Tada! It's done. Then, users could proceed further and decorate the booklet according to their preferences.

Undeniably, this assignment is significant in the teaching profession as teachers are often assigned the task of documentation for school events. Therefore, teacher trainees should not only equip themselves with educational information but also basic skills as such. In truth, these skills are used extensively in the teaching profession. That's why teachers are all rounder learners. They should to equip themselves with all sorts of information and skills as it might come in handy someday. Taking such matter for granted, one will always end up at the losing point.

Surprisingly, we completed the assignment within a day or two. Yeah! After long last, I could catch up with the schedule. Why? I'll give you three words - proper time management. How amazing is that? This proves that with determination and discipline, one could achieve the goals set in life.

Link to brochure : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/a135735aileentiong/files/Week%205/

Happy Reading!

Saturday 6 August 2011

Week 5: The Differences Between Microsoft Word, Open Office Writer & Google Docs

Hello! Welcome back =)

So far, we've been using three different types of word processor softwares to complete our assigments and pair tasks, namely Microsoft Word, Open Office Writer and Google Docs. In this segment, I'm going to discuss about the differences of these softwares.

Google Docs

The primary difference between Google Docs application and the respective programs is that it is a Web-based data storage service powered by Google. In fact, Google Docs is accessed via a Web browser. In other words, the availability of Internet receptions plays an important role in ensuring the one's connectivity to Google Docs. Truth to be told, this application is one of the simplest and most basic word processor application around. Thus, it does not possess certain features that are found available in both Open Office Writer and Microsoft Word, namely grammar checking feature and document viewing options. On the bright side, sharing and mobility are made available via Google Docs application. Users are able to create and edit documents on the application while collaborating real-time with other consumers. Google Docs has built in support for sharing documents with other people with fine-grained permissions. Other users are allowed to view and edit the documents uploaded in the application. In other word, Google Docs encourages interactive online discussions among its users. Besides, some might find Google Docs liberating as there's no need to perform constant updates. Users also need not worry about the back up issues as Google Docs saves the documents uploaded in its server where they are being backed up redundantly.

Open Office Writer
Similar to Google Docs application, Open Office Writer is a open source software powered by Open Office.org. In other words, this application costs nothing. As compared to Microsoft Word which can cost up to RM100++, Open Office Writer provides a free alternative as it can be downloaded from Web browsers easily without much complications. Since Open Office Writer is a computer-based application, constant updates are necessary. Yet, the updates provided by Open Office.org are made free for consumers too. This means that users do not have to splurge a lump sum to get a hold of this application software. However, this is not the same as Microsoft Word as it is a commercial word processor program designed by Microsoft Office. Although Open Office Writer has similar components as Microsoft Word application such as word-processors, spreadsheets, presentations, graphics and databases, it lacks in several application features namely grammar checking feature , document checking and "Smart Arts" options. Besides, Open Office Writer could not open multiple documents in one task window as Microsoft Word application and keep each document visible at the same time. In fact, some might find using Open Office Writer complicated and confusing as the usage of this application is not as flexible as other word processors, nor customisable.

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word application is a word processor and is considered the main program in Microsoft Office or so I thought. The application provides numerous advanced features such as auto-summarise feature, spelling & grammar checking feature, Clip Art options and Thesaurus just to name a few with a complex interface. Although the purchase of Microsoft Word can cost more than RM 100++, it is still considered as the most widely used word processing software. The most amazing thing I found out about Microsoft Word is that it provides blog entry feature. This application helps to connect the document to a blogspot and upload it for users to be shared publicly. In fact, Microsoft Word offers more choices and flexibilities in terms of features and packages that users could never dream of founding at any other word processing softwares. The latest feature introduced in Office 2007 is "Smart Art" option. This feature allows users to create and customise diagrams of many common formats easily yet effectively. Both Google Docs and Open Office Writer does not offer anything that come close to a diagram editing feature.

Personally, I prefer using Word application as it has bee a part of my life, as far as I can remember. Word application prompted me into ICT learning in the first place as I need to understand and know the functions of the application in order to process a document. Henceforth, it's up to the users' preferences to decide between these three applications.

Link: http://www.taming-openoffice-org.com/newsite/?page_id=23
     http://www.brighthub.com/internet/google/articles/75597.aspx
     http://www.idealware.org/articles/msoffice_vs_openoffice.php
     http://www.techsoup.org/learningcenter/software/page4765.cfm

Happy Reading! =)

Friday 5 August 2011

Week 4 (b): Mini Research

(To be continued.......)

Hello! Nice meeting you all again.

Now, moving into our mini research report paper. This is the very first time we've been told to prepare something so serious and formal. Indeed, we need to conduct a mini research and subsequently, prepare a report based on the analysis of the qualitative data obtained. At first, we had a hard time trying to settle on a research problem. After much consideration, we decided to report on "The Need of Critical Web-Research Skills in Developing Positive Web-Behaviours". As you all can see, our topic is closely related to the previous assignment. We are trying to highlight the need to apply critical thinking into Web-research skills in order to develop positive Web-behaviours. This is because we've noticed that web behaviours among teacher trainees nowadays are deteriorating day by day. Therefore, we've decided to put an emphasis on this issue to further educate others on the need of critical thinking skills in ICT.

We need to include the following required details into our mini research.

Title
Abstract
Introduction
Literature Review
Research Approach
Findings
Discussion
Recommendation and Conclusion

In fact, my pair and I took the initiative to divide the following sub-topics to speed things up a little bit. Truth to be told, we were actually left far behind schedule. However, things seemed to improve significantly during our progress . Slowly by slowly , we're beginning to see an overview of the report we've prepared and it actually motivated us to do our best despite us having little or no prior knowledge of conducting a mini research. Fingers crossed, I hope that this first timer marks a great start for our thesis papers in a near future. My biggest concern in preparing this research paper is that my writing style is not exactly report material. I took the alternative to search and read different examples of report papers for more insights. I believe that with determination and hard work; someday, I'll be able to produce a good quality research paper.

In fact, my pair and I are relieved and thankful that we are able to complete the report. We were quite worried that as we spent longer time in completing this report paper, we might neglect other assignments and paperworks. This assignment has taught me a lesson about the importance of proper time management and not to procrastinate my works as it would eventually take a toll in my academic career.

That's all for this week

Happy exploring! =)

Week 4 (a): SPSS & Qualitative Analysis

Good morning!

This week, we're all required to explore a brand new application, SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science). Truth to be told, we're late behind schedule. We're supposed to be done of this assignment by the fourth week. Yet, the process of preparing a research report took a strain in both our time and stress managements. Before I delve deeper into the topic, let's define SPSS. Honestly, I was feeling quite lost initially as I don't really understand the functions of SPSS. The only alternative left - Google Search!

What is SPSS?

It is a statistical package from SPSS Inc., Chicago that runs on PCs, most mainframes and minis and is used extensively in marketing research. It is mainly used for survey authoring and deployment (IBM SPSS Data Collection), data mining (IBM SPSS Modeler), text analytics, statistical analysis, and collaboration & deployment (batch & automated scoring services). [Source: TechEncyclopedia & Wikipedia)

As mentioned before, ICT learning is all about trial and error. I’ve tried to download the software from the Internet only to found out that it’s a 14 days trial program. We’ve confronted our course lecturer about the problem. Luckily, he has his original copy of the program so all I need to do was to transfer and install the program into my laptop. Remember the previous assignment where we’re required to come up with a list of questionnaires. Turn out that we have to analyse the data using SPSS and prepare a mini research paper based on the data collected.

In fact, this week’s assignment is the most difficult and time-consuming by far. As soon as the requirement of at least 10 respondents had been fulfilled, my pair and I started to brainstorm about ideas to be written in our report. We are also told to:-

1. Download the online data from Google Docs in Excel format (*xls).

2. Import the data into the SPSS program. (Data from the printed questionnaire is manually inserted one by one.)

3. Convert the data (multiple choice questions and checkboxes) into numeric form from 0 to 5 except for scale items.

4. Click the “Analyse” tab --> “Descriptive Statistics” --> and lastly the “Frequency” button.

5. Select all variables except for timestamps in the drop box and click the arrow button.

6. Click “Graphs” tab for customisation and “Continue”

An output form in which the frequency of each data is presented in table form will appear after the program is done analysing the data. We were also told to customise the data into graphs or charts to be included in our mini research paper as statistical proofs.

This is the link for our SPSS output file:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/a135735aileentiong/files/Week%204%20/

However, my pair and I did face several problems while using the SPSS application. When our lecturer first explained the task to us, I was confused and lost as I did not understand most of the instructions given. Actually, the lecturer did quite a good job in making the instructions all the more comprehensible for us to understand. I don’t speak ICT and it seems that the instructions got lost in translation. So, I consulted Mr. Farriduddin again for further explanation and he did try to make the instructions sound more English than ICT for better understanding. In the end, I managed to understand the message conveyed and picture the overview of the task. Besides, I had a hard time trying to figure out how to customise those data into graphical images too. I tried consulting other course mates for further information. And thankfully enough, they provided me with a multitude of information regarding this application program. Just double click on the graphs and charts and a drop box will appear beside them. You can select colours and patterns available in the drop box to your own liking.

On the other hand, there are a number of respondents who did not answer the questionnaire form according to instruction. They are needed to provide only an answer per question especially for the multiple choice questions and check boxes. Yet, some of them took the initiative and gave more than is needed. This further complicates data analysis as it might affect the outcomes of our mini research. We asked guidance from our course lecturer and he told us to choose the first answer provided by the respondents. This ease things up a little bit. All in all, I had a great time exploring this new application program despite the many obstacles I faced during self-exploration. Undeniably, learning is all about trial and error. But, I also believe that learning is all about asking questions too. Trial and error alone is not enough for learning as students are not being provided the explanations of how things work.

That's all for today.

Happy reading! =)

Aileen Tiong Ling

A135735

B. Ed TESL IPGKS - UKM

GGGE1155 Computer in Education

Faculty of Education

Telephone Num. : 013-5603522

Email Address(es) : aileenukm7@yahoo.com/ aileenanaukm7@gmail.com

Yahoo! Group Account : http://groups.yahoo.com/group/a135735aileentiong

Facebook Account : http://www.facebook.com/a135735aileentiong

Blog Address : http://aileena135735.blogspot.com