From the previous blog post, I reflected on my experiences using Twitter, how students can benefit from global learning, and the results of misusing social media. In this blog post, I am going to reflect on one of my new joining learning communities – Microsoft Educators Community (MEC).
Microsoft Educators Community is an online platform allowing educators worldwide to learn new skills, discover classroom activities, and earn badges and certificates. This community provides different courses with various learning materials, such as PowerPoint, PDF, relevant websites, videos, etc. At the end of the course, there is a quiz that you need an 80% accuracy to pass and earn badges and/or certificates and points. The MEC teaches members not only tools provided by Microsoft and Window system but also how to collaborate with other possible learning tools, such as Skype and Minecraft. It is aiming to improve methods of learning and maximize the influences of learning.
Personal Experiences Taking Different Courses
The Teaching Sustainable Development Goals is my first course in the MEC. The course explains not only the aim and definition of sustainable development but also seventeen goals we all agree to achieve by 2030. There are also suggestions on what we can do to help with it, and how we can spread out the idea to protect our planet. I know what is sustainable development before I take this course, but I do not know there are so many goals for the whole project. Therefore, I learned more and am now be updated.
Introduction to Skype in the Classroom is another course I took. It broadened my horizon that I was surprised at the functions of Skype. Besides guest speaker and general class discussion, the Virtual Field Trip and Mystery Skype are new to me but become my favorite at once. Experts go on live virtual field trips to museums, parks, historical landmarks, etc. with a class of students through Skype. Or students can play a game through Skype with another class, and guess where they are from by asking only Yes or No questions. I think these two are the significant features of introducing Skype in a classroom, helping students to learn better in different cultures, critical thinking, and communication skills. I also believe that relaxing and funny class time boosts students’ interest in learning.
One of the exciting course I took is Introduction to Paint 3D, which is a built-in app in Windows 10. There are different tools, features, and figures inside, allowing you to create both 2D and 3D projects with as many details as you want. I think I would be useful one day when I become an Organizational Psychologist and trying to show my clients our office planning designs. Even, I can include some 3D images in my PowerPoint to make it more attractive and clear in expressing my ideas.
Above are only some valuable courses in MEC. I am still on my way learning as much as I can. Although I am not using the Windows system now, I believe most of the companies are making good use of this system. Therefore, I have a high probability of using all the tools mentioned in any courses. Even, I am not using these tools one day, I would, of course, have a chance to teach others. As aiming at working in the business setting Psychology field, I think taking more courses can provide me with diverse ideas on improving engagement. It is difficult to explain all the details and actual feelings taking courses and reaching a lot of resources from this platform. I highly recommend all of you to join. What you only need is to create a free account!
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Twitter: @PoYeeWong4