User:Brendah

= My Profile =

Professional Background
I have been a teacher for about 20 something years. I trained as an intermediate phase teacher (grades 4 to 9) and have taught all grades from 1 to 7. I have a higher diploma in Remedial Education and Biblical Studies. I then went on to do a Further Diploma in isiZulu studies. About ten years ago I started teaching computers in school. The integration of ICT into the curriculum has become my passion and I am currently exploring Web2.0 tools in education.

Education
I attended various primary schools and then went to Our Lady of Fatima Convent in Durban from Grade 7 to 10.

I finished my high schooling at Eshowe High School in Zululand, South Africa.

I trained as a teacher at Edgewood College of Education in Pinetown, South Africa.

I have since completed two further diplomas in education and I consider myself to be a life-long learner.

Professional
Using technology in the classroom is what interests me - and of course the children I teach.

Personal
This year I undertook a 365day photography challenge. I am a beginner photographer but a photo a day helps me learn so much about my camera and the world around me. My photo blog is called [http://beesphotos2010.blogspot.com/ Bee's 2010 Photo Challenge. ]

My husband and I have an interest in nature and wild life. We also enjoy road trips. This year we undertook a 13 000km trip through 8 African countries over 4 weeks. That trip is documented in our Tanzania4Teablog.

My Projects
Introduction page:

I use this unit after learners have learnt about trees and how vital they are for the supply of oxygen to humans.

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Can we move to another planet?

Planet Earth is a mess. We know there are other planets in our Solar System. If we can find another planet to move to your teacher will hire a space shuttle and we’ll leave this planet and start all over again.

What are some of the things we will need on our new planet in order to survive there? Remember to click on the Edit button and write your ideas, then click on Save Page.

Your teacher has helped you and your partner find a planet to research. Use the NASA StarChild site to find information about your planet. You may also use Wikipedia or Encarta for Kids (found on your desktop).

On the left click on the link to your planet and once you have researched your planet click on Edit at the top of the page and write about it and it’s suitability. Don’t forget to click on Save Page at the bottom.

Teacher’s Note: I would set up a sub page for each planet where learners can write their information on their planet.

Conclusion Page:

You have each researched a planet. Take some time to read through the information on all the planets and then answer the following questions. Remember to click Edit to type and when you have finished writing your responses remember to click on Save Page.

1. Is there another planet perfectly suited to human habitation? If so which one is it and what makes it perfect? 2. If there is no other planet suitable for human habitation what do we have to do to help preserve Planet Earth for future generations?

Optional Extension:

Use the word processor to make a poster. You can choose one of the following:

* Make a poster advertising a trip to your chosen planet. Tell people how long it will take to get there, what they need to take along with them, and what they can expect to find there. * Make a poster encouraging people to take care of our planet and it’s resources.

You can include pictures in your poster but they must be cited or you can make your own in Paint.

My Sandbox
/My sandbox/

My Reflection
I came into this workshop not realising how steep the learning curve would be. I thought I'd be learning about wikis in education and I have learnt so much more - but I've also realised I have so much more to learn. I have also realised that I am not an intuitive computer user. I have really struggled with some of the skills and in fact I am still struggling to set up my project. Thank you to the wonderful people who have helped and encouraged me in this journey. I will get back to it and complete my project. I will also have to see how I can utilize the space for my learners.

Feedback &amp; Notes from my WikiNeighbours

 * Hi Brenda, As this workshop is nearing its end now, could you decide on developing at least one free content resource licensed under a CC-BY-SA or CC-BY license which can be used by yourself (and others) on WikiEducator? With best wishes, Ramesh Sharma 16:10, 1 November 2010 (UTC)

Good Day Ramesh, I will certainly try and get it together. Things are hectic at the moment. :-) --Brenda Hallowes 18:39, 1 November 2010 (UTC)
 * Hi Brenda, we are happy to see the progress you are making on your userpage. Keep up the good work, --R C Sharma, PhD 18:01, 30 October 2010 (UTC)

Hi Brenda, I wanted to be the first to welcome you here. OER is a wonderful place and a great team.

I should know. I have been here since I started just like you at eL4C41. It is just like the elder brother giving a helping hand to the young thing. So if you want some support, please call me first.

Just send me an email and I will be there to hold your hand as we walk the talk OER way. Cordially, Sebastian Panakal [mailto:sebastianpanakal@gmail.com My email]

Hello, Brenda. I admired your photos. I loved the pink flower as well as the one with the bee. You seem to busy as a bee. Also you are doing very interesting work with children. All the best and welcome to the wikiworld and OER. Have a great time. Regards, Kalpana --Kalpana Gupte 17:37, 30 October 2010 (UTC)