UIR BLOGGER

2012-02-06T14:26:00.003+08:00

Dear all awesome EIR students (Oct11 semester),

Next week (12-17 Feb 2012) will mark the end of our exciting EIR journey together since we started it in Oct 2011. Time flies when we are having fun together. Its so hard to say farewell especially when we are just about to get to know one another better.

Thank you for your warm friendship. The bonding we share will be cherished for a long time to come. Thank you also for your most awesome, enthusiastic and active class participation during the face-to-face discussions. I will fondly remember your smiles and laughter as you evaluate the Stomp website. I do appreciate your kind patience in faithfully completing the class activities, despite your other commitments in life.

I am happy with the quality of your Wiki submissions and Portfolio Part 1. I am sure you will do equally well for your final Portfolio due end of this week.

I look forward to your interesting Wiki presentations on your research topics. I am sure you will give the ‘epic win’ kind of presentation that will surely rock the house.

Well done all for doing your best to produce good work! I have had a fantastic and joyful experience interacting and teaching all of you and learning from one another.

Our friendship does not have to end with the closure of EIR Oct11 Sem next week. We will meet up virtually on our Facebook space (EIR DPA) or on Twitter (twitter.com/pristadel) and MSN (buddy-line@hotmail.com). See you all there dear friends!

As a final close to our EIR Sem Oct11, I invite all of you to spend 1-minute of your time to autograph a meaningful and inspirational comment/remark about EIR in the comments column of this EIR blog. Remember to use what you had learnt in EIR when you are doing research for your other projects in your respective Diplomas.

Please also give us your kind feedback on EIR via the online survey on OLIVE (Course Documents - EIR_Oct11_Survey (Main)

Till we meet again in other encounters, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Remember to always give your very best in all you do. Always give your 'epic win' performance that will rock the house.

Remain Awesome, Be Positive and Stay Happy Always!

Cheers,
Ms Farida
EIR Subject Leader Oct 11 Semester

2011-12-05T17:35:00.001+08:00

EIR students enjoyed their E-learning experience on Second Life where they got to meet up with new friends in Hong Kong. Glad to note students’ enthusiasm as they venture into new ways of collaborating and networking with foreign students on their research work, using 3D avatars. Students were engaged as they conduct live interviews with students from HKPoly U during the e-learning week in Week 4 of Oct 11 semester. Some have even become friends and continue to connect with one another via Facebook, MSN and Twitter! Check out EIR students’ blogs as they reflection on this amazing and awesome e-learning experience.

What’s more interesting to note is the development of a greater sense of warmth, bonding and camaraderie amongst EIR students. Now, EIR students who come from different Diplomas across TP are more comfortable with one another as they share jokes and work together on their class activities. They chat like long-lost friends now.

After seeing the smiles on my students’ faces and hearing their laughters as they talked about their research work while sharing jokes and small talk, all the long hours I spent preparing this assignment does not matter any more. It brings new life and meaning to my role as their tutor and facilitator. I have experienced the true meaning of teaching – enjoy great transfer and sharing of knowledge with great fun and great time with my awesome students!

2011-12-01T15:55:00.001+08:00

EIR students continue to enjoy the wonders of research using diversified range of social media tools as they journey deeper into this subject. The dark night sky seen at the beginning of EIR is now showing signs of the sparkling stars! Students are now experiencing of using Wiki to collaborate with fellow group members to share their research findings on their research topics. I marvelled at my students enthusiasm to learn yet another new social media tool to collaborate on their research findings. Despite new to it, they have demonstrated grace and confidence in using Wiki for research work. Well done all! Continue to discover the sparkling stars in the night sky!

2011-11-30T11:18:00.002+08:00

EIR students started to consciously use the various search engines, meta-search engines and subject directories on Internet these 2 weeks. Glad to observer their curiosity and keenenss in exploring the features and functionalities of these search facilities. They begin to discover the wonders of searching resources on the web using diversed search facilities that offer them wider choices of searching. This has been an eye-opening experience for most students who have always depended on one particular search engine to conduct research on the web. Great discovery that would translate into good grades for their assignment.

2011-11-09T21:44:00.002+08:00

EIR students greeted their Week 3 of lessons with their EIR blogs. Its simply awesome reading about their self-introduction, amazing hobbies, movies they watch, music they listen to and favourite hang out places. Students also blogged about what they would spend given a virtual budget of $500. This week's activity showcases and brings out the best of each of our EIR student's unique style and personality. Its amazing how much we can learn about one another simply by reading their awesome blogs. Indeed blogs has given each of us a simple yet fun & meaningful way of connecting with one another on cyberspace.

Its heartening to also note the attendance and encouraging participation of students for the past 3 weeks of lessons. Students' motivation level to do well in this subject can be clearly seen from the questions they asked and the smiles on their faces and laughter as they joyfully work on their weekly activities. Even the quieter students have become more engaged on the blogshere.

Just like my students, I have also enjoyed every moment of facilitating EIR classes over the past 3 weeks. Time flies really fast when we are having fun. We just don't seem to get enough of EIR even as the clock reached the 2 hour mark signalling the end of each EIR lesson. Since we are having fun, the workload does not seem to matter. The fun has just begun.

2011-11-06T19:01:00.001+08:00

EIR students started on their first research endeavour during week 2 as they began searching for resources based on their research topic given. Students learnt to differentiate and categorised websites according to the different purposes of websites by reading about the interesting stories published by these websites.

Advocacy websites, for example, publish stories aimed at creating public awareness and garnering public support on certain issues like human rights. We learnt to count our blessings and appreciate better what we have as we read about the touching and eye-opening human rights violation stories of the sufferings and plight of fellow human beings in other parts of the world like Africa and Middle East.

We also learnt about the latest developments and current events surrounding the financial crisis in Greece from the news websites. Entertainment websites always make us happy with the juicy gossips of celebrities, funny jokes and wonderful updates of the movies and songs.

Indeed the lessons this week have been thought-provoking yet enriching and meaningful. The lessons ended with us yearning for more intriguing news and stories. Welcome to the wonderful world of research!

2011-10-30T09:15:00.001+08:00

The 1st week of EIR seem to breeze past real fast. Guess time flies when we are having fun. This Oct 2011 semester, we are all really excited to welcome so many EIR students from diversed Diplomas across Temasek Poly. We celebrate the diversity of learning, sharing and exchanging ideas amongst students from different disciplines and perspectives.

Yes, EIR classes during the 1st week have been really fun as students warmed up to one another via social media tools for research. During the “Knowing Me Knowing You” ice-breaking activity, students were treated to a fun and lighted exercise of figuring out about the best metaphor that best describe the best of themselves! In EIR we believe in bringing out and developing the best in each one of our students and inspire them to do well in the subject.

Students who share similar hobbies can actually start contacting one another if they are game enough to enjoy doing the hobbies together. This week students had a glimpse of what research is all about as they use some of the social media tools to virtually connect and collaborate with one another.

Get to know more about EIR students via our wiki site http://eir-rawkz.wetpaint.com/page/Knowing+Me+Knowing+You+%28Oct+11+Sem%29

To all awesome students, enjoy your EIR journey which has just pleasantly begun! Let us continue to ignite the fireworks in each one of us to do well in EIR!!

2011-10-30T09:13:00.002+08:00

Find out about what EIR students think about research as they begin their EIR journey during their 1st week of study. Its interesting to note that some of our students’ thinking that Research = Google as seen in our wiki site http://eir-rawkz.wetpaint.com/page/Knowing+Me+Knowing+You+%28Oct+11+Sem%29

Hmm, as they journey deeper into EIR, students will be pleasantly surprised to learn that there are so many other research tools other than Google, that are available in the market today. Stay tuned to unravel more of the wonders of research in the coming weeks of your awesome EIR journey!

2011-10-24T19:04:00.002+08:00

Welcome all EIR students (Oct 11 semester). Look forward to an exciting journey doing research on Internet. Each person has a unique and different view of Research. EIR takes research to a different level using social media as interactive means to conducting research effectively. Let's work together to make EIR a meaningful journey for each one of us.

2011-08-10T14:41:00.004+08:00

We have come to the end of EIR for the Apr 11 semester. Three months have passed us so quickly and its time for us to say goodbye. However this is just a tempororay ending to a new beginning of new friendship and social networking. EIR may have ended but our virtual interactions will continue for a long time to come.

Hope that you all have learnt useful lessons from EIR, that goes beyond just getting your credit units. Though we come from different schools, we have learnt to know one another through the fun activities we had done together in EIR. I'll miss your laughters and smiles.

Look forward to hearing your presentations on your research findings. I am sure you have lots of interesting stories to share with the rest of the class. Stay in touch the EIR way on the social media highway! All the best in your presentations and submissions.

As a final closure to EIR, please pen down your inspiratioonal quotation on the "1-minute autograph" tag-board column on this EIR subject blog. This is meant to motivate the next batch of EIR students coming onboard in Oct 11 semester.

Till we meet again in future encounters,
Your subject leader signing off,
Ms Faridah

2011-07-12T10:58:00.003+08:00

This week students evaluated S'pore's citizen journalist website - Stomp.com.sg
In small groups, students had to evaluate Stomp using various criteria and comment if it is sustainable in the long run.

Wow, its quite hard to get students to verbally voice out their opinions in front of the whole class. Most of them seem to be comfortable with "saying it best without saying nothing at all". Finally, with encouragement, questioning and awarding of class participation marks, all of them started to say something.

One interesting story I remember from the discussion today is about the news of a young person publicising on facebook about his dissatisfaction with his mum for not washing his pants! I wonder how the mum would feel. As a mum myself, I will not be happy if my son were to do this to me. I think our young need to be educated about the right way to communicate on social media, so as not to hurt oneself or others.

Stomp has lots of interesting stories to keep us informed and entertained as well especially on the gossipy kind of news.

I hope students have learnt to evaluate websites critically, not only to present the facts, but also to analyse and express views on what lies underneath those facts.

2011-06-27T11:59:00.002+08:00

Today is the 1st day of the new term in Apr11 semester. Welcome back everyone! Hope you all have had a good break and are fully energised to start work again. Look forward to interacting with all of you again in our EIR classes.

2011-05-31T10:41:00.003+08:00

This is Week 6 of the Apr 11 semester. Yes, all of us survived 6 weeks in this new semester!

As always, the awesome EIR students have been attentive in class. Today, they used and evaluated the features of meta search engines and subject directories and compared it with those of a search engine. They continue work to search for more resources in relation to their research topics. This will be the content of the graded report which they will submit by end of next week.

Students were engrossed in their work as they prepare for this submission. Continue the good work all. I trust that you all will put in good efforts and ingite your individual "fireworks" to produce quality work. All the best in your submissions!

2011-05-10T11:23:00.004+08:00

EIR class today was awesome. Students were attentive as they diligently completed the practical activities. They were also responnsive to the questions posed on the different purposes of websites.

We talked about the latest news about the inquiry into the killing of Osama bin Laden on bbc.com and discussed the features of advocacy, entertainment, information, personal and business/marketing websites. Students shopped online via amazon.com and had a sneak preview of virtual shopping via Second Life.

Our EIR class ended with 2 'ta-pao' online activities for our e-learning week next week. Yes, you are right about next week - Its E-learning week and No Need to come to class at 8am next week (16 May - 20 May 11), only need to submit the activities online via Facebook, Second Life and EIR blog. Oooh, I look forward to reading your blog reflections about your exciting virtual shopping adventures!

We had an enriching good time and seems like 2 hours is not enough especially when we are enjoying what we do in EIR!

Continue to enjoy EIR because the more you enjoy, the happier you get and the simpler the tasks become!

2011-05-08T20:19:00.005+08:00

Students had a great start during this second week of EIR Apr 11 semester. Working in groups, they will embark on researching to find answers to their research questions during the weeks to come.

As we go deep into the semester, let's continue to be inspired by Katy Perry's music video "Fireworks" as we ingite the fireworks inside each one of us to do well in completing all EIR assignments and tests.

Enjoy EIR!

2011-04-26T09:50:00.003+08:00

Today we had our EIR lesson during this Add/Drop week. It has been an easy-going session mainly comprising of ice-breaking activities using social media tools. Glad to note that the students have initiated their friendship via Facebook and Twitter. EIR started on a happy note for everyone. Keep up your enthusiasm for the following weeks to come!

2011-04-26T09:43:00.000+08:00

Dear all EIR students (Apr 11 semester),

A warm welcome to all of you!

Get ready for a semester of exciting activities around the awesome world of Internet. EIR gets you researching for quality web resources using search techniques and strategies, reflect about your research experiences uisng blogs and twitter and collaborating with others with similar research interests using wikis discussion forums.

You will also get to shop and go on your dream holidays using 3D avatar and animations via Second Life.

Oh, one more thing...in EIR we not only use the computer to learn and discuss, we also do the good-old face-to-face thought-provoking discussions of interesting Internet topics.

Look forward to meeting all of you.

Wish you a fun and exciting EIR journey ahead!

Cheers!

Ms Faridah

EIR subject leader and tutor

Apr 11 Semester

2011-03-30T12:12:00.002+08:00

Dear EIR DPA 2011 T01 students,

Today marks the end of our short but exciting EIR journey together from 21 - 30 MARCH 2011. Its so hard to say farewell so soon especially when we are just about to get to know one another better.

Thank you for your warm friendship – the bonding we share will be cherished for a long time to come. Thank you also for all your most enthusiastic and active class participation during the face-to-face discussions. I will fondly remember the keen debate during the Twitter presentation. I do appreciate your kind patience in faithfully completing the class activities, despite your other commitments in your personal and academic life.

I am happy with the quality of your Wiki submissions and from your interesting presentations I am glad to note that you all had learnt something new on your research topics.

Well done all for doing your best to produce good work! I have had a joyful experience interacting and teaching all of you and learning from one another.

Our friendship does not have to end with the closure of EIR DPA T01 class today. We will meet up virtually on our EIR frens Facebook space or on Twitter (www.twitter.com/pristadel) and MSN (buddy-line@hotmail.com).

As a final close to our EIR DIP Apr11, I invite all of you to spend 1-minute of your time to autograph a meaningful & inspirational comment/remark about EIR in the comments column of this EIR blog. Remember to use what you had learnt in EIR when you are doing research for your other projects in your respective Diplomas.

Please also give us your feedback on EIR via this online survey
URL: http://epoly.tp.edu.sg/tpapp/esurvey/survey.do?s=EIR-DPA11&g=2

Till we meet again in other encounters, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Stay Positive & Stay Happy Always!

Cheers!
Ms Faridah
EIR DPA Subject Leader and Tutor

2011-03-27T21:19:00.003+08:00

The amazing & empowering nature of Interactive Digital Media (IDM) continues to intrigue and inspire me to incorporate the usage of IDM into EIR lessons as evident in this week’s mind-boggling lessons. An engaging and captivating case study entitled “Six teenagers investigated over 'sexting' and webcam 'porn’” had all students in the whole class excitedly collaborating and sharing their views via Wiki about ethical issues and implications of such controversial behaviours amongst youths and Singapore society. I look forward to reading their Wiki about their views.

The awesome virtual world also continues to inspire me to share with my students the different experiences which they can have networking and working with others in a group, beyond the usual face-to-face meetings. Students had the opportunity to experience this through the Second Life virtual shopping activity, meeting online and exchanging views about this experience with their research group members.

I think that Wiki is a great way for people with similar interests to come together, collaborate and share their views using a common virtual platform. It’s a great way to learn and grow together. I would also remind myself to be mindful to respect the right of others in sharing my views with them. Second Life is a virtual world which allows residents and visitors to experience virtual interactions using 3D animations. I feel that we have to keep an open mind to give ourselves the space and opportunity to explore and experience different types of products and services offered by the dynamic and diversified Internet world. I have to be mindful to only use Second Life for healthy educational purposes and protect myself from the bad influences of Second Life.

I trust that all you awesome EIR students will have a great time doing these interactive activities just like I had crafting and developing them. Let out the Tigger in you and have fun!

2011-03-21T23:04:00.002+08:00

DPA Mar 11 students had a positive start during Day 1 of their EIR journey today. Katy Pery's Fireworks music video provided an inspirational start for all of them. The students used interesting metaphors to describe themselves during the ice-breaking activity. However the long full-day schedule and compact programme provided some challenges for some students who were already stressed out by other subjects. Despite these challenges, students managed to laugh off their stressors and dedicatedly worked through the tasks assigned. Good start all! Keep up the good work.

2011-03-19T16:05:00.004+08:00

Dear all EIR DPA Mar 2011 students,

EIR will begin its new Apr 2011 semester run on Mon 21 Mar 2011 with the 3rd batch of EIR DPA students.

A warm welcome to all EIR DPA Mar 2011 batch of students. See you on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 at 9am! I am elated and excited to meet all of you. We have lots more new stuff to work on our new EIR journey together.

Interactive Digital Media (IDM)technologies will continue to be used to enhance the delivery of EIR. Look forward to all your active and energetic participation.

To motivate you in learning EIR well, check out the wonderfully crafted inspirational quotes from your most recent batch of EIR Seniors (Oct 2010 semester) on the tage board of this blog. Notice their enthusiasm as they pen down these quotes to inspire new batches of EIR students like yourselves.

Gear up for lots of fun and excitement learning EIR together with me, your awesome, fun-loving & dedicated EIR buddy, subject leader and tutor.

Lets work together to make EIR really fun, exciting yet meaningful. Let EIR ignite all the passion inside you and glow brightly like the fireworks across the sky!

Cheers,
Ms Farida
Your EIR buddy, subject leader & tutor

2011-03-19T16:03:00.002+08:00

EIR Oct 10 run is finally over. So what's my reflections on my experience working with batch of students? Wow, its imply awesome to have worked with all my students from various Diplomas and Schools across TP this semester. Their quest for knowledge to learn more about EIR and their dedication to complete all the tasks... were simple amazing. Indeed, EIR students and tutors shared lots n lots of awesome memories learning EIR together throughout the semester.

I missed all my students' laughter and candid jokes during our classroom activities. The e-learning activities on Second Life were fun but can be frustrating sometimes. The presentations were interesting as I got to hear their research stories firsthand. Finally, their inspirational quotes on our EIR blog provided great testimonies of their exciting n unique EIR journeys. Thank you to all you great EIR students who have made my EIR teaching experience simply amazing and awesome!! Stay happy always and keep in touch!

2010-11-19T08:26:00.001+08:00

To all my EIR DES Oct 10 students,

Today, 19 Nov 2010, marks the last day of our EIR journey together. For me, this has been an exciting and pleasant experience working with all of you. OMG, it is so hard to say goodbye and end something that you really enjoy. Even though we have just known one another for a brief one month, I feel that we have known one another for one year. Our warm friendship and bonding we share will always be cherished for a long time to come.

Thank you for all your most enthusiastic participation in the EIR class activities. I really appreciate your kind patience in faithfully completing the class activities, especially the E-learning activity on Second Life in collaboration with Hong Kong PolyU. I am glad that we have made some new friends from Hong Kong through this virtual activity. Its amazing how we could make a site visit to Hong Kong to conduct our field research on the topic ethics of using Second Life in education. Well done all!

We had fun using the numerous Web 2.0 social networking softwares to interact and engage us in our learning. Remember how we laughed at the ticklish stories about the not-so-nice side of Singaporeans when we evaluated the Stomp.sg website in class? I am especially touched by how attentive all of you were throughout this class discussion. We also used Twitter to connect to one another. I enjoy putting up those motivational quotes on www.twitter.com/pristadel to inspire you and myself too. We had fun on the online shopping spree and going on our dream holidays. I am glad that we have made some new friends when we did the Facebook ice-breaking activity and online discussion forum. We had also learnt useful values of virtually collaborating on Wiki space about our research topics.

I look forward to listening to your Wiki presentations today. I am sure all of you have done your very best to put up such great work for EIR! Well done all! I have had a fantastic and joyful experience interacting and teaching all of you and learning from one another. Our friendship does not have to end with the closure of EIR DES Oct10 today. We will meet up virtually on our EIR frens Facebook space (DPA EIR group), on Twitter (twitter.com/pristadel) and MSN (buddy-line@hotmail.com).

You are most welcome to virtually chat with me at the TP Enlightening hub, located just next to EIR Hub on Second Life – Do add me Marigold Farslider as your contact on Second Life and drop by once a while to chat with me in my room at level 2 of the TP Enlightening Hub. Do register at level 1 by sending me an email stating your preferred date and time for our meeting. I will wait for you in my room at level 2 at the scheduled date and time. See you there awesome guys & gals!

As a final close to our EIR DES Oct10 chapter, I invite all of you to spend 1-minute of your time to autograph a meaningful and inspirational comment/remark about EIR in the comments column of this EIR blog. Remember to use what you had learnt in EIR when you are doing research for your other projects in your respective Diplomas.

Till we meet again in other encounters, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Stay Connected, Remain Positive and Happy Always!

Cheers! Faridah
EIR Subject Leader and Tutor
DES Oct10 (T01)
19 Nov 2010

2010-11-18T20:29:00.003+08:00

This week EIR students are relishing the joy of not having to attend class physically in TP as they can virtually complete their e-learning activity and get their attendance marked. This is indeed a great way to learn given the ease of use, accessibility and flexibility of using the web.

Students this semester were treated to an e-learning trip on Second Life, visiting e-shopping sites and some even had the opportunity to virtually meet up with new friends in Hong Kong. Such memorable collaborative experiences on Second Life is rare and ought to be fully enjoyed while it lasts. I am thankful to my colleagues from Hong Kong PolyU for giving us this awesome opportunity to collaborate with them.

I look forward to reading my students' blogs on their e-learning experience on Second Life. I am sure that I will be pleasantly treated to reading their great reflections about their amazing learning journey on Second Life. I hope my students will enjoy this trip, as much as I had developing the activity for them.

2010-11-07T23:21:00.003+08:00

EIR students (semester mode) ended this week on a good note - They had confirmed their research topic and completed the Practical 1&2. They also had completed their Web 2.0 accounts and had much fun with their first few blog posts introducing themselves and sharing what they had learnt from Practical 1&2 & lectures 1&2. Glad that all of them seem to have started EIR on a positive footing. Continue with the good work all!

Meanwhile, EIR Design students (block mode) ended this week with the submission of their Portfolio Part 1 and class test 1. Its heartening to observe their hardwork in putting together the Portfolio Part 1 report within a short period of time. Glad to observe their keen class participation as they had fun reviewing Stomp.com.sg using the theme "citizen journalism". Keep up the good work all!

Stay tuned for more fun activities next week.

2010-10-26T11:39:00.003+08:00

This is the 1st week for EIR students (semester mode) and Day 2 for EIR DES (block mode). Glad that all seems to go on well.

I had the grand chance to meet up with the students in the first 8am class this morning. Wow, all of them were so alert, punctual and attentive! Way to go!

DES students were equally attentive and alert in class and are keen to start on their first Practical for the day. I am impressed that they do proceeded to their work without complaining despite the long hours. They have chosen their research topics and are now searching for the relevant resources. Great start all! Continue the good work and enjoy your EIR journey!

2010-10-25T10:51:00.004+08:00

Hello all of you awesome EIR students,

Its great getting to know all of you. Allow me to introduce myself first. My name is Farida. I am from IT School, Diploma in Interactive Media Informatics. I teach web design and internet research using Web 2.0 tools. I really love using Twitter, Facebook, MSN, blogs and wikis to connect with my wonderful students as it is very convenient.

One of my favourite past time is to listen to music and watch music videos, especially the current top hits in Singapore and USA. My favourite singers include Usher, Rihana, Eminem, Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift and Katy Perry. My favourite TV programmes currently are Fringe, Mentalist and Bones.

I love going to the beach, cycling or just playing around with the sand and water.

One hobby that I am very passionate about is swimming. This is one sport which you can do at your own time and target. I swim at least once a week. However, due to the bad haze situation in Singapore currently, I have not been swimming since last week. Swimming helps me relaxed and stay fit. I think it is really important to keep fit given my hectic work and family lifestyle. A healthy body often lead to a healthy mind.

Okay, that's a brief intro about me. We will know more about one another as we go deeper into our EIR journey.

Till we meet again in EIR classes or virtually,
Ms Farida out for now.

2010-10-25T10:43:00.002+08:00

Dear Students,

Welcome to the EIR Blog!

Its always my pleasure to meet new students every semester. This Oct 10 semester, we have more classes as compared to last semester. We have students from various schools across TP taking this CDS - EIR.

This semester, we have Design students who will be taking EIR on a block basis. Hence the first batch of EIR DES students who will start their classes during the first week, will complete EIR much earlier than students in the semester mode.

In any case, all EIR students will get the chance to collaborate virtually via our Wiki space and communicate virtually using other Web 2.0 tools like Facebook, Blog and Twitter.

Really look forward to seeing all of you in EIR classes this semester.

EIR allows you to create your own Blog so that you can document and reflect on the lessons learnt and meaningful exciting experiences throughout your EIR journey. Weblogs or personal blogs is a simple online journal that contains stories, links and your commentary about topics of your choice. Weblogs are easy to design and maintain.

You will create a personal blog that provides information about yourself, including your academic and personal interests.

Here's how you can start :
1) use a free blog hosting service and follow the directions to develop your personal site.
2) briefly tell us about yourself (refer to the ice-breaker worksheet)

-Your name/nickname/diploma
-Favourite past time activities
-Favourite singer, TV programme
-Favourite hangouts, chill out places
-Your Favourite internet sites

You are the Expert
-tell us about ONE skill / hobby that you are passionate about
-give us ONE tip to learn this skill / hobby
-show us links to find out more about this skill

3) add links to your favourite websites in your Blog with a brief description
4) once your blog is up and running, go to OLE. Post the URL for your weblog to enable your fellow classmates to visit and get to know you better.
5) comment on one of your classmates' blog post
6) remember to update your weblog after each day’s activities with additional links and commentary.

Enjoy your Blogging experience!

2010-08-06T09:20:00.003+08:00

Dear EIR Apr 2010 semester students,

Today marks the end of our fun and exciting semester-long EIR journey together from Apr-Aug 2010. Its always hard to say goodbye especially after we are just about to get to know one another better.

Thank you for your friendship and keen participation in our EIR class activities, especially your patience in completing the assignments, despite your other commitments back in your respective Schools and Diplomas. I do hope that you would bring back what you had learnt in EIR to your specific subject areas in your Diplomas and later on to the industry as you join the workplace.

We had fun using the numerous Web 2.0 social networking softwares to interact and engage us in our learning. I will remember how we laughed as we evaluated and talked about the funny stories on Stomp and commented about Tweeter and Second Life.
I really enjoyed these moments learning together with all of you.

I note your interesting reflections on your fun virtual shopping spree on Second Life during our E-learning week. Your Dream Holidays experiences were equally exciting. I am glad that we have made many new friends too. I am very happy that you had virtually collaborated well and produced quality work as you all worked well as a class on the Wiki assignment on topic related to ethics of sharing media files amongst youths. On the research topics, I am amazed that you had managed to submit quality Wiki write-ups on various topics about nuclear war, global warming, teenage spending habits etc despite not having domain knowledge in these areas.

I have had a wonderful experience interacting and teaching all of you and learning from one another.

Our friendship does not have to end with the closure of EIR Apr 2010 semester class today. We will meet up virtually on our EIR frens Facebook space, on Twitter (twitter.com/pristadel) and MSN (buddy-line@hotmail.com). You can always drop by and chat with me on Second Life at the EIR Hub or TP Enlightening Hub (My Avatar is Marigold Farslider). See you there my friends, sometimes.

As a final close to our EIR Apr 2010 chapter, I invite each one of you to spend 1-minute of your time to autograph a meaningful & inspirational comment/remark about EIR in the comments column of this EIR blog. Remember to use what you had learnt in EIR when you are doing research for your other projects in your respective Diplomas.

Till we meet again in other encounters, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Stay Happy and Positive Always!

Cheers!
Ms Faridah
EIR Subject Leader Apr 2010 semester

2010-03-31T08:54:00.005+08:00

Dear DPA 2010 students,

We have come to the end of our short yet amazing & exciting 8-day EIR journey together from 18-31 Mar 2010. Its never easy to say goodbye so soon especially when we are just about to warm up and get to know one another better.

Thank you for your warm friendship – the bonding we share will be cherished for a long time to come. Thank you also for all your enthusiastic participation in the EIR class activities. I truly appreciate your kind patience in faithfully completing the class activities, despite your other commitments.

Indeed all of you have live up to the high standards set by your previous 2 batches of DPA students by producing quality work. I am impressed by dedication and your hardwork to complete all assignments at short notice, despite being playful at times. That's great life skills you have demonstrated which will be useful when you embark on your new Polytechnic life in the Apr 2010 semester.

We had fun using the numerous Web 2.0 social networking softwares to interact and engage us in our learning. Remember how we laughed as we evaluated and talked about the hilarious stories on Stomp and commented about Tweeter and Second Life?
I enjoyed these moments learning together with all of you. We had fun on the online shopping spree and going on our dream holidays. I am glad that we have made many new friends. We learnt useful values of virtually collaborating on Wiki space about our research topics.

I look forward to your interesting Wiki presentations. I know all of you will do well. I look forward to hearing about your metaphors you used to describe your EIR journey. I trust it will be creative and inspirational.

Well done all for doing your best to product good work! I have had a fantastic and joyful experience interacting and teaching all of you and learning from one another.

Our friendship does not have to end with the closure of EIR DPA Mar 2010 class today. We will meet up virtually on our EIR frens Facebook space, on Twitter (twitter.com/pristadel) and MSN (buddy-line@hotmail.com). You are also invited to talk to me on any issues on Second Life at the TP Enlightening Hub (My Avatar is Marigold Farslider). See you there my friends!

As a final close to our EIR DPA Mar 2010 chapter, I invite all of you to spend 1-minute of your time to autograph a meaningful & inspirational comment/remark about EIR in the comments column of this EIR blog. Remember to use what you had learnt in EIR when you are doing research for your other projects in your respective Diplomas.

Till we meet again in other encounters, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Stay Positive & Stay Happy Always!

Cheers!
Ms Faridah
EIR Subject Leader and DPA March 2010

2010-03-18T13:33:00.002+08:00

Hello there!

I'm Ms Farida from Diploma in Interactive Media Informatics. During my free time, I love to listen to music and watch TV. Being a dynamic & colourful person I love to listen to different kinds of songs from various singers like Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Pink, Miley Cyrus and Beyonce. Current songs I like include Telephone, Bad Romance, Party in the USA, Halo, Down. Basically I like to listen to the rythm which helps me to destress. Music is so therapeutic for me. It can really boost my mood especially when I am down. I learn alot about life through the lyrics of these songs too.

My fav TV programmes include Fringe, CSI and Criminal Minds. I learnt alot about people and the issues they face through these programmes. I also learnt to cherish myself and the people I love by watching the stories in these programmes. Its destressing for me too.

As for my fav hangouts during my free time, that will be the beach as I love the freedom of being out in the open enjoying the fresh air and sights and sounds of nature.

One sport that I am passionate about is Swimming. You must learn to love being under water first before you can take up swimming. Swimming helps me to destress too and help me to stay fit and healthy.

2010-03-17T16:22:00.002+08:00

Dear Students,

Welcome to the EIR Blog!

EIR allows you to create your own Blog so that you can document and reflect on the lessons learnt and meaningful exciting experiences throughout your EIR journey. Weblogs or personal blogs is a simple online journal that contains stories, links and your commentary about topics of your choice. Weblogs are easy to design and maintain.

You will create a personal blog that provides information about yourself, including your academic and personal interests.

Here's how you can start :
1) use a free blog hosting service and follow the directions to develop your personal site.
2) briefly tell us about yourself (refer to the ice-breaker worksheet)

-Your name/nickname/diploma
-Favourite past time activities
-Favourite singer, TV programme
-Favourite hangouts, chill out places
-Your Favourite internet sites

You are the Expert
-tell us about ONE skill / hobby that you are passionate about
-give us ONE tip to learn this skill / hobby
-show us links to find out more about this skill

4) add links to your favourite websites in your Blog with a brief description
5) once your blog is up and running, go to OLE. Post the URL for your weblog to enable your fellow classmates to visit and get to know you better.
6) comment on one of your classmates' blog post
7) remember to update your weblog after each day’s activities with additional links and commentary.

Enjoy your Blogging experience!

2010-03-15T14:36:00.006+08:00

Dear DPA (Mar 2010) Students,

Greetings! A Warm Welcome to All of You! Its great having so many of you on board EIR.

This subject Effective Internet Research (EIR) allows you to make use of Web 2.0 tools and resources for effective Internet research. EIR gives you the chance to establish your presence on the web by creating your own blog, twitter, chat on MSN, make more friends on Facebook and set up group Wikis and collaborate virtually.

You can also create your own Avatars and meet on the virtual world Second Life for selected EIR lessons. We look forward to a beneficial sharing and exchange of knowledge and skills over the course duration.

Our first class will begin on Thur 18 Mar 10 at 10am.

Have a great time, just like your senior batches of DPA EIR students. Catch a glimpse of their EIR moments captured on photos posted on our DPA EIR group on Facebook .

Best regards,
Ms Farida

2010-01-27T15:57:00.004+08:00

It has been an exciting experience teaching EIR this Oct 09 semester, involving the debut implementation of new ideas. I learnt the importance of building strong rapport to keep students motivated, cooperative and participative in class. Students were also receptive to the new topics on Twitter and Citizen Journalism introduced this semester.

Our team took the challenge of introducing Twitter into the curriculum – a new unexplored path. Teaching by setting an example for my students, I started by using Twitter and experiencing for myself the benefits of this new online craze amongst Web users. Within a few weeks of using it, I had learnt so much from other educators who shared their knowledge about using technology to enhance learning.

There’s so much to learn and share with my students. Learning is really limitless – you will not experience an end to learning as long as you want to go on discovering new things.

The metaphor I would use to describe my experience teaching and learning EIR is like polishing a rough diamond – at first Internet research seems so mundane, dim and cloudy like an unpolished diamond waiting to be discovered. But once you discover the diamond and start to polish it with the right techniques, then the diamond shines so brightly and becomes so valuable – Just like Internet research – once you polish your searching skills and discover those fascinating Internet research and communication tools, you can find valuable information which you can use to shine in your work and in your personal, social and professional lives.

I am still enjoying the wonders of unraveling the great research treasures hidden in the World Wide Web! Stay tuned for more pleasant surprises in future EIR subject menus!

2010-01-26T15:33:00.002+08:00

EIR Semester Oct 09 students tweeted about what they learnt about their research topics. They provided the links to websites that cover their respective topics. These tweets provides a quick update on what students will include in their wiki pages which they will be present starting next week. Look forward to hearing students' interesting findings and stories about their research topics over the next 2 weeks. Great work all!

2010-01-21T16:56:00.001+08:00

Dear EIR DES T02 students,

We have come to the end of our short but exciting EIR journey together from 28 Dec 09 – 22 Jan 10. Its always hard to say goodbye so soon especially when we are just about to get to know one another better.

Thank you for your warm friendship – the bonding we share will be cherished for a long time to come.Thank you also for all your most enthusiastic participation in the EIR class activities. I really appreciate your kind patience in faithfully completing the class activities, despite your other commitments in your personal and academic life.

We had fun using the numerous Web 2.0 social networking softwares to interact and engage us in our learning. Remember how we tweeted before starting lessons to motivate one another to remain positive in doing our work well? I enjoy putting up those motivational quotes on EIRTweets to inspire you and myself too. We had fun on the online shopping spree and going on our dream holidays. I am glad that we have made some new friends. We learnt useful values of virtually collaborating on Wiki space about our research topics.

I am impressed by the quality of your Wiki submissions and from your interesting presentations I am glad to note that you all had learnt something new on your research topics. Wow, the metaphors you used to describe your EIR journey were also creative and inspirational.

Well done all for doing your best to product good work! I have had a fantastic and joyful experience interacting and teaching all of you and learning from one another.

Our friendship does not have to end with the closure of EIR DES T02 class today. We will meet up virtually on our EIR frens Facebook space, on Twitter (twitter.com/Eirtweets) and MSN (buddy-line@hotmail.com). See you there my friends!

As a final close to our EIR DES Oct09 chapter, I invite all of you to spend 1-minute of your time to autograph a meaningful & inspirational comment/remark about EIR in the comments column of this EIR blog. Remember to use what you had learnt in EIR when you are doing research for your other projects in your respective Diplomas.

Till we meet again in other encounters, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Stay Positive & Stay Happy Always!

Cheers!
Faridah
EIR Subject Leader and TutorDES Oct09 (T02)

2010-01-18T09:39:00.003+08:00

EIR DES T02 students discussed at length about the benefits of Tweeter, its downsides, future directions and implications for education and research. Several viewpoints were discusssed. Some concluded that people use Tweeter mainly as a social network tool to reach out to their friends, some use it to advertise about their work and others use it to de-stress. Tweeter is popular mainly due to its flexibility and ease of use to reach out to the masses.

However, the students noted that too much Tweeting can prevent people from connecting to one another face-to-face - humans can end up isolated & entangled in their own digital web. Students concluded that Tweeter's future lies in its potential for professional purposes like commercial advertisement of works and networking amongst professionals.

Contrary to my belief that young people are all connected to Tweeter just like MSN and Facebook, I found out from this class that most of them do not like to tweet. I think that for someone to use Tweeter productively they have to use it to suit their purpose either socially, personally or professionally. I reflected on my own challenge of keeping up in updating my tweets. Since using it a few months ago, I have begun to love Tweeter for its simplicity and flexibility to enable me to reach out to my students and other professional network of friends who are constantly updating me with good leads to resources to help me enhance my professional life.

2009-12-27T15:16:00.000+08:00

Dear DES TO2 (Oct 09 Blk 8) Students,

Greetings! A Warm Welcome to All of You! Its great to end the year 2009 and begin 2010 with a welcome note for all of you.

This subject Effective Internet Research (EIR) allows you to make use of Web 2.0 tools and resources for effective Internet research. EIR gives you the chance to establish your presence on the web by creating your own blog, twitter, chat on MSN, make more friends on Facebook and set up group Wikis and collaborate virtually.We look forward to a beneficial sharing and exchange of knowledge and skills over the course duration.

Our first class will begin on Wed 30 Dec 09 at 9am.

Have a great time, just like your seniors who have taken EIR!

Best regards,
Farida

2009-12-27T15:10:00.000+08:00

Dear Students,

Welcome to the EIR Blog!

EIR allows you to create your own Blog so that you can document and reflect on the lessons learnt and meaningful exciting experiences throughout your EIR journey.Weblogs or personal blogs is a simple online journal that contains stories, links and your commentary about topics of your choice. Weblogs are easy to design and maintain.

You will create a personal blog that provides information about yourself, including your academic and personal interests.

Here's how you can start :
1) use a free blog hosting service and follow the directions to develop your personal site.
2) briefly tell us about yourself (refer to the ice-breaker worksheet)
3) using any search facility, find 2 exciting websites that are particularly interesting to you.
4) add links to these websites in your Blog, together with a brief description and commentary.
5) once your blog is up and running, go to OLE. Post the URL for your weblog to enable your fellow classmates to visit and get to know you better.
6) remember to update your weblog after each day’s activities with additional links and commentary.

All the best in your Blogging experience!

2009-12-27T15:06:00.002+08:00

Hi, pleased to meet you.

I’m Farida. I teach web design and effective internet research at Diploma in Interactive Media Informations at IIT School. I love to listen to music, read, swim and cycle.

I love listening to different types of music by various favourite singers like Miley Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Kelly Clarkson, Jay Shawn, Mickael Jackson, Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, Celine Dion and Mariah Carey, just to name a few.

Some of my favourite songs include ‘Down’, ‘You Belong With Me’, ‘Fallen for You’, ‘Party in the USA’, ‘Halo’, ‘My Life Sucks Without You’, ‘Always on My Mind’, ‘Beat It’. I love these songs for their beautiful lyrics and rhythm that rocks.

I love cycling along the beach while marveling at the beautiful sights and sounds of nature. I love watching Mentalist, CSI, Criminal Minds and Fringe, as I learnt alot about life and people from these TV programmes. I also love to watch Winx Club, Hanna Montana, Ben10, Simpsons and Spongebob Square Pants on Octo channel as they help me to de-stress. Youtube, MTV and CNN are my favourite Internet sites as I love watching videos and reading latest news online.

One skill/hobby that I am passionate about is swimming. You need to get your breathing right first before you start swimming –inhale from the mouth and exhale from the nose. You also need to love the water and enjoy being underwater. Its really therapeutic.

2009-12-09T16:12:00.005+08:00

To my EIR friends from Kazhakstan,

We have come to the end of our exciting 3-day EIR journey together from 7-9 Dec 2009. Its always hard to end something that you really enjoy. Even though we have just known one another for 3 days, I feel that we have known one another for 3 years. The warm friendship and bonding we share will be cherished for a long time to come.

Thank you for all your most enthusiastic participation in the EIR class activities. I really appreciate your kind patience in faithfully completing the class activities. We had fun using the numerous Web 2.0 social networking softwares to interact and engage us in our learning.

Remember how we tweeted before starting lessons to motivate one another to remain positive in doing our work well? I enjoy putting up those motivational quotes on EIRTweets to inspire you and myself too.

I am glad that we have made some new friends when we did the Facebook ice-breaking activity. We learnt useful values of virtually collaborating on Wiki space about our research topics.

I am impressed by your EIR Web 2.0 group presentations and inspirational metaphors this afternoon. I am sure all of you have done your very best to put up such great work for EIR! Well done all!

I have had a fantastic and joyful experience interacting and teaching all of you and learning from one another. Our friendship does not have to end with the closure of EIR today.

We will meet up virtually on our EIR Network Facebook space, on Twitter (twitter.com/Eirtweets) and MSN (buddy-line@hotmail.com). See you there my dear friends.

As a final close to our EIR DES Oct09 chapter, I invite all of you to spend 1-minute of your time to autograph a meaningful & inspirational comment/remark about EIR in the comments column of this EIR blog.

Remember to use what you had learnt in EIR when you return to your schools in Kazhakstan. Till we meet again in other encounters, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Stay Happy Always!
Cheers!
Faridah
EIR Web 2.0 session
ICT Teaching and Learning Course, 7-9 Dec 09

-----

Чтобы мои друзья из ОДП Kazhakstan,

Мы подошли к концу нашего захватывающее путешествие на 3 дня ОДП вместе с 7-9 декабря 2009. Его всегда тяжело до конца то, что вам действительно нравится. Даже если мы просто знали друг друга в течение 3 дней, я чувствую, что мы знали друг друга в течение 3 лет. Теплая дружба и связи мы разделяем будет желанной для долгого времени. Спасибо вам за все ваши самые восторженные участие в деятельности ОДП класс. Я действительно ценю Ваше терпение в добросовестного завершения класс деятельности. Мы веселились помощью многочисленных Web 2.0 социальных сетей программное обеспечение для взаимодействия и вовлечь нас в наше обучение.

Помню, как мы чирикнул перед началом уроков, чтобы мотивировать друг друга, чтобы оставаться положительной в этом свою работу хорошо? Мне нравится положить до тех мотивационных котировки на EIRTweets чтобы вдохновить вас и себя тоже. Я рад, что мы внесли некоторые новые друзья, когда мы сделали лед Facebook-Breaking деятельности. Мы узнали полезного значения сотрудничает практически на вики-пространстве о нашей тематике исследований. Я впечатлен вашей ОДП Web 2.0 Презентация второй половине дня. Я уверен, что вы все сделали ваши самые лучшие терпеть такую большую работу для ОДП! Молодцы все! Я имел фантастический и радостный опыт взаимодействия и обучения всех вас и учиться друг у друга. Наша дружба не до конца с закрытием ОДП сегодня. Мы будем встретить практически на наших ОДП космической сети Facebook, на Twitter (twitter.com / Eirtweets) и MSN (buddy-line@hotmail.com).

Увидимся там мои дорогие друзья. В качестве последнего близки к нашим ОДП главы ДЕЗ Oct09, я приглашаю всех вас потратить 1 минуту вашего времени автографом значимые & Inspirational комментарий / замечание о ОДП в комментариях столбце этого блога ОДП. Помните, чтобы использовать то, что ты узнал в ОДП, когда вы вернетесь к вашей школы в Kazhakstan. До встречи в других встречах, я желаю вам всего наилучшего в вашей будущей работе.

Всегда оставаться счастливыми!
Ура! Faridah ОДП Web 2.0 сессии ИКТ в учебно-педагогический курс, 7-9 Dec 09

2009-12-07T11:26:00.000+08:00

Hi, I’m Farida.

I teach web design and effective internet research at Diploma in Interactive Media Informations at IIT School.

I love to listen to music, read, swim and cycle. My favourite singers are Elvis Presley and Mariah Carey.

My favourite songs are ‘Fallen for You’ by Colbie Caillat, ‘Halo’ by Beyonce, ‘Party in the USA’ by Miley Cyrus and ‘My Life Sucks Without You” by Kelly Clarkson – the beautiful lyrics and rhythm rocks.

I love cycling along the beach while marveling at the beautiful sights and sounds of nature. I love watching Mentalist, CSI, Criminal Minds and Fringe shown on Channel 5 in Singapore, as I learnt a lot about life and people from these TV programmes.

I also love to watch Winx Club, Hanna Montana, Ben10, Simpsons and Spongebob Square Pants on Octo channel as they help me to de-stress. Youtube, MTV and CNN are my favourite Internet sites as I love watching videos and reading latest news online.

One skill/hobby that I am passionate about is swimming. You need to get your breathing right first before you start swimming –inhale from the mouth and exhale from the nose. You also need to love the water and enjoy being underwater. Its really therapeutic.

2009-12-07T09:08:00.001+08:00

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the EIR Blog!

EIR allows you to create your own Blog so that you can document and reflect on the lessons learnt and meaningful exciting experiences throughout your EIR journey.

Weblogs or personal blogs is a simple online journal that contains stories, links and your commentary about topics of your choice. Weblogs are easy to design and maintain.

You will create a personal blog that provides information about yourself, including your academic and personal interests.

Here's how you can start :
1) use a free blog hosting service and follow the directions to develop your personal site.
2) briefly tell us about yourself (refer to the ice-breaker worksheet)
3) using any search facility, find 2 exciting websites that are particularly interesting to you.
4) add links to these websites in your Blog, together with a brief description and commentary.
5) once your blog is up and running, go to the EIR wiki space at www.eir-rawkz.wetpaint.com. Post the URL for your weblog to enable your fellow participants to visit and get to know you better.
6) remember to update your weblog after each day’s activities with additional links and commentary.

All the best in your Blogging experience!

Cheers!
Farida

2009-12-07T08:37:00.000+08:00

Dear Friends,Warm Greetings from Singapore!

Welcome to Singapore and Temasek Polytechnic.

We hope you will have a fruitful and enjoyable time with us here.This subject Effective Internet Research (EIR) allows you to make use of Web 2.0 tools and resources for effective Internet research. EIR gives you the chance to establish your presence on the web by creating your own blog, twitter, chat on MSN, make more friends on Facebook and set up group Wikis and collaborate virtually.

We look forward to a beneficial sharing and exchange of knowledge and skills over the next few days.

Have a great time!

Best regards,Ms Farida

2009-12-04T16:46:00.005+08:00

Today EIR subject Blog underwent another facelift. Its new look is amazing. Credit goes to EIR student Bernie Ong Aik Kwan for making this possible. Thank you Bernie for your gracious time and effort in helping to enhance the look and feel of this subject blog.

The previous facelift which was very catchy, refreshing and awesome was done by EIR DES T01 students Jason & Amanda. Thank you Jason & Amanda for your great efforts.

Such spirit of helpfulness amongst the EIR student community is commendable.
We really appreciate it!

2009-12-04T16:36:00.003+08:00

This week EIR students reflected on the effectiveness of using the incredible and intriguing Invisible Web (databases) by making comparisons with other search facilities like search engines, meta-search engines and subject directory. They did searches on TP's database TP spark and ITPRO. Indeed more relevant and extensive resources can be easily found in this invisible space of the web. It is a really a haven for Internet researches.

2009-12-03T15:15:00.002+08:00

EIR students who are currently studying EIR on a semester mode will be completing Term 1 this week. They have completed their Class test 1 and Portfolio Part 1. Thus far, students have shown great enthusiasm and dedication to actively participate in EIR classes and do well in the test and assignment. Well done all! Continue to work hard as you all journey into the 2nd half of EIR next year.

2009-12-03T14:41:00.008+08:00

Dear DES Jul & Oct 2009 batch of students,

Our photos always remind me of the fun & laughter we shared in class while studying EIR together. It was really great knowing each and every one of you.

Keep searching in the ocean and jungle of knowledge that you had learnt from EIR as you journey deeper into your respective Design fields of study.

Remember to continue to keep the EIR star shining in each of your lives!

Keep in touch! I'm just a Twitter, MSN or Facebook away.

Faridah

2009-11-12T18:57:00.001+08:00

To my EIR DES Oct 09 students,

We have come to the end of our exciting EIR journey together from 20 Oct – 13 Nov 2009. Its always hard to say end something that you really enjoy. Even though we have just known one another for a month, I feel that we have known one another for 1 year. The warm friendship and bonding we share will be cherished for a long time to come.

Thank you for all your most enthusiastic participation in the EIR class activities. I really appreciate your kind patience in faithfully completing the class activities.

We had fun using the numerous Web 2.0 social networking softwares to interact and engage us in our learning. Remember the how we tweeted before starting lessons to motivate one another to remain positive in doing our work well? I enjoy putting up those motivational quotes on EIRTweets to inspire you and myself too. We had fun on the online shopping spree and going on our dream holidays. I am glad that we have made some new friends when we did the Facebook ice-breaking activity. We learnt useful values of virtually collaborating on Wiki space about our research topics.

I look forward to listening to your Wiki presentations tomorrow. I am sure all of you have done your very best to put up such great work for EIR! Well done all! I have had a fantastic and joyful experience interacting and teaching all of you and learning from one another. Our friendship does not have to end with the closure of EIR DES Oct09 today. We will meet up virtually on our EIR frens Facebook space, on Twitter (twitter.com/Eirtweets) and MSN (buddy-line@hotmail.com). See you there guys & gals!

As a final close to our EIR DES Oct09 chapter, I invite all of you to spend 1-minute of your time to autograph a meaningful & inspirational comment/remark about EIR in the comments column of this EIR blog. Remember to use what you had learnt in EIR when you are doing research for your other projects in your respective Diplomas.

Till we meet again in other encounters, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Stay Positive & Stay Happy Always!

Cheers! Faridah
EIR Subject Leader and Tutor
DES Oct09 (T01)

2009-10-22T15:23:00.003+08:00

Design students Oct 09 batch had their 2nd day of EIR today. Wow, I am impressed with these students' perserverance in class this morning. Despite the super-long session, all of them attentively listened to what I had to say. I really spoke alot today to revise what was missed during the 1st day of class and continue with the ice-breaking activities.

Yo, we achieved quite a bit today. Students had completed their EIR blogs and started working on Practical 1&2. We talked about lectures 1 & 2 and students had chosen their research topic. They also started tweeting and followed me on www.twitter.com/eirtweets. I also shared photos of EIR seniors on EIR facebook. Yes, we have expanded EIR curriculm this sem to include more Web 2.0 kewl tools. Its really exiciting!

However, block teaching can be quite challenging at times but the benefits can be reaped faster. It also requries lots of discipline, dedication and perseverance. As I always told my students "No pain, No gain" and if you love what you do, you will forget about the pain that goes along to gain success at the end of this module.

So my dear students, hang on there, you are doing great. We will journey through EIR together and you will reap success by the end of this block.

Keep blogging and tweeting! Look forward to meeting you tomorrow.

Your EIR tutor and fren,
Farida

2009-10-20T09:06:00.003+08:00

Hi, I’m Farida. I teach web design and effective internet research at Diploma in Interactive Media Informations at IIT School.

I love to listen to music, read, swim and cycle. My favourite singers are Elvis Presley and Mariah Carey. My fav songs are ‘Halo’ by Beyonce, ‘The Climb’ by Miley Cyrus and ‘My Life Sucks Without You” by Kelly Clarkson – the beautiful lyrics and rhythm rocks.

I love cycling along the beach while marveling at the beautiful sights and sounds of nature. I love watching Mentalist, CSI, Criminal Minds and Fringe shown on 5, as I learnt a lot about life and people from these TV programmes. I also love to watch Hanna Montana, Ben10, Simpsons and Spongebob Square Pants on Octo channel as they help me to de-stress.

Youtube and CNN are my favourite Internet sites as I love watching videos and reading latest news online.

One skill/hobby that I am passionate about is swimming. You need to get your breathing right first before you start swimming –inhale from the mouth and exhale from the nose. You also need to love the water and enjoy being underwater. Its really therapeutic.

2009-07-23T11:09:00.002+08:00

Today is the 2nd last day of this module. Students worked on completing their Final Portfolio submissions. They continue to work hard to ensure good quality of submissions.

2009-07-22T16:39:00.002+08:00

Students were introduced to Wetpaint yesterday and they continued to work on their wiki class project today. They had done a good job of coordinating the workload to produce the consolidated report based on the topic on ethics over SNS. Students could easily learn to use wetpaint and post their work. I posted comments about their work on the discussion thread on wetpaint. Its good to see students at work on this virtual collaborative project.

2009-07-17T17:10:00.003+08:00

Students evaluated Youtube in class today. We viewed Youtube videos on the best of Elvis Presley and the last lecture by the last prof Randy Paush. In small groups, students discussed the issues related to Youtube's popularity, its downsides and future direction.

Students experienced a variant type of face-to-face discussion format today which is different from their usual discusion on online forums, msn or facebook. They were not bad actually - they were able to engage one another to brainstorm for new ideas to answer the given questions. Glad to note that all those online discussions have not affected the ability for these students to conduct the good-old face-to-face discussions! Well done all!

2009-07-16T14:31:00.001+08:00

Dream Holidays with no budget constraints – wow! Who would not want such a wonderful treat? For me, with work pressures looming, my dream holidays seem to remain as a dream. So, for now, I would settle for a virtual dream holiday – that’s what I asked students to do for this week’s blog activity for my EIR students.

Yes, all students did a research on a website that will help them craft out their wonderful dream holiday destinations. Hopefully they get to realise their dream holidays in future, but for now they would have to be satisfied with just a virtual holiday.

Its encouraging to note students happy faces as they blog about their dream holiday. Its really heartwarming to see my hardworking students at work. These youngsters are serious about scoring good grades for their work. Keep up the good work girls and guys!

2009-07-14T14:51:00.002+08:00

Its week 3 already. Time really flies. Today we discussed evaluation criteria and applied the criteria on 2 websites namely Talkingcock.com and Stomp.com.sg. Students assumed specific roles of being a prime minster, singaporean and foreigner, while evaluating these websites and commented why these websites can be sustained. We concluded these websites serve their purpose to entertain users via their hilarious and light-hearted information contents. Both websites provide an avenue for Singapore to exercise a virtual freedom of speech on many issues.

2009-07-10T11:16:00.002+08:00

Today students continue to work on their report for the graded Portfolio Part 1 to be submitted next week. They showed me their work in progress and I provided them feedback for further improvements. I am satisfied with their progress so far. I am impressed by their good attitude and quality of work shown thus far. Keep up the great work everyone. Well Done!

2009-07-09T18:09:00.001+08:00

Today we had an interesting discussion on our intranet. We spoke about the effect on Internet on our social and academic life. Students post hot views on Facebook, Twitter, MSN, Youtube. This is not surprising as these are most popular topics amongst users the age of my students – teenagers. However, I wonder if people who are comfortable in communicating on the virtual space can continue to sustain face-to-face links with human beings? Or what do we do when the main Internet switch were to be switched off?

2009-07-08T16:46:00.002+08:00

Today we discussed about invisible web (databases). Stdudents accessed TP's databases and compared it with the gateway to databases on Internet. Databases are really a heaven for researchers as they provide up-to-date, reputable and reliable resources mostly full-text documents.

2009-07-07T18:38:00.003+08:00

We have progressed into week 2 today. It was heartening to hear students progressing well in conducting their research on the topics that they had chosen. Most of them have effectively used Google and Google scholar as evident from their explanation to me as I went round getting feedback about their work progress today. They could even differentiate Google from Google Scholar indicating that they had done their homework well. Keep up the good work everyone!

2009-07-07T18:35:00.002+08:00

Students learnt about meta search and subject directories today. They had to compare the features and use these search facilites to search for resources based on their research topic. This batch of students are hardworking and do the work assigned without much fuss. I believe they will complete this task successfully.

2009-07-03T13:18:00.002+08:00

Web 2.0 is really cool especially in engaging young people in their studies. EIR students always enjoy blogging about what they had learnt especially as they begin their e-learning "E-shopping spree" activity. I could see different students' personalities as they blog about the items they would buy if they had $500. Continue to experience the joy of blogging all!

2009-07-03T13:11:00.002+08:00

Its Day 3 today and the heat is turned on as we embark on activities leading to deep research. As I briefed students on the list of activities they have to complete over the weekend, I could see concern in their eyes as to whether they could complete the activities.

Students had to evaluate google and scholar as they use them to find resources related to their research topic. These students have good attitude and I trust that this will help them sail smoothly through this subject.

2009-07-03T12:49:00.004+08:00

In class we spoke about advocacy websites like the Mental Disability Advocacy Centre ( http://www.mdac.info/) . I am particuarly touched by the report on Cage Beds (http://www.mdac.info/documents/118_MDAC_Cage_Bed_Report.pdf). How can these people be treated less than humans? Even some lucky animals belonging to rich owners get better treatment than these poor souls. Advocacy websites like this have really opened up my eyes to ridiculous things happening out there in the world. At least these individuals have someone to defend their rights.

2009-07-02T10:28:00.002+08:00

Its Day 2 on EIR today. Its most encouraging to note that my students had done their homework by reading the lecture notes. They could answer the questions I posed on the lecture notes during my brief review of the topics covered on Day 1.
Great work all!

2009-07-02T10:28:00.001+08:00

Day 1 of EIR class with Blk 3 of Design students was great. It was very heartwarming to see my students’ enthusiasm as they start their Day 1. Attendance was almost perfect and students were very attentive. They meticulously worked on the first practical and listened attentively as I summarized for them the main points of lecture 1. These students worked fast too – they had decided on their research topics and started work on their portfolio right away. Wow, this is a great beginning.

Let’s work together to make our EIR Journey a meaningful one. Enjoy your EIR journey!

2009-07-02T10:17:00.001+08:00

Dear Students,

A very warm Welcome to all of you onboard EIR and our Blog!

EIR allows you to create your own Blog so that you can document and reflect on the lessons learnt and meaningful exciting experiences throughout your EIR journey. Weblogs or personal blogs is a simple online journal that contains stories, links and your commentary about topics of your choice. Weblogs are easy to design and maintain.
You will create a personal blog that provides information about yourself, including your academic and personal interests. Here's how you can start : 1) use a free blog hosting service and follow the directions to develop your personal site. 2) tell us about yourself (diploma, family, hobbies, etc). 3) using any search facility, find 2 exciting websites that are particularly interesting to you. 4) add links to these websites in your Blog, together with a brief description and commentary. 5) once your blog is up and running, go to the OLE discussion board forum and add a thread to post the URL for your weblog to enable your fellow classmates to visit and get to know you better. 6) remember to update your weblog weekly by adding additional links and commentary. Have fun and all the best in your Blogging experience. Best regards, Faridah Subject leader & Tutor Apr09 DES Blk3 Class

2009-06-30T16:20:00.005+08:00

How time flies. It has been almost 3 months since I last conducted the EIR classes to DES students. Oops, I forgot to upload the photos till today. Must be the tonnes of work that results in my memory lapse. Anyways, its better to have uploaded the photos now then never.

2009-04-23T08:28:00.000+08:00

Dear Students,

Greetings and A Warm Welcome to All of You !.

This subject Effective Internet Research (EIR) allows you to make use of Web 2.0 and other internet resources for effective internet research. EIR gives you the chance to establish your presence on the web by creating your own blog, participate in discussion forums, chat on MSN and set up group Wikis.

Let’s work together to make our EIR Journey a meaningful one.

Enjoy your EIR journey !

Best regards,
Ms Faridah
Subject leader & Tutor
Apr09 DES Blk1 Class

2009-04-23T08:26:00.001+08:00

Dear Students,

Welcome to the EIR Blog!

EIR allows you to create your own Blog so that you can document and reflect on the lessons learnt and meaningful exciting experiences throughout your EIR journey. Weblogs or personal blogs is a simple online journal that contains stories, links and your commentary about topics of your choice. Weblogs are easy to design and maintain.

You will create a personal blog that provides information about yourself, including your academic and personal interests.

Here's how you can start :
1) use a free blog hosting service and follow the directions to develop your personal site.
2) tell us about yourself (diploma, family, hobbies, etc).
3) using any search facility, find 2 exciting websites that are particularly interesting to you.
4) add links to these websites in your Blog, together with a brief description and commentary.
5) once your blog is up and running, go to the OLE discussion board forum and add a thread to post the URL for your weblog to enable your fellow classmates to visit and get to know you better.
6) remember to update your weblog weekly by adding additional links and commentary.

Best wishes on your Blogging experience.

Ms Faridah
EIR Subject Leader & Tutor
Apr09 DES Blk 1

2009-04-02T12:42:00.005+08:00

To my dear EIR DPA Mar 09 Students,

We have come to the end of our fun and exciting EIR journey together from 23 Mar – 1 Apr 2009. Time always fly fast when we are having fun.

Even though we have just known one another for only 8 days, I feel that we have known one another for 8 years. The warm friendship and bonding we share will be cherished for a long time to come.

Thank you for all your most enthusiastic participation in the EIR class activities. Remember how you laughed at the hilarious jokes while evaluating Talkingcock.com and eager discussions as you moved from one group to another while brainstorming on Youtube case study? You also intently listened and watched the youtube videos when I shared about the life of Elvis Presley & Nick who has no arms nor legs.

I am very touched by your sincere reflections on how you had benefited from EIR during your interesting Blog & Wiki presentations. Wow, your comprehensive Blog reflections really speaks for the quality of work all of you had put in for EIR. I look forward to reading your Portfolio submissions. I am sure all of you have done your very best to put up such great work for EIR! Well done all!

Just like you, I have also had an “amazingly awesome” and “fantastic” experience interacting and teaching all of you. I really enjoyed and learnt a lot from all of you.

As I said in class yesterday, our friendship does not have to end with the closure of EIR DPA Mar 09 today. We will meet up virtually on our DPA EIR 2009 Facebook space. See you there guys & gals!

As a final close to our EIR DPA Mar 09 chapter, I invite all of you to spend 1-minute of your time to autograph a meaningful & inspirational comment/remark about EIR in the comments column of this EIR blog. Remember to use what you had learnt in EIR when you are doing research for your other projects in your respective Diplomas.

Till we meet again in other encounters, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Take a peek at these photos depicting our best EIR moments together.

Keep Smiling & Stay Happy Always!Cheers!
Ms FaridahEIR Subject Leader and Tutor
DPA Mar 09

2009-03-31T16:33:00.005+08:00

During Day 6, students started to work on their 2nd part of their research process – evaluate one of the websites they had searched before. They began to apply the evaluation criteria that they had learnt. We then did a Tutorial which discusses the case study of Youtube. We brainstormed ideas on what contribute towards the extreme popularity of Youtube, its downside and future directions. I shared how Youtube had enhanced my entertainment and professional life. Students really enjoyed the time discussing and brainstorming ideas using the old-fashion way of face-to-face interaction. They laughed and joked as they discussed. It is hearthening to see the lighter side of my students.

We had a good time viewing videos of the world’s most renowned legendary performer Elvis Presley – the King of Rock and Roll. I continue to marvel at Elvis’s great passion for music and love for his ex-wife Priscilla Presley and daugther Lisa-Marie.

We watched Elvis music videos as follows :

(Don't Be Cruel) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUWMSVDPdGQ
(Always on My Mind) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbpLU4oPV90&feature=related

I also shared with student an inspirational video “No Hands, No Legs, No Worries” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0DxlJWJ_WfA&feature=related about an amazing individual who is able to live life to the fullest despite his physical challenges, as he really count his blessing of the gift of life. There was so much to learn on Youtube. On the question of whether or not they can live without Youtube, almost all of my students shared that they are able to live without Youtube as they can turn to other sources of entertainment.

2009-03-31T16:21:00.001+08:00

During Day 5, we started to go into topic of evaluation of websites. We learnt about the different evaluation criteria and problems related to Internet information. Students had the opportunity to work on a practical activity to evaluate a website – Talkingcock.com. Laughter filled up the class as students started to unravel the hilarious information content of this website. It is indeed an entertaining website. We enjoyed ourselves very much today, especially after viewing the MoneyDollar video. I can still hear your laughter till today!

2009-03-31T16:18:00.001+08:00

Today (Day 4) I had the privilege of listening to students sharing of their interesting experiences participating in discussion forums. They talked about their valuable experiences where they mentioned that they were able to confirm what they had found in their research findings through asking and talking to others in the forum on topics including bad effects of Social Network Services (SNS) on youths; bad effects of fast food on health; cyber bullying; eating disorders; possibility of robots replacing human beings, SNS replacing traditional face-to-face, benefits of Facebook use of artificial intelligence and whether mercy killing is considered suicide.

Students acknowledged that discussion forums do provide a good way to do research as they are able to talk and confirming with people with similar research interests. On the other hand, students also noted that there are forumites who provided irrelevant responses.

Students also discussed on OLE on the effect of Internet on their academic life. Most noted that usefulness of Internet resources and tools in helping them to do research projects and communicate with teachers and classmates using MSN. Some noted the usefulness of E-learning portals on their learning, but mentioned that the slowness of connection to the portals can be a drawback.

It is very heartening to note students’ keen efforts in class to earnestly & seriously work on their research report on evaluation and comparison of search facilities. These wonderful batch of DPA Mar 09 students has proven that they not only can joke and play but more importantly they are able to know when to prioritise and focus on their work. It has been a fruitful day for all of us. Continue the good work all.

2009-03-25T15:43:00.003+08:00

We spent a fruitful 7 hours of learning during our Day 3 of EIR. We had so much fun learning together the lessons for the day. Our day started on a lighter note when we reviewed lessons learnt during day 1 & 2. We shared interesting stories about what we had found during our research using search engines related to legalizing mercy killing, AIDs, games addiction, eating disorder, alcoholism, social network services.

We covered concepts related to meta search engines, subject directories and invisible web (databases). It was so nice observing these students’ interest in searching and comparing the search results related to their individual research topics. They are all so hardworking as clearly evident in their impressive Blogs where they wrote comprehensive reflections of lessons learnt for the past 2 days!

I am very privileged to be given this chance to teach and interact with this batch of DPA Mar 09 students who are attentive, disciplined, smart, bubbly and abit cheeky sometimes. MSN chats and jokes were also shared to add more fun and laughter to the class. Indeed, their sense of humour act as a good de-stressor which helped them survived 7 hours of lessons today, which is normally done in 3 weeks for semester batch of students. These long hours we spent together had also brought about better bonding and good rapport amongst all of us in class today. Well done all…Continue the good work! Look forward to another fun and exciting day tomorrow. Stay cheerful always!

2009-03-24T16:09:00.000+08:00

During the 2nd day of EIR, students had to commence on more serious research work. They started doing search strategies and used search engines Google and Google Scholar. Students become more serious and talked less as they earnestly try to complete their work of having to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of Google and Google scholar. These hardworking students are indeed serious about getting good marks as can be seen from their serious faces focusing on their work. Keep up the good work all!

2009-03-24T15:54:00.004+08:00

During the first day of EIR, the PPP Mar09 students had much fun interacting with one another via MSN chats while doing the ice-breaking online game. There were so much excitement as they exchanged the answers to the trivia questions posed on topics like games, celebrities and science via MSN. Next the shopping spree activity further enticed them to the web world as they surfed shopping websites to fill up their wish list of virtually shopping using $500.

The first day ended on a high note when students started creating their very own EIR blog as they were able to talk about themselves, hobbies, friends, include links to their favourite websites and posted photos of their shopping items.

2009-03-23T11:20:00.003+08:00

Dear PPP Mar 09 Students,

Greetings and A Warm Welcome to All of You !.

This subject Effective Internet Research (EIR) allows you to make use of Web 2.0 and other internet resources for effective internet research. EIR gives you the chance to establish your presence on the web by creating your own blog, participate in discussion forums, chat on MSN and set up group Wikis.

Let’s work together to make our EIR Journey a meaningful one.

Enjoy your EIR journey !

Best regards,
Ms Farida
Subject leader & Tutor
PPP Mar 09

2009-03-23T11:05:00.002+08:00

Dear PPP Mar 09 Students,

Welcome to the EIR Blog!

EIR allows you to create your own Blog so that you can document and reflect on the lessons learnt and meaningful exciting experiences throughout your EIR journey. Weblogs or personal blogs is a simple online journal that contains stories, links and your commentary about topics of your choice. Weblogs are easy to design and maintain.

You will create a personal blog that provides information about yourself, including your academic and personal interests.

Here's how you can start :
1) use a free blog hosting service and follow the directions to develop your personal site.
2) tell us about yourself (diploma, family, hobbies, etc).
3) using any search facility, find 2 exciting websites that are particularly interesting to you.
4) add links to these websites in your Blog, together with a brief description and commentary.
5) once your blog is up and running, go to the OLE discussion board forum and add a thread to post the URL for your weblog to enable your fellow classmates to visit and get to know you better.
6) remember to update your weblog weekly by adding additional links and commentary.

All the best in your Blogging experience.

Ms Farida
EIR Subject Leader & Tutor
PPPMar09

2009-03-23T10:48:00.007+08:00

We had a lot of fun learning EIR for Oct 08 semester as evident from our similing faces in these photos. We cherish these good memories in EIR!

2009-02-02T18:06:00.000+08:00

Dear all EIR Semeser Students,

Time always fly fast when we are having fun. We have finally come to the end of our EIR journey during Week 2-6 Feb 2009.

Thank you for all your participation in the EIR class activities throughout the 3-month duration of this subject. I look forward to hearing your interesting Blog presentations and reading your Portfolio submissions. I am sure all of you have done your very best to put up your Blog reflections and group Wikis and the other deliverables.

Though I do not have the opportunity to teach all EIR classes this semester, I am sure that I would similarly enjoy teaching and sharing interesting EIR moments with all of you interesting batch of students. Well done all!

As a final close to the EIR chapter for this semester run, I invite all of you to spend 1-minute of your time to autograph a meaningful & inspirational comment/remark about EIR in the comments column of this EIR blog.

Remember to use what you had learnt in EIR when you are doing research for your other projects in your respective Diplomas.

Till we meet again in other encounters, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Best regards,
Faridah
EIR Subject Leader and Tutor
Semester Oct 08 - Feb 09

2009-02-02T17:41:00.005+08:00

Thanks young ladies and gentlemen for making our P03 Design Block 8 class interesting. I can still hear your laughters when we shared funny articles and videos on Talking cock and Youtube. Stay happy always...Below are our class photos...Cheers!

2009-01-29T18:10:00.002+08:00

Dear all Design Block 8 Students,

We have come to the end of our EIR journey on Fri 30 Jan 2009. Thank you for all your participation in the EIR class activities throughout the 1-month duration of the Design Block 8 of this subject. I am privileged to be hearing your interesting Blog presentations and reading your Portfolio submissions. I will certainly enjoy reading your exciting Blog reflections and group Wikis. Though I am privileged to teach and interact with P03 students, I am sure that I would similarly enjoy teaching and sharing interesting EIR moments with all of you interesting batch of Design students. Well done all!

As a final close to the EIR chapter for Design Block 8, I invite all of you to spend 1-minute of your time to autograph a meaningful & inspirational comment/remark about EIR in the comments column of this EIR blog.

Remember to use what you had learnt in EIR when you are doing research for your other projects in your respective Diplomas. Till we meet again in other encounters, I wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

Best regards,
Faridah EIR Subject Leader and Tutor
Design Block 8 (8 Jan – 30 Jan 2009)

2009-01-29T17:51:00.004+08:00

The lesson on evaluating Youtube is very enriching and fun. I had the opportunity to share with students my meaningful learning experience with Youtube. The videos provided on Youtube has enabled me to find our more about the amazing professional life of the King of Rock n Roll Elvis Presley including his sad love story. Although he passed away in 1977, his legacy remains till today. Elvis's fans all over the world continue to celebrate in a grand way his birthday and death annivesary. Elvis’s great passion for his career, love and music has taught me many lessons in my life.

It is also through watching Youtube videos that I learnt about the amazing story of Nick who continues to touch me and inspire me with his video entitled “No hands, No Legs, No Worries”…Nick’s passion to live an independent life reminds me always to remember to count my blessings.

The intent look on my students’ faces as they silently watch these videos tells me that they too have been affected in one way or another, by the stories told in these videos.

It is heartening to note my students’ enthusiasm when they presented their views about the impact of Youtube on their lives as they cheerfully shared with their fellow classmates the interesting and funny videos that made their learning of evaluating Youtube so fun and enjoyable.

2009-01-19T11:43:00.003+08:00

Talking cock.com never fail to entertain us. Just like previous batches of students, our class today was filled with fun and laughter as students evaluated talkingcock.com and commented on the numerous jokes and hilarious contents of this website. This is one of the best part of my teaching job - to be able to share such lighted-hearted moments with my students especially after the serious activity we had last week evaluating search facilities. It felt grand to be laughing together with students while watching the hilarious videos about Singapore and Singaporeans. This website is like a virtual avenue for Singaporeans to voice out their frustrations in a very relaxing manner.

2008-11-27T12:16:00.004+08:00

This week, students had a peek into the vast invisible web (databases) to look for resources on their research topic. I am a huge fan of the invisible web as these comprehensive and impressive and pool of databases do not seem to fail me each time I turn to them for my research needs. They provide me with interesting leads to authoritative refereed journal articles and documents which definitely add value to my research.

I often wonder if my students share these same sentiments about the invisible web as I do. Based on class observations and informal chats with them as they plough through the databases, I realise that my students cannot deny that databases indeed provide them with authoritative and useful sources of materials for their research. The invisible web does indeed provide an impressive lead for research. Keep searching the Invisible web and you will find answers to your research questions nicely hidden just awaiting to be uncovered!

2008-11-20T17:18:00.005+08:00

This week the Oct 08 semester students had to consolidate their report on evaluation and comparison of search facilities. Practical 4-5 requires students to critically look at the features and functionality of each search facility and analyse the effectiveness in searching for relevant documents for their research topic.

Students worked hard on their reports as evident from the questions they asked and response to my comments about their work. I am impressed with their dedication at ensuring that they produce quality work. It is also interesting to note that they had managed to effectively use these facilities to find relevant materials for their research topics.

Great work guys and gals! Keep up the positive attitudes and I look forward to reading your reports due on Week 7.

2008-11-13T14:34:00.033+08:00

Till We Meet Again !

To my Design Block 6 students , thanks for all your interesting presentations of your EIR Blogs this morning. I am glad to note that you had benefitted from the lessons learnt in EIR and that you could use EIR for doing research in your respective Diplomas. I am impressed with the extensive Blog contents and your objective and thoughtful reflections of lessons learnt throughout the entire duration of this CDS module. Indeed your professionalism, ethusiasm and great efforts are clearly evident in these works. Well done all!

Just like you, I too had much fun interacting and learning with you. Till we meet again in future encounters, I leave with you our group photos which I hope will remain as an impactful and memorable remembrance of the good times we had shared while learning EIR together.

2008-11-12T17:56:00.003+08:00

Dear Design Block 6 Students,

We have come to the end of our EIR journey this week.

Thank you for all your participation in the EIR class activities throughout the 1-month duration of the Design Block 6 of this subject. I am privileged to be hearing your interesting Blog presentations later this week. I will certainly enjoy reading your exciting Blog reflections.
I am most impressed by your class Wiki on "Cyberbullying". Well done!

As a final close to the EIR chapter for Design Block 6, I invite all of you to spend 1-minute of your time to autograph a meaningful & inspirational comment/remark about EIR in the comments column of this EIR blog. Till we meet again in other encounters, I wish you all the best in your forthcoming submissions of assignments in other subjects and in your future endeavours.

Best regards,
Faridah
EIR Subject Leader and Tutor
Design Block 6 (Oct -Nov 08)

2008-11-12T17:41:00.003+08:00

The best part about the lesson on evaluating Talkingcock.com http://www.talkingcock.com/ was the viewing of the hilarious videos about Singapore and Singaporeans including the creative adaptation of Singapore's national day song. We had the opportunity to laugh at the ugly-side of Singaporeans and the Singapore government's policies. It was nice to observe the smiles on my students' faces and hear their laughters as they discussed and evaluated this website with their group mates. It was indeed a very relaxing lesson sharing such light-hearted moments with my students.

2008-11-12T16:52:00.010+08:00

Teaching Effective Internet Research would not have been complete without talking about Youtube. My most best teaching moment on Youtube has got to be the part where I shared with my students on how Youtube has changed my life.

I learnt so much about life from the motivational videos on real-life experiences of special individuals who had managed to inspire others through their exemplary acts, despite having to deal with their own issues in life, some of which are even life-threatening!

Hey, Youtube has also served my entertainment needs by providing me with an excellent avenue to find out more about the world renowned legendary artiste - Elvis Presley. By watching his videos, I learnt alot about Elvis's passion for his music and career. I am very impressed by his deep love for his ex-wife Priscilla and their daugther Lisa-Marie.

2008-10-31T14:40:00.002+08:00

Students have created their very first personal EIR Blogs. Its amazing to see students' enthusiatic efforts at creating beautifully designed Blogs complete with meaningful reflections of their initial EIR experiences.

The Design Block 6 students (1-month package) had gone deeper into EIR as compared to the semester batch of students (3-month package). They had gone on an online shopping spree for their favourite items, evaluated different search facilities and even had a great time laughing at the hilarious jokes, videos, articles in the talkingcock.com websited as they evaluated it this morning.

Wonderful work guys! Keep it up and stay tune for more fun activities!

2008-10-31T13:57:00.004+08:00

The EIR Journey has just begun. This Oct 08 Semester marks the launch of the new EIR syllabus for the pioneering batch of students who opted to study this module.

After months of work developing this subject (err...of course after balancing tonnes of other work), I can now heave a great sense of relief with the full run of EIR commencing this Oct 08 Semester. Interestingly EIR is concurrently run as a 1-month and a 3-month packages offered to different batches of students.

It is heartening to note students' warm reception to the new EIR curriculum as evident from their active class participation, enthuasism and dedication in completing their practical activities. I can already anticipate that there's going to be a lot of fun learning of EIR together with my wonderful students as we journey together through the incredibly awesome and amazing Internet world!

2008-10-06T14:21:00.003+08:00

Dear Students,

Greetings and A Warm Welcome to All of You!

This subject Effective Internet Research (EIR) has been modified and adapted from the previous subject Using Internet as a Research Tool (UIR).

EIR allows you to make use of Web 2.0 and other internet resources for effective internet research. EIR gives you the chance to establish your presence on the web by creating your own blog, participate in discussion forums, chat on MSN and set up group Wikis.

Enjoy your EIR journey!

Best regards,
Ms Farida Subject leader & tutor
Oct 08 Sem

2008-10-06T14:12:00.002+08:00

Dear Students,

Welcome to the EIR Blog!

EIR allows you to create your own Blog so that you can document and reflect on the lessons learnt and meaningful exciting experiences throughout your EIR journey.

Weblogs or personal blogs is a simple online journal that contains stories, links and your commentary about topics of your choice. Weblogs are easy to design and maintain.
You will create a personal blog that provides information about yourself, including your academic and personal interests.

Here's how you can start :
1) use a free blog hosting service and follow the directions to develop your personal site.
2) tell us about yourself (diploma, family, hobbies, etc).
3) using any search facility, find 2 exciting websites that are particularly interesting to you.
4) add links to these websites in your Blog, together with a brief description and commentary.
5) once your blog is up and running, go to the OLE discussion board forum and add a thread to post the URL for your weblog to enable your fellow classmates to visit and get to know you better.
6) remember to update your weblog weekly by adding additional links and commentary.

All the best in your Blogging experience.

2008-06-27T08:59:00.001+08:00

Dear all UIR (Block A) students,

Thank you for making our 10-week UIR package a meaningful one. Today (Fri 27 Jun 08) is our last day together.

I'm impressed with all your hard work and perserverance in completing all your Portfolio assignments, despite the challenges some of you face.

Thank you for your keen participation in our practical, tutorial and OLE discussion forums. It is heartening to note that most of you love the fun interaction and debate we had while evaluating the website Talkingcock.com and discussions on YouTube, Facebook & Frienster.I am also touched by your reflections of lessons learnt throughout your UIR journey as documented in your Blogs and mentioned during your final presentations, including expressing your interest going on your Dream Holidays and Shopping online with the S$500.

Despite the short journey, all of you reflected that you had learnt alot in the process. I too had learnt meaningful lessons interacting with all of you.

I believe that all your interesting Blogs will always remain as sound evidence of each of your meaningful learning journey in UIR.

As a formal closure to UIR Block A, I invite all of you to sign in your autograph in this Blog with inspirational and motivational words about UIR to inspire the new batch of UIR students.

Till we meet again in other encounters, I wish all of you the best of luck in all your future endeavours.

Warm regards,
Ms FaridahUIR
Subject Leader & TutorUIR (Block A) (Apr 08)

2008-05-02T09:11:00.003+08:00

Dear students,

Welcome to the UIR Blog!

UIR allows you to establish your presence on the web by creating your own Blog. Weblogs or personal Blogs are simple online journals that contain stories, links and commentaries about chosen topics. Blogs are easy to design and maintain.

You will create a personal Blog that provides information about yourself, including your academic and personal interests. How to get started :

1) use a free Blog hosting service and follow the directions to develop your personal site.

2) tell us about yourself (diploma, family, hobbies, etc).

3) using any search facility, find 2 exciting websites that are particularly interesting to you.

4) add links to these websites in your Blog, together with a brief description and commentary.

5) once your blog is up and running, go to the OLE discussion board forum and add a thread to post the URL of your Blog, to enable your fellow classmates to visit it and get to know you better.

6) remember to update your Blog after each lesson throughout your UIR journey by adding additional links and commentary.

Have fun Blogging!

Warm regards,
Ms Faridah
Subject Leader & Tutor for UIR Block A
AY08/09

2008-04-11T09:29:00.005+08:00

Dear all VT CDS students,

Thank you for making our 15-day UIR package a meaningful one.

I'm impressed with all your hard work and perserverance in completing all your Portfolio assignments, despite the challenges some of you face in attending this CDS during vacation time.

Thank you for your keen participation in our practical, tutorial and OLE discussion forums. It is heartening to note that most of you love the fun interaction and debate we had while evaluating the website Talkingcock.com and discussions on YouTube, Facebook & Frienster.

I am also touched by your reflections of lessons learnt throughout your UIR 15-day journey during your final presentations, including expressing your interest going on your Dream Holidays and Shopping online with the S$500. Despite the short journey, all of you reflected that you had learnt alot in the process. I too had learnt meaningful lessons interacting with all of you.

I believe that all your interesting Blogs will always remain as sound evidence of each of your meaningful learning journey in UIR.

As a formal closure to UIR VTCDS, I invite all of you to sign in your autograph in this Blog with inspirational and motivational words about UIR to inspire the new batch of UIR students.

Till we meet again in other encounters, I wish all of you the best of luck in all your future endeavours.

Warm regards,
Ms Faridah
UIR Subject Leader & Tutor
VTCDS (24 Mar - 11 Apr 08)

2008-03-20T14:03:00.002+08:00

Dear VT CDS students,

Welcome to the UIR Blog and to the 15-day VT-CDS journey!

Your UIR VT CDS journey will be from 24 Mar - 11 Apr 2008. UIR allows you to establish your presence on the web by creating your own Blog.

Weblogs or personal Blogs are simple online journals that contain stories, links and commentaries about chosen topics. Blogs are easy to design and maintain. You will create a personal Blog that provides information about yourself, including your academic and personal interests.

How to get started :

1) use a free Blog hosting service and follow the directions to develop your personal site.
2) tell us about yourself (diploma, family, hobbies, etc).
3) using any search facility, find 2 exciting websites that are particularly interesting to you.
4) add links to these websites in your Blog, together with a brief description and commentary.
5) once your blog is up and running, go to the OLE discussion board forum and add a thread to post the URL of your Blog, to enable your fellow classmates to visit it and get to know you better. 6) remember to update your Blog after each lesson throughout your 15-day UIR-VT CDS journey, by adding additional links and commentary.

Have fun Blogging!

Warm regards,
Ms Faridah
Subject Leader & Tutor
UIR VT CDS (24 Mar - 11 Apr 2008)

2008-03-19T19:20:00.003+08:00

Dear all PPP students,

Thank you for making our 9-day UIR package a meaningful and memorable one. I'm impressed by all your hard work, dedication and perserverance in completing all your Portfolio assignments.

Thanks also for your enthusiasm and active participating in our practical, tutorial and OLE discussion forums. Remember the endless fun and laughter we had while discussing and evaluating talkingcock.com website? It makes my effort of preparing and customising the 9-day package really worth it and i forgot all the related stress.

I am also very touched by your reflections of lessons learnt throughout your UIR 9-day journey during your final presentations this morning. Although it is a short journey, all of you reflected that you had learnt alot in the process.

I think that all of your impressive Blogs will always remain as sound evidence of each of your fruitful and meaningful learning journey in UIR.

As a formal closure to UIR PPP, I invite all of you to sign in your autograph in this Blog with inspirational and motivational words about UIR to inspire the new batch of UIR students.

Till we meet again in other encounters, I wish all of you the best of luck in all your future endeavours.

Warm regards,

Ms Faridah

UIR Subject Leader & Tutor

DPA PPP (6-19 Mar 08)