Topic 1: Managing Your Learning

I suppose my method last night is working so here I am taking the module up here…. Typing them exactly here helping me to read and understanding the module’s topic better than just reading cuz my mind tend to lose focus.

Anyway, we are today going back to topic 1. Discussing about managing our learning.

1.1 OUM’s Learning Environment

1.1.1 Getting to know OUM’s Learning Modes

• Adopted a blended approach to learning which employs multi-mode strategies.
• Take place through real and virtual between learners and tutors via self-managed learning, face-to-face interactions and online learning methodologies.
• Blended learning is essentially combining online learning or more technologically advanced forms of learning method, with traditional method such as face-to-face interaction and the actual classroom.
• Blended learning provides you with both the best of both worlds, by giving you the high level attention and guidance that can be achieved in the actual classroom, as well as the flexibility and openness of self-paced learning through online and virtual learning methods

FIGURE 1.1 — to be provided later

(a) Self-managed Learning

• Requires you to study independently according to your time availability.
• Learning through reading printed materials, audio/video tapes, CD-ROMs or laboratory experimental.
• Self-managed learning approach accords many advantages to you.

(b) Face-to-face Interaction (Actual Classroom)

• Discussion in actual classroom.
• Interaction between learners and tutor
• Discussing issues related to course materials, assignment and other study-related issues.
• Session normally conducted fortnightly, during weekends or after office hours, not less than 3 times per semester
• The ratio of tutors to learners is kept low to ensure the quality of the sessions.

(c) Online Learning Methodologies (Virtual Classroom)

• Electronic communication tools such as email, discussion forums and chat rooms provided to facilitate interaction among learners, tutor and facilitators.
• In addition, electronic learning materials in the form of animation, simulations and graphics are continuously being developed to enhance the learning outcomes.
• Communication tools and e-learning materials are delivered through the internet via OUM’s very own online delivery platform called Learning Management System (myLMS).

1.1.2 Being Independent

At OUM, we are encouraged to be an independent learner. As an independent learner, we are expected to be able to do our own thinking. We are expected to study independtly on our own or via group-learning methologies.

As a self-managed learner, we should be able to make the most of our learning experiences to succeed and at the same time, cope with our daily routine. Whether or not we are a working student, we are now have greater respobsibility towards our programme of study.

As an independent learner, we must employ some or all of the suggested techniques below:

• Planning & Managing the smart way : techniques of planning and managing are discussed throughtout this topic. By giving through thoughts about planning and managing, you can ensure that your learning at OUM will be fruitful.
• Applying Smart Time Management : The importance of time management has never been more applicable to your learning as an independent learner. More about time management will be discussed in section 1.2.4
• Motivation Yourself : For learning to be successful, you will also have to learn the techniques of motivating yourself. Strategies to motivate yourself will be discussed in section 1.2.3
• Developing Learning Strategies : You need to develop a personal style of learning by being aware of your learning style and suit it to any of the above 3 techniques. For example, if you are a visual learner, you need to visually record/write the content you are studying in the form of short notes, mind maps or charts. (Please refer to section 1.3 for more information on learning styles).

Apart from the above you will also need to have other skills which are essential to facilitate your learning as an independent learner. These include ICT and information Skills which will be discussed later in this module.

1.1.3 Mazimising OUM Learning Facilities

To be a better equipped learner, you will have to learn to maximise the use of most OUM facilities that are available to you.

Being able to understand the function of the OUM Learner Services Centre, your Local Learning Centre, the OUM Digital Library and the OUM Website will help you manage your learning more efficiently.

Figure 1.3 show some of the facilities provided at OUM.

Figure 1.3: Facilities at OUM

Now that you have been introduced to the learning methodologies emplyed at OUM, let’s proceed to the next important part, that is: coping with learning.

1.2 Coping with Learning

New learning experiences can lead to moments of joy as well as occasions of unhappiness. When unhappiness sets in, stressful situation may build up. As such it is important that you are aware of these situations and learn how to manage them. In the following sections, we will take you through ways of managing stress, goal setting, motivational strategies for successful learning, time management, and concentration strategies for better learning.

1.2.1 Managing Stress

• Stress is a very natural & important part of our everyday life.
• With a little bit of stress we achieve what we have set to do for the day or week.
• During time of stress, both the body and the mind are affected.
• Stress can be positive or negative and our body is designed to react to both types of stress. We have to learn about stress in order to help our bodies return to a more relaxed state.
• Positive stress helps keeps us alert, motivates us to face challenges, and drive us to solve problems.
• These low levels of stress are manageable and can be thought of as necessary for normal stimulation.
• Negative stress, on the other hand, results when our body over-reacts to events.
• It leads to what has been called a “fight or flight” reaction.
• Such reactions may have been useful in times long ago when our ancestors were frequently faced with life or death matters.
• Nowadays, such occurrences are not so usual. Yet, we react to many daily situations as if they were life or death issues.
• However, stress must not be ignored. Early warnings like any significant changes in your usual pattern of behavior can indicate that something might be wrong. Some symptoms of stress are:
  • Outbursts of anger
  • A loss of efficiency in your studies (decline work or study).
  • Restlessness &/or uneasiness at being alone.
  • Withdrawal from friends and social situations.
  • A lack of joy, spontaneity, happiness, or enthusiasm.
  • A preoccupied with certain thoughts, especially negative ones.
  • Difficulty in concentrating and/or an inability to make minor decisions or disagreement.
  • An intolerance of people, and irritability, especially during discussions or disagreements.
• Some the most common causes of stress that you as a self-managed learners could causes of stress that you as a self-managed learner could encounter include those related to academic performance, lifestyle changes, finance, health, social relationship, family and friends.
• You need to master some strategies in more realistic and reasonable ways to overcome any stressful situation.
• In the following sections, you are introduced to strategies for managing stress, and for coping with everyday problems, and ways to cope with anxiety.

(a) Strategies for Managing Stress – the following are some strategies for managing stress:

(i)Take Action to Organise Yourself

Control the way you spend your time and energy so that you can handle stress more effectively.

(ii) Control Your Environment by Controlling Who and what is surrounding You

Get rid of stress or get support for yourself. Be in the company of your learning peers so that you maximise your leisure or unplanned time.

(iii) Give Yourself Positive FeedBack

Feed your subconscious mind as a unique individual person who is doing the best you can.

(iv) Reward Yourself

To have something to look forward to. Take up a mind-relaxing activity or plan regular leisure activities.

(v) Exercise Your Body

Your health and productivity depends upon your body’s ability to bring oxygen and food to its cells. Therefore exercise your heart and lungs regularly, a minimum of three days per week for 15-30 minutes. This can be in the form of activities such as walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or aerobics.

(vi) Relax

Take your mind off stress and concentrate on breathing and positive thoughts. Dreaming is relaxing too, along with meditation, progress relaxation, exercise, listening too relaxing music, as well as communicating with friends and loved ones.

(vii) Rest as Regularly as Possible

6 – 7 hours of sleep a night is sufficient for adult learners. Take short breaks. There is only so much your mind can absorb at one time. It needs time to process and integrate information. A general rule of thumb: take a ten-minute break every hour. Rest your eyes as well as your mind.

(viii) Be Aware of Yourself

Be aware of distress signals such as insomnia, headaches, anxiety, upset stomach, lack of concentration, cold.flu, excessive tiredness, etc. Remember, these can be signs of potential more serious disorder. Always listen to tensions in your body. For example, check if you are gripping the steering wheel too hard when driving.

(ix) Eat a Balanced Diet

Avoid foods that are high in fats and sugar. Do not depend on drugs and/or alcohol. Caffeine may help keep you awake, but may also make it harder to concentrate. Remember, a 20-minute walk has been proven to be a better tranquilizer than some prescription drugs.

(x) Learn to Enjoy Yourself

It has been shown that happier people tend to live longer, have less physical problems, and more productive. Look for the humour in life when things do not make sense. Remember, you are very special and deserve only the best treatment for yourself.

(b) Coping with Everyday Study Problem

(i) Recognise Your Own Resources

Assessing your strengths and weaknesses can help you see what you have at your disposal to help you cope.

(ii) You Do Not Have to Cope Alone

Talking with family and friends may help you to get through difficult times in your studies. In OUM, they provides Division for Student Affairs which can help student to overcome some of their problems.

(iii) Be Realistic

Set attainable goals.

(iv) You Cannot achieve Absolute Control

Cooperate & Collaborate. Connection with peers and tutors important and will benefit student (joining group study/discussions).

(v) Learn Accept Failure

Do not be too upset when you do badly on your first test of first assignment. There is a gradual process of doing better. Speak to your tutor and find out how you may improve.

(c) Anxiety

There is also stress that caused by anxiety, specially when Exam is around the corner.

Mostly anxiety comes from the fear that you might not be able to do at your best.

Anxiety caused by such events can be either anticipatory anxiety or situational anxiety.

Anticipatory anxiety (before/preparation towards certain situation)

The stress that you feel while studying or preparation for your quizzes/test and assignment and thinking of what might happen when you are taking the quizzes/tests or are late in handling in the assignment.

Below are some important points that can help you overcome anticipatory anxiety:

• Relax
• Be Focused
• Think positive
• Study in group
• Have a specific study time
• Get a set of complete notes
• Get comfortable with you study place
• Know where you stand and where you are heading (direction/aim).

Situational anxiety (at present of the time/contingency plan towards the present situation)

Anxiety that occurs during an examination and before an assignment is due.

below are important points on how to manage anxiety in the examination room, or how to manage the stress of getting assignments done:

• Be punctual
• Organise your work schedule
• Avoid highly anxious friends (avoid mind disturbance)
• Read and understand the instructions.
• Work at comfortable pace
• Ask for clarification
• Keep moving
• Relax.

Thus, most important thing that you can do to control you anxiety level is by studying and knowing the material well enough so that you can recall clearly even under stress. Learn to set goals, motivate yourself, practice good time management and avoid laziness, procrastination or day dreaming.

Next, post we shall meet again for the topic of Goal setting.

Now I am off to try answering some past year question. Till then, wish me luck! Exam is 3 more days to go… Am currently counting the days and clock is ticking!

Topic 4: Note-making & Note-taking skills

Exam is getting nearer.. but I am yet feeling very much prepared to go for the battle. Try to read and make notes but seems that my head is flying somewhere else…
Gonna try to type whatever it is in my text book in this post… see if things work out this way…

Let’s start now!

WAYS OF MAKING NOTES

There is no one way of making notes! It is personal and a matter of preference. It also depends on the situation and the purpose for note-making. For example, making notes from taking notes at tutorials or group discussion, in that it may be easier to make notes from the “passive” module whereas “live” or “dynamic” sessions like discussions are more difficult because the information coming forth is not organized but spontaneous. There are different ways of making notes:

1. Annotation
2. Outline notes
3. Column notes
4. Mind maps
5. Summary notes

1. ANNOTATION

• Suitable for the print module, textbooks, articles or any other resources.
• Take note by writing in margins, underlining facts, highlighting the main points, using question marks, ticks or crosses to show whether you agree or disagree with the points made in the text.
• Help to remember without having to read the text all over again (besides helping to remember the main points)

2. OUTLINE NOTES

• Just use keywords and phrases
• Usually sequentially, numbered or headings, sub-headings and indentation

3. COLUMN NOTES

• More suitable or appropriate for Mathematics and science course

4. MIND MAPS

• Do not follow a linear sequence
• Main topics forms the nucleus,
• Main ideas and concepts branch out.
• Show relationship between and among ideas and concepts (with lines serving as links)

5. SUMMARY NOTES

• Condensed version of the information, written in paragraph form
• Need to breakdown the chapter into smaller chunks of parts
• Needed to use this method when we cannot impose some sort of topic and sub-topic organization because there is none.

MAKING NOTES FROM PRINTER MATTER

• Understand theobjectives so that notes are more focused on what is important in the chapter.
• Read the whole chapter and then try to summarize it in a few sentences in your own words. Do not take notes while reading through the chapter because you will tend to write too much. Use the note-making techniques that have been suggested.
• Leave spaces in between notes, to allow for additions or changes later.
• Reread the chapter and improve on the notes providing more details.
• Use your own words instead of copying from the text. This will help you understand the material better.
• If you copy word for word, sentences or phrases from chapter, do not forget to put them in inverted commas to show that they are quoted from the chapter. Do not forget also to write down the original source from where the notes are taken (author, title and year of publication, page number).
• Read over your notes to make sure you understand them. If they do not make sense at that point, you can be sure they will not make sense at any other time in future!

TAKING NOTES DURING TUTORIAL

Difficult task because unlike a book, we cannot control the flow of speech, we cannot possibly ask the speaker to repeat as we like, we cannot demand the speaker to organize his points or moderate his speed.

The following strategies may help:

Prepare yourself for Tutorial

• No skills will be effective if you are not prepared for the class.
• Pre-reading helps the following way:

- Activates your prior knowledge

- Builds mental schemas, and

- Enables you to make intelligent connections.

• Leading to better understanding of the material you are reading and eventually will build interest in the classroom.
• Read critically using your own experience and opinion.
• Helps to develop background knowledge.
• Able to conceptualize the course content discussed in the tutorials as well as contribute your understanding effectively towards the subject.
• To be prepared, we MUST read!
• Optimize your module (in topic 3), reading alone won’t be sufficient.
• Get more supporting material or resources to support your knowledge of the course content.
• Note-making will help to reinforce your understanding of what you have read for the course.
• Important to read the topic so that whatever is discussed in the class or whatever is spoken by the tutor is familiar and even if you don’t understand all that is being presented, you would at least understand the basic ideas.
• Being familiar with the issues raised during tutorials makes note-taking easier.

Listening during Tutorial

• Main goal is to get the tutor’s intended message in the actual classroom.
• However, message may not be always clear, thus, it is important that you listen attentively and take notes.
• Many learners feel that because they can hear, they are listening.
• Listening and hearing are two different things.
• Letting words flow into your ears is NOT LISTENING.
• Listening is a thinking activity and it is most commonly used method of learning.
• Your listening can be improved with instruction and practice.
• Strategies to become more effective listener in the face-to-face tutorial:
  • Avoid distractions that may interfere wit your concentration – avoid sitting next to a coursemate who talk too much or whose personality orlooks are a constant distraction, or do not sit near the doorway or window where there are too many distracting sounds or movements.
  • Listen to the message being said – paying attention to the emphasis given by the tutorbto the topic. You must know what information was transmitted in the class.
  • Always relate the ideas to the previous tutorial discussions – to your module and other supporting resources and to your precious experiences.
  • Look for the clues from the tutor – might give some indication as to what can be considered as important points. If the tutors uses illustration and focuses longer on certain issues, these could be ‘cues’ to look out for. Clues could also be int vocal or visual forms.
  • Take notes – since some information might not be in your module and you need to record this information for your future reference. Notes can also act as an alternative form of memory as it is impossible for you to remember everything you hear accurately. Keep the notes, as it will help you in preparing for your assessments.
  • Identify noteworthy materials – Be able to differentiate the things you should write down and things you can ignore. Don’t copy everything that is said by your tutor!
  • Write down the date/time of tutorial/Name of Tutor/Subject discusses – important when you have to revise months later and need to refer to the sequence of the tutorials or subjects dealt with.
  • Try to identify key issue, keywords, key phrase if you cannot take note systematically – Jot them down immediately. You may apply any of the 5 note-making ways (annotation, outline notes, column notes, mind maps & summary notes) whichever you are comfortable with.
  • Create spaces as you take notes – there are few formats that you can apply in note-taking.
  • Using your own abbreviations based on your needs and comfort level for quick and short note taking – try to eliminate vowels.

  It’s not easy taking notes when you have to also listen to what is being presented by the tutor and your classmate. This is of course not including the possibility that the tutor may be the most boring lectures, or tha this powerpoint slides are not clear, the LCD projector faulty, the writing too small and the colors glaring or obscuring the text.

Review after Tutorial

• Review notes as soon as tutorial. The longer you wait, the less you’ll remember.
• Rewrite if necessary and fill in the gaps using other people’s notes or by reading your library materials.
• Verify your notes by reading your recommended text or other references or compare them with notes taken by classmates to ensure that facts and diagrams are correct.
• Supplement your notes with further reading to add value to your learning.
• Read and reread your notes so that by the time the examinations are due you are familiar with the notes.
• Use them to answer past years’ papers. This will be a test of their reliability.
• Keep them safe and in a system that is easy for you to retrieve and use at the point of need.

Source of information:

OUMH03 Module : Learning Skills for Open & Distance Leaners

by

• Project Directos: Prof. Dr. Mansor Fadzil, Assoc. Prof Dr. Yousof @ Sa’at Bin Md Yasin, OUM
• Dato’ Dr. Zaiton Osman, Library Consultant of OUM
• Prof. Dr. Abtar Kaur
• Sharipah Hanon Bidin
• Halimatolhanin Mohd Khalid
• Harvinder Kaur Dharam Singh
• Hazna Ahmad
• Thami Munisah Mohd Yusoff, Information Skills Project Consultant, OUM

Rule of Thirds

This is another article or post from Digital Photography School (DPS).

You can read it directly from their blog too.

Perhaps the most well know principle of photographic composition is the ‘Rule of Thirds‘.

It’s one of the first things that budding digital photographers learn about in classes on photography and rightly so as it is the basis for well balanced and interesting shots.

I will say right up front however that rules are meant to be broken and ignoring this one doesn’t mean your images are necessarily unbalanced or uninteresting. However a wise person once told me that if you intend to break a rule you should always learn it first to make sure your breaking of it is all the more effective!

What is the Rule of Thirds?

The basic principle behind the rule of thirds is to imagine breaking an image down into thirds (both horizontally and vertically) so that you have 9 parts. As follows.

As you’re taking an image you would have done this in your mind through your viewfinder or in the LCD display that you use to frame your shot.

With this grid in mind the ‘rule of thirds’ now identifies four important parts of the image that you should consider placing points of interest in as you frame your image.

Not only this – but it also gives you four ‘lines’ that are also useful positions for elements in your photo.

The theory is that if you place points of interest in the intersections or along the lines that your photo becomes more balanced and will enable a viewer of the image to interact with it more naturally. Studies have shown that when viewing images that people’s eyes usually go to one of the intersection points most naturally rather than the center of the shot – using the rule of thirds works with this natural way of viewing an image rather than working against it.

In addition to the above picture of the bee where the bee’s eye becomes the point of focus here are some of examples:

In this image I’ve purposely placed the head of my subject on one of the intersecting points – especially his eyes which are a natural point of focus for a portrait. His tie and flower also take up a secondary point of interest.

In this shot I’ve placed the subject along a whole line which means she is considerably off center and therefore creating an additional point of interest. Placing her right in the center of the frame could have resulted in an ‘awkward’ shot.

In a similar way a good technique for landscape shots is to position horizons along one of the horizontal lines also as I’ve done with the following shot (I’ll let you imagine the lines).

Using the Rule of Thirds comes naturally to some photographers but for many of us takes a little time and practice for it to become second nature.

In learning how to use the rule of thirds (and then to break it) the most important questions to be asking of yourself are:

• What are the points of interest in this shot?
• Where am I intentionally placing them?

Once again – remember that breaking the rule can result in some striking shots – so once you’ve learnt it experiment with purposely breaking it to see what you discover.

Lastly – keep the rule of thirds in mind as you edit your photos later on.

Digital Photography Tips for Beginners

today I am going to share an article or blog that I found long ago related to photography…

This site is called “Digital Photography School” They offering their blog and also forum.

As for today, we are going to go thru their article on

A large proportion of the readers of Digital Photography School classify themselves as beginners – so we thought it might be helpful to have a page set up that collates some of our Digital Photography Tips for Beginners.

Below is just a selection of some of our digital photography tips and tutorials aimed more at the beginner photographer. We’re always writing more beginner tips – so subscribe to DPS today to get all of our updates.

The Basics of Exposure

• Learning about Exposure – The Exposure Triangle
• Introduction to ISO in Digital Photography
• Introduction to Shutter Speed in Digital Photography
• Introduction to Aperture in Digital Photography
• Understanding Exposure – Book Review

Learning to Use Digital Camera Settings and Features

• How to Control Aperture and Shutter Speed on an Entry Level Point and Shoot Digital Camera
• Aperture and Shutter Priority Modes
• Introduction to White Balance
• Introduction to Digital Camera Modes
• Understanding Histograms
• Prefocus to Combat Shutter Lag
• Introduction to EXIF Data
• Automatic Exposure Bracketing (AEB)

Handling and Caring for a Digital Camera

• How to Hold a Digital Camera
• Shutter Release Technique
• How to Avoid a Dirty DSLR Image Sensor
• How to Clean a DSLR Lens
• 7 Digital Camera Predators and How to Keep them at Bay

Other Beginner Photography Tutorials and Tips

• 100 Things I’ve Learned About Photography
• 10 Questions to Ask When Taking a Digital Photo
• 11 Tips for Beginner Photographers
• Using Fill Flash
• How to Get Better Photos in Low Light Without Using a Flash
• How to Take Sharp Digital Images
• How to Use Focal Lock
• Shooting with an In Camera Flash
• 13 Lessons to Teach Your Child about Photography

Common Digital Photography Problems and Questions Answered

• 7 Strategies for Avoiding Flash Blow Out
• Macro Photography Tips for Point and Shoot Compact Digital Cameras
• How to Get Shallow Depth of Field in Your Digital Photos
• Crop Factor Explained
• Complete Digital Photography – Book Review
• The Digital Photography Book – Book Review

These Beginner Tips just scratch the Surface of our archives. Subscribe to Digital Photography School for more great tips today.

To learn more, please check out their website. I strongly suggest that you sign up to participate in the forum and subscribe to get weekly updates on their blog content. It is very useful and informative.

First Day of Educating myself on my own page

It is first day here….. just created this page today. Actualy I have the idea of doing this infact even before I started my OUM tutorial but then just keep on delaying it due to my tight schedule on photography assignment as well as my OUM schedule.

Anyway, here I am now… on this blog, I will will gather all information I get that I find very educational for everyone. Regardless of what is it related too, photography, business, computer, or whatever it will be.

Here will be mostly a compilation from what I read over the internet or books or from magazine. Of course I will not take the credit for myself, I will cite the author, the book or the webpage I took the information from.

I hope that this page not only beneficial to me, but to everyone too!

Happy Learning!