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.. Name: MOHD HANIFF ROWTHER BIN K MOHD HUSSIN I.C No. : 900129-01-5945 Date: 12 MARCH 2013

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Content
1.0 Group Assignment 1.1 Essay 1.2 References 1.3 Appendices 2.0 Individual essay 2.1 Mohd Haniff Rowther K Hussin 2.1.1 Individual essay 2.1.2 Reflection 2.1.3 References 2.1.4 Appendices 2.2 Ahmad Azlan Ibrahim 2.2.1 Individual essay 2.2.2 Reflection 2.2.3 References 2.2.4 Appendices 2.3 Mohd Kamal Harun 2.3.1 Individual essay 2.3.2 Reflection 2.3.3 References 2.3.4 Appendices

2.4 Anuar Wahidi Ahmad 2.4.1 Individual essay 2.4.2 Reflection 2.4.3 References 2.4.4 Appendices

1.0 1.1

Group Assignment Part A: Group Essay Writing

Challenges of global village and borderless world continue to impact directly on the lives of Malaysian students whose in reality is inseparable from the ongoing social turmoil of the world community. Influx access today causes a significant cultural boom. This phenomenon creates a sense of worry for the present generation of students.

i)

Explain the concept of culture boom as a result of globalization process based on the above statement.

A people without the knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots. Looking at this statement, culture can be simply define as a way of life of a group of people - the behaviors, beliefs, values, and symbols that they accept, generally without thinking about them, and that are passed along by communication and imitation from one generation to the next. Today, in Malaysia, the culture is influenced by the many groups of people of different races that now make up this country.

While globalization frequently defined as opening up on new elements particularly concerning in worldwide information through electronic and print media, it compromise many aspect of our daily life, notably economy, development, information sharing and culture. Cultural globalization is the rapid movement of ideas, attitudes, and values across borders. This sharing of ideas generally leads to greater connection and interaction between peoples of diverse races, cultures and ways of life, which can have both positive and negative results. Consequently, as technology has accelerated the process, cultural globalization cannot be avoided in any part of the world, including Malaysia. But, like any changes happening, not everyone is being submissive towards cultural globalization. However, in Malaysia it is widely welcomed by our country citizen, mostly by high social class community and younger generation, the one who are more influenced and exposed to the effects of this globalization.

Globalization gives a big impact to our new generations.

Culture boom is clearly

happening in our country nowadays as the impact of globalization. There are many changes occur and affected our country. As future teachers, we can say that this culture boom has its own advantages and also shortcomings that affect the education system. The concept of

culture boom can be defined as the abrupt changes that occur without us knowing the bad and the good of the changes themselves. It may give us the ease to go through our daily lives but it might also burdens us in many ways. When our young generation has been accustomed by the globalization of everything in this world, they will find an easy access to anything they wanted to know. For example, if a teacher asks them to read an article and give a review on a certain topic, they might just use their fingertips and click on any online review in the internet and submit it to the teacher. If we make a comparison between the students in rural and urban areas, we might see that there will be a huge gap on their achievement in their education. Students in urban areas will find it easier for them to learn something or try to have a better understanding on a certain topic through the internet. Unfortunately, students from rural areas might not have the easy access to the internet and they will be left behind. This automatically will broaden the

educational gap between students in rural and urban areas. The only way to bridge the gap is to make it equivalent for both areas students to get the easy access to their learning materials. As the conclusion, we can categorize the phenomenon of culture boom as a trending phenomenon which causes many abrupt changes in our life nowadays. There are both

advantages and disadvantages that we can see from this phenomenon. We are the one who can lead the new generations to a better life with the help of globalization.

ii

Describe to what extent does education system in Malaysia relevant to students in

the intense and challenging era of globalization Globalization of the education system has become a normal phenomenon, especially in a developing country such as Malaysia. In order to compete in a globally competitive economy, education system of a nation needs to be able to fulfill the demands of the economic sector, in terms of knowledge and skillful workers. Global forces such as international economies, international political struggles and global communication systems have affected the institution of higher learning. Therefore, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) need to respond to the changes of the globalizing world, to be able to meet the political, economic and social demands .It can be summarized that globalization is the result of economic trends, technological trends, political trends and cultural trends of the world system. So does education system in Malaysia nowadays relevant to students in globalization era?. In term of higher education, the education system used now seen relevant because it provide wider access and availability of education now compared to before. The demand for institution of higher education can clearly be seen through the increase numbers of universities and colleges, as well in the demand for diversified programs of education. Due to the expansion of k-economy, Malaysia needs significant numbers of skilled and knowledgeable workers. The establishment of institutions such as, public universities, private universities, college universities, twinning or collaboration with other institutions, especially with foreign universities, polytechnics, community colleges and training colleges to produce skilled workers has become the first thrust of the National Higher Education Strategic Plan. Malaysia, too, needs to enhance its capability to compete internationally, to become an international hub of higher education. Therefore, internationalization of higher education, such as increase in the numbers of foreign students, as well as MOUs with foreign universities, increase mobility for research and networking linkages, credit transfers and emphasis on foreign languages, as well as the English language as an international language are some important aspects in internationalizing its institutions of higher education. Another government initiative is the introduction of the Private Education Act which encourages the private sectors to be involved in the development of the nations human resources for example the mushrooming of private institutions of higher

learning .Among these private institutions include overseas institutions such as University of Monash, Curtin University and University of Nottingham. For the Malaysia education system,

these institutions will surely help resolve the demand for higher education and at the same time conserve public funds from the need to expand on the higher education sector. Moreover, the effectiveness of high performing school(HPS) in producing the quality students also need to be consider because in challenging globalization the students need to have great abilities in term of many skills such as communication and socialization. So,in order to produce the world class students, Malaysia government have taken action by establishing the high performing school that have been choose from the school around the country. High performing school(HPS) is defined as schools with ethos, character and a unique identity which enable the schools to excel in all aspects of education and make the students able to face the era of globalization.(HPS) provide widening access to quality and affordable education under the NKRA3 plan. Quality education means able to be recognized in the global arena and affordable education means the school is government-aided schools. These schools have strong and excellent work cultures and dynamic national human capital for holistic and continuous development in addition to being able to compete in the international arena, hence becoming the school of choice. The objectives of this (HPS) are really relevant to compete with the globalization because the objectives are to ensure that academic achievement meets the level of the best schools in Malaysia such as all (HPS) should fall within the top 80% of national examination averages for schools. Then,the objectives also to ensure continuous production of future towering personalities as in the past and allow greater range of options for human capital development. So, it is appropriate to say that high performing school is the way of Ministry of Education to create rating among the schools in Malaysia. Through this step hopefully more schools will work towards achieving the next level of (HPS) and produce more outstanding students to the nation's human capital development .In addition, it is hoped that the spiritual and moral aspects of student development can be fostered in (HPS) program to create students who not only excel in academics but also in terms of skill, faith and morals. KSSR was introduced as an effort to restructure and improve the current curriculum to ensure that students have the relevant knowledge, skills and values to face the challenges of the 21st century. KSSR was formulated based on a statement of standards. The statement of standards comprise of content standards and learning standards which need to be achieved by a student in a specific period and level of schooling. So, this new curriculum design is to fulfill the national demands toward realizing national aspiration.

Is KSSR is relevance and up to current education standard? Yes. The concept of KSSR contains core values for character building and self-image which will ensure that through the curriculum and co-curriculum, a student is taught and guided to have the skills of leadership, good character and high self-esteem. In KSSR, contents standards are specific statements on what the students must know and can do, within a specific period of schooling, covering the areas of knowledge, skills and values. Learning Standards are set criteria or indicators of education quality and achievements which can be measured for each content standard. KSSR promote The elements of creativity and Innovation, entrepreneurial, information technology and communication. So we can see KSSR is relevance to current education system which is more in detail. According to the KSSR Standard Document, it is through the modular curriculum. So, why must skills be taught in sequence under the Modular Approach? Approach in KSSR is designed that way, and it needs to be conducted that way in order for it to work. And we are not talking about any other Modular Approach under any curriculum in any other country. We are talking about the Malaysian KSSR Modular Approach, implemented in Malaysia in 2010. To understand the current education system it is essential to understand its beginning, and the rationale that existed then for creating it. Since human civilization is a long string of causal events there is no starting point, because there was always something before any particular event. But the shortest flashback in history we can make that will give us a reasonable understanding of what we see today is to go back to the national need, and the context in which public school was invented, as a solution to a very specific societal need. Thats basically it. So when we judge a system which supposedly is an answer to these general needs, we have to see how well it fits these requirements, and whether it is a relevance and appropriate way of producing the wanted results. As it is, the current Malaysian education system fulfills neither of these needs. Much of what is to be said here can be applied to any education system, so there is certainly a more general problem, but because we live in Malaysia, interact with Malaysians, and have a Malaysian family, Im going to limit the discussion to Malaysia context.

1.2 References
Internet Malaysia in the Era of Globalization #29 (2010)Retrieved on March,10,2013 from http://www.malaysia-today.net/mtcolumns/guest-columnists/34087-malaysia-in-the-era -of-globalization-29

National Education System. (n.d.). Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia. Retrieved March 2013, from http://http://www.malaysia.gov.my/EN/RELEVANT%20TOPICS/EDUCATION%20AND% 20LEARNING/NON%20CITIZEN/NTHENATIONALEDUCATIONSYSTEM/Pages/Nation alEducationSystem.aspx

1.3 Appendices
Malaysia in the Era of Globalization #29 ARCHIVES 2010

Thursday, 26 August 2010 admin-s

In Malaysia, religious teachers and ulama are treated with undue reverence. Critical thinking is not encouraged or allowed when they deliver their fatwas, khutbas, or lectures. Question or query them at your peril. Theirs is the ultimate truth. By M. Bakri Musa Chapter 4: Modern Model States The Relevant Lessons For Malaysia At first glance, Malaysians cannot readily identify with any of these three countries. Although they differ in a number of significant ways, nonetheless each has important lessons to offer Malaysia. The most obvious difference is that none of three countries have multiracial societies and the accompanying interracial problems. South Korea is ethnically and culturally homogeneous. There may be some tension between the Buddhist majority and the Christian minority, but that does not lead to serious social or religious conflict. Polarizations and schisms in Korean society are more along regional and class lines. Argentina is also deeply divided along class lines; between landowners and workers, and urban and rural dwellers. Ethnic differences are not significant as they are all essentially Europeans. Granted there are significant differences between the Germans and the Italians Argentineans (language, culture, religion), but those are of not of the same scale as the differences between Malays and Chinese.

Ireland may be closer to Malaysia in its communal dynamics, what with the profound differences between Protestant and Catholic residents. Even then it would be hard to tell just by looking a Protestant Irish from a Catholic one (of course the crucifix hanging around the neck would be a definite giveaway!). In Malaysia, by and large you could readily tell a Chinese from a Malay, and a Malay from an Indian, those mamaks notwithstanding.

Since the Irish independence however, the Protestants had been effectively pushed out to emigrate. Today they are an insignificant minority. To the north however, the Catholic and Orangemen are very much still at each others throat. Although many of the leading Irish institutions (Trinity College for one) and venerable industries (Guinness, Irish Times) were of Protestant origin, they are now fully Irish (that is, Catholic) in ambience and character. A couple of generations ago the Irish had a comparable Malaysian problem, with the Protestant minority controlling the economy while the Catholic majority was marginalized. Ireland in particular offers three major lessons for Malaysia: one, reducing the influence of institutionalized religion; two, population control; and three, the issue of education and language. The Catholic Church had more influence in Ireland than in any other country, including Italy where the Vatican is. The Irish Church controlled the social services, education system, and everything else, including perhaps the thought processes of its followers. In the past, the clergy was to the Irish what the Ayatollah is to Iranians today. Educational institutions in Ireland were for a long time not so much learning as indoctrination centers. Irish social services were meant less to alleviate the social pain and sufferings, more to entrap the faithful to the church. Substitute Catholicism for Islam and Irish for Malays, and we have the situation in Malaysia today. Just as the Irish were gripped and strangled by the Church, so too are todays Malays by governmental Islam. This brand of Islam has intruded into every facet of Malay life; from our schools and into our minds. Malaysian Muslims risk being branded deviationist and suffer the worldly consequences should they by chance stray from the official line or dare express independent thought. Many Muslim scholars have been jailed without due process for braving to give new meaning to our faith. If some Muslims leaders in Malaysia have their way, apostasy would be a capital offence. There is a proliferation of Islamic institutions in Malaysia. Even universities supposedly designed for science and technology have large Islamic Studies departments. Yet despite the quantity, alas their scholarly works remain unimpressive. No new thinking or fresh insight emanates from these hallowed halls. These Islamic establishments are less scholarly and religious bodies but more government propaganda machinery. They serve to stamp an Islamic cachet to every official pronouncement and policy. No less significant, they are also massive public works programs for the glut of otherwise unemployable Islamic Studies graduates. Islamic leaders give endless fatwas (edicts), often on topics for which they are completely clueless. Their training is narrow and rigid. Granted no one can be knowledgeable on every topic and issue, but these Islamic officials are not shy of making pronouncements outside their scope of competence. They seem to have all the answers; they do not feel compelled to seek advice from worldly experts. When you presume to have a direct line to the Almighty Allah, you certainly do not need the advice and counsel from mere mortals. Their intellectual certitude is exceeded only by their moral arrogance. In Malaysia, religious teachers and ulama are treated with undue reverence. Critical thinking is not encouraged or allowed when they deliver their fatwas, khutbas, or lectures. Question or query them at your peril. Theirs is the ultimate truth. To these modern Islamic scholars and ulamas, everything is

deemed settled; all the students have to do is absorb whatever is spouted from their teachers mouth, and retain it long enough to be regurgitated at examination time. No wonder when these students grow up and face the problems of the world, they are befuddled. As in Ireland of yore, the system of education in Malaysia today is heavily influenced by religion, in this case Islam. This is a recent development. Before that religion had minimal or no role in the Malaysian educational system; it was essentially secular. However, with the greater emphasis on Islam, partly as a planned strategy by the UMNO-led government to steal the Islamic thunder from the opposition Islamic party, the government has been emphasizing religion in schools and other establishments. It is not religion specifically Islam that is so destructive in the education of young Malays, rather the manner in which the subject is being taught. Religious teachers treat their students as subjects to be indoctrinated. Students are viewed as empty bins to be filled in with dogmas. They are taught to treat their teachers like the Pope infallible never to question what is being uttered no matter how ridiculous. Religion is reduced to a series of dos and donts. Rote learning rather than critical thinking is valued. The sad and destructive part is that this teaching philosophy gets transferred to other subjects. Before long we will get a generation of Malays who are nothing but robots controlled by the state. Next: The Relevant Lessons for Malaysia (Contd)

2.2 AHMAD AZLAN BIN IBRAHIM 2.2.1 Individual essay i Discuss the issues and challenges of education you will face in the next decade, taking into account the socio-cultural diversity in classroom contexts in Malaysia. Submit your arguments with appropriate examples.

Malaysia is a multiracial country with people of different races and culture. Based on the statistics, it is clearly show that Malaysia has the characteristics of a complex ethnic diversity because each community has its own culture. At the same time, there is no doubt about the existence of a universal culture that is shared by every community to symbolize individuality in Malaysia. Malaysia's multicultural nature of society is a fact that exists in today's modern society that requires every member of the community to take steps to recognize and adapt mutually to each other. In this case, the principle of multicultural in society needs to be planted in individuals from childhood to maintain the harmony and mutual respect between the societys members. In the Malaysian educations context, aspects of culture and society need to be emphasized because in reality students live in a multi-racial society, religion and culture. Without education in the form of multiculturalism, students will not recognize community identity. This is because culture is a part of the heritage that passed down and learned from their ancestors and will in turn handed on to future generations. Firstly, the issues and challenges of education that will occur in the next decade is the inequality of educational opportunity because of the differences in financial status .As what we can see, students who are not good in their financial tend to have difficulty in getting the proper educational. In decade, Malaysian country will becomes more developed and fast growing with the proliferation of technology and skilled workforce, so indirectly the cost of living will be increasing. This problem will affect the poor people in order to survive in this kind of development. So, in term of education, the poor students will have difficulty to get the proper educational opportunity. Meanwhile the rich students can easily get those things .For example, the raising of tuition classs fee will give big impacts to poor students because it is unaffordable for them to pay it. It also can bring wide segregation among the rich and poor students because

the opportunity for the poor students to get the proper learning materials such as books and stationaries are difficult because they cannot afford to buy it. Secondly, the educational system is constantly being challenged to offer better education to more people, at the same time as technological development continually opens up new possibilities and methods of learning. So the issues regarding this is where the people become overly dependent on technology in learning process. As we know, technology can give many benefits like high speed communication, social awareness and acceptability, they do not cancel out the negative effects technology may inflict on its users. Generally, in term of socialization between the students, the technology can make students became more apart from another. For example, when students are using technology as a tool or a support for communicating with others like using instant messaging(IM) or texting. In future, the replacement of talking with texting can reduce the efficiency of ones communication or speaking skills. Texting and messaging dont allow you to do that because theres so much improper English being used and its easy to misinterpret things. With instant messag ing (IM) or texting, the message can be read numerous times and edited before sending where all improvisation and spontaneity that naturally come with face to face conversation are lost. As Albert Einstein said I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots. Next in term on socialization also, the way of student socialize among them will also change because of many reasons like development of technology and changes of culture. Less attention are giving towards female and male student interactions among them in the class. They tend to became more socialize and open minded in their interactions. For example, it was not surprised when we heard female student pregnant and having baby before they get married. So, to overcome this issue, the teacher need to plan and create the activities which involved all the students but in controlled manner so that the teacher can control the interaction between female and male students. Other issues that need to face by the teacher are the changes of teacher's role. As technology advances at a blistering rate, the teacher is no longer the center of attention as the dispenser of information, but rather plays the role of facilitator, setting project goals and providing guidelines and resources, moving from student to student or group to group, providing suggestions and support for student activity. However, new education technologies do not remove the need for teachers but the call for definition of their profession. With ICT, the role of

teachers has changed and continues to change from being an instructor to become a constructor and facilitator. Besides that, the rapid develop of technology will cause negative impacts on the communication between student and teacher where students tend to work with technology rather than asking to their teacher. This will cause the face-to-face communication between teacher and student decreases and thus, effective communication cannot be achieved. Generally, in the class the student absorbs the knowledge from the teacher, but in future the student can get knowledge only by pressing the button on the computer. For example, when they want to find the information about their homework, student can just get it by searching the information through Google or any other websites. This obviously will make the role of teacher changed. Moreover, other issues need to face by teacher is the extreme racism between the different races especially that happened among students in the classroom. Racism is the belief that characteristics and abilities can be attributed to people simply on the basis of their race and that some racial groups are superior to others. Through the observation of students prefer to hang out in the same group with them without having to recognize the feelings of others more deeply. This will create a self-centered attitude among pupils. For example, it is actually sad to see Indian student who was bullied and beaten up by a group of Malay students although they are from the same school. This is mostly due to the racism between Malay and Indian students. Generally, teacher should know how to avoid this kind of problems from happens by using the appropriate language and teaching strategies .Teacher must select the appropriate learning resources to avoid them touches the sensitivity of a people. According Noriati (2011), teachers should avoid using any negative and sensitive elements of any ethnicity. So, teachers should always get accurate information about an ethnic culture. For example, teachers need to respect the customs and beliefs of the students. So, teachers can not touch or disputing beliefs practiced by the students. Also, the teacher must use appropriate language that are not touch sensitive elements in terms of gender, ethnicity and student belief because it can lead to misunderstandings between teachers and students. (Noriati, 2011). For example, the topic associated with the festival in Malaysia. Indirectly, the students will interact with a variety of ethnic and talk about the festival. At the same time, the adoption of the values and cultures of different ethnic can be absorbed in the learning objectives. As an example of faith in Indian society, they believe that the current taboos of death where photographs of the deceased

cannot suspended upside down and family members need to circle the body 3 times counterclockwise honor. But they are prohibited to make their belief that an Indian partner as a tool for disrespect. Lastly, there are many issues and challenges that need to be face by teacher in order to create the good education system that can fulfill the nation inspiration in developing student with good human capital and able to face globalization. Early exposure of socio-cultural diversity awareness should be given to educators so that they can understand and recognize the difference between a people's cultures among students. Directly in the spirit of unity can be forged among the school. Next this awareness helps teachers to create a tolerant society towards national development inspiration.

AHMAD AZLAN BIN IBRAHIM 2.2.2 Individual Reflection i Write a reflection providing recommendations on school culture that meets the socio-

cultural diversity in the context of Malaysia as in B(i). Education plays a very important role as a platform to promote, preserve and maintain unity and harmony of the people of various nations. Thus, the roles of a teacher are indeed very important in the success of the national development agenda to achieve mission 2020. In the context of building a classroom environment-friendly culture, I think the students need to create harmonious ethnic relations. Therefore, students should gain knowledge on religion or other ethnic customs. So the role of a teacher, they should expose the students thought that the focus on ethnic relations in Malaysia in terms of historical, political and economic background and other important aspects. For example, for the Indians, we already know that history, their economic background started at the bottom of our economic system. Therefore, an understanding of pupils from other ethnic groups is very important not to underestimate the feeling of Indian students. Besides that, teachers can also take advantage of the success of the construction of a classroom environment-friendly culture by selecting a relevant topic of cultural diversity learning community in Malaysia. For example the topic associated with the festival in Malaysia. Indirectly, the students will interact with a variety of ethnic and talk about the festival. At the same time, the adoption of the values and cultures of different ethnic can be absorbed in the learning objectives. Moreover, I think the teacher also need to use relevant pedagogy that using a variety of teaching and learning strategies so that learning becomes more meaningful to students. Integration of knowledge, basic skills and to inculcate a holistic development of the diversity of student abilities and culturally relevant practice is emphasized. Aspects of cultural diversity should be emphasized and students cannot be overstated that every pupil is not isolated in their learning process. The concept of culture in the context of sociology actually is a way of life that is learned, modified and passed from generation to generation in a given society.

Plus, school appears to act as a socialization process to educate children in accordance with their community. Then the teacher is responsible for ensuring pupils' needs are met without prejudice to the diversity of his students. There are a variety of strategies, methods and techniques in educational pedagogy. Teachers should wisely choose to be applied in teaching and ensure that it is appropriate in the circumstances relevant to the class and culture. For example according to the book from Penerbitan Multimedia Sdn.Bhd, Budaya dan Pembelajaran by Syed Ismail Syed and Ahmad Subki Mustapa bin Miskon, if teachers are at Tamil school to teach English, the teachers can use simulation as the teaching methods by giving the dialogue or script in English and do the action in front of the class. This activity can improve students skill in mastering their own national language. In addition, the role of the teacher as a model for students and the community must be turned on. Each time, the community will look to the personality of the teacher. So, if a teacher shows a good example or a bad behavior will result in the community would lose confidence and trust in teachers. Teachers should always adopt good values into the student as the value of tolerance, cooperation, tolerance, solidarity and so on. If these values are embedded in them, it is the easier it is to unite the races in our country. In conclusion, for me to create a friendly classroom environment is very important culture in the education system because of the socio-cultural diversity that exists in Malaysia. So, teachers should play their role to ensure such an environment exists in their classroom teaching so that teaching and learning will be meaningful to the students.

2.2.3 References Books Rotham,R.A. (2005).Inequality and Stratification:Race,Class and Gender(5th Ed.) ,New Jersey :Pearson Prentice Hall. Stalcup,R.J (1968), Sociology and Education,Columbus:Charles E. Merril PublishingCompany Willingham Internet Racism in Malaysia; Issue that will never be resolved.Retrieved March 8,2013,from http://www.eurodl.org/materials/contrib/2000/eide3/eide3.html Shah.A (2000) Racism,Retrieved March 9,2013 from http://www.globalissues.org/article/165/racism Retrieved ,March 10,2013,from http://www.waterloo.k12.ia.us/schoolsites/thespectator/dependence-on-technology-increases-inteens Retrieved ,March,11,2013,from http://www.humanrightspartymalaysia.com/2010/05/24/theheight-of-racism-in-malaysia-educational-discrimination/ PDF Retrieved on March,11,2013,from http://www.csun.edu/~hbchd114/paper2.htm pdf Retrieved on March,11,2013 from http://www.icte.org/T99_Library/T99_194.PDF

2.2.4 Appendices

Racism in Malaysia; Issue that will never be resolved Posted on February 15, 2011 by Diskopi Admin by: Effuan Aswadi

There is much talk on how racism in Malaysia occurs. A lot of most Malaysian know the tragedy of 13th May where incidents of violent happen between Malay ethnic and Chinese community. it has said that Chinese have been ripping off the wealth of the country and the Malay ethnicity only been working in the villages doing rural work. After the 13th May tragedy, Government has set up a new policy which is called N.E.P (New Economy Policy) where to raise Bumiputera equity in the capital Malaysia. This policy also stress that Malays need to achieve 30% quota in the capital market. Another reason is to actually improve the inter ethnic relations especially between Malay community and Chinese community by letting the malays to hold some portion in the Malaysian capital market but after 30 years, the situation has not been improved and arguable. Although some malays did become rich due to this policy, it did not represents the total masses. Most Malays still feel that they are being neglected and far from being rich. The policy is said it enrich malays that have linked with the government and it is being use to strengthen the power of the politicians that represent the government.

No. i did not want to talk further about the policy or whether it give a positive impact towards everyone. What i would like to say is, most Malay and Chinese that i have personally meet is not racist and is actually open to others. but there is some issues that actually hinders the interethnic relationship between this two community. and surprisingly is, the problem did not lies on the government, but actually comes from the community itself.

one of the issues that i would raise is the issues of languages. it is actually sad to see some chinese in Malaysia still cannot speak good bahasa malaysia (the official language in Malaysia) although they are born and bread in Malaysia. this is mostly due to vernacular school that is being implemented in Malaysia. Although i strongly respect the efforts to preserve Chinese traditions, I (and probably most other silent majority Malaysians) still believe that vernacular education system hinders national unity and did not improve ethnic relationship in Malaysia. this is mostly because Chinese that is being educated in vernacular schools usually prefers to talk and practice their traditions and unintentionally hurt the feelings of Malays which is the dominant race in Malaysia. Again, as i said it before, although it is unintentionally done, it does create discomfort among Malays. Although, if we talk to both sides, they are actually facing the same problem like other peoples. For example, unemployment, low wages, police oppression and so on. but there is still huge barriers among Malays and Chinese to talk about this issues simply because there is still simple issues that they cannot even comprehend! therefore, I strongly believe that there is issues that need tolerance in order to everyone sees what is the best for this country. if everyone speaks in different languages, it will be actually hard for people to communicate between each other, let alone to discuss REAL issues, such as poverty, economic and opportunities, to name a few. we need to concentrate more on racial unity before we talk on others issues. there is no such things as sensitive issues if we are willing to hear other peoples views and to learn from them.

Racism Author And Page Information by Anup Shah This Page Last Updated Sunday, August 08, 2010 This page:http://www.globalissues.org/article/165/racism.

To print all information e.g. expanded side notes, shows alternative links, use the print version: http://www.globalissues.org/print/article/165

Image Understanding RaceRacism is the belief that characteristics and abilities can be attributed to people simply on the basis of their race and that some racial groups are superior to others. Racism and discrimination have been used as powerful weapons encouraging fear or hatred of others in times of conflict and war, and even during economic downturns. Racism is also a very touchy subject for some people, as issues concerning free speech and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights come into play. Some people argue that talking about supporting racial discrimination and prejudice is just words and that free speech should allow such views to be aired without restriction. Others point out that these words can lead to some very dire and serious consequences (the Nazi government policies being one example). Race: Are We So Different, Understanding Race, American Anthropological Association (AAA), July 8, 2009 In a short introductory video the Understanding Race project from the American Anthropological Association says race is a powerful idea and an enduring concept, invented by society. It has also fostered inequality and discrimination for centuries, as well as influencing how we relate to other human beings:

The role of the teacher in the age of technology: Will the role change with use of Information- and communication technology in education? Tove Johannesen1 & Else Margrethe Eide2 1Hgskolen i Nord-Trndelag / State institution in higher education, Faculty of nursing, St.Olavs.gt. 24. 7600 Levanger NORWAY, phone: +47 74 01 29 46 / +47 74 11 20 00, fax: +47 74 01 29 01 2Hgskolen i Bod (Bodoe)/ State institution in higher education, Faculty of nursing, 8002 Bod (Bodoe) NORWAY, phone: +47 75 51 75 73 / +47 75 51 72 00, fax: +47 75 51 75 70 EURODL 2000 ________________________________________ Abstract Introduction The changing role of the teacher What prevents the teacher from using new technology? Elements of the teachers competence building From teacher-directed teaching to student-directed learning How can the teacher make the best arrangements for student -directed learning? Flexible learning through ICT: conclusions References ________________________________________ Abstract This article is a following up article to "Videoconferencing technology in lectures and tutoring" and "The role of the students in the age of technology". With the rapid technological developments during the last few years, new methods and areas of utilisation have emerged in the field of higher education. As a result of this, new knowledge and experience can be disseminated and can contribute to an overall increase in quality and general level of knowledge. The authors of this article have substantial experience as lecturers and academic tutoring in various professions from the foundation level up to post-qualifying education. In the article, the focus is based upon the role of the teacher under the new regime of information- and communications technology in education.

The use of this technology in academic education puts high demands on the technology due to the complex nature of the communication, and the authors maintain that the content and goals of the teaching and tutoring must decide the choice of technology. It must also be considered whether different technological methods should be used exclusively or combined with one another or with teaching or tutoring in the same room. The methods demand both pedagogical and didactical knowledge in order to ensure quality in the various areas where the technology is applied, and furthermore, a basic understanding of technical possibilities and limitations of the technology. This is essential in order to ensure that the whole spectrum of perception (senses) is activated when this is important in a dialogue. The paper presentation will be based upon reports from different projects, experience, field trips, discussions and reviews of literature concerning the use of video-conferencing, computer- and video-based learning. It is not possible to offer a complete picture of all the various media and methods in this portrayal, but we aim to provide some input about what we see as being important elements in this debate. Key words: Information and communications technology, the role of the teacher, teaching by using technology, distance learning. flexible learning.

________________________________________ Introduction In this presentation we will focus on the role of the teacher in the use of new methods in the field of Information and Communications Technology (ICT); we will look at what demands and expectations are put forward, and whether this role is changed by the use of these new methods. The authors have for several years tried out various forms of technical aids in various projects as well as teaching and tutoring. In this presentation we will base our approach on the project In-service training in the field of distance learning, in which the target group was teachers at the colleges of Bod, Gjvik and NordTrndelag in Norway. We have also contacted environments working on more or less the same type of technology and through this, entered a discussion with many people. We also have available various literature on the subject.

We will look at the teachers role in connection with data-based learning and video-conferencing and will assess whether this is changed by the use of technical aids as opposed to more traditional teaching. Experience has shown that good methods for distance learning are also good methods for ordinary teaching. We think that this is mainly due to the fact that the distance learning student has achieved or assumed more responsibility for own learning and therefore glided into a more active student role. We neither wish to focus on distance education nor ordinary education, but rather look at the whole matter as one problem complex. We will talk about flexible learning and have wanted to focus on how the teacher can intervene in order to bring about a good learning process directed by the students. In a

presentation like this it will not be possible to offer a comprehensive picture, but we have attempted to highlight some points we think important in the debate.

The changing role of the teacher The educational system is constantly being challenged to offer better education to more people, at the same time as technological development continually opens up new possibilities and methods of learning. Education and tutoring can be described as complicated relationships in which many factors affect the whole. Some of these factors are the students learning preconditions and which framework factors apply at any given time. By framework factors we mean: "given factors enhancing or preventing learning", and in this context associated with ICT. The framework factors will be different in relation to various methods. The students preconditions for learning concern their working habits, attitudes, motivation and knowledge which are all central factors in teaching and learning. It is important that the teacher is conscious of this, and intervenes in the processes when it is desirable or natural to do so. Methods in the field of ICT often require different things of the teacher at the same time demanding more student activity. We have in a previous presentation focused on the student role and looked at which demands and expectations technological methods put to this (12). We will this time, therefore, not look as much at the student role, but concentrate on the teacher. By using the studio and technology, one puts forward demands and expectations of other study habits and ways of solving learning tasks than the more traditional teaching and learning methods. The teacher is continually meeting new expectations and this can for many people feel like an extra burden. One should be a professional practitioner of ones chosen subject area by disseminating this further, whether this is a profession or more or less separate subject areas.

As a professional practitioner, the teacher is likely to become a role model or standard for his or her students. The teacher should also be a subject developer. By this one means that the teacher should, through continual work, bring new knowledge to the subject through his/her own experience, and research and development work. The teachers role as a subject disseminator is also emphasised by focusing on the "good teacher", who in an inspiring and lively manner, awakens the desire, and therefore also the motivation for learning. Some teachers feel threatened by new technology and experience - that this may make the teacher superfluous. The way we see it, however, technology will never be able to make the teacher redundant, but it may make the teachers role different. The teachers daily plan is often full of countless challenges and the time constraints are very tight. However, it is expected that creativity should be given space at work in an active search for new knowledge and new methods. In this connection it is important that the teacher feels competent to

move forward with the new tasks in hand. Motivation and competence are closely connected. Increased competence leads to increased motivation to develop what one is doing, and this in turn leads to one wanting to try something new. In this the interplay between teachers, teacher and student and between students becomes very important. Positive interplay and commitment increases the motivation and the learning effect. In distance education, as in all types of teaching, teaching material is presented and a structure for dialogue between teacher and student is established. Here the teacher and students meet as part of the learning process. The students are fellow members and must to a larger degree than in traditional teaching, be made responsible for their own learning and faith in their own ability to master the learning situation. The teacher has a responsibility to help promote learning preconditions such as working habits, attitudes, knowledge and motivation. Thinking through various teaching methods and assessing which possibilities they offer for learning is, in our opinion, not just important, but also challenging for the teacher. New technology is continually opening up new applications, and without the urge to try out new methods the teachers work can seem monotonous, and the students can miss out on good and varied teaching set-ups. The importance of variation in teaching is often overlooked, although this is closely connected to the students motivation and activity. The use of ICT must be carefully planned and put into a pedagogical framework. It must, in other words, have a subject context and never be slung about in a careless way. It requires the teacher to possess good pedagogical and didactical knowledge and be able to apply this in such a way as to promote learning processes.

What prevents the teacher from using new technology? Use of new technology in teaching and tutoring engages teachers but it also creates a certain scepticism. From a teachers point of view it may be quite tiring to get involved in new methods, not least of the technical sort. A feeling of not being able to master the technology or being competent to combine this with the subject matter can prevent the teacher from taking the step necessary to get started. A teacher who has enough getting through a normal days work, with the challenges continually coming up, will feel an antipathy towards trying something new - at any rate something requiring ones own learning before being put into practice. Technical aids often become a victim of reluctance to learn. This is due to many different factors. Not least that technical aids have been so complicated that one more or less had to have technical know-how in order to use these aids, let alone understand them. The development in this field has, however, moved so fast that it is today possible to get access to equipment which is relatively easy to use. Previous experience has shown that good and precise planning is especially important when the use of technology is necessary or desirable in order to carry out a programme. Technology which does not function often leads to dissatisfaction and frustration and often becomes a barrier for further trials. When, on the other hand, it functions as it should, it becomes part of the learning experience and provides increased motivation for further research. Most teachers today use a computer as a natural instrument, and the barriers for moving this into the classroom, or indeed for

moving the classroom out in the district area will be reduced. Financing can also prevent a minimum of equipment being procured, both for teaching, tutoring and the students own work, whether it be individual or group work. Here one needs long-term planning and goal-related work. It will often, however, be possible to apply for special funding for such things and the development can quickly prove that it leads to savings and new sources of income.

Elements of the teachers competence building One way to increase the teachers motivation and ability to master is to arrange courses. The project in question here is based on just such a course in which we decided to actively use the equipment we were to learn about on the course. In this way we wished to give the teachers sufficient knowledge to be able to assess, choose, plan and carry out measures for competence development using information and communications technology. The course was carried out in the form of 3 hour meetings every 14th day during the space of 5 months. The set-up was based on lectures, training, discussions and group work in which individual activity was given a high priority. Communication occurred using 1-2 hours multipointvideoconferences during each meeting in addition to communication via Internet. During the video conferences PCs, document camera and video were used. After and between the video conferences the work continued in two groups. A co-ordinator was chosen at each school in addition to a responsible group being appointed for each module consisting of minimum one person from each of the co-operating institutions. These groups were responsible for planning, adapting written material, designing exercises and group work as well as presentations of group work and directing the following discussion. During the broadcasts minimum 5 and maximum 8 studios were connected simultaneously. The programme was built up on the basis of four modules who are described in the article: "Videoconferencing technology in lectures and tutoring". There were 60 participants altogether on the course and it was received a good evaluation.

From teacher-directed teaching to student-directed learning Previously we have looked at the teachers role and put forward some thoughts as to why we so easily get stuck in the traditional way of doing things. Todays society is complex. Demands and expectations for more education have become the basis for negotiations between employee and employer in the same way as wages negotiations. The future challenge in higher education is, as we see it, to focus on the learning process and what the teacher can do to enhance this. We have previously seen that an active student role promotes learning and we think that the student must take a great responsibility for his/her own learning. The teachers task becomes more a question of making the right arrangements for learning, reflecting on things together and offering tutoring instead of purely concentrating on lectures. In this way the students get more of a sense of responsibility for their own learning and the teacher can

use his/her subject, pedagogical and didactic expertise to enhance the students learning process in a varied and inspiring manner.

How can the teacher make the best arrangements for student-directed learning? In this connection we are going to take a look at data-based learning, which embraces all technical aids which can be associated with a computer and used to promote a learning process. The students can, either alone or in groups, be in a dialogue with the teaching material whenever they wish and in this way develop new knowledge. The teacher can adapt the teaching material and put in links to other bases when desirable. Data conferences can be set up in which students and teachers, with the use of a net reader, can be connected to a server and read a piece of work, put in documents or files, answer questions or put in new questions or comments.

If it is desirable to use a data conference as a method, one must use a leader or moderator. This will usually be the teachers task. The students must be active in finding subject material or discussion arenas by connecting themselves up to the conference and finding input, extra material and video connections. The conferences may be open or closed. In closed conferences the teacher can follow the students activities and intervene if necessary. By using such conferences, the communication will work out alright whether it be from one to many people and from many people to many.

In most conference systems one can also choose to send pieces of work as mail to individuals. One such piece of work to a communication can also occur with the help of electronic mail. The methods are usually combined using Internet and Intranet. Here the individual can distribute or seek information in the form of text, pictures or hyper links to other places on the same machine or to other machines. This means that the teacher can distribute instructions, documents, pictures, sketches, sound, video and much more on a machine. On a starting page one will be able to distribute instructions for a lecture with references to more subject literature, tasks, examples amongst other things. These references will then appear as underlined text which the user sends directly to the desired place by clicking on the text. The return message to the teacher can occur by a prepared link starting a mail system in which the teachers address is already included.

This can again be combined with the use of CD-room and DVD. Software for such use can be built up in many different ways, ranging from the simplest way to the complex. Links can be established to other bases, in order to add to the subject material and offer new ways of looking at it. Such programs can be used in lectures, in groups or for individual learning for the student.

These methods can also be combined by using video-conferencing or two-way television. The videoconferencing technology can be used for lectures, conferences and tutoring amongst other things. It is suitable for connecting several groups together and presenting knowledge to people who otherwise would not have had access to this. One can ask oneself whether there is any difference between the classroom and the videoconference.

Teachers vary enormously. Some are lectures and swear to one-way communication, whether they are standing in a classroom, an auditorium or sitting in front of the camera during a videoconference. Others again are more the dialogue- type of people, preferring to have conversations, tutor and discuss. Videoconferencing works well in both these cases. Everything will ultimately depend on the teacher`s pedagogical expertise, technical competence and ability. Broadly speaking we can say that a teacher who functions well in the classroom, will also function in the videoconferencing room. Even if a videoconference is, technically speaking, different, the pedagog`s ability to communicate will be the decisive factor. To create variation in videoconferencing studio classroom teaching it is fully possible to for example use: Several cameras Documental camera Projected picture on picture Screen picture downloaded from PC or Internet Video playback

By doing this the videoconferencing teacher acquires large possibilities to provide varied education. When the person in question knows what he/she is doing and prepares his/herself accordingly, new technology is a door opener to good quality teaching and can be just as valuable - or even better than in the classroom. In decentralised set-ups video-conferencing will along with data-based learning often make up the very lifeline of the whole set-up.

The authors presented a "paper" at the European Distance Education Network 1998. Annual Conference in Bologna, Italy on: Video-conferencing technology in lectures and tutoring in Educational Programmes in the Health and Welfare professions. Here it was amongst other things based on the same internal training programme as in this paper, but the focus was put more on the general teaching and tutoring situation through the use of video-conferencing technology. People especially interested in this can find more information about this and other projects in the reference list.

Flexible learning through ICT: conclusions We think that tomorrows students to a greater extent than today, will pick " their college" through the Internet. They will orientate themselves about possibilities and limitations and find study models that suit their particular needs. Many are in a family situation, meaning they wish to be distance students, others may wish to be part of a lively student environment. Whatever the choice, we think that flexibility in the provision of education and methods will be a good thing for students.

It may be that one can connect a decentralised class up to a class at the academic institution. There may be a co-operation between different schools in order to get a bigger reservoir of expertise or other adapted teaching set-ups. With such methods it will be possible to meet societys requirements for a much better way of learning than we have been able to provide previously. We also know that people learn in different ways. By combining the possibilities available today, one will be able to provide education which will reach more students and stimulate more of the senses, in order that learning can be a self-motivating process for the students.

The technology will never render the teacher superfluous, but it can change the teachers role. By using ICT the teacher can arrange things so that the student, can, through active searching, find and go through relevant subject matter before coming to their classes or tutoring. In this way, technology can help time being better spent when teacher and student are together. It can also lead to having to travel less, by having video-conferencing meetings instead of ordinary meetings, and it can also be easier to adapt and tailor further education courses and studies which are in demand from the public and private sector.

References Ostendorf, W.: The two-way video classroom, W. Ostendorf inc., 1996 Pedagogiske utfordringer i forbindelse med fjernundervisning i helseprofesjonsutdanninger. 1994-95. Et samarbeid mellom hgskolene i Bod, Nord-Trndelag og Troms. Innslag av fjernundervisning i sykepleierutdanningen - utvikling av pedagogiske tilnrmingsmter. 199597. Et samarbeid mellom hgskolene i Bod, Nord-Trndelag og Troms. Veiledning av studenter i profesjonsutdanning - tilnrming og interaksjon ved bruk av toveis lyd/bildemediet. 1995-97. Et prosjekt gjennomfrt ved hgskolen i Nord-Trndelag Internopplring i fjernundervisning. 1996-97. Et samarbeidsprosjekt mellom hgskolene i Bod, Gjvik og Nord-Trndelag

Veiledning p veiledning ved hjelp av videokonferanseteknologi. 1997.98. Et multipunkt veiledningsprosjekt i sykepleiefaglig veiledning ved Hgskolen i Bod. Eide, Else Margrethe and Johannesen, Tove: Tutoring and education of nurses and nursing students, using videoconferencing technology. Paper from Cohehere conference 1998 Education Health Professionals in the age of technology. Oslo, 26.-28. feb. 98 Eide, Else Margrethe and Johannesen, Tove: Videoconferencing Technology in Lectures and Tutoring in Educational Programs in the Health and Welfare Professions. Paper from Eutopean Distance Education Network 1998, Annual Conference in Bologna, Italy 24. - 26. June. Published in : Universities in a Digital Era. 1998. Eden Conference Vol. 2. side 407411, ISBN 963 556 9 / ISBN 963 558 5 II Eide, Else Margrethe and Johannesen, Tove: Structured Education and Tutoring of Nurses and Nursing students, using Videoconferencing Technology. Paper from Managing Knowledge Transfer. International Conference by Pacific & Middleast Centre for Research in London, England 1998. Published in: Knowledge Transfer - An International Journal, ISSN 143-936X Summer 1998. Side 63 - 69.

24/11/00 (paper submitted September 1999)

HOW TECHNOLOGY IMPACTS TEACHERS, PARENTS AND STUDENTS Being that many individuals maintain a busy schedule, technology makes life much easier plus less time consuming for all people, and in every occupational field. As the years progress, technology will be something that will impact everyone especially teachers, parents and students. What I know: Today, teachers spend a tremendous amount of time inside and outside the classroom whether grading papers, writing lesson plans, presenting lessons and dealing with discipline. The last thing teachers need on their plate is trying to contact parents over the phone or taking time out of their busy schedule to meet with students or their parents. With the aid of technology, time taken away from doing lessons plans or other activities will decrease. All a teacher has to do is simply turn on a switch and communicate with students or their parents. There are many websites that aid teachers in communicating with parents or students. One technique entails using email. Email makes the job of a teacher much easier because all a teacher has to do is simply type a message to an individual of their chose. Many times it's hard for teaches to track down parents to inform them of their child's behavior and or academics. I believe available software can help keep the line of communication open for all parties involved. Technology can also aid teachers in coming up with simple lessons plans or activities. It can also helps in communicating with students and updating parents as to what activities is coming up in their child's school. Not only does technology impacts teachers, but you as parents also. There are many ways technology can be very effective to you as parents. Often parents are very busy and just don't have a lot of time to travel to their child's school, and talk with their child's teacher. Through the use of technology, parents can eliminate the time it takes to travel to their child's school and talk to their teachers. All a parent will have to do is simply turn on a switch and receive or transport an email to their child's teachers. If your child is one who seems to get into a lot of trouble and refuses to inform you of report card day, than technology will be beneficial to you. Having technology available for parents to communicate, helps parents to become more informed about their child's academics, behavior and stay updated on school events. Today, many students wish not to inform their parents as to what is going on at school or in their academics. This way, the parent is kept involved. It also helps keep the lines of communication open between parents and their child. Often students feel that their parents do not care. This way parents are active in their child's lives and are taken the steps to show their child they care. Technology not only benefits teachers and parents, but can make an impact on students as well. Students can benefit from technology in many ways. It helps them to communicate with teachers in knowing what assignments they missed and what to look forward to in class. Technology reaches students from all ages. From elementary to junior high and high school. Students are able to explore a whole new world outside of textbooks. I also notice that some students take an interest in academics when they are exposed to technology. Many find it fascinating when they are in control as to what shows up on the screen by typing in a command. My Experience in interning in special education classrooms and wanting to teach special education, I noticed that these children who are at times are

hard to motivate find learning fun when they are exposed to technology. I also believe it helps to improve their academics. Technology entails many programs that help to improve certain academic areas. Often I hear students asking if they can work on the computer, for math or reading. I've also seen many games and activity that helps students improve in an area they are weakest in. I believe technology is also useful in boosting self-esteem and building up a certain academic area. I think children tend to remember more by watching the screens and some of the programs are very colorful with many characters that catches many young people's attention. Technology also helps older students (junior and high school) in the same way mentioned above, but it can be a way for older students to look up information on the college they are interested in, sites that are in the field of occupation they are looking for and sites that are of interest to them. I believe most of all technology comes in handy and is very useful for students who are in college. I know many college students, like me, work full time plus go to school. Technology comes in handy when trying to stay informed as to what assignments you missed or if you have any questions for your professor. Technology also helps to look up personal information for those who are too busy to phone a certain department or office. For example at California State University, Northridge has what is called student's records. Students records allow you to see what classes, you've taken or enrolled in, how much you owe the, print out official transcript etc. Technology makes student's life much easier. It can also be helpful in keeping in contact with other classmates as to what took place in class, setting up study groups and receiving notes you missed. By discussing some of the ways technology can be very beneficial to teachers, parents and students. I found and researched 5 sites that are very useful for teachers, parents, and students. The Search My search began by clicking on the search button from netscape. I typed in the command " computers in education" and came up with a whole list of sites pertaining to my topic. The first site I came across was called "Technology & Young People". This site provides ways of making technology very useful to younger children. They provide ways of finding funding for technology, the best educational practices and research. The site hold conferences for teachers in coming up with effective activities and ways of providing technology to children. It also entails discussions, share research and information that benefits children birth to eight years. They believe technology can provide children activities that makes it fun for them to learn. They also believe that children can improve in their academics and that software helps children catch on in areas that are in need of improving. After reviewing this site I clicked back to the list of sites I found and decided to click on "21st Century Business and Education." The second site is called, "21st Century Business and Education". The purpose if this site is to enhance communication between schools and parents. They achieve this by giving parents who are busy access to websites that offer school specific and everyday information on their child or children's school life and education. They work with K-12 educational organizations, both in public and private schools. Their job is to construct and host websites for schools and parents on the world wide web. They even enhance

existing school websites to include practical contents that parents require. They also help school in coming up with sponsors through local businesses and help school in fundraising. Individuals who benefit from these sites are parents who the B.E.C offers convenient access which allows parents to stay informed in spite of long days and busy schedules. Lastly, the school site sponsorship offers local business one-on-one marketing opportunities along with positive community recognition. The third site is the ISTE, which stands for The Leading Organization for Educational Technology Professionals. The job of the ISTE is to promote appropriate uses of technology to support and improve learning, teaching and administration in K-12 education and teacher education. Their role is to provide leadership members with information, networking opportunities and guidance as they face the challenge of incorporating computers, the internet and other technologies into their schools. ISTE provides educational technology books and programs. They also provide professional development workshops, forums and research. This site is very helpful for teachers in coming up with resources that would be most effective in the classroom. They provide lesson plans, standards, types of funding and ways of researching related topics in educational technology. The fourth site is called "Edulink Systems, Making a Difference in Education." The edulink discusses a link called Internet Student Information System (ISTE), which helps to maintain important information regarding students day to day progress in school. Much of the information is stored in a database on the schools computer. The purpose of the ISIS is to make this information available to those who wouldn't not have access to it. They can produce users with up-to-date student information and helps keep communication open among all users. It allows parents and students to look at school records over the internet. In addition, can provide teachers, community organizations and any other groups information about a student/s. Information is controlled by the school in which the student/s goes. The features of the ISIS provides parents access from home to check on attendance, grades, test scores, homework assignments and a host of other information. A parent can also send a message to any staff member of their chose. It provides teachers contact with parents or others within the school. From home or classroom the can post homework assignments which can be accessed by parents and student's alike. Students benefit from the ISIS by being assigned an account number. Their account number helps them to gain access to homework assignments, track their progress and stay informed on school activities. Administrators can access students information from any computer connected to the internet. They can post school-wide announcements on the ISIS message system. Individuals who also benefit is the employers who must be given access to receive a students transcripts. District personal and schools who can be given access to students records and transcripts as well. The fifth and last site I found is "Teachers Web." The purpose of this site is to make the job of a teacher much easier. With the teachers web, you simply type in new homework assignments and special announcements while viewing your website. Than with the click of a button, your up dates will be instantly available to your students using any internet access. There is security built in and only the teacher will be able to make up dates to their website, using their password. The purpose of this site is to keep the lines of communication opened to teachers and students and keep students updated as to what is going on inside the classroom. After reviewing all of these sites, I started to realized the real impact that technology has on teachers, parents and students.

What I Discovered: What I discovered is that there are many websites and software that helps to benefit teachers, parents and students. One of the sources I found most interesting was the International Student Information System also known as the ISIS. This site benefits teachers, parents and students by providing access to student's file and eliminating time taken to go see about a student's progress. Parents can access the ISIS from home or work in order to check up on their child. For example, attendance, grades, test scores, homework assignments etc. Teachers can contact parents or others within the school from home or the classroom and students are allowed access through the an account number, to check assignments, their progress and kept informed on school events. The whole research process was interesting. I discovered that technology can make an impact in teachers, parents and student's life. Technology helps individuals save time on traveling back and forth to a designation and keeps individuals updated on information and events. I find websites and databases which helps teachers, parents and students communicate. I discovered not only does the web or internet benefits teachers, parents and students, but allows employees, community organizations and administrators access to student's records plus communicate with individuals who knows the student personally. I think the internet is a good way to keep everyone updated and informed. When searching for information and sites in regards to teachers, parents and students on- line communication. I found the research very easy and discovered many sites that are out there, but maybe individuals are not informed or don't know how to get sites set up for them. I think if many people decided to take advantage of the internet within the school system, they will realize the time saved in traveling and having to make phone calls. I think the internet benefits all individuals. I believe that if more individuals took advantage of the internet they will realize how effective it is and informative. By researching my topic I realized that with the aid of technology parents and students can stay informed as to school events that are occurring. I noticed while working in schools that a lot of times parents are not informed as to what is going on in their child's academics or school. I often hear students tell me that they don't inform their parents of report card day or back to school night. I think if parents, teachers and the school in which the child goes, set up programs like the ISIS system than parents wouldn't have to rely on their children for information. The only draw back I see from the ISIS system and providing internet access to the school system is lack of internet access. Today, many parents and students don't have access to a computer cant afford to buy one. Due to teachers having access in their classrooms and within the schools, makes their lives a little easier but because many students and parents not being able to access a computer outside of school or work probably will make it hard for them to stay informed. I think technology is a good tool in keeping the lines of communication opened. I believe if schools and individuals take advantage of technology they will realize how effective it is. Not only does technology keeps the lines of communication open, but helps in learning. In researching, I discovered that technology can also be beneficial in teaching academics. For example, Technology & Young People and 21st Century Business and Education, which helps teachers teach academics through technology. In working with students who are below grade level. I noticed they tend to learn more when they are on the computer because it draws their attention, makes learning fun and even makes characters seem alive. I see students improve a lot when they are exposed to academics and material outside the

textbooks or the typical teaching style with daily lessons plans or taking notes. I believe as the year progress technology will be something that everyone will benefit from, especially students. According to Todd Oppreheimer, The computer Delusion, he believes that having computers and technology in the classroom will not only have a tremendous impact on students, but can be effective in learning and teaching. He not only believes that technology would be effective in learning and teaching, but feels technology will be something that everyone has to learn in order to survive in the real world. In closing as the years progress technology will be something that all individuals must know and learn even in the early school years. Technology benefits all individuals and helps to improve academics communication and provides information to all those in need. I think you as parents, teachers and students will benefit a lot from technology and I hope you realize how important it is to stay up-dated on information and keep the lines of communication opened. HOW TECHNOLOGY IMPACTS TEACHERS, PARENTS AND STUDENTS References Bliagojevic, Bonnic & Sanhueza, Christian , "Technology and Young Children. http://www.techanddyyoungchildren.org. (10/25/01). 21st Century Business and Education Consortium."http://www.21bec.com/about.htm. (10/25/01). Teacher Web http://www.teacherweb.com. (10/25/01). The Leading Organization for education, Technology Professionals. http://www.iste.org/about/index.htm. (10/25/01). Edulinks System, Making a Difference in Education.http://www.edulinksys.com/results.htm. (10/25/01). Return

3.2 MUHAMMAD KAMAL BIN HARUN 3.2.1 Individual essay i Discuss the issues and challenges of education you will face in the next decade, taking into account the socio-cultural diversity in classroom contexts in Malaysia. Submit your arguments with appropriate examples.

1. Technology VS Education The arguments for why we should want to introduce technology into education is to prepare workers for the competitive global economy for the next decades. Educational technology is discussed in terms of method and tools, which is seen as having direct effects that are meaningful to national target such as to realize the virtue of Wawasan 2020 where the nation targeted to have the formation of citizens that able to contribute in specific ways to the society and the economy. Countries have to meet the competitiveness challenge in terms of agility, networking, and learning,. The positive effect could be is, with the potential of human development and advanced technologies, developing countries can be batter. The bad news is that the generation will be more passive and less initiative to do some works. They may even experience, on one hand, displacement of workers who lack the necessary skills and the prerequisite general education to learn new skills rapidly, and, on the other hand, a shortage of qualified workers for the new industries and modes of production. One of the most important tasks to an educational system is to permit the young with the intellectual tools of the culture. The family and the school powerfully shape childrens learning experiences. It constrained by the wider social and cultural systems into which they are set in. There is great diversity in cultural backgrounds, social conditions, family and school organization.

In the competitive and commercial society of today the appearance of existing technology occurs most often in many sector. So, the role of the teacher is gradually changing from being conventional manager in the class to be advanced and updated manager in the class. The developments in technology growth very fast whereas the educational systems are quite conservative and slow to adapt to changes specifically globalization and technology. ` The developments in the computer technology and telecommunication are of much

interest today. For examples, in the new millennium year there was a rapid growth in the developments of the computers. Previously books and other printed media had been the source of information. We use books and other printed madie such as journals or magazines as references. With the presence of the IT, we saw that the new media of learning in our society transformed by the sort of technology represented by a screen and a box in the living room. So the way we learn is changing. ,socio-cultural structure is changed. Computers are a prime tool in accomplishing learner nowadays For instance, computers and attendant resources such as CD-ROMS or network- accessible databases can provide quickly accessible and efficiently searchable information resources. Through E-mail, computers can support a social network beyond the limits of the classroom. Formulating and posing a question play a central role shifting the focus of knowledge gathering, and selecting. Many surveys and studies have been made to assess the effects of computers programmes on viewers, and especially on children. Violence in the programmes has been of great concern in shaping childrens attitude and behaviour. So here, we can see the breakdown of traditionally authoritative institutions in education system, it is related as weakening of traditional agencies of socialization and public order, such as families and schools. The implication is teacher need to be ready for the presence the latest technology while control and aware off students values and moral.

2. Free Education for All. ICTs, which have facilitated this trend, allow for flow of information and educational services across borders and over geographic and social barriers. Open and virtual universities and high schools as well as Internet-based lifelong educational programs have simultaneously internationalized and decentralized education. Education and training can now be practiced by anyone, anytime, anywhere. Modern economic, social, political, and technological requirements demand that all members of society have a minimum level of basic education; no country can afford to leave anyone behind. We can see inequities in educational opportunities, quality of educational services, and level of learning achievement continue to persist by gender, rural and urban locality, ethnic background, and socioeconomic status. So, the issue is not everyone get the same education. The poor family maybe cant afford to have higher education level while the wealth people get all the chance. So, there is segregation in community occur. As countries achieve higher levels of basic education, there will be more demand for secondary, technical, and tertiary education. Providing such education across the country through efficient and affordable means is the next challenge, after the challenge of " free education for all." Similar pressures are coming from the workplace and the population at large for continuous learning to update existing knowledge and skills and stay current with advancements in knowledge and developments in technologies. . Government funding has not been able to cope with the evolving demands, and new providers have entered the market in large numbers. In fact, the growth of private tertiary education institutions in developing rapid. So, by next decades, the challege is to ensure that everyone have the same opportunity of education.

3 .Moral destruction Generation, selection, assimilation, and application of knowledge are fundamental to the economic growth and well-being of any modern society. Economic growth today is a combination of capital accumulation and knowledge accumulation and imagine what will happens in decades coming. Knowledge also plays a crucial role in creating social problems.. So here we can see moral issue of students increasing year by year caused by the globalization and the advanced of the technology. Technology has enhanced the growth of new culture practice amongs generation. the spread of new trends and fashion has give the great impact to the existing culture . Most of the new culture tend to have more negative influence to the generation. For examples, the growth of Punk, Skinhead, Pop- culture and so on. Many schools now put a priority on helping teachers work with students with behavior problems, not only because these problems are so fraying to teachers but also because the problems undercut the learning of all students in the classroom. So, the challege here is we need to create the safe environment and educate the new generation to have high moral and courtesy. The changes occurring today are the courses of new way of looking how the curriculum works, with new demands from moral needs. We need to design curriculum to adopt to new environment of socialization. Teacher plays and important role to cultivate the values in every student to prepare them to have positive moral and act in good manner as well as high fidelity human beings.

MUHAMMAD KAMAL BIN HARUN 3.2.2 Individual Reflection i Write a reflection providing recommendations on school culture that meets the socio-

cultural diversity in the context of Malaysia as in B(i).

Education gives us knowledge of the world around us. Education is not only about what we learn in our textbook as students but about the lessons we learn from those text books. It helps students develop a perspective on how to look at life. Education is the basic foundation for everyone. It is instrumental in the development of our values and virtues. The future of our nation is safe in the hands of educated individuals. Education is attached to everything that happens in this nation. In schools, students are taught everything such as languages, mathematics, science, history and a number of other subjects. So, to have to create the environments where they get to participate in sports activities, socialize with their peers and learn how to adapt themselves in different social situations. To cope with the diversity, complexity, and changing nature of demands for education services, learning cannot be limited to the traditional classroom system. Societal changes that have changed throughout the last couple of years and have major implication on their future in term of socio- cultural perspectives. So, education is the key to reduce any negative consequences that could happen in future. In the scope of school culture, the school can reduce the segregation among the ethnics and promote the integration between different ethnics by uphold the co-operation in class. For example, teachers carry out the activity where students must work as a team in class regardless the ethnicity. So it will make them used to be together and eliminate the ethnocentricism. The need for continuous access to information and knowledge makes learning lifelong. Education provides opportunities for lifelong learning to help individuals, families, workplaces, and communities to adapt to economic and societal changes. So, school is where everything is begin. It is the place where generation is developed and how the generation would be in future. So, the school culture need to be harmony to the climate and adapted to all these changes.

The advanced in technology has enhanced our productivity and change how we look the world The future will need a whole spectrum of knowledge and skills to deal with technology and the globalization of knowledge. It also will need to be agile and flexible, and to be able to adjust to continuous economic and social changes. This means that countries must embrace a holistic approach to education, involving basic education, secondary education, skill training, and tertiary education. Some issues have become an implication on students education by many means. However, lack of education leads to social problems. As the time goes by, we can see many of challenges and issues in education in decades coming. Globalization and technology as well as the usage of the new media can lead to crime, poverty, drug use, economical problems and sexual risk taking. So, taking account of these possibities of the issues to occur in future, it would give the great impact to generation and culture in races and ethnics. Ones again, these education starts from the school. School is the main the place that we promote values and moral. We are moving towards a developed country, many changes had happens in information systems, knowledge economy, and technological innovations.. Schools of the future have to meet the needs of the future. But what is the future, and can we predict it? We cannot predict the future. The only thing we can predict is that it will be beyond our wildest imaginations. The future is changing so dramatically and quickly that it give a nightmare for the traditional educational strategist and planner. the best we can do is to equip them with the necessary conceptual, cognitive, attitudinal, and social tools to continue learning anytime.