My Experiences in Preparing and Producing a BLOSSOMS Video

BLOSSOMS project or a Blended Learning System for Learning Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subject was launched by UTM in collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States of America and Ministry of Education, Malaysia. The project is a new teaching approach to encourage students to learn science and mathematics in an interesting and effective way. BLOSSOMS is a video-based learning resource that complements the available curriculum. The main focus is to enhance understanding about abstract concepts especially in Science, Mathematics and Engineering subjects. Besides Malaysia, other countries that involve in this projects are Saudi Arabia, Japan, UAE, China, Jordan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Mexico dan USA. To date, about 13 videos have been produced by the UTM lecturers including three from Faculty of Education UTM.

BLOSSOMS Videos Developed by Malaysian Academicians

No.	Title of the video	Subject
1.	Electrochemistry: Electroplating	Chemistry
2.	Fantastic Factorials	Mathematics
3.	Fence Your Equation My team project 🙂	Mathematics
4.	How Hot Is Hot? Heat versus Temperature	Chemistry
5.	I Am a Novice Marathoner: Sources of Energy for the Big Race	Biology
6.	Is There A Connection Between Computer Network Topologies And A Malaysian Wedding?	Engineering
7.	Save Our Kingdom (in relation to the chemistry topic – Conservation of Mass)	Chemistry
8.	Soaring in The Wind: The Science of Kite Flying	Physics
9.	Stoichiometry	Chemistry
10.	The Art of Making Layer Cakes: Proper Construction of Bituminous Roads and Highways	Engineering
11.	Thermodynamics: Energy Conversion in Generating Electricity	Engineering
12.	Why Neutralize? Impact on Health and the Environment	Chemistry
13.	Why Pay More?	Mathematics

Every video lesson is separated in segments including learning activities in between, facilitated by the content experts. Every lesson is a complete resource that includes video segments, a teacher’s guide, downloadable hand-outs and a list of additional online resources relevant to the topic. BLOSSOMS project can develop lecturers’ and students’ creativity through the following ways:

Based on my experience in producing produce one BLOSSOMS video, lecturers and teachers have to think creatively and innovatively throughout the process of BLOSSOMS videos development. The development of BLOSSOMS video involves careful planning and script writing of concept, architecture, and pseudo script.There are many other criteria to be considered e.g the application of the pedagogical model, and integrating of creative and critical content delivery. Moreover, teachers’ interest, concentration and a good mastery of the topic developer are also required
The videos produced can be used as teaching aids by pre-service and in-service teachers who are currently studying at the Faculty of Education UTM. This efforts could excite students about mathematics, science and engineering.
The use of BLOSSOMS video could develop students’ critical and creative thinking skills, moving away from rote memorization and teaching to a test. In-service teachers could change the way they teach in a classroom from a lecture format to a more active, problem-based style of teaching.

Some pictures of our group members in preparing the video.