Module 10 Activity 7 - Budgeting

In order for the ICT Integration process to be successful and sustainable it requires a budget to indicate how projects and activities will be funded.  These project and activities that will require funding include
* curriculum integration
* staff training
* infrastructure and security

The integration of ICT in the education context supports and enhance the teaching and learning process.  This can be an expensive venture but it is important and vital if we are to cater for the needs of all our students and if learning is to done in a real life context. The emphasis is on developing the problem solving and critical thinking skills of our students.

Module 10 - Activity 6 - Plan of Action

The ICT Plan of Action will examine what was achieved, what is in process and what still needs to be done based on my ICT Policy.

1.     Already achieved in my ICT priority area

Staff and students are equipped with ICT tools Shared ICT Vision by stakeholders Analysis of the state of ICT in my school (SWOT analysis) Professional development course identified for staff participation

2.     In the process of doing in my ICT priority area

Members of staff are enrolled in CCTI and OAS courses

3.     Still to be done in my ICT priority area

Purchase of additional ICT equipment Continuous training for staff Training for parents and community members

ICT indicator for success

Module 10 - Activity 5- Draft ICT Policy

My ICT Policy will include mayor emphasis on the curriculum and staff development.

It will highlight how ICT will be used in  the following 

Staff use
- Continuous training to build the skills of the teachers
- build a community of practice where teacher share their best ICT practices with there colleagues
- teachers enrolled in online open source course (such as Commonwealth Certificate for Teachers' ICT Integration)  to build capacity


Curriculum
- to enhance, enrich and extend learning
- incorporate a variety of tools and resources in lessons
- use of open ended task that supports problem solving and critical thinking
- learning in a real life context

These areas are important if that paradigm shift from a teacher centred  to student centred environment is to be accomplish.

Module 10 - Activity 4 ICT Policy Focus Area

An ICT Policy states the vision and goals for ICT Integration. It outlines clear procedures and guidelines for successful integration. This policy takes into account many aspects of the school environment. These include 1. Curriculum
2. staff development
 3. Administration
4. Infrastructure and Security
5. Budget

 My policy focus areas are curriculum and staff development. These areas were selected after conducting an ICT SWOT Analysis which outline the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats of my school.

Strengths: Ø  There are three outfitted computer labs Ø  All teachers have a laptop Ø  Grade 9 – 11 students have tablets Ø  98% of the staff has basic ICT skills Ø  A few of the staff has attempted to integrate ICT in their lessons. Ø  The Principal encourages the use of ICT Ø  Wireless internet access is available Ø  Information Technology taught from Grade 7 – 11. Ø  Free wireless internet access

Weaknesses: Ø  Many of the teachers are unsure and not comfortable using ICT in their Lessons Ø  The labs are used for the teaching of Information Technology and are used by other subject areas Ø  Students are not given opportunities to utilized the tablets in their classes.  Students have access to tablets but teachers do not allow them to use them in their classes Ø  There are not professional development program to assist teachers with ICT Integration within the school Ø  No clear policy for ICT use

Opportunities: Ø  Lower grades can be timetabled to use the free time in the labs Ø  The Ministry of Education has allotted time for Professional Development in the Year School Schedule.  This time can be used for ICT Integration Training for Staff. Ø  Student tablets can be used to integrate ICT across the curricula. Ø  Collaboration with PTA to acquire additional ICT equipment

Threats: Ø  The lost of equipment due to break ins Ø  Lack of technical support to keep the equipment running Ø  Outdate equipment

Module 10 - Activity 3A- Planning for ICT

My School Vision

The Vision for Business Education Institute is to provide a quality, well rounded environment where our students can achieve their fullest potential, so they can make a meaningful contribution to society.

My School ICT Vision

Students will have access to ICT tools to:
                - express their creativity and improve their problem solving and critical thinking skills.
                -  use online tools and resources to communicate and collaborate and improve their learning across the curriculum.
                - assist with the development of Acceptable Use Policy for the use of ICT for lifelong learning.

Teachers will use ICT tools to:
            -  effectively communicate and collaborate with colleagues.
            -   improve the skills and abilities of their student
            - monitor, evaluate and report on the progress of their students

Parents will use ICT tools to:
            - communicate with the school
            - monitor the process of their child/children
            - access activities, assignments, announcements and reports

Alignment between your school vision and the ICT Vision

The school vision highlights the goals for the school whereas the ICT vision highlights tools and approaches to achieve these goals.  The ICT vision includes clear guidelines and procedures for the integration of ICT tools to achieve the school's goals.

Module 10 - Activity 2 - How to achieve the Vison of the Policy

When developing an ICT Policy all stakeholders should be involve throughout to benefit from their contributions and gain their support for the process.

The development cycle
1. Consensus
2.  Policy Team
3.  Audit
4.  Develop Policy
5. Validate Policy
6.  Adopt and Communicate
7.  Evaluate/Review/Revise

The Policy will

1.  Regulate use
2.  Provide sanctions for infringement
3.  Control Access.

When developing policy, those responsible should be clear about the aspects of school life the policy will address, as well as the possible consequences of transgressing the policy guidelines.  Schools need to decide if  and why ICTs are required in their particular school and to identify how they can impact on learners and educators

Module 10 Activity 2 - Policies and ICT

A vision is needed if ICT Integration is to be successful.  There should be an assessment of what is available, a plan to move forward and a vision of what we would like to see.  A vision for ICT the students are the focus of the teaching/learning environment; where ICT is effective integrated across the curricula; where learning is not confined but opened to the world; can be accessed by all; and where students are connecting and collaborating with their community.

A vision for ICT across the curricula aids to develop independent learners and measure the abilities of the students. It focuses on the competency of the students.  Teachers play an important role in any vision for ICT.  With ICT, the role of the teacher changes from the sage on the stage to the guide on the side, giving the students an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and abilities.