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.

Module 10 - Activity 1

Evaluating your present stage of integration to plan and determine the way forward.  By assessing the stage of my school's integration, I am able to assist in my school's pan to improve and implement strategies for a successful integration.  Presently my school is in the applying phase of integration.  In order for my school to make the shift from teacher centred learning environment to a student centred environment there need to be training, monitor and supporting of the teachers. 

For integration to be a success all stakeholders should be involve throughout the process.  It is important for parents to understand why the use of ICT tools is important and be involve in every stage.  
 

Module 8 - Activity 10 - The Flipped Classroom Approach

The flipped classroom approach engage learners not only in the classroom but also outside of the classroom.  The course content is made available for the learners to access when needed.  They prepare for the lesson before they enter the classroom using various tools and media.  In this approach the learners are responsible for their learning.

The flipped classroom approach helps to develop the learners critical thinking and problem solving skills.  They are encourage to reflect on what they learn and use that knowledge to solve problems and answer questions.  Technology tools and media are integrated in the teaching/learning process to motivate and keep the learners engaged. The classroom time is used to engage learners in collaborative projects and activity which develops their communication and cooperative skills.

However for the flipped classroom approach to effectively cater for the needs of all learners there teacher should adequately plan for the implementation of this approach.  There should be clear goals and objectives set and communicated to the learners.  As for any other approach there should be collaboration among all stakeholders (Administrators, teachers, parents and students) to determine how to effectively implement that all learners will benefit.

Module 8 - Activity 9 - Cell Phones in the Classroom

With any new tool in the classroom, there should be proper planning and clear acceptable use policy to guide students.  The cell phone can be an effective tool in the teaching and learning process with proper planning.  Although there a cons to the use of the cell phone in the classroom, the pros outweigh the cons.

Pros

• Useful to parents and students when scheduling after school activities
• can be used in cases of emergency, students can call directly rather than waiting in line to use the school phone
• useful in the classroom older students can use their cell phones to conduct phone interviews during their class time. Most phones have internet capabilities and as such students can do research especially in a classroom where their is limited computers.
• Most cell phones are also equipped with calculators and have memories large enough to hold books.
• Useful as a teaching tool to communicate with students. Through Texting, tweeting, bbm messaging and WhatsApp messages the teacher can send reminders and letting them ask questions and send responses to questions using the cell phone. The speed and convenience of this method is welcomed by most students and aids in the teaching and learning process. 
• Students can quickly do research on a topic while sitting anywhere. The access to immediate information is a very valuable educational tool.
• It allows us to teach students digital responsibility and citizenship. 
• Can be used to video tape lessons or activities for presentation in class. 
• Since most students already own a cellphone, this can eliminate the strain on the limited computers in the labs. Students can use their cellphones to do research on various topics across the curricula.
• With use of apps such as google calendar students can keep track of assignments, due dates since these apps can give them a reminders 
• With cellphones technology can be integrated in all subject area and all classrooms without additional financial strain on schools to provide ICT tools for students
• 
  

Cons

• they are distracting to the students
• because they are so small, its not easy for a teacher to see exactly what the student is doing, they could be texting or playing games when they should be researching
• cheating, taking and passing on inappropriate photos.
• Cell phones can inspire destructive behaviour. There is a new phonomenon called "sexting" where explicit photos and text messages sent around using the cell phone is on the rise and many students are becoming engaged in this behaviour. 
• Fueling the rumor mill: texting messages can spread through students much faster, oftentimes setting off unnecessary and unfounded rumors and fears.
• Texting may affect spelling and writing in the classroom setting because of language used. 
• If not guided students can inappropriately use cellphones 

Module 8 - Activity 8 - E-Safety Policies and Managing Social Networking

A school's e-safety policy should include1. clear guideline on what is acceptable2. how to deal with cyberbullying 3. what information that should not be posted online and how to protect personal information4. to respect themselves and others online5. netiquette rules6 procedures for reporting unacceptable behaviour or information found online7. copyright rules
8. student and teacher interaction
9. use of mobile devices
10 role of parents and teachers
The most effective procedure to ensure e-safety explain the ICT policy and rules with the students and modelling of acceptable behaviours by the teachers.

The 5 most important considerations for a teacher requiring students to use social networks in the learning environment

1. survey the students about social media - find out from the students which social media they use and the ones the would like to see used in their learning environment.

2. Ensure that the students are comfortable with the social media being integrated in the lessons

3. utilize groups and communities where students and interact with each other and post content and ask questions.

4. Keep communication with students in the group, website or page designated to the class

5. establish clear communication boundaries

Module 8 - Activity 7 - Learning with Tablets

Tablets in the classroom  engage students with diverse learning abilities and allows teachers to produce more effective learner experience for the whole class. Tablets are very portable and allows the students to be engaged not only in the classroom but at home, on the bus, on the field or any where they are comfortable. With the various educational Apps and software available there is no need for them to be confined to the four walls of a classroom.

Module 8 - Activity 6 - One-to-One-Learning

There are several pros and cons to one-to-one learning these include

Pros
1.  prepare for tomorrow's workplace
2. broadens learning beyond the classroom the world comes to the classroom
3. complements project-based learning classroom
4. increase student engagement
5. students are able to interact and collaborate with others outside their classroom
6. student's productivity increase

Cons
1.  can reduce interaction among students
2. can be difficult to monitor students
3.  safety and security of students and their information.

The strongest feature of one-to-one learning is the ability to cater for the individual needs of the students

Module 8 Activity 5 - Interactive White Boards

Interactive White Boards (IWB) is a tool that is used by teachers to enhance the teaching and learning process. With another tool there must be careful planning the ensure that it is used effectively and that all students are engaged during the lesson. 

However my concerns with IWB does it encourage interactivity in the class does, it encourage the students to use their problem solving and critical thinking skills during the lessons. From the videos demonstrating the use of IBW, the teacher was at the front of the class demonstrating the concepts to the students. The students then demonstrated what they understood in the various activities. This just remind me of what many teachers are presently doing but instead of the IBW they use the chalkboard. Doing the same old thing in new ways.

Module 8 - Activity 4 - One Computer Classroom

Any use of ICT tools in the classroom can change and have a positive effect on the students.  Whether it is the use of computer labs, learning labs in the classroom or one computer in the classroom there is an opportunity to open the walls of the classroom for our students.  With these tools the world now becomes the classroom.

With any new strategy there a pros and cons.  Pros for one computer classroom
1.  lessons are not confined to what the students see around them
2.  it can create more interaction and collaboration among students
3.  it can increase student interest and motivation
4.  allows for critical thinking and creative expressions
5.  teachers can plan differentiated learning activities

Cons
1. limited ICT skills of the teachers
2. limited finance to purchase equipment
3. technological and social barriers

Module 8 - Activity 3 - Pros and Cons of Computer Labs

Careful planning is necessary to ensure that the computer is used effectively in the lesson.  Administrators has to ensure that  each student receive equal time and opportunity to access the computer.  There are several pros and cons to the use of computer labs

Pros
1.  the world comes to the classroom
2.  the lesson is not confined to what the students see around them but its open to the world
3.  it creates more interaction and collaboration with students in other schools
4.  it can cater for all learning styles

Cons

1.  lack of ICT tools
2.  technological and social barriers to ICT integration
3.  the unwillingness of some educators and administrators to change

If we are going to do new things in new ways with ICT, then the way our computer labs are used presently will have to change.  ICt integration requires equal access to all subjects and all students if the integration process is to be effective.

Module 8 - Activity 2 - Learning in ICT-enabled classroom

The readings made me reflect on what presently takes place here in our classroom with ICT.  Is it being used to challenge, engage, and motivate our students across the curricula or are we simply using new tools to do the same old things.  It also highlighted some of the problems faced by schools and teachers with the integration of ICT.

One of the major problems that educators and administrators face is that they plan for the implementation of ICT without involving the students who are being affected by these tools.  Although the students readily accept the use of ICT tools some teachers and administrators are unsure of how to integrate ICT in their school and classroom.  Making the change in the classroom also face technological and social barriers which are not always easy to overcome.

Module 8 - Activity 1 - Classroom Management with and without ICT

The reading for this activity has highlighted the importance of classroom management with and without ICT.  In order for ICT to be effective in the classroom the following should be noted
1.  the students should be involved in learning preparation and planning
2.  activities should be planned to keep the students engaged at all times
3. clear guidelines and procedures should be set for what is expected, before, during and after a lesson

A teacher who is passionate about his/her subject with clear guidelines and procedures set for their students will be better able to maintain control of his/her class and create a more effective learning environment.

There is ineffective classroom management when there is no plan or clear rules for students to follow.

Module 9 Activity 4 -Whole school conditions for ICT integration

With ICT integration learners will be more responsible for their learning. The learning process will now be authentic and learner centred. The teacher is no longer the provider of all information but will now facilitate and guide as their students build on their knowledge. There will be some resistance from those who are not willing to change, that don’t see the need to change and from those who are afraid to change. The vision of integrating ICT in schools cannot be achieved without collaboration among stakeholder. Stakeholders should be a team and every stakeholder should be able to communicate their ideas, suggestions, fears and solutions throughout the integration process. Only with this teamwork will the integration process be successful. School leadership is very important to the integration process. The leader must have the vision and be willing and able to share this vision to the members of his/her team. The leader has to bring all stakeholders together to share, experiment, implement, reflect and communicate to achieve the vision. The leader should also be open to new ideas, be willing and open to learning skills and processes and creating an environment where his staff is given the opportunity to do the same.

Module 9 Activity 3 - Thinking about the whole school

Reviewing the diagram “thinking of the whole school” has highlighted areas of my school that needs to be looked at and reviewed to improve the quality of education our students received. All of the areas on the diagram can be improved with ICT but I have chosen to focus on the Curriculum and Assessment. I have chosen this areas since the primary goal of an educational institution is to educate its learners. The present curricula focuses on the learners passing an exam to provide their knowledge, with ICT there can be change to students building knowledge. We need to move away from the teacher centred approach to teaching to the more interactive and authentic learner centred approach. The change to teaching for lifelong learning requires the learners to use critical thinking and problem solving skills to build knowledge and not just simply memorizing information for an exam. In our education system a pigeon hole is used to send out mails and communication to school. I refused to use this system as of this academic year. During last academic year, I informed my teachers that all communication will be sent out via email or website. I held who refused to even get an email address. Towards the end of the first term in this academic year I was able to get one of these teachers to create and send me an email that teacher is even Face book now (baby steps which I can work with). I am still working to bringing the other teacher around. I consider myself a champion for the cause of ICT integration in schools. I have gone all out to assist anyone who is willing and even those who are not so willing to learn ICT skills and to utilize them in their class. I will continue to encourage others and would love my CCTI colleagues to do the same. Vision for ICT integration in the curriculum and assessment