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

Module 9 Activity 2 - School Scenarios

Throughout this activity we examined various challenges faced by schools with the integration of ICT.  It highlighted some the problems school face when an ICT readiness test is not done before implementation.  The infrastructure, skills of the teachers, the environment are some aspect of ICT readiness that should be evaluated when planning to implement ICT.

It should also be noted that all donations are not always good donations if they are not meeting the needs and skills of the schools.  If the leader is not onboard with the change then there will be resistance to this change,

Module 9 Activity 1 - Leadership in the digital age

Leaders in a digital age should be open and prepared  to meet new challenges and be willing to make changes. To cope  with the changes the school should be resilient, while creating and maintaining a learning and knowledge-creating environment.  Leaders should help workers to see the logic of this new age system even where they may be chaos but there is  order.  Stakeholders of the education system need a chance to absorb and adapt to deal with the challenges of ICT.