Module 9 Activity 11 Closing Reflections

Whole School Diagram

It was quite enlightening going through this module as some  previously encountered modules were further integrated here. I have learned that as a leader things do not always go as planned and that one has to have alternatives in order to be better prepared to take on the issues and challenges that may surface.  Additionally, planning for the whole school must be done in the context of what is good for the school and not what is the trend.  This means that systems must be put in place before the final introduction of an initiative.  Further, it takes a team approach  for any change to take place.

This module occured at the most convenient time since the Ministry of Education has unveiled its ICT plan and this has further clarified the ICT vision for the school. It encourages all to buy into the vision to have the school functioning effectively in this century and to provide the teachers and students with the skills required for the changes which will come.

Continued ICT development exercises will be my focus.  In so doing, I will be able to coach and assist other teachers in their own development and ways in which they can incorporate their knowledge of ICTs to improve the curriculum.

Final Reflections

During this module, I was able to focus on the aspects of leadership which will be required to steer the change to ICT integration.  In my reflection, I have realized that improvement needs to be made to my time management.  There are several internal challenges which currently exist at the school and every effort will be made to ensure that there is balance between monitoring, supervision and administration.

In steering the change to ICT integration, it requires that a dedicated team to be put in place to manage the change and to have everyone buy-in to the vision. Of importance is that everyone knows their unique strengths, differences and responsibilities and these will be channeled to achieving the school's goals.  This synergy will engender trust in order to get the task done. It also identifies that I articulate the vision clearly thereby ensuring that all contribute effectively.

The aspects which will require my focus will be managing and monitoring the change.  I am aware that there are some teachers who are timid about integrating ICTs because of their limited knowledge and skills.  This aspect will be achieved by ensuring that teachers are equipped with the requisite skill sets for the change through continuous development exercises and by utilizing those individuals on the school plant who have the requisite knowledge to teach those who do not know.  Additionally, forming support groups will be necessary to ensure that individuals are not left alone during this period of change.

In monitoring the ICT integration, it requires that I am knowledgeable of ICTs and familiarize myself with the curriculum in order to assist teachers with their integration. If every learner is to succeed then it becomes important for constant monitoring to take place.  This is a task which will reqiure time management but can be achieved if other persons are selected to assist in the monitoring process.    

Module 9 Activity 10 - New partnerships to achieve the shared vision

Pigotts Primary School

Pigotts Village

Antigua.

Tel:  462-6058

e-mail: pigottsprimaryschool@yahoo.com

 

May 14, 2013

Mr. Phillip Harris

President
Rotary Club of Antigua
Rotary House
Sir Sydney Wallings Highway
St. John’s

Dear Mr. Harris,

The school applauds your club’s ‘Computers for the world’ and the dictionaries projects which it has maintained with selected primary schools for over 6 years.

As you may be aware, the Ministry of Education is about to launch its ICT policy for schools in Antigua and Barbuda for the upcoming academic year 2013-2014.  With this in mind, the Pigotts Primary School is positioning itself for this exciting period of ICT integration into the classroom.  I am very much aware that in the past, the Rotary Club has been a partner in our ICT vision by donating the required computers to establish our lab.  

In keeping with our vision of catering to the 21^st century learner, I welcome the opportunity for dialogue at your convenience, in order to continue our partnership which will benefit the students at Pigotts Primary School.

 Anticipating a favourable response.

 

Yours in partnership,

 

________________    

Theoline P. S. Croft

Principal

 

Mission Statement

To provide opportunities for each student to achieve his or her personal best by the development of knowledge, attitude and skills essential to successful achievement in school and society.

Module 9 Activity 9 - Creating a shared vision for your school towards ICT integration

Leaders ought to be visionary individuals conceptualizing what the future would be like when an idea is to be introduced.  That vision or idea is sold to other stakeholders for their buy-in and additional suggestions because the intent is to have ownership of the vision before implementation. All this will be in keeping with the direction in which the school ought to be heading, in order to achieve its goals and objectives.  

Module 9 Activity 8 - Teaching and learning at the school

It is important that teachers remember that in creating a vision where ICT is integrated in learning areas that ICT will be the tools assisting in these areas and not teachers teaching ICT. Learners are the primary focus and how we assist them in achieving, functioning and surviving in this century with ICT is critical. 

Module 9 Activity 7 - Role of the Leader

As leaders, we have ideas of where we want to take our various organizations but sometimes do not know which roads to take in order to get there.  Realizing this, leaders surround themselves with individuals who share their vision for the organization.  Leadership is challenging and causes first the building of trust to make persons follow you. There are several dimensions to leadership.  Leaders lead by example, set goals, provide requisite resources to get the job done, is passionate about what he/she does, coaches, sets standards and delegates responsiblities.  Most of all, they are visionary and put plans in place to embrace the changes which will come in education.  How the change is managed depends on how you lead yourself and lead others to succeed.

Moduule 9 Activity 5 - Learning Communities

The Eastwick Junior School is an inclusive school with a specialist centre for children with autistic spectrum disorder.  The school maintains a high local profile as a centre of excellence and their motto: Think, Learn, Care, encourages children to aim high and achieve their potential.  The school is committed to change and the effective management of that change.

 In its ICT plan, Eastwick prepares the students for a future in which ICT is integral to society by ensuring that ICT skills are developed and that ICT is safely utilized.  The school stays abreast with educational and technological developments in ICT and the teachers are equipped with the necessary tools (laptops, whiteboards) in order to do their jobs effectively.  The teachers use a wide range of ICTs to plan, deliver, assess, evaluate and improve the curriculum and they share their knowledge, skills and experience beyond the classroom.  The teachers use videos to reflect on their own practice.  The administration records and publishes on- line all activities of the school even the external examinations ratings of the students and the school overall.  Data is used for planning the way forward.

The students are engaged through enriched multi-media learning experiences. ICT is used to enhance their learning and deepen understanding, and their learning is extended beyond the classroom through the use of the Virtual Learning Environment.  Students are empowered to take control of their own e-learning.

 The parents access data and information from the school’s website, and support and understand the e-learning of their children.

 Future:  Classrooms and student work areas will be effectively ICT equipped.

 

I am encouraged through the success of this primary school, to development an ICT plan for my school which will allow for the whole school to embrace technology.