Module 10 Activity 7 - Budgeting

To complete any project, a budget needs to be devised.  Budgets guide your spending. Since my school is a government assisted school, the budget is controlled by a central area and dispersed through a priority system. At times, the school partners with Non-government organizations in order to get its projects completed.  In order to tackle small projects, the school engages in its own fundraising activities, partnering at times with the Parent Teachers Association.

Module 10 Activity 6 - Plan of Action

One needs to have a plan to steer the way forward to implementing any action, vision or proposal.  In the way forward, I looked at what was achieved, what i am in the process of doing and finally what still needs to be done.

This is the plan of action which I identified in completing the policy.

1.     Already achieved in my ICT priority area

One newly constructed building outfitted with smart board, projector, 13 computers, smart television set, DVD player, Internet connectivity. Teachers have laptops. A buy-in by teachers to engage in ICT integration. School email and website created. Creation of a high density computer learning area. ICT vision for the school. Security personnel perform round the clock security duty. Teachers collaborate and communicate continuously. A draft ICT integration policy.  2.     In the process of doing in my ICT priority area Continuous professional development training for teachers in the use of several ICT tools and applications. Writing the school's ICT policy. Identifying persons who will become members of the ICT - SMT. Seeking partnerships for low density learning centres/areas. Scheduling times when classes could access high density area for teaching and learning activities. 3. Still to be done in my ICT priority area Completing ICT policy. Creation of low density learning areas in Grades 4, 5 &6.

  

Module 10 Activity 5 - Draft ICT Policy

I was very eager to complete this activity so as to begin the implementation of the policy at my school.  It could not have come at an opportune time as I just completed the building and outfitting of my high density multi-media interactive learning centre.  I am very proud of this donation and achievement of my school and this policy will guide teachers and students to the use of ICT into subject/learning areas.

The school's ICT policy will incorporate the aspects of:
1. ICT and staff Development
2. ICTs and Curriculum
3. Maintenance
4. Assessment
5. ICT Infrastructure

These aspects are relevant to the success of ICT integration at the school.

Module 10 - Activity 4A - ICT and Curriculum Policy

My readings and reflections show the relationship and synergy between curriculum and ICT in the effective implementation of a school's ICT policy.  With ICT support:
1. teachers do things differently
2. classroom climate changes
3. teachers and students acquire skills
4. teachers and students know their roles and expectations in an ICT rich environment

In order for these to be effective, a plan outlining guidelines of what happens in terms of security, teaching and learning, assessment, acquisition and maintenance of resources and equipment and teachers professional development must guide the school's efforts.  Persons must have buy-in in the policy document for it to work effectively.

Module 10 - Activity 3 - Planning for ICT in your School

A SWOT analysis has its place within organizations as it looks at the organization's health and assist in planning for improvement.  The SWOT looks at the strengths and weaknesses which are internal influences/dimensions and opportunities and threats which are outside influences on the organization.  In conducing the analysis,

I realized that my organization has have a lot of strengths which it ought to continue to capitalize on and very weaknesses and threats.  What we need to recognize that anything can change the environment in a moments notice and we need to be mindful of that.  Ensuring that everyone in the environment feels a part of the group is critical and to put measures in place to reduce the effects of the external shocks as much as possible.

Module 10 Activity 3A - Planning for ICTs in your school

School Vision

To provide a vibrant and stimulating learning environment which encourages students to perform at their optimum through the wise use of time and resources.

School ICT Vision

Pigotts Primary, will within the next two (2) years, utilize creativity across the curriculum to provide a vibrant and stimulating learning environment through integration of ICTs, which seeks to develop administration, staff and students to perform at their optimum through the wise use of time and resources which will achieve an increase in standards of which to be proud.

The school's vision did not speak to the issue of ICT as this was not one of the priorities of the school.  Since the launch of the country's ICT policy, it has caused the school to look at its vision with a view of including ICT and ensure that the school caters to students and their several learning styles and to improve the administrative performance.  Additionally, a timeline was included so as to keep in train the priority areas of the vision.  

Module 10 Activity 2D - Schools' ICT policy

For an ICT policy to be effective, there needs to be buy-in by stakeholders.  The policy identifies the aim, procedures and standards for ICT use and results for non-compliance.  It also identifies as well the monitoring and maintenance process.

Module 10 Activity 2C - How to achieve the vision of the policy

In order to achieve the vision of the policy, there are a few steps which are critical to the process;
1. Put a team together to plan/write the policy
2. have stakeholders (parents, teachers) review the policy for buy-in, make changes and to implement policy
3. Post in strategic places and / or circulate policy to students
4. Monitor and evaluate policy implementation

Module 10 Activity 2b - A Vision for school ICT Policy

I am becoming very excited about ICT and integration into the curriculum.  My exposure to this course has deepened my appreciation for ICT and the role it can play in the teaching and learning environment.  My vision for my school within the next 10 years will witness a vibrant learning community where ICT is continuously used by all to harness and propel the potential and creativity of those in the environment.  We are living in an environment where technology is utilized in all spheres of life and it becomes imperative that the education system embraces this new trend. What is needed is the political will and the leadership to make this happen.  I am eagerly anticipating this period as a change agent.

The policy will:
1. identify frequency and issues to be addressed at staff professional development
2. indicate areas in the curriculum where ICT can be integrated
3. identify how the staff will support the ICT policy in terms of duties and responsibilities
4. indicate how the school will acquire finance to conduct the purchasing and maintenance of equipment