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.  

 

Module 9 Activity 4 Part 1- Whole school conditions for ICT integration

When a needs test has been conducted and the results point to ICT integration into the whole school framework, one expects positive changes to take place from the leadership right down to the way business is conducted with our partners.  Attitudes will change because individuals will no longer have a myopic view but one that is holistic, taking into account that the efforts of all are required for school improvement.

Module 9 - Activity 3 Thinking about the whole school

Over the past year, the school has made significant strides in ensuring that the necessary infrastructure are in place to improve teaching and learning.  The good relationship which exist among the school, PTA, NGOs and the business community have proved beneficial in that we were the recipients of some forms of technology in order to improve the school's overall effectiveness.

Teachers have embraced technology but more needs to be done in terms of technical competency in utilizing these in their teaching and learning.  As the educational leader, I have seen the fear in some teachers to incorporate these into their lessons.  There needs to be more cooperation and collaboration through teamwork in order to overcome this issue.

Module 9 - Activity 2 Schools scenarios

Within organizations and in specific reference to schools, leaders are expected to solve those issues which undermine the stability and ability of the organization to effectively undertake its mandate.  Some of us have had to deal with similar school scenarios and have had to make those tough decisions which are expected to improve our organizations.  It is not easy making those decisions which ruffle the feathers and comfort zones of others.

Module 9 Activity 1 - Leadership in the digital age

It is all about change and as a leader in this digital age, it requires that leadership changes to meet the demands of this era. It calls for visionary leadership and for the will to encourage participative decision making.  Also, leaders must lead by example and engage with ICT if they wish others to catch the vision and live the dream.