Module 8 Activity 9 - Cellphones in the Classroom

Cellphones in the classroom? 

A question that teachers are presently faced with.  These have their place in the classroom but it depends on the teacher and the objectives or goals for their use.  I am of the opinion that teachers must be familiar with how to integrate as this could pose problems.  It is not the tool but how the teacher uses the tool and the monitoring process.

Module 8 Activity 8 - Managing online communication and collaboration

This topic is one which teachers need to come to grips with.  Educators posit that technology enhances learning but to achieve the desired outcomes it must be managed properly.

I am of the opinion that technology can enhance learning but it calls for the teacher to become familiar with the various ICT tools and know how these can be integrated into the teaching learning experience.  After all the objective is to have students build knowledge, acquire 21st century skills and become producers and not just consumers.

In all of this, it requires the teacher to manage the communication and collaboration process. Guidelines ought to be done in conjunction with the students.  Constant monitoring is important thereby reducing bullying, inappropriate behaviour and fraternizing between students.   The teacher therefore becomes an observant member of the group to intervene only when necessary. 

Module 8 Activity 7 learning with Tablets

The inclusion of tablets in the classroom as a learning tool is quite a new phenomenon in the Caribbean.  Its effectiveness depends on teachers knowing how to first use it and then knowing how to integrate it into the teaching and learning environment.

Managing tablet use is also very critical.  I believe that in a class of 30 students with tablets that there in lies the challenge of monitoring.  Students will need to understand and employ the guidelines for the tablet use in class and become owners of these guidelines, thereby ensuring that their peers also adhere to the prescribed guidelines.

Since this is new technology for some teachers, in order for the process of integration to be a success, I would ensure that a community of practice - CoP be formed as a support group for teachers and become an integral part of professional development.

Module 6 Activity 6 One-to-One Learning

One to one learning augers well for differentiated learning.  Although there are pros and cons as to this strategy in the classroom, it forces us as teachers to rethink how we teach.

Module 8 Activity 5 - Interactive Whiteboard

Interactive whiteboards are fascinating to both teacher and student since it is more interactive.  I am concerned though, that it seems to be the trend of getting these tools into classrooms without the requisite teacher professional development.  Yes, we have to move with the times since our students are born in the digital era and we ought to utilize technology but one questions its effectiveness.  The IWB has to be used well in order to enhance learning.  Teachers must be quite knowledgeable of how to integrate it into the learning environment so as to keep students involved.  The issues which are positive for the IWBs are that students enjoy the lessons when these are used and there is constant interaction in the entire class.

Module 8 Activity 4 - The one computer classroom

For many teachers, one computer is the only ICT tool in the classroom.  Its use and effectiveness will depend on the quality of the planning put into the organization of the lesson. It requires teachers to possess knowledge of what to do in order to keep students focused thereby reducing classroom management issues.  Connectivity to the Internet is also important for the teacher in this environment.  If this is unavailable, the teacher has to ensure that other activities are available for his/her use. 

Module 8 Activity 3 - Pros and Cons of Computer Labs

Computer labs are important areas where students are able to utilize the equipment to practice skills.  These labs can either be high density or low density.
A high density lab is an area designated with many computers to reach many individuals.  A low density lab on the other hand, is a smaller area usually a classroom fitted out with a few computers to be used by students of the class.

Pros:
1. Wide use of Internet.
2. Encourages collaboration and interaction.
3. Facilitates differentiated learning.

Cons:
1. Does not utilize other ICTs.
2. Some teachers are unable to integrate computers in the teaching/learning environment.

How labs are used depend on the objectives of the teacher, the skills he/she possesses and the planning put in to make the experience effective.