Sunday, 10 November 2013
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.
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.
Tuesday, 22 October 2013
Module 8 Activity 2 - Learning in ICT - Enabled Classrooms
ICT has the potential to transform learning in and beyond the classroom. The new ways of acquiring and accessing information and transforming the information into useful knowledge are having an increasingly important impact on learning and teaching. However, there are pros and cons to ICT use in classrooms.
PROS:
1. ICT can enrich the teaching and learning environment.
2. Students become involved in their own learning.
3. Teachers can plan for differentiated learning.
4. ICT can track a student's progress and proficiency at certain skills.
CONS:
1. Teachers are often ignorant of what is available and also how to use technology they already have.
2. Insufficient finances to upgrade and maintain existing ICT infrastructure.
3. Teachers do not plan for the unexpected where ICT integration is in place.
PROS:
1. ICT can enrich the teaching and learning environment.
2. Students become involved in their own learning.
3. Teachers can plan for differentiated learning.
4. ICT can track a student's progress and proficiency at certain skills.
CONS:
1. Teachers are often ignorant of what is available and also how to use technology they already have.
2. Insufficient finances to upgrade and maintain existing ICT infrastructure.
3. Teachers do not plan for the unexpected where ICT integration is in place.
Sunday, 13 October 2013
Module 8- Classroom Management - with and without ICT
My reflection point to the issue that classroom management requires careful and continuous planning for the students and planning for the unexpected as well. This was quite evident when some of us experienced challenges accessing the course wiki. it encourages us, as classroom teachers and administrators, to have alternatives and to ensure that when issues pop up, that they are resolved and get our students back on a good confidence level.
It also requires setting standards and putting procedures in place for the safe and proper use of resources.
It also requires setting standards and putting procedures in place for the safe and proper use of resources.
Monday, 20 May 2013
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.
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.
Saturday, 18 May 2013
Module 9 Activity 10 - New partnerships to achieve the shared vision
Pigotts Village
Antigua.
Tel: 462-6058
May
14, 2013
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.
In
keeping with our vision of catering to the 21st 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.
________________
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.
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