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

Final Reflections on Module 8

This module was challenging to complete because of the intense research, reading and editing and the several activities which all had to be completed in the scheduled time.  Although quite intense, it allowed me to review the various technological tools and how these could be integrated into the teaching and learning environment.

I anticipate my teachers using some if not all of these at my school now that the Ministry of Education has launched its ICT policy for schools on my island.  However, finance is a critical issue at this stage as small island states in our region are experiencing struggling economies and corporate citizens and businesses are not willing to invest in such ventures at this time.  It therefore calls for schools to become creative and do things differently if we are expected to provide students with 21st century education and skills.

Some of the best practices which this module speaks to can be utilized effectively based on the economic environment which our country is now experiencing.  It will require teachers to move from their comfort zones and expand their horizons to new practices which benefits everyone in the school environment.

I look forward to their use and the results which will be accomplished from teaching and learning in new and creative ways. 

Module 8 Activity 10 - The flipped classroom

The idea of a flipped classroom is quite new.  It focuses on the learner and not the teacher.  For some teachers it might become an issue knowing that the focus is not on them and their control of the learning environment but the classroom now becomes learner centred.

I could see my teachers utilizing this strategy but my only concerns will be connectivity and students' access to computers.  It is difficult not knowing when the electricity will be suppressed thereby prohibiting connectivity.