Activity 3B: Integrating the word processor

This was an interesting activity. I enjoyed reading the lessons. It gave me ideas about various ways I can integrate the word processor into my lessons. I became more aware of the many uses of the word processer.
From the feedback of my colleagues, I also realized how much students learn better and find lessons so more enjoyable when they are allowed to use ICT tools. It also helped me to focus in on what can be done to improve lessons.

Summary Reflection

This module has brought clarity to me about what is involved in ICT. I thought the programme was going to be just another of those programme I would have little use for when I was done. This was not the case. I came to understand what ICT entails and how beneficial it can be for my students. I have already spoken to members of staff to sit on an ICT Committee to develop an ICT programme. I have already spoken to an ICT expert to coordinate the programme. I have already placed an ICT staff development slot on the school's calender for this term. The coordinator is planning an activity to familiarize staff with the different ICT equipment and how to use them.
At the start of the programme I did not know much about the ICT equipment and what they are used for. This programme encouraged me to find out more. We are looking at ways at my school to better utilize the students laptop.
I will love to continue the programme but I am still struggling with managing the little time I have to manage a school and do this programme.

 

Activity 9

The STaR Chart covers a wide area  and helped me to see what my school needs to have an effective ICT programme. I see the need for my school to raise funds to assist in the implementation of the ICT programme as at present we are solely dependent on the MOE to finance everything at the school. I see the need also for a coordinator of an ICT programme to monitor the implementation process.

Activity 8: Teaching Spaces

This activity helped me to focus on the existing teaching spaces at my school and their suitability for ICT. I concluded that though my school is the most recently built one in the country not much thought had gone into  making it suitable for ICT. I am also aware of the need for builders, financiers,etc. and educators to collaborate when schools are being built to cater for an effective ICT programme.
This should not prevent us from making proper use of the existing space and resources available to us so that our students can get the best out of their learning experience.

Activity 7: ICT Staff Development

This activity has made me aware of the lack of a proper ICT prgramme at my school and the need to have staff development to make the staff aware of the current situation in the school in relation to ICT. I realize with all that I have learnt in this course I will have an active role to play in the implementation of any ICT programme at my school.

Activity 5: The integrated approach

Computer literacy should not be taught in isolation. It should be integrated in all classes making it the responsibility of every teacher.

Activity 4

I have to agree with Vygotsky that spontaneous learning needs to be linked with scientific concepts. Students bring with them a wealth of information that can be capitalized in the classroom. Students are not just empty vessels waiting to be filled by teachers but they are able to discover a lot on their own. Students are better able to retained and practice what they learned if they are actively involved in the learning process.

Activity 3: Roles of Learnerners learning with ICT

I found the mindMeister to be very interesting and I can see its usefulness in the classroom. It was good to see every ones contribution coming together which I think is what collaboration is all about.

Activity 2:Two generations of teachers

The article  'Two generations of teachers: Differences in Attitudes to ICT' was quite an eyeopener. Here I was jumping to the conclusion that older teachers  just was not  open to trying new methods. I have now concluded that older teachers are having problems adapting to and using ICT because of the lack of professional and technical support. This was bourne out in my research where the majority of the older teachers questioned claimed to have no training or little training and whatever training they have was from their own initiative. All of the teachers stated that they are willing to receive training. This was a very welcoming piece of information as it tells me that ICT has a future in the schools in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.