Activity 6: One to One Learning with ICT

 I believe that learners have more to gain than lose in the one to one computing classroom. Some of the benefits are: Access to more information, they can become more independent learners, they can learn at their own pace etc. Some of the issues are: more distraction, spacing and storage issues and it is also very expensive to set up and maintain.
I have learnt that with or without technology you need to have rules about how things are to be done in your classroom to maintain order. I have also learnt you have to manage time and space well in your classroom and model best practices for your students to see. It wont hurt also to plan your lessons with every student in mind.

Activity 5: Interactive white board

. The interactive white board as far as I can see is very useful  especially to young learners.It is bright and colourful and can make learning real fun. It is a good tool for teaching abstract concepts as students gets a hands-on. It is also good for reinforcement. Teachers and students can also access many helpful software to enhance learning. Teachers and students can access videos, internet and wireless keyboards.
On the other hand there are other cheaper devices that teachers and students can access that will perform similar task. Why would a school purchase one interactive white board that all students will hardly ever access when you can purchase many more ICT tools with the same money that will perform similar task and more students will be able to access.
If my school did not already have an interactive white board I would not have recommended that they invest in one. But we  have one. I am going to recommend that all teachers be trained to use it. I am also recommending that they all get some basic training in its upkeep and see that it is not just use as an ICT entertainment tool.

Activity 4: The one Computer Classroom

The one computer in a classroom is beneficial to students because it ensures that a computer is readily available to teachers and students for a variety of uses in and out of class time. A lot of challenges can arise though as you are working with one computer and many students.

The teacher must ensure that he/she has rules for the use of the one computer so that no one student can manipulate it. Teachers must also ensure that they plan well so that students who are not engage with the computer are also involved in class related activities. The teacher must organize class and computer for optimal supervision. Teacher can also get other students to assist in supervising class .

Teacher can also use the LCD projector or interactive white board when possible to assist in engaging all students at once to lessen disciplinary issues. Having an individual available to deal with technical issues that can arise from using one computer can also facilitate good classroom management.

Activity 3B: Procedures for Learning Labs

In a Learning Lab the ratio of students to teachers are less than that of a high density computer lab. It is a place where students will go at assigned time to use the resources there.This means that all students will not have access to a computer but more students will access than the one computer classroom.. It also means that there will be more space for supervision than the high density lab.

Disciplinary issues can arise. Students who do not have a task to do on the computer can become distracted. Some students are likely to want to manipulate the use of the few computers leading to conflicts.

Teachers need to put measures in place  to facilitate good classroom management in the learning labs.
There must be a set rules for the use of the lab while students are there.. There must also be a roster for when students and teachers are allowed to use the lab. Students must never be allowed in the lab without proper supervision.

Activity 3 A: Pros and Cons of Computer Labs

Many secondary schools have a computer lab. These labs are generally used for the teaching of Information Technology(IT) and Electronic Documentation Preparation Management(EDPM). If used more widely, that is, if it is is accessible to all teachers, the computer lab can be of great value to learning.
The existence of a computer lab means that many students can be exposed to the technology at once making it a quicker way to teach.. It is a good place for students to work on projects such as School Based Assessment that has deadlines as many can work at one time.
It is an easier way to secure the computers as they are all in one place. Computers in classrooms are always accessible to students which is not a bad thing but it also means that it can be abused and is more likely to be worn out quicker than one in labs. Computers in labs can be locked away safely when not in use ensuring that they last longer.
A computer lab is a place where it is easier to supervise students who are working outside of fixed hours as there is a teacher in charge of the lab. Students are generally not allowed to use them without supervision.
There are other ICT tools stored in a computer lab such as LCD projector and interactive white board that can be used right there instead of having to move them to and from the classroom. This also helps in the wear and tear of the tools.

Activity 2: Learning in ICT Enabled Classroom

The benefits to be derived from an ICT enabled classroom are numerous. Students and teachers are exposed to a host of useful information in the classroom. ICT makes the teaching and learning process more interesting and exciting. Students are able to develop a lot of skills such as problem solving and critical thinking. Their creativity is also developed. They also learn how to work with each other.
Students can save work for later use. Students are also able to produce more legible work.
The teacher must pay attention though to the challenges, such as challenges to supervision, poor attitude of some teachers to the technology, lack of technical personnel and put measures in place to address them .

Activity 1:Classroom Management: with or without ICT

I have found that I  get a good start in my classroom when I am on time. Students will try to be on time too and are prepared and ready to go. Less time is wasted on disciplinary issues and so most often I am able to complete what I planned.
I have also found that when I prepare well I have less issues with discipline.
I do not think teachers should take classroom management for granted as it can greatly impact the teaching and learning process. I believe that teachers should adopt good procedures for classroom management. Some of these should include good planning of sessions, be on time for sessions, do not engage students in battle, treat all students fairly and do not put down students.
A teacher who adopts good procedures for classroom management will find he or she will spend less time on disciplinary issues, get more work done, get the respect of students, students will enjoy learning and will learn.