At my school, we have begun to make little tit bit steps towards ICT integration. It is still a work in progress but as I sought to encourage teachers to embrace this new approach to the dynamic classroom, there are those who have begun to launch out into experimenting with the various mediums available.
In determining what medium is best approved of for learning, most teachers will agree that mobile technology is quite feasible in our learning context since we only have one I.T. lab. With the recent injection of Ipads from the government to 2nd, 3rd and 4th formers the possibilities for learning with I.C.T. are beginning to dawn on many of the teachers and few have attempted to use the tools within recent weeks. The debated Cell Phone Policy may need a rethink as some teachers have experimented with its use in the classroom. Where the Ipads are concerned unfortunately, not all parents have applied for these Ipads and this has placed many teachers at a disadvantage in using this valuable tool within their teaching and learning environment.
Whichever best practice of ICT integration is adopted it all boils down to the following:
1. Teachers need to establish the expectations of the students in their learning context.
2. The teacher's personality must be in synch with the needs of the students.
In the article 'Shaping Tech for the Classroom ' I was particularly intrigued by the four step process spoken to;:
- Dabbling.
- Doing old things in old ways.
- Doing old things in new ways.
- Doing new things in new ways.
Strangely enough the very skills that this course advocates that students should acquire must be also acquired by teachers . The ability to collaborate, analyse and solve problems call for one's ability to think outside of the box, creativity and sharing. The creation of a more democratic classroom where students can play a role in determining the course of their learning experience become necessary.
As the teacher becomes aware of themselves as a 21st century teacher, the whole class configuration will reflect this as well bearing in mind that we are preparing tomorrow's leaders for a knowledge economy. This calls for schools to consider the creation of blended learning environments which caters for independent learning and face to face instruction.
I understand that this idea of the blended classroom will be contoured differently in various learning contexts. Once again, the need for educators to become familiar with their learning contexts so that the appropriate approaches and practices can be adopted.
I am looking forward one day to see my school becoming fully wired and ready for full ICT implementation using every possible medium to give our students the best advantage at high achievement whilst preparing them to engage in a knowledge base society. I forsee that as we inch closer to the ideal of ICT integration, that community of practice will need to be organized to engender sharing amongst colleagues so that each context can adequatley prepare for its students.
Already some adjustments are in the pipeline to begin the process for full fledge ICT integration where our school will become an ICT innovative school. This course has opened my appetite to continue exploring the great possibilites and best practices that will ultimately make us see our students achieving since we believe that every child can succeed. Additonally by engaging in this course I have been exposed to the language, the logistics that need to be considered and the dynamics that surround the management of learning and teaching with ICT. I am greatful for the exposure.
