ICT with or with out Teachers

Children can learn with or without teachers. Many children have basic previous knowledge of the use of computers but there are some children that never exposed to the use of computers yet they still are able to learn how to use technological tools without the instruction of a teacher.   I found this to be very interesting.  I think that I can utilize technology in my class a tool to transfer information and help the students to develop 21st Century Learning Skills. With the use of technology the students seem to be highly motivated to work cooperatively and independently.  The children seemed intrigued to learn through the use of discovery.  I notice that some of my students are such quick learners and they are able to learn on their own. I will try to create an environment where my students learn through discovery as well and scientific learning.

Activity 4 ICT in Schools

Activity 5 Reflection

I have learned that in order to be able to relate / connect to my students I need to have an understanding about who they are. The only way that I am going to learn about my students is by allowing them to open up and share some of their experiences that made them who they are. I have to care about my students because they will be able to tell whether I care or not. I am sure my students are used to people not caring but if I want to reach my students I have to care about their well being.

This lesson activity has allowed me to reflect on my experiences and connect how the experiences affected the choices that I have made. I think as a teacher I can make my content relevant to my students based on their interest and likes. I would try to utilize those sharing experience as a time to bond with my students and share some of my positive life experiences. A quote by John C. Maxwell that I will always remember “People do not care how much you know until; they know how much you care.” I have to care about my students if I want to make a difference in their lives.

Module 1 A  - Teaching and Learning.

Activity 4 Reflection

Behaviourism

The main thing that I learned from the reading and the activity is that I should assess myself.   I have to evaluate what I am doing and how I can make a positive impact on the lives that I interact with everyday.   There are two sides to every story.  My story is that I was challenged with a very disruptive class that pushed me to my limits.  I decided to make a change in my attitude towards my students. I began to give positive feedback and tokens to encourage positive behavior.  Slowly but surely I noticed small changes in my students attitudes and behaviors.   Because of my experience with my students I decided that something need to change and I began the change with me.

Module 1A Teaching and Learning

School Audit of ICT Use

I am currently a teacher at C.C. Sweeting Senior High.  The school has two business computer labs, one general lab, an Auto CAD lab, a lab for teachers to enter grades and various technical labs without computers for electrical installation, carpentry and joinery and Auto Mechanics.

The school has two Promethean boards. Recently the business department received a Promethean Board that has been utilized to integrate technology into the classroom. I hope to use this board to give my students a virtual experience so that they can bridge what is being learned to reality.  The other board is located in the resource room.  The main challenge that we face with using the boards is a lack of projector.   Recently there was an influx of burglary on the campus and most and if not all of the school projectors have been stolen.  This poses an enormous problem for teachers that would like to use the projector for a presentation or the use of the activboard.

Some teachers utilize computers, digital & overhead projectors, PowerPoint presentations and simulations to integrate technology into the classroom. Guidance counselors use computers to create and print transcripts.  Administration use computers to access attendances and punctuality of the students.   Teachers use computers to create lesson plans, calculate grades and enter students’ grades and print report cards.

A major strength of my school is that there are hardworking and dedicated teachers that are willing to go the extra mile to educate their students. C.C. Sweeting will be transitioning into a career academy in September.  The teachers of C.C. Sweeting were engulfed in a week long professional development that encourage them to integrate technology, utilize project based learning and devise new ways of teaching their students.  A few of our teachers attended another week long technology training session that was facilitated by the: Summer Technology Training Institute for Educators.  This workshop was awesome, innovative and technology centered.   Now more teachers are equipped with skills to integrate technology effectively into the classroom.

ICT in Schools  Activity  1