Activity 7: Models of technology adoption

The activity for unit seven allowed me to create an ICT Staff Development Programme Plan.  I have come to the realization that in order for ICT use to effective in school a proper plan should be in place.  In my ICT plan I had assessed the current situation at my school.  Identify the strengths and weakness of the school.  Then I made some suggestions to implement ICT.  Firstly I believe that a survey should be conducted to find the teachers interest in the use of ICT.  I also suggested that the school  plan a professional development for the first week of school and  hire a qualified professional to train the teacher in various ICT skills.  My school  can learn from the experience of the ACOT program by implementing similar strategies that have worked in this project. Finally, all teachers should be encouraged to attend the Summer Institute of Teacher Technology Training.

ICT in Schools

Activity 7: Models of technology adoption

Online Discussions Reflection

In Activity 5 each person was able to share their thoughts on Integrated Approach and discuss whose responsibility is it to teach computer literacy.   I believe that the integrated approach is the best way to teach computer literacy.  By using the integrated approach students can experience practical knowledge and also learn the theory behind the practical experience.  This way the students are able to transfer assimilate and formulate the whole picture of learning about computers. As a computer teacher at my school, I believe that it is my responsibility to teach computer literacy to my students so that they can apply it all their other classes.  Students will probably use ICT a little in other classes to create projects and presentation but as the main computer teacher I hope to give my students the skills to equip them for the proper use of ICT.

Veola Stewart Activity 5 ICT in Schools

Online collaborative exercise

The online collaborative exercise was a great experience for all the participants to come together in one central location to share their thoughts.  Each person was able to make suggestions to the question.  This experience was similar to a discussion but in a no audible format.  Each person was able to share and comment on another person idea.  We were able to learn from one another.  Some persons had similar ideas as well there was diversity in each answer.

Veola Stewart Blog Activity 3 ICT in Schools

Contrast Lesson

Activity 11
Contrast lesson can be a great stimulator to intrigue a class.   This tool can be used with technology such as a PowerPoint presentation, or pictures displayed on a board or even a sound recording.  I hope to  incorporate this into my lesson in the upcoming school year.  I once saw a teacher at my school use the contrast lesson approach.  The teacher showed an office procedure class two pictures of persons serving customers.  One person had a nice smile and he looked very hospitable.  The other person had frown on his face and negative body language.  The teacher asked the students to express what they felt when they saw each picture and describe what was happening in each picture.  The students were intrigue and they were very expressive of what they thought the pictures represented.  The teacher used this concept as an introduction to her customer service lesson.   I noticed that the students were very interested in the lesson and they were open to sharing their opinions.

Veola Stewart 1A  Teaching and Learning

Questioning

Activity 9

Questioning

When question students a teacher should think about what they hope to achieve by asking as specific question.  The teacher should also address if the question helps the student to think.  Closed questions basically have limited answers that the students would probably recall.  Open ended questions can challenge the students to think and discover their own opinions.  When formulating questions a teacher should utilize the bloom’s taxonomy and encourage higher level thinking.

Veola Stewart Module 1 A Teaching and Learning

Discussion

Activity 10

I found the readings to be very informative with the creation of a discussion session.  I have facilitated class discussions but not all of the sessions were efficiently and effective done to my satisfaction.  Based on the readings, “a discussion is where people talk about a serious topic with the intention of improving their knowledge, understanding or judgment.”  In order for the discussion to be effective listening and talking must take place. Individuals should feel free to express themselves and everyone should have an open mind to the discussion.  The conversation should be presented in a respectful manner.  The teacher can be a facilitator and mediator when assisting a discussion.  The teacher is needed to ensure that the students stay focus on the assigned task.

Veola Stewart Module 1 A Teaching and Learning

Veola's Reflection of Piaget

Actvity 8
Piaget has been a very influential theorist throughout history and his concepts are still relevant today.   His theory of equilibrium is very important to education.  Everyday students try to assimilate and utilize new information.   They wonder how the information can fit into their lives.  Information can be more useful if the students can see if it is relevant to their lives.   When this takes place equilibrium is formed.  Discovery learning is also and pivotal theory that was formulated by Piaget.  With this learning theory students are able to explore and discover new concept.  With this method of teaching, students can exceed what is expected of them based on their interest in learning.  Finally I liked how Piaget structured each level of learning by age.  He made sure that students would be able to cover various types of information based on their age and what is suitable for them.  He illustrated how children developed mentally.
Module 1A Teaching and Learning
 Piaget Reflection

Cooperative learning

Activity 7

I have learnt that cooperative learning can be a useful tool in teaching and learning with ICT.  Based on the readings I have discovered that cooperative learning can encourage exploratory learning and well and self directed learning.  Students develop skills that will be beneficial in life such as: organizational, social, team building, communication and research skills.  As the teacher of my class I will have to plan various activities to cater to the various learning styles and levels within the class. The students will be able to work together once everything is well planned the teams are well organized.

Module 1A Teaching and learning