Module 10 Final Reflection

The module was quite timely and relevant to what is happening on the ground here in Antigua and Barbuda and it proved to be a fitting end to the course.

I wish to thank the Commonwealth of Learning for the foresight and innovativeness regarding the use of ICTs for teaching and learning and for empowering me to empower others.

Module 10 Activity 4 Choosing Your Focus

It is imperative that as a school plans for the integration of ICTs into the curriculum, it has to be cognizant of the focus that it needs to have.  The school will first need to examine the issues and principles surrounding integration and make decisions as to the way forward. One of the main issues to be considered is whether or not ICTs in the curriculum must start with the curriculum.  Should there be a curriculum review to incorporate ICTs or do individuals in the school simply need to know basic computer skills?

Another focus should be on the principles of teaching and learning that will influence the integration of ICTs.  Pedagogical underpinnings will follow here.  The school will need to decide on the outcomes that it needs from the integration process and work towards it.

Teachers in the integration process will also need to determine the learning outcomes of using ICTs in their subject disciplines.  Will it be to enhance, replace, extend or reinforce learning or will it be a combination of these?  These are tough questions which need to be answered but which are integral to the approach that teachers take in the process.

To top the process is the need for the school to create an ICT policy and work towards it.  It will mean input from all stakeholders towards the development of a school that is 21^st Century ready.

Module 10 Activity 7 Budgeting and Fundraising

For any new initiative, whether it is at a school or other institution, there must be some idea of the cost that will be incurred as a result of the venture.  Integrating ICTs into a school is no exception and the fact that is usually a costly venture, there is a need to budget. 

When budgeting for ICTs at school, it is important that the items that are needed are identified, prioritized and budgeted. In doing so, one must identify sources of funding and or donations so that the needs can be met. School fundraising activities will also form an integral part of the procurement process since the proceeds from such activities may be used to significantly offset the cost of the integration process. It is imperative that a fundraising plan be created by the school in order to map out the paths that the fundraising strategy will take.

Once the budgeting and fundraising plans are in place, the school can then move on to the next phase in the bid to integrate ICTs into the teaching and learning process as well as in the management of the school.

Module 10 Activity 6 Plan of Action

My school is working towards the integration of ICTs in its curricula as well as for the management of the school.  To this end, an ICT development plan was formulated with a view to creating an ICT policy governing ICTs and their use at the school.  The plan is a work in progress and will be upgraded as more decisions are made regarding the use of ICTs.  The following is the plan of action for my school:

Plan of action

1.     Already achieved in my ICT priority area

All teachers have laptops for teaching Multimedia projector is available for use by teachers Some integration of ICTs in curriculum areas Wireless Internet access High density computer labs Students BYOD – tablet devices Creation of draft ICT Policy Teachers have varying levels of ICT training ICTs are integrated in some lessons

2.     In the process of doing in my ICT priority area

More training in ICT integration for teachers Procurement of more ICT resources Finalizing the school’s ICT policy Creating an ICT task force to manage ICTs at the school Training of administration staff in use of ICTs

3.     Still to be done in my ICT priority area

Training in assessment using ICTs Procurement of ICT resources to cater for students with special needs Creating a school website for access by parents and other stakeholders Continuous training in ICT integration Continuous training of administrative staff Technical support staff to be drafted Formation of linkages with corporate citizens to secure continuous funding for ICT resources

Module 10 Activity 5 Draft ICT Policy

Having conducted a SWOT analysis at my school, it was evident that there is a need for an ICT policy to address the use of ICTs at the school. These areas include staff development, ICT integration, access by all , assessement methods and procurement of ICT resources. To this end, my draft policy will include (but not limited to) the following:

Staff Development

All staff will be aware and guided by mission and ICT vision of the school

a.       Teachers

                                 i.            Mandatory assessment of teachers’ ICT capabilities with a view to meet those needs.

                               ii.            Mandatory enrolment in online courses in ICTs which are supported by the school

                              iii.            Assessment using ICTs

                             iv.            Monitoring and evaluation

                               v.            Trained in Education Management Information System (EMIS)

b.      Administrators

                                 i.            Trained in Education Management Information System (EMIS) for record keeping and generation of records, reports etc.

                               ii.            Use of ICTs to keep track of equipment, furniture stationery and books

                              iii.            Use of ICTs for communicating with parents, stakeholders

Curriculum

a.       Curriculum be revised to include pedagogy involving the use of ICT

b.      ICTs are integrated in curriculum areas

c.       Development of communities of practice (CoP) for the continuous exchange of best practices in curriculum integration

d.      The practical skills of blogging, podcasting, ethical use of social networking must be inculcated for learners.         

Assessment

a.       Teachers be trained in the use and delivery of assessment methods involving ICTs

b.      Learners assessed using ICTs

c.       Software be upgraded on a continuous basis to accommodate assessment using ICTs

ICT Resources

Use and safety policy should be in place to govern the use of resources.

a.       ICT devices in each classroom

b.      Media room

c.       Appropriate software to supplement teaching and learning

ICT Access (staff, learners, community)

a.       Access to the internet

b.      Access to ICTs on the compound outside of class time (access policy)

c.       Special needs children

Module 10 Activity 3 Planning for ICTs in your school

School’s General Vision

The school envisions a learning community in which all stakeholders work collaboratively as active partners to support and enhance continuous student achievement and professional growth of the staff in the process of nation building.

School’s ICT Vision

ICT will be used effectively to enhance teaching and learning in all areas of the school, to support collaborative and co-operative learning, to develop higher order thinking skills, to assess learning and to help all students realize their educational and social potential.

Alignment between the general vision and its ICT-specific vision:

The SWOT analysis revealed that the school’s general vision focuses on the enhancement of continuous student achievement and professional growth of staff but it does not specifically state how this will be done.  It may be argued that ICTs play a leading role in the development of students and teachers in the school, but as they are written, both visions are not specifically aligned in the role that ICTs will play. This non-alignment of the visions would most likely result in ad hoc ICT planning and development at the school. To this end, there will be a need to align the school’s general vision and the ICT vision so that together they will clearly form the guiding principle in the work that needs to be done in ICT at the school

Module 10 Activity 2 A Vision for school ICT Policy

Ten years from now, I envisage ICTs being fully integrated into the school’s curriculum as well as being the driving force for the school’s day to day operation.  Learning using ICTs will be anytime anywhere learning.  The school would have implemented ways for the ICTs to be fully integrated into the curriculum and students to use ICTs for effective learning.  The schools vision for ICT will reflect national as well as international needs so that the students will fit seamlessly into any society.

Issues to include are:

·         ICT vision, mission, rationale

·         The need for learners to be autonomous in learning

·         The teachers role will be on managing learning

·         A competence-based curriculum apportions knowledge where it has a relevance to the

competencies which are being taught.

·         Usage of ICT for students, teachers and administrators

·         ICTs for special needs and exceptional students

·         Health and safety issues

·         Internet acceptable use policy

·         World wide web use, email and chat policy

·         sanctions

·         Agreement forms for children and Permission forms for parents