Module 1B 3 Activity 5 Integrated Approach

In the integrated approach, the emphasis is on using the computer for learning rather than just learning computer skills in isolation. This makes it different from the idea of computer literacy since the skills learnt in the integrated approach will be done in meaningful contexts. In regards to the challenges faced when integrating ICT,  the teachers will have to ensure that the curricula cater to the needs of the students.  This means a total reorganization in the way things are done in the classroom during the teaching/learning process. Teachers will have to change the classroom environment from a teacher-centred one to a student centred one. Finally, I truly believe that it is the responsibility of all teachers to teach ICT so that the specific learning needed for the specific subject areas may be adequately dealt with.

Module 1B3 Activity 9 School Readiness

The STaR document is one that may be used to determine a school's readiness for ICT integration while the Mankato scale looks at the readiness of teachers. For any school to progress in ICT integration it is imperative that they know where they are so that they can decide where they need to go.  Too often, schools embark on technology projects in an ad hoc manner simply because they were given some computers by donor agencies or because they have discovered some new technology that may not necessarily fit into their level of technological development.  There must be a strategic plan to chart the way forward for ICT integration in a school and it begins with the readiness assessment......that of the school and that of the staff.

2A4 Activity 11 Personal Learning Network

This task entailed setting up my PLN and I had to do what was necessary to get it started.  It took me a while to start this activity due to the fact that it seemed somewhat insurmountable after the first reading. I thought about it for quite a while and did the necessary readings in the hope of getting some ideas. I had a facebook account which I felt was a waste of time and I did not use it much.  I thought of Twitter and I figured that it was somewhat like facebook. I finally stumbled upon a social network that I particularly liked mainly because it deals with educational issues. It is called Classroom 2.0 and I know that I will maintain my PLN for a very long time.

2A 4 Activity 7 Spreadsheet as a Learning Tool

This activity focussed on using spreadsheet as a learning tool unlike self activity which used the spreadsheet for administrative purposes.  This activity had me thinking about incorporating spreadsheet into a lesson with the view of encouraging learning. It brought to the fore the idea of just in time learning which speaks to teaching a skill as it is needed to help with the learning rather than to teach a skill for use later. I am an advocate for the just in time learning because I have been a victim of the just in case learning.  I learnt a skill because it seemed like a good thing to do at the time even though I had no immediate need for it.  I never got to use it anytime soon, but when the opportunity arose, I had to learn the skill all over again. Learning ICT skills should be done in a meaningful way and not in isolation.

The idea of using spreadsheet in a lesson in a class with only one computer for approximately 40 students had me thinking of the situation that is quite likely in many of our schools especially when the computer lab is not available. The teacher would have to find innovative ways to teach the lesson and ensure that all the students learn the concepts being taught. The key is to this situation is to use the limited resources that might be available to get the job done effectively.

2A 4 Self Activity 4 Recordbook

This activity involved working with spreadsheet to do a number of administrative activities.  Though I had some knowledge of spreadsheet, this exercise opened a world of spreadsheet that was new to me especially that section that dealt with the IF function. It was very rewarding seeing the results after stating a particular criterion. I truly believe that if administrators were to use spreadsheet as part of their regular duties, their lives at school will instantly become easier. I definitely enjoyed doing this activity.

2A4 Activity 3B Integrating the Word Processor

This activity focused on the use of the word processor as a tool for learning in a lesson. When used, it can make learning effective and at the same time a fun activity. This proved to be quite true as I watched the students having fun during the execution of the lesson. In a similar lesson without the word processor, the students would be complaining about the length of the lesson or would show signs of fatigue.  That was not the case with this lesson because the students were engaged in doing a learning activity on the computer which they enjoyed doing.  It means that as teachers, we must make the teaching-learning activity more student-centred which will make the learning more meaningful to the students.

Module 1B3 Activity 8B Curriculum Delivery

As teachers, we need to be proactive rather than reactive as far as the strategies used in the classroom are concerned.  Long before ICT integration in schools, teachers need to begin examining how they teach....the methods used, the actual delivery of the content and how the students are expected to deal with their learning. It is not enough to put everything on pause because it is believed that the school is not 'ready' for technology. If teachers were to take this route, their students will be left behind.  To keep abreast with ICT, course materials will need to be revised to accommodate online learning and students will need to be guided into using ICT for ‘just in time’ learning rather than ‘just in case’ learning. The teacher will have to prepare students for the 21^st century and this can only be done effectively if she changes her approach from one of teacher centeredness to one of student centeredness with ICT integration at the helm.