Module 8 Activity 3 Learning Labs

Learning labs are usually associated with subject areas that specifically require the use of ICTs to negotiate the subject, for example, Information Technology. It is usually a room that has individual computer units set out presumably for individual use.  What appears to be missing is the fact that ICTs should be a part of the teaching/learning process and should form part of any subject curriculum with the ultimate aim of improving learning.  This means that computers should not only be restricted to learning labs but should be a part of every classroom so that they may be accessed readily by learners whenever the need arises.

If schools have learning labs as the only means of accessing ICTs, then careful management of same should be emphasized. The design and layout must carefully be considered so that collaboration among learners could be fostered. The lab should also be easily accessible to learners whenever they need to do individual work.

Module 8 Activity 2 Learning in ICT enabled classrooms

Learning in the 21st century is supported by ICT enabled classrooms where students are continuously engaged and responsible for their own learning. I do believe that students learn better when they are involved in the learning and the presence of ICTs create such an environment. This suggests a student-centred environment where the teacher acts as a facilitator and /or guide in the learning process.

In the ICT enabled classroom, teachers and students are exposed to a wealth of information in various subject areas through the Internet and the World Wide Web. They do not have to rely on books and magazines from libraries or other sources which may be outdated or unavailable due to limited copies.  The students are also exposed to a number of media to source information. In addition, ICT facilitates access to resource persons and other professionals around the world.

While the pros for ICT enabled classroom are numerous, we must also bear in mind the high cost of hardware and software, maintenance cost as well as the need for training and support of teachers to use it for teaching and learning. Teachers will have to effectively plan for the incorporation of ICTs in their lessons.

Module 8 Activity 1 Classroom Management Principles

As a practitioner for quite a number of years, I have come to realize that effective management of any classroom requires putting measures in place to reduce or prevent disruptions from occuring rather than to use alot of time to try and quel the disruptions. This would involve employing certain measures in the classroom that would focus the students' attention on the tasks at hand rather than to have time on their hands for disruptive behaviour. I believe in having an orderly classroom and I enforce this by setting rules and ensuring that they are understood and adhered to. Another measure that I practise is that of ensuring that I have all students attention before commencing a task. This gets them ready and focused for the task at hand. This is quite an effective measure for my classroom since I do not have to wait for the students to focus. As soon as I step into the classroom, the students become attentive. Another good practice is that of calling students by name to answer questions.  In this way, they will not know when they will be called to respond to a question and as a result will have to keep abreast of what is happening in the classroom.