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.