Module 8: Activity 10: The Flipped Classroom

This idea has been driving many educators up the walls while it has been a welcomed approach for others. It allows for students to be responsible for their own learning and they are exposed to content by watch videos before entering the classroom. this then allows for concepts that were not quite grasped to be discussed either in groups or as a whole class. 

One downfall that sticks with me is that facilitators have to plan and prepare ahead of time for this to be successful.

It it better for one to try an approach before branding it as no good. 

Module 8: Activity 9: Cell Phones in the Classroom

There seems to be no end in sight for the use of cell phones in school. Many pros and cons are posited an still no common ground is met. Just like any other device, users need to be taught responsibility for their use. A variety of authors and researchers have stated that if properly implemented, the use of cell phones can reap positive results. 

They have also stated that putting a ban on its use in school has forced students use them in bathrooms and lockers for fear of being caught. They are also of the belief that this action has caused students commit illegal activities against each other. 

There is need for a level plain for this debate to be resolved. 

Module 8: Activity 8: Management of Social Networking and e-safety.in the classroom

This also is a hot topic of debate in the world today. Social networks include facebook, twitter and the like. Whenever the issue of social networking, e-safety is at the head of the discussion since the safety of all stakeholders is paramount. No one will feel comfortable knowing that their children's life being in danger. 

It now left to the principal and staff to ensure that policies etc are put in place for the safety of all stakeholders' who will use the internet. 

Module 8: Activity 7: Tablet Devices in the Classroom

Presently, in Antigua and Barbuda, All students from Form 2 to Form 5 are given the opportunity to own a tablet device as government grants. This has been deemed as a welcoming gesture to some citizens while other find it to be rather inappropriate since most facilitators were not trained in the use of these devices in their classrooms. 

These handheld devices can be effectively used in the classroom to enhance the teaching and learning experience.

Just as with any other tech tool there are negative views to their usage in classrooms. 

www.edudemic.com has given the following as the top ten things that one needs to know before diving into the use of tablet devices in the classroom. These are they:-

1. Kids Will Break The (Very Expensive) Tablets

2. When It Comes to Education, The Operating System Matters – a Lot!

3. Children Will Be Online ALL The Time

4. The Battery Will Run Out in An Hour

5. Why On Earth Do Kids Need a “Multi-Media Experience” for Learning? I’m Suspicious…

6. Kids Will Be Able to Access Unsuitable Websites and Apps, and I Can’t Stop Them!

7. With So Many Apps, I Won’t Know Which Ones to Download for School

8. I’m Worried About The Tablets Being a Target for Thieves. Is Children Safety at Risk?

9. Won’t Cyber-Bullying or Approaches by Strange People Increase With Tablet Usage?

10. I really Don’t Want Kids to Lose the Ability to Read a Book, or To Handwrite

Module 8: Activity 6: One-to-one learning

It is evident that technology is in-grained in the very fibre of today's native digital natives. Many individuals would agree that it would be ideal to have each student using his/her own technology tool.  There are many positives that can be obtained from the one-to-one teaching/learning approach. These include but not limited to:- 

• it allows the facilitator to use differential teaching/learning approaches so as to meet the needs of the students
• it enhances the teaching/learning process, encourages  collaboration, creativity and fosters critical thinking.

With the correct use of the tools like the iPad, iPod, cell phones or any other technology tools, facilitators can make a difference in the lives of their students, which in turn would make them marketable for the work world. That is to say, make them 21st Century ready.

Module 8: Activity 5: Interactive White Boards

The Interactive White Board has been a welcome commodity for some facilitators and students. It has been shown to improve students' participation in classrooms and to enhance teaching experience. Notwithstanding the aforementioned, this large technological tool has its pros and has been a debated topic for some time now. 

The use of this technological tool can be bring about positive results if the activities are well-planned, organized and executed.

Module 8: Activity 4: One-computer classroom

A one-computer classroom can be effective and produce positive results if facilitators use their creativity to enhance the teaching/learning experience. They need be mindful of the boredom that could occur if activities are not well-planned. Remember that its connection to a large display screen can be beneficial in lessons. Some examples for its use are:- 

• as a teaching tool
• as a presentation tool for both stakeholders
• for group work

Module 8: Activity 3: Learrning Labs

Time to practice and a safe place devoted to learning through action are two elements of a learning lab as posited by MHA Institute. It is claimed that individuals get a chance to face real-life issues and they find solutions to them. 

These labs can be successful if rules are established for its use. It has been mentioned numerous times though that these are becoming obsolete since personal devices like ipods, smart phones and laptops to name a few are dominating the seen.

Module 8: Learning in ICT-enabled Classroom

The positives of learning in ICT-enabled classrooms can out weigh the negatives if certain practices and structures are put into place. Some of these are:-

1. age appropriate devices and software
2. ICT- competent facilitators
3. finance for purchasing and maintaining equipment
4. well planned activities for in and out of class sessions that allow for collaboration, engagement and enjoyment 
5. opportunities for feedback
6. opportunities that cater for diversity
7. student-centered learning

I must say that Antigua and Barbuda has shown its belief in having the above mentioned classrooms because it has first given every facilitator a laptop, provide the opportunity for every fourth or fifth formers to be armed with tablet. This is a step in the technological dirrection.

Module 8 - Activity 1: Principles of Classroom Management

Without proper classroom management, learning will not take place. This is not saying that facilitators/educators should stand over the learners' head with the rod of correction. It simply takes proper planning and adequate delivery of activities to achieve the required behaviour.

It is of great importance for facilitators to model the expected behaviours, be firm and fair when dealing with issues, allow opportunities for learners to be involved in the concepts to be learnt, demand respect and show it too and develop a good relationship with learners and those with whom they live if they intend on having excellent classroom management.

Module 9: Activity 11: Final Reflections

How has the journey so far been, smooth or hard going? The lessons that I have learnt so far?

The journey so far had its ups and downs especially when I had to push my tired body and mind to function at peak level. That however, did not deter me because I turned the challenges into stepping stones. With continued effort and determination, the end result was exemplary. It was a pleasure working with most members of the team. Their words of encouragement and clarification when needed will not go unnoticed. Collaboration, teamwork and positive criticism has made a great impact on my completion of this module. Thanks to all those who played a part in ensuring that I kept on going.

Some lessons that are etched in my mind are:-
•A leader cannot lead without a vision.
•Never micro-manage, form a management team to critically analyze programmes or future plans.
•Build trust- it paves the way for people to follow you.
•Empower all stakeholders.
•Build a good relationship with the community.
•Let change be gradual.
•Have a flexible plan for change so that other alternatives can be used as you progress.
•Allow time for staff professional development.
•As a leader, get first-hand experiences of the day-to-day running of your institution so that you can speak convincingly on issues that may arise.

How my aspirations for my school have changed now that I have completed this module? How I feel about the school's vision and whether it is on track?

Having completed this module, I can see my school being the lead school in Antigua and Barbuda with respect to ICT integration. This view can be realized with the installation of ICT infrastructure, the training of educators and the support of all the stakeholders. The school’s vision will keep on track with flexibility if obstacles are met. There is also evidence that the educators are willing and ready to move forward for success.

The key areas that will be focus points for my continued learning about ICTs, their uses and ways to plan for them at my school. How I am going to support my own continued learning?

Key areas that I will be focus points are:

-implementing the school’s shared vision

-ongoing training sessions

-have a support system for educators

I am going to continue my own learning by:

-completing the other two module on COL

-enroll in any other ICT course for as refreshers’ course

-utilize the information gleaned from this course

-continue to use of the different ICT tools etc that are available

Module 9: Activity 10: Partnership Letter

As the old adage says,"No man is an island," the same is true for educational institutions. There is a growing need for them to form partnership with another establishment so that goals can be achieved. It is worthwhile remember that when a partnership is sought, the letter of invitation need not be excessively long but concise and to the point. 

It is also a good practice to approach businesses who have been contributing to the school and have been showing interest in its development.

Presently, establishments are willing and ready to partner with educational institutions because they know that they can have a say in type of education and skills that are instilled in students. These establishments will benefit in the end when they employ some of those same students when they leave school or even for summer and Christmas vacations.

Module 9: Activity 9- Creating a shared vision

No matter what vision one has for an institution, one should never force it on the stakeholders. Instead, one should get ideas from them then make a final vision that includes the contribution of all involved. It was rather impressive to find out that other educators in my school have similar vision as mine for the school. Also they had others that I never thought about.

So, as the words say, "SHARED VISION", which means the visions of more than one person combined.

Module 9: Activity 8 – Importance of vision:

My one big thought about a vision for my school:

It is my hope that sooner than later, Pares Secondary School would be among the many schools worldwide that has integrated ICT across its curriculum. This can be achieved when the integration takes place with curriculum, spatial, temporal, pedagogical, and attitudinal. It is also a clear reminder that a school cannot succeed with a vision.

How I feel about the course so far: I am quite please with the course because it has added new knowledge to my previous knowledge and has given me new insights into the importance of leadership.

Module 9: Activity 6: Models and stages of technology change

What I have learnt about how soon to expect change and how much change to expect: Change is a gradual process and not everyone will come board in the initial stage. However, there needs to be an ICT assessment of the staff and the school so that this would guide decision making to move forward.

What I feel is my biggest challenge in achieving technology change in my school: My biggest challenge would be financial support for installation and maintenance of infrastructure.

Module 9: Activity 5: Learning Communites

What I have learnt about learning communities online: This activity gave me the opportunity to look into the function of ICT in two schools. The researches have shed some on how they coped with situations during their installation period. 

Here are the points that are upper most in my mind:-

 

1.   Get the overall feel of the staff on the issue.

2.   Allow time for them to use their previous knowledge of ICT.

3.   Have a plan that is workable for the majority.

4.   Have information available in print and online.

5.   Keep a close connection with the community and all other stakeholders.

6.   Use the traditional pedagogies as building blocks.