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.