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.