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.