Module 2A_5: Activity 4A- The Word Processor as a learning tool

Word processing can be a powerful learning tool. 
For instance, students who write using a word processor can easily outline then expand their ideas; request and consider grammar or spelling suggestions; revise as many times as necessary before printing.  They can even submit their electronic work to their teacher for edits. Students can also to create posters, flyers, invitations, name tags etc. by using the word processor.

Module 2A_5:Activity3- Word Processor for Lesson Preparation

One of the most important aspects of teaching is lesson preparation. Pens, paper, scissors and glue as lesson preparation tools tend to be cumbersome.  These can be easily replaced with technology.  The word processor can be used to type your lesson plans, learner’s notes/hand-outs or worksheets.  The best part of this is that you can save your work for reuse next year – and if you need to make a change, only a few clicks are required.

Module 2A_5:Activity2- Word Processor as an administrative tool

The word processor can significantly aid the teacher with the administrative task he/she has to complete.  The busy teacher can benefit greatly from the ease with which the word processor allows you to store, recall/retrieve, amend and organise information.  Templates can be created so that the same materials/documents do not need to be done over and over again.  Records can be updated instantly.

Module 1B-4 Activity2:Two Generations of Teachers: Differences in Attitudes towards ICT

The following are two conclusions drawn after reading the article “Two generations of teachers- Difference in attitudes towards ICT” by Silvia Ferrero:

1.    Older teachers are more enthusiastic about the use of ICT in the classroom

2.  The unavailability of consistent training and an adequate support base affect the attitudes of teachers towards the use of ICT in the classroom.

Module 1B-4: Activity 1: Conclusions from the discussion on ICT integration in developing countries

"It is impossible for a developing nation to compete with developed nations in the field of ICT integration in schools".

From the different point of views expressed by the group members it can be seen that majority are in agreement that developing nation competing with developed nations to integrate ICT in schools is more of a difficulty than an impossibility.  It must be noted that when developed nations were starting out they also had challenges therefore if we as developing nations are willing to persevere to overcome the many hurdles such as finance and human resources we can also be competitive.  This means that all stakeholders involved must play their part.

Module 1B-4: Activity 1: Audit of my school’s ICT use (what we have and what we do with it)

My school is equipped with a Literacy Centre that is internet ready.  This centre contains eight computers along with audio-video aids.  Although we have a limited number of computers in relation to students the teachers have personal laptops on loan from the government that are used.  Also an IT Mobile Unit sponsored by the government comes once a week to teach basic IT skills to the students of Grades five and six.



Presently at my school ICT is used for the following purposes:

1.   Facilitating communication between staff members, other schools within the zone and also Ministry of Education officials and other stakeholders via emails

2.   To conduct research and projects by both teachers and students

3.    To develop activities such as worksheets/lesson plans using online resources to aid with the day to day teaching/learning environment

4.   Gathering information via the internet for compiling projects, notes for different subject areas, how to teach a concept, songs for songbook etc.

5.   Using Educational Software(this is not done regularly due to limited computers)

6.   To create bathroom passes, demerit/merit cards, invitations and tickets for school events such as graduation and concert, school programme sheets, certificates, bookmarks, flyers, class projects/posters, school’s songbook etc.

Module 2A-5: Activity 1: The Roles of the Teacher

The Roles of the teacher and relevant ICT uses for each role.
Reflective comments on collaborative document

It used to be said that teachers were not only teachers but also lawyers, doctors, seamstress/tailor etc.  I know teachers have several roles/duties to perform but I never knew they were categorised.  From this assignmnet it can be seen that there are several ways in which ICT can be utilised to make these roles easier to carry out.  The ideas provided were great and thought stimulation.  These ideas reactivated my knowledge of the different uses of  ICT. 

 The myriad of ideas produced by the group attest to the multiple uses of ICT within the teaching-learning environment. 

As I read, I wondered how many of these ideas are being employed within our schools presently.  Further, are we short-changing or limiting the growth of our pupils by the age-old methods?

CCTI ORIENTATION

Yesterday was so frustrating with the internet up and down. Today is a bit better.