When ICTs are integrated learning becomes more about the learner and less about the educator. Educators operate as facilitators of learning, and as a coach in assisting students with projects. The students learn by doing, inquiring and collaborating with others. In other words, their learning will mirror the world they would be expected to function in once they leave the classroom. In fact, they will work on interdisciplinary projects that use information and skills from a variety of subjects and fulfil the curriculum standards.
In order for this to take place at my school, there must be a UNIFIED vision and mission. ALL teachers must be convinced that this is the way to go. Once this happens, there will be much more support and integration across subject areas and levels. Currently, many teachers still operate in teacher-centred classrooms, which yields very little academic success on the parts of the students. Additionally, it is apparent that many teachers are not willing to experiment and be flexible. Hence, when it comes to collaboration, they are not willing to try new ideas, simply because they are unsure of the results.
As a leader, teacher, I believe that I should exemplify the flexibility and experimentation that would be necessary to improve practices. However, I tend to be reluctant to share as persons tend to be very cynical of incorporating innovative ideas with the students. There are always excuses like, "That won't work with the students we have" or "CSEC does not ask for all of that, so why bother" or "I don't have the time".
As one who loves to experiment, I think that the onus is mine to record and evaluate the successes and failures of different strategies that I've incorporated into the teaching and learning. Also, ensure that my experiments are successful, so that persons do not only hear my ideas but see the successes.
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