Managing Learning and Thinking with ICT
Prior to the beginning this module, I was very concerned about how I would effectively manage my lessons with ICTs. Thus, I was careful in what ICTs I would utilize and the frequency with which I would incorporate such learning tools. This module reminded me of some classroom strategies that I could use with or without ICTs. As a result, I have been able to use them effectively to ensure that students are engaged and motivated in all my lessons. I am going to reflect on the sections that had the most impact on my learning experience.
In terms of computer labs, prior to the material cover in this module, I had very little knowledge and experience about the issues that were involved in the set up and administration of computer labs. The videos and the websites to which I have been exposed have shown me not only the issues related to computer labs in the integration of ICTs, but also the benefits and possibilities that can be had from their effective use. Hence, I now consider myself an advocate for the use of computer labs, moreso the mobile computer labs.
I am very familiar with the one computer classrooms and have found them to very limited where students are concerned. Even after looking at the material presented, I am still of the view that this approach is very teacher-centred and would not be effective in moulding students into become 21st century learners. Although, it can be argued that it would foster more co-operative learning and develop students' social skills, it leaves much to be desired where individual practice and construction of knowledge is concerned.
My limited knowledge and no experience with interactive whiteboards, I was very excited about my knowledge gained in this section. It empowered me to identify creative ways of implementing the IWBs in my lessons. The information has further inspired to try to incorporate the same ideas with a regular whiteboards. I have not tried as yet, but I hope to do so in the upcoming term with at least one of my classes. I am convinced that with this new knowledge that I am in a better position to aid students to become more engaged and motivated about their own learning.
Many of our students have been issued tablets through a government initiative. However, many educators were ill-prepared as to how to engage students in learning via the tablets. The presentation in this module provided useful ideas as to how to incorporate the students' devices in their learning. It allows drove home the idea that when students are engaged in learning that is meaningful, they become more motivated, hence are self-directed. I think that I will try to source some ebooks, as supplementary literature for some of my French students. This section has certainly brought some sense of equilibrium to my mind.
Finally, the issue of social networking for online communication and collaboration is one that was very important to me. I was unable to access the course's wikispace in the initial case, and subsequently never got around to being able to make meaningful contributions to the group pages. However, in retrospect, I have seen areas where I would incorporate wikis and blogging in the future. Wikis and blogs are valuable tools that help students with interpreting, constructing, presenting and re-presenting content. What better way to learn?
Overall, I have found the learning experience in the module 8 to be very enlightening. Although many circumstances caused me to not be able to participate fully in group assignments and blogging on a regular basis, I am happy that I persisted to the end. The information was timely, and I will take a few concepts and apply them each term to my classes. It is my plan that by this time next year, I will become a more rounded educator, empowering my students into becoming responsible, self-directed and critical thinking citizens of the 21st century.
Cheers to the end of another exciting module!
