Activity 4 One Computer Classroom

The one computer classroom is basically defined as a classroom that has 1 or up to 4 computers in a classroom. This is beneficial by means of eliminating the need to schedule lab time with the rest of the school. The teacher will have the convenience of having the computers in the classroom  and do not have to regularly travel to the lab to integrate ICT. Groups can now be easily monitored by the teacher while others are meaningfully occupied and the teacher has quick access to online resources saving time.

Assignment 2

This was an awesome assignment. I really enjoyed planning the budget. I tried to make it as realistic as possible and related it to my school. I choose to allocate some of the funds towards teacher training and initial setup etc... The reason I did that was because I believe if you are going to spend that amount of money USD 50,000 on purely hardware, it would be unwise to not consider installation cost and other additional expenditure that comes with the process. Secondly why have all this new computer labs or one computer classrooms when teachers are not proficiency and unable to use them effectively to improve teaching and learning  and helping the students to develop 21st century skills? However, I did enjoy the experience of creating my presentation and adding my voice to it. I would have like to do the YouTube video but was pressed for time. I will definitely try and use that in the future.

Activity3a- Pros and cons of computer labs reflection

High density labs could be difficult for a teacher to manage depending on the size of the class.
It is my experience that the computer labs that I have worked in are small in relation to the size of the class. When lots of students are cramped into a small space the working environment may not be condusive towards learning. Most of the time students will have to share computers and get distracted easily. This has to be taken into consideration when planning classes and can become quite tedious. However, I like the idea of a U shaped layout for computer labs. This configuration allows the teacher to monitor the students screen while they are working and the teacher can  have access to each student easily to provide guidance and support.
Another issue with high density computer labs is that students need to leave the classroom and travel to the lab which means that technology is not being integrated into the curriculum. Its not in the classroom where core subjects are being taught. In St. Vincent the Ministry of Education has recently introduced the one laptop per child. This I believe is more beneficial to me as a teacher as opposed to the high density labs, because this gives learners the freedom to access their computer in the classroom providing there is wireless access to the internet as and when the teacher need them to. With regard to security and storage the students are solely responsible for their equiptment as they would take it home with them when it is not required by the teacher.  

Activity 2B pros and cons of ICT in the classroom

After my research, I believe that ICT enabled classrooms are a great way to enhance teaching and learning. It encourages students and teachers to learn 21st centuary skills.These skills not only prepares students for work life, but also fosters skills for creativity and social life. I found it interesting to read about the 'Grade 1 farms and food' document. The students got an oportunity to study farms and food. The project involved on site and classroom research, visits by experts, hands on work with food, expeditions, literacy activities such as writing and labelling, as well as cooking ,sketches, observations and taste tests. I realized that this project would have been able to take place without ICT, and the students would have learnt many valuable life skills. However, the ICT was used to record, document and share their work. A full colour calendar, professionally printed was able to be sold, which helps provide money which can be reinvested into similar projects. In this instance, using ICT aided the learning process and provided a product of their work. I believe this is a great balance. Having a useful ICT enabled classroom requires careful planning, guidance, and allocated times of use in order for it to be positively effective.

Module 8- Managing Learning and Teaching with ICT- Activity 1 Reflection.

Before this module it would have been perceived that learning with ICT tools could pose as a distraction and there could be scenarios arising such as not all learners would be provided for with a device. After all the readings and research. I have learnt a lot of strategies and the benefits of embracing diversity. I can now encourage students to bring their own devices to class. The result may be students walking through the door with a diverse assortment of technology tools — iPhones, androids, tablets, iPod touches and the occasional laptop. Therefore the moment they enter the room, my low tech classroom is instantly transformed into a buzzing technology hub. By allowing them to use their own devices they become more comfortable with the technology and tool they choose to use. This is also the device they use to navigate the world. Both of those factors translate into more meaningful, relevant and engaged learning.

- Devices also need to be treated as learning tools.

- Teachers need to establish new norms.

- Students need to be connected to educational apps and websites

- When using I.T Labs rules need to be established. Students can be paired or work in larger groups. Clearly posted timetable should be visible for all.

- If there’s one computer in the classroom there need to be a roster with set time so students can have equal time for computer use. Ensure computer and all software is up to date. Ensure that software is age and subject appropriate. 

Activity 11 Blog Reflection

The resources I developed were fun. From observation of the learners doing the activities, and general feedback from the learners. I can determine that it was a  success.The learners enjoyed doing them. The most rewarding part was watching them having fun while learning with the resources I created.My peers also created some excellent resources which I may be able to use if I modified them to suit my grade level.I can also use the one Jannis created as we teach the same grade. I also feel that one of my biggest challenges is the time I have to work with to complete the resources because It  was constrained it was difficult to produce the quality of work I wanted to create.

Activity 10 Blog Reflection

There were challenges encountered during this activity. I had to do quite a bit of reading, research and source the relevant information, graphics ,videos etc.. to produce my resource. Once I had all my information, creating the resource became more exciting. I had to ensure that my layout is simple,clear,easy to follow,informative, has vibrant graphics to illustrate the content making the resource fun and captivating and the language is age appropriate for my learners. Some of the information sourced needed to be adapted/modified to suit my lerner needs. The knowledge and tools I gained from this module helped me in creating this resource. I was able to manipulate graphics and use them for my needs.