Module 2A_4 Activity 9: Evaluating web-hosted information purpose

This activity was very informative and quite refreshing.  The saying is rather true that education in fact is a sharing and learning process.  There is certain information that was new to me.  After going through this time consuming activity I am now capable of using websites better by checking the data properly.

Group 2A-4 Activity 11: PLN

Group 2A-4 Activity 11: Creating a Personal Learning Network

Personal Learning Network consists of the entire collection of people that learners would interact with to gain information or knowledge in a personal learning environment; usually online.  Examples of PLN are twitter, LinkedIn and the popular facebook.   It is through these PLN that educators keep current with the ever changing world of technology.  So as educators it is necessary for us to get involved or be a part of a PLN, if we are going to successfully integrate ICT into our teaching and learning process.  PLN are terrific ways to that are used to extend our knowledge and learning outside our classrooms. 

Activity 10A: Social Media

Group 2A- 4 Activity 10A: Social media as a professional development resource                

Social media includes Portable and web-based technologies that are used to turn communication into dialogues that are interactive.  In other words these social networks are a way of connecting to people in a very powerful way. Social media is not just a toy but a tool where one can build a platform for sharing information. It is also used to share valuable content in many different formats such as twitter and blog post and other powerful articles and videos.  As teachers this social media can enhanced the development of our profession.  Being a part of a social network we can collaborate by sharing and learning.

Group Activity 9 - School readiness

Module 1B Group Activity 9 - School readiness 

It is believed by most people that the integration of ICT can empower teachers and learners, and most of all promote change, creativity and foster the development of skills for this technological world for this century.  This wonderful world that we are all fascinated about will impact all positively, but comes with issues because of lack of  monitoring and evaluation of the tools and the methods that are use to deal with the use of ICTs in school and  how it affect teaching and learning. However, it is the duties of the administrators to properly evaluate the system and have the appropriate mechanism put in place at all levels.

Generally it is most of us dream to have the use of ICT right at our finger tips, but it is going take all us to collaborate have the tools of ICT into our classrooms and beyond.  How well are teachers in your school supported in their use of ICT through continuing professional development, ready access to ICT resources and technical support? In other words are the necessary infrastructure in place or are we moving into that direct?   

This change is good it would assist in making teaching and learning very interesting.  ICT are powerful tools that can be developed in different ways to meet the needs of the learners and teachers in different areas.   It is up to all of us to become equipped about ICT, have the mechanism in place in order to build that framework to accommodate this integration.  No one person is going to get it done, it is going to take a collaboration effort by all.

 Let us not left behind.

Group 1B-3 Activity 8: Impact of ICT on schools

Group 1B-3: Impact of ICT on schools   Activity 8a and 8b – Teaching Spaces and Curriculum delivery

As we embrace these rapid changes in technology we have to do things differently.   As educators we are all part of this big educational world that is constantly changing.   Therefore it is our duty to change as this educational world change around us.    As we know that the teaching and learning process is constantly changing.   As some would say, it is not a one size fit all.    We  just have to modify the way we teach whether we have ICT or not so that our student can become motivated to learn. 

The integration of the technology can and will empower teachers and learners, by transforming teaching and learning process from being highly teacher-dominated to student-centered.   As a result of this integration, will increased learning by creating and allowing for opportunities for learners to develop such areas of creativity and communication skills.

The uses of ICT as a tool in our classroom and beyond will enhance the learning experiences for children for children and teachers. 

Module 1B-3: Activity 7: School

Group1b-3 Activity 7 - School staff development

Reflection

ICT has the potential to improve significantly, the quality of learning and teaching in our schools.  ICT would also raise the achievement of our learners.  Therefore in order for the integration of ICT into the school system to be successful, our teachers must be equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools of the technology in order to impact it effectively in the classroom.

Group 1B-3 Activity 5: Myth of Computer literacy (Reflection)

Gloria Joseph

Group 1B-3 Activity 5: Myth of Computer literacy (Reflection)

There are many myths about what is computer literacy in this rapid changing computer environment. One may say that computer literacy involves the types of computer skills that person will need to function in an information –based society.    Computer literacy is basically having the basic skills and knowledge to impart as the need arises.  

The integration of technology should serve to guide, expand and enhance learning objectives.  It is understood that teachers and students do need to spend time learning the basics of using a computer. This is necessary in order to move to effectively integrating technology.   It is paramount that teachers definitely acquire certain basic ICT competencies in order to integrate it into their disciplines in order to make learning more meaningful.  

According to the reading, teachers’ taking the integrated approach is just simply acquiring the computer skills in the context of activity that is meaningful to learners.  In other words, using such approach call for learning by doing, learner-centered learning in learner-interest contexts.   

Group 2A-4 Activity 7: Spreadsheets as a learning resource (Reflection)

 

Gloria Joseph

Group 2A-4 Activity 7: Spreadsheets as a learning resource (Reflection)

Having gone through these exercises in spreadsheet I realized that I have forgotten how useful this tool can be.  There are many uses of spreadsheets beyond the simple arithmetical and data analysis we are used to. Spreadsheets can assist us in many tasks with accuracy and speed.  I always enjoy doing graphs in spreadsheet, so to work with the graphs in his lesson was really a treat.  

Spread sheet can be a very powerful learning tool in teaching; teachers can select the context that is most appropriate for their particular needs.  This tool can be used in mathematics and the sciences, spreadsheets could be used to convert temperature figures whether in Celsius or far hermetic, metric to imperial measurements, pounds to kilos, exchange rates among a host of other measurements.

 

Spreadsheets as a learning resource offer students and teachers with a way to view data in various formats (pie charts, line graphs, bar graphs, and the like). When students and teachers are able to view data in various formats, they are able to make important visual discoveries about their data.  Suffice to say that the use of spreadsheet in many disciplines would enhance learning.   

As we continue to move into this technological world it would be good if has teachers we equip ourselves with the knowledge of this tool.  As a result of this, our student would be motivated to learn, it would be excited to because they are already “tecky”.

Group 1B-3 Activity 4: Is there a need for teachers?

Group 1B-3 Activity 4: Is there a need for teachers?

Reflection

Reading these two articles was very enlightening and enjoyable.  It emphasize to me that our children come to us with the knowledge they would have learn before and all ready to share.  Therefore as educators/teachers we need to build on what they have.  Create that environment of learning, by providing the necessary tools so that we can help our children to make that connection from scientific learning to spontaneous learning.  As a result of this learning environment our children would be eager to learn and learning would be meaningful.  In other words teachers need to sue what the student bring to the learning environment to help them make that connection to what is been taught. 

Teachers are needed because they are the facilitators of learning. They must be around to organize and guide the learning process if there is going to be success in such environment. In other words teachers are needed to guide, as their students discover their new knowledge and learn new things.  (We cannot do without teachers)