Activity5:Interactive Whiteboard

An interactive whiteboard is an instructional tool that allows computer images to be displayed onto a board using a digital projector. The instructor can then manipulate the elements on the board by using his finger as a mouse, directly on the screen. Items can be dragged, clicked and copied and the lecturer can hand write notes, which can be transformed into text and saved. Interactive whiteboards are powerful classroom tools and they have the potential to improve students’ academic performance and create various learning opportunities once they are properly integrated into teaching and learning. I think IWB's are excellent and can help to improve interactivity and collaboration once they are properly used. I have had training in using interactive whiteboards and found them to be very effective, especially when teaching difficult concepts. They can be useless tools and have the potential to impede learning if teachers do not plan carefully and manage classroom activities effectively.

Activity 4: One Computer Classroom

Understanding of one computer classrooms and how one can adopt strategies and procedures to facilitate good classroom management in such a situation is very crucial for teachers if they are to successfully implement a one-computer classroom. Concerns regarding equity, time management and computer hardware are a feature of one computer classroom. Some ideas for using a one computer classroom include:

      Use the Computer as Teacher Tool

      Use the Computer as Multi-Media Chalk Board or Flip Chart 

     Have Students use the Computer as a Tool for Individual Input as Part of a Larger Group or Class Project

      Use the Computer as Learning Center or Station 

      Use the Computer as Cooperative Learning Tool

      Have Students Use the Computer to do Individual Work for Practice or Assessment

Activity 3: Learning Labs

Learning labs are classroom areas that provide time to practice, and a safe place devoted to learning through action. In a learning lab, students explore real-life issues and develop solutions for these issues. 

You can adopt procedures to facilitate good classroom management in learning labs by:

• ·        Giving instructions BEFORE students come to the lab.
• ·         Teaching students to sit in their same seat, turn on the computer, and begin working as soon as they enter the room.
• ·         Ensuring important websites and passwords are displayed.
• ·        When giving directions in the lab, move quickly.
• ·        Always having something for students to do when they finish early
• ·        Having an alternate activity planned in case something goes wrong with your lesson
• ·        Giving meaningful, engaging assignments, preferably ones that allow students to work at their own pace.

Activity 2- Learning in ICT enabled Classroom

ICT -enabled classrooms can have advantages and disadvantages.

The advantages include active student engagement, learning of 21st century skills, flexibility and increase participation from all students.

The disadvantages of computers in the classroom include the fact that many teachers are ill-equipped to use it as a teaching tool, the Internet can pose harmful material to students, and computers can prove to be a waste of time when software is not effective. Weigh the pros and cons of having a computer in the classroom with advice from a former classroom instructor in this free video on education.

Activity 1-Principles of Classroom Management

Classroom management is a primary concern for teachers. Though classroom management success comes over time, it's important for new and experienced teachers alike to hone good classroom management skills so that they and their students can get the most out of their time together. Good classroom management boils down to a contract of mutual respect between students and the teacher -- but understanding how to draft the contract with students can be challenging at times.

Good practical measures to effectively manage classrooms in which ICT is integrated:

      ICT use policy must be clearly communicated to all students

      Students must be actively engaged at all times

      Tasks should not be set too easy or too difficult for students to complete

      Teacher should communicate all expectations clearly to students before they perform given tasks.

Plan effectively based on ICT resources that are available.

Welcome- Module 8- Managing, Teaching and Learning with ICT

Welcome to one and all in this new module. As usual, I hope we would all have a great time.

Regards,
Temika

End of Module 9

Hi All,

We have come to the official end of this interesting module. I think that despite the fact that we could have collaborated some more, the module went fairly well. I hope that as we embark on the other two modules, things would be a bit different. Special thanks to Gerald for his excellent work in simplifying some of the activities.