- Students are more receptive.
- Teachers can organize classes to cater for differences in learning styles.
- Learning can be self paced.
- The learning environment is less threatening since students can communicate with teachers online.
- There is an improvement in students' attitude towards school and learning.
- There is greater independence in learning.
- There is an improvement in self confidence and self esteem.
- There is an improvement in writing skills.
For students who are challenged in reading and writing skills, there are computer based programmes which will provide the students with drills and practice for as long as the students need since the computer cannot run out of patience. According to Wes Rodgers in Students: Technology in the Classroom "students are able to control their own pace at which they proceed through the exercises, they are neither held back nor left behind by their peers."
A critical factor in integrating technology in the curriculum is technology pedagogy and content knowledge, (TPACK). Too often mistakes are made in lesson planning when teachers begin by selecting the tools and resources rather than the educational goals. Harris and Hoffer (2009) stated if learning goals are first selected and pedagogical decisions made according to "students' instructional and contextual realities" the resources to be used for delivery of the lessons will become obvious.
The idea of using technology in the classroom is certainly not a new one, and the opportunities of how it can be used to support educational goals are endless. In Trinidad and Tobago, we still have far to go in implementing this concept, but the Ministry of Education is certainly on the right track by sending teachers for ICT training. Nevertheless, to ensure that this concept is successfully adapted in every school some serious thought must given to many things chief among which is security for these systems when placed in the nation's schools.
I have just completed an end of semester questionnaire on the ICT course and as I read the items I thought that I would be ticking some responses in the agree categories but somehow in being honest with myself I had to indicate that I am not competent enough to teach integrating the technology learned. I need to practice a lot before I am confident to say that i am capable. As for teaching this technology to teachers the same applies. However I pledge to continue practicing and using it with a selected class of a certain number before I can use it with facile.I think that ICT teachers in the schools and the school librarian can be involved in this drive as well.
ReplyDeleteHi Delores,Using new technoligies in the classroom has become of such importance to the teaching/learning situation in schools today that sometimes I wonder if this has really hit home to all the stakeholders in education. We at the highschool level have seen some indication that the Ministry of Education has recognised the fact as computers, multimedia projectors,digital cameras, laptops for departments and other equipment such as the e-beam have been provided.
ReplyDeleteThe big problem that we have is that bandits hijack our school on a frequent basis and steal lots of our computers and other piecies of equipment that I named above. This is disheartening as our students look forward to receiving their lessons with the use of technology. Calling in the police has been of little assistance as even though they have taken finger prints they have not been able to catch anyone.
We have seen the difference in students at the form three level of the National Test. They excell in subjects where they use the computer, such as Educational Technology and subjects in the Visual and Performing Arts such as Music,Drama, and Visual Art, where they use other technology. Harris Hoffer(2009) is correct, select learning goals that are related to your student needs first and then select content and related technoligies.
Give students enough time to practice and experiment with technology and other resources to construct their own learning and they will do well.