Module 8 Activity 2: Learning in ICT-enabled Classrooms

Learning in ICT-enabled Classrooms

     The use of ICT in the classroom can empower both teachers and students in terms of the teaching and learning process, promote change and foster the development of 21st Century learning skills and thus creating a well rounded child for the world we live in today. It can transform the teaching and learning process from being a teacher dominated environment to a student centered on which will result in  opportunities for the students to learn in developing their creativity, their problem solving skills and abilities, reasoning and communication skills as well as other higher order thinking skills. This can be achieved through the use of the internet and the WWW where a wealth of  up-to-date information can be found. They are exposed to a wide variety of sources and therefore are able to learn at their convenience and pace.

     However this will only be successful if ICT  is used appropriately by the teacher to compliment his/her existing  teaching practices and there are adequately available technological equipment including computer hardware and software and other devices such as over head projectors, interactive white boards, flat screen televisions, digital cameras, printers and so on.

     In Antigua and Barbuda efforts are being made to begin the ICT integration process in all the schools. The government initiative of giving Teachers a laptop, making available electronic tablets to students and providing internet access in school is a step in the right direction as we have begun to see some benefits.

     However, it must be noted that the ICT integration process despite its numerous benefits two major hindrances which prevent its implementation are the lack of enough hardware and software ( need to implement the 1 laptop per child initiative) as well as the need for adequate training of teachers to be able to use the technology to assist them in using it effectively in their classrooms. Some teachers are equip with ICT skills and are doing their best to implement the integration process while others have begun to embrace the change. Yet there are still others who are are resisting the change.

     As teachers who are already integrating the technology in our classes, not only do we need to continue to adapt the technology to suit our particular needs but we need to invite other teachers into our classes to experience and be a part of our class sessions so that they can see the effectiveness of the powerful nature of this tool and will want to become a part of the change process.

Learning in an ICT-enabled classroom is: