Module 8 Activity 7: Tablet Devices in the Classroom

Tablet devices are portable handheld machines which engage students/users with diverse learning abilities and which can be used by the teacher to produce a variety of effective learner experiences.
They are visually engaging and stimulating teaching tools which the teacher can use to create individualized learning curriculum focusing on individual students rather than producing a whole class learning experience where some are left behind. with the appropriate apps applied, the students are free to work at different paces in the same class with the same teacher.
Learning with the tablet is termed "mobile learning" and it is simply removing the learning from the traditional classroom allowing the students to learn where ever possible. No longer is it confined to a classroom or behind a desk listening to the teacher.
The use of tablets promotes the practice of Authentic learning and improves project-based learners.

Module 8 Activity 6: One-to-One Learning

One-to-one learning means putting a computer ( a PC, laptop, tablet pc) into the hands of every students so that they can work independently whether in the classroom or at home.

Using this practice, students tend to be highly engaged in their lessons as they work in teams, access and submit assignments and carry out research which leads to more participation in class. 

It also enables the teacher to  use a variety of techniques to teach the content of their subject area and the teacher is also  able to keep abreast of each students' progress through online assessment tools as s/he integrates  online content and learning resources into the curriculum as they expand learning beyond the classroom.

However, it has its down side. Students in a one-to-one learning environment can become distracted from learning and focus on other aspects of using the computer such as playing games, visiting social media sites, surfing the internet and watching and downloading videos.

It is imperative that teachers instill in students  that they must use the tool effectively and appropriately for the enhancement of their learning.

Module 8 Activity 5: Interactive White Boards

Interactive White Boards are large presentation tools that work with a projector and a computer to allow teachers to create dynamic and captivating lessons.
It is a powerful tool which provides the opportunity for full student involvement in the lesson through the use of manipulatives, images, audio, video and other visuals and once used innovatively they create a wide range of learning opportunities.

Module 8 Activity 4: The One-computer Classroom

The One-computer classroom is a classroom that has one or very few (probably up to four computers to one student) in a classroom.
 As an experienced use of the One-computer classroom concept, it has been  and will continue to assist me in enhancing the effective delivery of the learning objectives through the use of a combination of text, visual images and audio until I am able to improve or transform my classroom into one where there is a computer available for each child in the class. The most important ingredient to make this concept work is that the teacher must be creative and innovative and must engage in  proper organization and planning of the lessons to be taught so that the learning of all students is enhanced.
For the teacher in the one-computer classroom the computer serves both as an administrative tool and as a teaching tool. Administratively it can be used for professional productivity such as creating handouts, worksheets, tests and quizzes, checklists, lesson plans as well as for writing reports.. It can also be used as a storage device for storing large amounts of data e.g.  as an electronic grade book, students attendance records and their biographical data and other records. It can also store content material prepared by the teacher as well as downloaded from the WWW. As a presentation tool, the teacher can use the computer as an assistant to communicate and present the content area of the subject being taught.
The computer in a one-computer classroom can be used to engage the students in cooperative group work activities where the students are given the opportunity to work together on a common goal for mutual benefit. In addition with careful planning and organizing, students can be given the chance to work at the computer individually or in pairs using specific content software to reinforce certain skills through drill and practice exercises created by the teacher as well as using the internet (virtual galleries, web links etc) and CD ROMs with relevant information to complete activities and worksheets created for them by the teacher to reinforce learning.
The success of the one-computer classroom depends on the creativity and innovation of the teacher who will carefully plan and manage the classroom to achieve the best learning outcome.

Module 8 Activity 3: Learning Labs

Learning Labs

Learning labs are a good thing once they are carefully managed and monitored and the users (both teachers and learners) know and follow the rules which govern their use and to use them for the right purposes.
Having a cluster of computers in a single space is often used for the development of ICT "literacy" skills- that is teaching the subject of Information Technology. This also is a good thing but I also believe that it would be more beneficial to not only have computers in a lab setting but that they should be placed in every classroom as well. In the classroom, teachers of individual subject areas would be able to use the technology as a teaching and learning tool in their respective disciplines to help improve and enhance learning.

With the plethora of digital devices  available including laptops, I pads, tablets as well as software that can be used for teaching and learning consideration should be given towards integrating the use of these personal tools into the ICT integration in the classroom process. This means that the learning labs will be extended beyond the physical space and become 'mobile' and thus learning will take place wherever and whenever possible. With innovative initiatives such as this Schools can begin to craft their own ICT implementation plan for the successful use of ICT in their schools.

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:

Module 8 Activity 1: Classroom Management Principles

According to Rebecca Alber in her article "Ten Tips for Classroom Management", if students "are engaged, they are managed." I agree with this statement. However for this to take place there must be rules and guidelines put in place by the teacher to govern the use of the classroom and the use of the tools and machines in the classroom as well. Both the teacher and students must take ownership of the classroom.

      As an Educator  for the past 27 years, to make management of the classroom easy I am of the opinion that  the teacher must first build a positive and safe learning community. This can be done by first building good relationships: teacher-students, student-student, thus creating a classroom community with a friendly  environment. I also take the time out to  get to know their names and to call them by their names when asking questions or asking them to do a task and to commend them when they do and say things correctly.

     I usually greet the students at the classroom door, inviting them in with a smile and involve them in designing and laying out of the classroom (visual arts lab). They are then exposed to the rules which govern the classroom, their expectations ans consequences of the rules if the expectations are not adhered too. I also ask if they have any additional rules they would like to add, and would discuss and add them if they will help in the management of the class. Doing this helps tremendously in having fewer behavioural problems. It also means that they knowing what is expected of them will be ready and eager to learn and will be focused on the tasks at hand. To conclude one can therefore say that the most important element of classroom management is the TEACHER'S PRESENCE.