ICT as a situating tool

Among many advantages of using ICT as a different tools to enhance teaching and learning, the last one that we discussed is using ICT as situating tool. This tool, I felt it as an interesting and one of the most meaningful tools that we could use to teach and also for students learn different concepts and procedures. 

What are situating tools? Applications that helps to situate learners in an environment to experience the context and happenings. Examples: Simulations (flight, farming, surgery, environment, driving, HistoryCity, SimCity, play station) and virtual reality (VR). 

Exploring simulations on atoms 

There are numerous importance of situating tools, to mention a few, it:

• situates users in the environment 
• comprehend and manipulate variables
• communicate with others users login
• foster creativity and visualization skills. 

Situating tools such as simulations are an important asset that can be integrated in the teaching and learning. This is because when a certain real life experiences are impossible or difficult to attain. For example, if we want our students to learn about cockroach dissection or anatomy of frog, then it would be difficult to bring man frogs and let students dissect to study the anatomy. Therefore, situating tools (simulations) can help students experience and learn virtually. 

What are simulations? Simulations are programs that teach strategies and rules which are made to apply to real-life situations. For example: computers presents simulations of real learning situations, it makes learners to take decisions and also show the effects of decision. It also provides opportunities to interact with the real life situations without danger, expense or difficulty. It solves simulated real life problems. It also manipulates the elements of the model as the computer provides feedback. It invokes learners' conceptual understanding and higher order thinking skills. 

Playing with virtual knee surgery simulations 

If all the schools have access to adequate computers and good internet, then, I feel that teachers can do a lot to help students learn best and also provide space for them to think more creatively and do many things that will help them understand the reality through simulated things. It is also going to ease teacher's workload and also aid teachers to deliver the lesson well. 

ICT as a co-constructive tool

ICT applications can not only be used as a constructive tool but also as a meaningful means of co-constructing knowledge. Co-construction involves more than two people where individuals can work collaboratively online using various application tools. 

What are co-constructive tools? Those applications that support the construction of knowledge through a shared understanding. For example: google docs (docs.google.com), electronic whiteboard, blogs and wikis and discussion forums on portals. 

As a part of learning how to use ICT as a co-constructive tool, we were divided into different groups of around 5 people to create a ICT integrated lesson plan on various topics of our own choice. We were asked to design lesson plan using google docs by integrating ICT features such as communicative tool, informative tool and constructive tool etc... Working on the lesson plan gave us an opportunity to share my ideas when friends, comment and edit their work and also ask their feedback on the things that I have written. 

Some of the importance of using co-constructive tools are:

• We can co-edit 
• Communicate database, text and graphics
• Enhance collaborative learning environment 
• Involves high level cognitive processes - explanation, problem-finding and problem solving 
• Involves active and intentional learning and also, 
• Helps identify and develop expertise.

Friends working on google docs

ICT as Constructive tool

Prior to thinking of using ICT as a constructive tool, I often wanted to reflect on what the theory of constructivism would have to say. According to the theory, it says that people construct their own understanding and knowledge of the world through experiencing things and reflecting on those experiences. When we encounter something new, we have to reconcile it with our previous ideas and experience, may be changing it what we believe and discarding irrelevant things. Every individuals are active creators of our own knowledge. 

During the session 

And, with the use of Information and communication technologies, we could create and construct so many useful things to ease teacher's teaching and learning. But before that we need to understand, what constructive tool is? Constructive tools are applications that help learner manipulate information. visualize one's understanding and construct one's own knowledge. 

Some of the examples of of constructive applications that we used in the class were concept map, MS word, spread sheets and power-point. For instance, concept maps allows users to brainstorm and to visualize their understanding of relationships among a collection of concepts. 

Example of C-map

We could also use MS word and spread sheets to construct so many information for teaching and learning. Spread sheets offer a range of advantages to business users but it even teachers can use it widely to analyze, gather and interpret data. 

The most powerful construction application that we could use in teaching and learning is the MS power-point. It gives teachers to deliver the content in a meaningful way and students with an opportunity to create different things to learn and understand. For example, we could use power-point slides to create animations to teach germination of a plant or a flower. 

                                             

Computer a as Communicative tool

What are communicative tools? It is those applications which enable easy communication between the teacher and the students, among students beyond the physical barrier either by space, time or both of the classroom. 

Some o the examples of communicative tools are: 

• Email
• Electronic bulletin boards
• Online chat
• Video and web conferencing 
• smart boards
• social networking sites (Blogs, facebook etc...). 

There are two types of communications: 

1. Synchronous which enables real-time communication. It used for instructional activities that require higher degree of interaction or for solving urgent problems or issues. Examples: chat, electronic whiteboards and videoconferencing 

2. Asynchronous is more appropriate for activities that require more time in thinking before responding. Examples: email, electronic bulletin, vle discussion forum...

How can we apply synchronous and asynchronous communicative tools in teaching and learning? As teachers, given the good computers in the schools connected with good internet connectivity, we could use various communicative tools mentioned above to enhance teaching and learning. Using various communicative tools can help students co-construct knowledge and help them share their understanding and ideas with ease. 

For example: using online chat to discuss or brainstorm prior knowledge on the topic plant. And the, using google slides to prepare presentations by collecting good information from the internet and then sharing their work through email could really boost the enthusiasm of the students and make them inquisitive about learning various topics. 

While there are series of advantages of using communicative tools in teaching and learning. it does have several challenges or difficulties as well. To mention a few difficulties of using synchronous, as it is instant and real-time, multiple threads of discussion are difficult to follow, slow connections distracts and discussion loses focus because of may side discussions. 

Similarly using asynchronous has its own difficulties. It discourages learners participation. Checking the discussion board/vle/blogs for posts is an additional task. It also fails to maintain the interests. You may watch this video to know more... 

Reflections on Digital Citizenship

Before we actually understand what 'Digital citizenship' is all about. I personally feel that we should be understanding what citizenship is, so that it help us understand and connect to the term digital citizenship. Citizenship is defined as “the quality of an individual’s response to membership in a community.” So digital citizenship is nearly the same thing–“the quality of a response to membership in a digital community” would be fairly be a good definition of the digital citizenship. 

Who is a digital citizen?

A digital citizen refers to a person who has the knowledge and skills to effectively use digital technologies to communicate with others, participate and create and consume digital content. Therefore, digital citizenship is about confident and positive engagement with digital technologies. 

Educating students on digital citizenship is crucial and need of the hour. In the era of rapid technological advancement and use of media technologies, which has almost become a part of our day to day lives; understanding how to best uses these sophisticated technologies meaningfully is more essential and necessary. 

By educating students about digital citizenship and becoming a good digital citizen, they will have the opportunity to develop an understanding about the following concepts: 

• digital and information literacy,
• internet safety,
• privacy and security,
• cyber-bullying, relationships, etiquette and communication, 
• creative credit and copy right, and
• digital footprint. 

The above mentioned concepts are very important. As a user of the digital technology using internet, we need be a digital literate. Understanding how technology works and taking best advantages of technology to help oneself grow and help the society is crucial. 

https://www.studysmartwithchris.com/digital-literacy-in-contemporary-education/digital-literacy-criteria-8/

Internet safety? Many awful things can happen on the internet. As people and especially young people uses more of internet, they become exposed to different stuffs and they become vulnerable to internet threats. It is important to know and be responsible to be safe on while using the internet and also help others feel safe on the internet. 

https://stluciatimes.com/internet-safety-campaign-to-be-launched-in-saint-lucia/

Privacy and security? What we put on the internet is something to be careful and critical about. We can't put whatever we like online. We might put ourselves into problem because of our own actions. Privacy and internet freedom is matter of life. 

https://www.tutorversal.com/australia/internet-privacy-and-security-issues-assignment-help.html

One of the many concerns I have is cyber-bullying. According to Hinduja and Patchin (2015), cyberbullying is defined as, "willful and repeated harm inflicted through the use of computers, cell phones, and other electronic devices." As young people use more and more social networking sites such as facebook, wechat, instagram and whatsapp etc... they might anytime fall victim of the cyberbullying. The online materials people share, the communications they have with others. How people treat unknown people online would inflict psychological and emotional disturbances in young people and in turn may ruin their lives. 

https://fourriversmirco.com/mainsite/2018/11/06/top-9-tips-for-cyber-bullying/

Therefore, being an educated digital citizen is paramount in this time and age. As teachers, making awareness on this subject and making our students a responsible consumers of the media is more important. 

Date: 03.04.19 - SWOT Analysis of ICT as an Informative tool

In this session, firstly we discussed on the SWOT of using ICT as an informative tool. To mention a few things that we discussed are:

Courtesy: https://nexightgroup.com/using-swot-analysis-

Strengths: Most students are ready to learn new skills. It helps students study subjects using a wide range of sources. It also helps students with disabilities. It enhances their interests in learning and retention power as well.

Weakness: We need to have good internet connection. It could make students lazy and might be troublesome sometimes.

Opportunities: It helps to make learning environment contemporary, attractive and interactive. Students could get first hand information. They have the liberty to repeat as many times to understand well.

Threats: It might divert student’s attention toward things that are not useful. Students over dependency may be harmful.

After that, we discussed on the topic, computer as communicative tool. Communicative tools are applications which enable easy communication between the teacher and the students as well as among students beyond the physical barrier either by space, time or both of the classrooms.

There are two types of communications: 1. Synchronous/real time- in which users must be simultaneously connected, rather like a telephone call. Example: chat, telephone call or videoconferencing. 2. Asynchronous- not requiring the people communicating to be logged on the internet at the same time. Examples: e-mail, WeChat, telegram and vle discussion.

After that we were divided into different groups to discuss on the benefits of using different features of applications like WeChat, Facebook, e-mail and skype to enhance teaching and learning. We brainstormed ideas as to how such social networking sites can be used to ease teaching and enhance a better learning in students.

Date: 29.03.19 - Report

In this session, we basically worked on the incomplete class task from the previous session. After spending a good amount of time working in groups, we took some time to share our activity plan to the rest of the friends. After that, we discussed some of the advantages of using ICT as a tool to teach. 

Some of the advantages we discussed were:

·         Students will be able to learn how to integrate relevant ideas using ICT as an information tool.

·         It will also give learners a space to analyze the information available in the computer.

·         It is also going to help students enhance their critical thinking.

·         Most importantly, they will learn to evaluate sources on the internet.

I feel that the last advantage is one of the most important things students should be mindful of because in the sea of information that are there on the internet, there are chances that students may consume information that are not appropriate or authentic if not evaluated well. Therefore, it is crucial that the teacher foster and help students develop evaluating skills so that they can benefit the most from the resources available on line.

Date: 22.03.19 - 'ICT as a tool to teach and learn'

In this session, firstly, we discussed on the differences between constructivism and social constructivism. I learnt that in constructivism, knowledge is constructed by the individuals while it is socially constructed in social constructivism. ICT can play a significant role in either being used as a tool or providing access to instructional materials. Computers can be used to enhance communication between student and the teacher, or among the students so as to socially help them construct knowledge. 

Therefore, ICT can contribute hugely in social constructivist approach of constructing knowledge and sharing.

We came to learn that computer can be used in five different ways such as:

·         Informative tool

·         Communicating tool

·         Constructive tool

·         Co-constructive tool and,

·         Situating tool.

To discuss on the first point- computers as informative tools; computers can store a huge amount of information and materials for students do get with ease. It can provide both teachers and students with adequate and incredible resources in various forms to ease teaching and learning. It can be a tool that will help construct knowledge and meaning at the same time enhances assessing or integrating relevant ideas.

Later, in pairs, we were assigned with a task to design an activity to teach about flower using computer. It gave us insights to use online materials or ready-made resources to teach students on the topic. Using ICT to deliver the lesson can be more interesting and enjoyable than the mere chalk and chalkboard teaching. There are several interesting materials that can help students achieve the mandated objective in the curriculum by referring online materials and simulations.

While ICT can be a meaningful or useful platform to enhance learning and infuse joy in student’s learning, it is crucial that teachers be mindful of the instructions on the activities we provide. Instructions should be specific so that they do not go beyond the mentioned instructions. ICT provides a shift in paradigm from the traditional monotonous setting to an easier and intriguing platform that would generate plethora of energy and enthusiasm in learning.

Date: 06.03.19 - 'Informative Tool'

The module tutor instructed us to go outside and capture pictures of any kind. We went and clicked many pictures. Some of our friends took pictures of waste bins, windows, trees and so forth. Similarly, I took a picture of a primrose flower.

With the picture, we went back. Then, we were asked to use ICT to teach about the picture to our students. I used Power Point Slides to talk about the yellow primrose. The activity was carried out basically to understand how best we could use ICT teach any subject to our students.

Then, gradually we discussed about integration. I understood that ICT integration is not just a teacher using ICT to make his or her work easier and ease teaching but it is about teacher and the students using ICT together to learn and understand different things. It is also about integrating ICT in teaching and learning process, to prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need in their subject matter.

In this way, I feel that we could evolve more effectively from teacher-centered to student-centered learning environments. ICT will not only facilitate delivery of lessons but also the learning process. Therefore, educators can play an important role in technology integration. In order to make use technology in the classroom effectively, educators should have a positive attitude toward technology and they should be trained in using the modern technologies in their respective field of education. Teachers could act as the change agent.

We also discussed the analogy of a chef. Integrating technology in the classroom instruction is like cooking a meal for important guests; it requires a careful selection of ingredients (that is, instructional materials), and thoughtful preparation (in this case, lesson planning). And, as all good chefs know, after we have finished cooking, we need to present our masterpieces (lesson) to our guests (students) in a manner so as to leave them well-fed (having the required skills and knowledge) and eager to come back for more. Thus, it is imperative on our part, as educators to make sure that our students would love to come in our sessions with utmost excitement and wanting to learn more.

Lastly, we also discussed some of the challenges that might hinder the integration of ICT in the classrooms. One of the pertinent issues that we discussed was about the availability of adequate computers in the schools. Even the internet connectivity and more importantly, the external and internal factors. The attitude of the school leaders and teachers. The lack of expertise to use hardware and software to ease teaching and learning. These are some of the pertinent challenges that we felt would eventually hinder the integration.

Date: 20.02.19 - 'Learning Styles'

The session started with an online test to examine or see the category of learning we fall. It essentially talks about different styles and preferences of learners. There are several learning styles such as:

·         Auditory learner

·         Visual learner

·         Kinesthetic learner

·         Independent learner

·         Informal learner and,

·         Guided learner

Courtesy: https://www.basicknowledge101.com/subjects/learningstyles.html

We checked this link http://www.whatismylearningstyle.com/learning-style-test-1.html and chose different variables that we prefer which ultimately, the database gave us the type of learning style that we prefer. Once we knew in which category of learning we fall, we used Google presentation to build a community of different learning abilities and created a presentation of different learning categories such as auditory, visual or kinesthetic. Then, presentations were made by a representative from each group.

According to the test, I fall under auditory learner, and, I am satisfied with the test result because it pointed out many of the factors that interest me to learn. For example, I learn and retain information best when it is presented through sound and speeches. I also feel that I am good at listening have social and presentation skills.

Overall, the class was quite interesting as we learned about various learning styles and at the same time learnt how to use ICT to enhance different learning styles.

Date: 15.02.19 - 'Digital Natives and Immigrants'

In today’s session, we discussed on the two articles titled, ‘ICTs and Teacher Education: Global Context and Framework’ and ‘Digital Natives, Digital Immigrants’ by Marc Prensky. The first article basically talks about a ‘Paradigm Shift’ in education. It tries to compare the traditional view of learning process and the changes that have taken place in the recent times.

We have seen rapid advancement in technology within not many decades. We are now living in a technology-based society whereby there are enormous shifts in the different aspects such as economy, politics, society and culture. And, there are also demands of new knowledge and skills in the work force. ICTs have changed the nature of work and types of skills needed in mist fields and profession. Therefore, it does play a vital role in the education as well.

ICTs provide an array of powerful tools that may help in transforming the present isolated, teacher-centered and text-bound classrooms into rich, student-focused, interactive knowledge environments. Therefore, every education systems around the world can embrace new technologies as a tool for learning. It is important that we endeavor to move from the tradition paradigm of learning.

In order to keep students engaged, take greater responsibilities for their own learning and help them construct their own knowledge, it is crucial that we shift the approach of teaching and learning by embracing different methods using appropriate technologies. Thus, shifting the approach from the traditional mode of learning to more modern mode learning with integration of ICT is referred as paradigm shift.

A shift from teacher-centered instruction to learner-centered instruction is needed to enable students acquire the new 21^st century knowledge and skills. It is going to create more interactive and engaging learning environment for teachers and learners. It is going to change the role of both teachers and students. Students will have greater responsibility for their own learning. So, ICTs will be a powerful tool to support the shift to student-centered learning.

The second article discusses on digital native and digital immigrants. Mark Prensky tries to define what these two terms mean. He said, today’s students represent the first generations to grow up with new technology. He said that different technological devices have become part of their lives and they are called ‘digital natives.’ He said that our students today are all native speakers of the digital language of computers, video games and the internet.

Courtesy: https://unicheck.com/blog/digital-immigrants-vs-digital-natives

Those people who are not born into the digital world but have, at some point in their lives, become fascinated by and adopted many or most aspects of the new technology are called ‘digital immigrants.’ The paper also says that while digital natives will have fewer appreciations to the new skills that the natives have acquired and also they think that ICTs may not help students learn the concepts and skills in the manner as they use to learn.

The paper also discusses about meeting the needs of the digital natives by integrating ICTs and finding new ways to do different things. It also presents the role of educators to adapt materials to the language of digital natives. It also talks about using different software, games and other online materials to ease teaching and learning process in the schools. If done efficiently, it will not only engage students well but also help them learn more effectively.

To conclude, it is important that we as educators be equipped with necessary ICT skills and knowledge to meet the growing demand of digital natives and make their learning productive and authentic.

Date: 13.02.19 - Introduction

In the beginning of every semester, all the module tutors spend some time talking about the module and assessment aspects. Similarly, in the first session of the module, we were briefed on the nature of the module, objectives, and range of topics to explore and the mode of assessments. 

The module, ICT in teaching and learning aims to equip us with relevant pedagogical skills and ideas in using ICT as an effective teaching/learning tool. Basically, it is going to help us explore ideas to use ICT as a resource to improve teaching and learning process.

In the 21^st century, as we witness rapid development and advancement in technology, I feel that it is essential to integrate variety of technologies in our education system. In order to shift our approach of teaching and learning from traditional to modern, it is imperative on our part to use ICT that is likely to enhance teaching and learning process. ICT is going to be an indispensable tool to engage children and make teachers comfortable to deliver any content.

Apart from the familiarization of the module plan, the tutor made sure that all of us have access to the RUB mail. We have spent good amount of time learning different features of G-mail like inserting signatures, profile, vacation time period to name a few. I thought those were some of the features we ought to know so that we could use it efficiently whenever necessary.

In order to have successful and effective sessions throughout the semester, it is imperative to have certain classroom norms. Along with the tutor, we discussed and agreed to adhere to certain important norms such as punctuality, phones silent, respecting the speaker to list a few.