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.