Activity 4: The one-computer classroom

In a one computer classroom the participation structure determines the mode of instruction: As a result will the students work?

•       Individually
•     In cooperative groups
•    Whole class

Teacher and students use the 'computer' as:

• Presentation Tool
• Learning station/center: research, data collection, publishing, media production, brainstorming
• Multimedia chalkboard/Flipchart
• Cooperative learning media
• Individual work device
• Assessment Tool

 Management Strategies needed in a one computer classroom:

• Rotational schedule
• Teaching rules and procedures with their consequences
• Prevention, Intervention, Post-intervention strategies

Main focus for the teacher is on Organizational Skills:

Managing the learning environment, interaction (individual or group work), lesson and activities (a variety of task with clear instructions), relationships and behaviour (having a good rapport with students), oneself, and feedback, clearly defined stages activities and lessons.

Activity 3: Pros and Cons of Computer Labs

High Density computer labs - the reach many at one time method 

• pros
• A computer lab that is accessible to students during the day and to the community at large at nights or hours when school is not in session
•        cons
• The notion of security is one that is always an issue
• The question of whether to spend ‘all that money’ on a computer lab or to give each person their own computer or tablet
• In a lab there is the challenge of integrating the use of the computer in the different subject areas
• trends in educational ICT
• Computer labs are considered a thing of the past since - The use of computers in learning in a computer lab is now being replaced with the use of computers that are mobile: where each person has his or her own personal computer or the more becoming tablet
• Pedagogical practices may be strengthened or weakened with the use of any technology based on the attitudes and abilities of the instructor
• the issues that are raised
• Is just putting Computers in a room really considered a computer lab?
• Is the use of mobile computers better than using computer labs, or does it depends on how they are used?

In conclusion, computer labs once they are now conformed to learning labs are more conducive for collaborative learning. Therefore effective classroom management where it relates to the number of pupils to teacher will increase, thus leaving more room for learning to take place.

Activity 2: Learning in ICT-enabled classrooms

Pros and cons of the ICT-enabled classroom based on our group discussion 

Pros:

• Enhances students’ learning
• Motivates the learner to learn
• Promotes flexible learning
• Creates students who are critical thinkers
• Reduces cost
• Allows students to be actively engaged
• Makes the teacher a facilitator of learning
• Provides a new model of teaching and learning
• Increases cooperation and collaboration among students
• Gives students the opportunity to learn computer skills
• Empowers students to be creators and producers of knowledge
• Enhances literacy skills
• Caters for learners to work at their own pace
• Gives appropriate constructive and timely feedback

Cons:

• Limited finance
• Insufficient and/or inadequate ICT tools and resources
• Technology failure
• Plagiarism
• Teachers overwhelmed to prepare and plan lessons
• Teachers reluctant to change their pedagogy
• Difficulty to control large classes
• Teacher’s lack of professional development

Activity 1: Classroom management - with and without ICT

Classroom Management

Without ICT classroom management has a number of principles that a teacher can follow:

1. Setting rules, routines and procedures from the start
2. Organizing the environment in a positive way
3. Outlining clear lines of communication
4. Providing opportunities for cooperation and collaboration
5. Planning effective and efficient lessons

With ICT the above principles may also be practiced along with:

1. Selecting appropriate ICT tools for specific tasks and lessons
2. Identifying participation structures in using the technology
3. Sharing the responsibility of the teaching and learning process between teacher and students
4. Caring for technology before, during and after classes
5. Having fun learning while using technology

Good classroom management takes practice with consistency!

Managing Learning and Teaching with ICT

Greetings colleagues:

I am Chaka Grant, 5^th and 6^th grade teacher at the Pares Primary School.  I have been utilizing ICT to enhance teaching and learning within my Mathematics and Social Studies sessions and for administrative purposes.  Fully implementing/incorporating ICT in the classroom is still a work in progress.