REFLECTIONS

Despite the fact that i have been in ICT for such a long time I am at the point where I am really getting into the meat of things. Technology is changing the world, this change also involve the education system. As teachers embrace this form of development we must be mindful of its impact, be it positive or negative. For my part the last two modules, module 5 and 6 were very enlightening. It is very important that we do reviews on hardware and software before obtaining them. Technology is evolving at a rapid pace hence institutions and individuals must look at the specs and consumables of any device before purchasing. This course has alot of information to digest.

Interactive Learning

I-Pro is a bundling interactive software that came with U-Pointer, and will provide powerful functions, writing, authoring, exporting files, creating and editing contents, switching between window and I-Pro modes, and other various tools to express and deliver presentation easily, effective and conveniently at any circumstances.

I-Pro also has feature video recording that will produce best quality learning video but with small size. I-Pro as content creator tools, Teachers easily record the lecture and upload the lecture video from computer into LCMS (Learning Content Management System) built-in menu on I-Pro. Students as users can view the video lecture by streaming the video content through their PC or Smartphone anytime and anywhere.

Main Features of i-Pro

• Easy GUI (Graphic User Interface)
• Powerful Writing Function
• Multimedia Contents Authoring Function
• Integrated e-Learning (Learning Content Management System Support)

LCMS is a bridge for providing e-Learning that will handle learning content file that was uploaded from computer by lecturer. It provides user with:

• Manage lecture content with ease (store, share learning content)
• Provide the place to share idea or opinion with learning activities related
• Transmit content automatically without special server administrator needs
• Deliver learning content to student base on their related subject.
• Access into learning content anytime and anywhere using various devices such as PC, Notebook and smartphone

Interactive White Boards

SMART Technologies

• SMART Technologies manufactures both front and rear projection IWBs designed for use in education, business and government agencies. Customers with specific needs can work directly with SMART to customize their IWBs. The manufacturer provides on-site training including options for troubleshooting. SMART Technologies offers customers a program called "SMART Exchange," a repository that allows users to upload and share work created on their IWBs with colleagues. 

Promethean, Inc.

• Promethean manufactures IWBs for use in educational settings. To help educators determine which product to purchase, Promethean created an online, interactive tool called the "ActivClassroom." While in the "ActivClassroom," educators can add products to a virtual classroom, watch the products interact and build a product list for purchase. Promethean runs an on-going series of workshops for educators that provides training and best practices guidelines to fully utilize and integrate their products into the classroom.
  
  

Hitachi 

• Fully integrated with Microsoft Office products, handwritten annotations made on Hitachi IWBs are saved as ASCII text directly in Word and Excel programs. Hitachi manufactures IWBs for business and educational settings. It sells rear and front projection boards and offers on-site training and repair. The "Education Resource Center" on Hitachi's website gives teachers access to lesson plans and activities approved by their state's board of education and sorted by language, subjects and grade level
  
  
  
  
  

The One Computer Classroom: The Issues

Using one computer in the classroom can be both frustrating and fun. There are issues related to using the computer as part of large group activities and small group activities. There are also some general management concerns.

Large Group Activities. Large group issues include connecting to standards, keeping it simple, modeling concepts, incorporating PowerQuests, exploring Internet resources, involving students, and facilitating group activities.

Small Group Activities. Small group issues include exploring center approaches, providing effective support, considering center activities, encouraging collaboration, exploring scheduling options, building realistic expectations, and finding help.

Management Considerations. Management issues include considering hardware needs, considering timing of projects, and thinking about equity.

Insight

A software that teachers can use to give them control of the lab

Overview

On task instruction

Insight makes it easy for instructors to monitor user computers, blank user screens, mute audio, remote into user computers, and open, close or block applications and web activity on user workstations. Instructors no longer need to deal with classroom distractions like games, instant messaging, and web surfing when teaching a class.

Enable Collaboration

Instructors are able to share their screen with users or their supervision as well as share a user’s screen with other users. Communication efficiency is increased with the ability to send and collect files, chat with users, broadcast messages, and hold classroom votes and student testing, all over a variety of machines and operating systems

Our world looks much different today....

Teachers/lectures must ask the following questions...

But, we also have to be responsive to the learners that do not have all the exposure You have to be sensitive and progressive at one time.

How does the teacher/lecturer of the 21st Century look?

Every teacher/lecturer must ask the question - do I fit into the 21st Century teaching?

Do you still teach like this?

Where does he get his information from?
Who does he consult?

Study the following diagram carefully. Do you think this will be sufficient for the learner of the 21st Century?

The traditional teacher/lecturer will make use of his/her traditional teacher/lecturer network that consists of curriculum documents, print and digital resources and popular media.

Note that there is a one-way flow of information from these resources to the teacher/lecturer.

He/she will work and collaborate with colleagues and use the local community/family for application of learning (two ways).

How must teachers/lecturers respond?

Teachers/lecturers must be responsive to changing learners and the learning context:

Changing from Teacher 1.0 - The traditional teacher with a limited network...

In the 21st Century learning context, the teacher needs to extend these networks and become a ...

Teacher 2.0 - The Networked Teacher

The networked teacher/lecturer will still make use of his/her traditional teacher network that consists of curriculum documents, print and digital resources and popular media (one-way communication). However, he/she will significantly increase his/her two-way communication/collaboration/interaction, making use of appropriate and available technologies and tools.

Introduction

My name is Sydney Cumma and I am a teacher at the Pamelus Burke Government School in Byera Village. At present I am teaching Mathematics and Social Studies at the Grade 6 level and also hold the position of IT Coordinator. I am residing at O'Brien's Valley, St Vincent & the Grenadines.

My students are in the age group of 10 - 13 yrs. old and are fascinated with the use of ICT. I have been involved with ICT for fourteen years. When I am not in the classroom I enjoy farming my lands and spending time learning about new technology. After this course is finished I hope to gain additional knowledge pertaining to ICT integration. Specifically, useful tools to assist myself and other members of my staff to better incorporate technology into the classroom.

I have computer and internet access at both my home and at the computer lab in school. The computer lab is equipped with about 10 desktops, printer, copy machine, and access to a wireless network.