Group 1B-4
 I have contributed to the discussion and wrote my comment  in the discussion (on the PIL site).  I have also claimed and written a statement on the Learner's Charter, so I am just waiting to see where this will go.

Group 2A-5: Activity 5 

This activity was an awakening for me, because it reminded me of the integral part the principal plays in shaping the learning culture of the school and the support that s/he has to give to all in the school community.  Additionally it made me more keenly aware of how multifaceted the role of an educator/or principal is. Usually, we speak of teachers being all things to all persons on the school compound, lawyer, doctor, police officer, nurse, counselor, disciplinarian, pastor, just to name a mere few.  This is definitely indicated in the reading and I know that if we are going to be good, effective educators we will have to continue functioning in all the roles described in the literature. So just let's do it. We can; oh, yes we can!

Completing this activity also made me realize that I need to improve my skills in the use of technological tools for management purposes.  Additionally it brought to the forefront the fact that the use of ICT in the execution of the roles of an educator will become the norm and so I need to ensure that my staff and I are equipped with the knowledge and skills to use the tools of ICT.  Consequently, the MOE will need to ensure that all schools are furnished with the necessary equipment and tools.

Group 2A-5: Assignment 1

Reflections

As I face the challenges of life, I feel that this course is ranking in the region of one of the biggest. It's high speed learning, like the super information highway and all the high speed internet access. If you are a slow poke or a slow learner, this course is definitely not for you.

2A-5: Activity 4A: Spreadsheets for Administrative Purposes

I am feeling very good  about myself today.  I was able to complete up to the 13th section of this activity.  I am not really  a competent user of Excel, but I learnt quite a lot form doing this activity and what made me feel especially good is that I did it all by myself.  I tried to complete the 14th step, but I did not get it after several tries, but I  know that I am going to get it done.  I am determined.

I really did find this activity very enjoyable in the end and I am coming to an even greater awareness that one can teach oneself anything if they have the 'stick-to-it-iveness' to get the task completed.

For the most part, I taught myself to use the computer and every time I use one, I find new things to do. I realize that there are lots of things that I still can't do, so I'll just have to keep on exploring and learning.

Group 1B-4: Activity 3

I like the idea of a learner's charter.  I believe that learner's should have a say into what they are taught and how they are taught; that is they have an input into what is laid out in the curriculum.  They should have the right to use ICT skills and tools in normal classroom activities, considering that they are using these same tools on a regular basis outside the classroom. That is why I liked Mr. Parillon's comments the most.  I also like Joycelyn Henry-Hampson's comments because we have not been and still are not doing enough to cater for the needs of the disabled or physically challenged.

One thing about this activity is that I had a hard time expressing myself like a child. 

I am still thinking of Assignment 1 for Group 1b-4.

This assignment forced me to think about how important it is to keep abreast with what is happening in schools with regard to the use of ICT in teaching and learning. It is evident that most teachers are using technology quite often in their everyday life, but many of them are not taking it into the classroom as an aid to teaching. 

Teachers are however complaining that the reason why they are not doing so is because they need training to do so.  I believe that this is true, but I also believe that if teachers are bent on being creative in their teaching, they would make the effort to learn the skills and use ICT as an aid to teaching and as a learning resource. I also suggest that we use what we have until we get what we want.

These are some of the conclusions I was able to draw from conducting the research.

 Assignment 1 

Assignment 1 was very challenging for me.  Gathering and analysing data is not my forte. I did try to do my best, but I know that it was not great.  Maybe I'll do better next time.

I am editing this blog because as I reflect, I must correct the foregoing statement.  It is not really the collecting and analyzing of data that is my weakness, but rather the use of Excel as a tool for analyzing and representing the data.  This is a weak area that, like other teachers, I will have to work on. 

I cannot pretend, I think reality is just setting in; this is a really challenging course. This course is very close to a bachelor's degree level.  One thing I can say is that it will help me to keep my brain active. 

Well I want to wish the best to all of the members of my group.  Let's continue to plod on.

Joycelyn Henry

2A-5-Activity 4B: Word Processor as a Learning Resource.

Reflections: 

Planning and executing this lesson was a challenge.  I guess that I have been out of the classroom too long.

I know that that is not really the case, but I think it was the effort to integrate the use of the computer as a learning resource that made a difference in the way the lesson was planned. 

I had the feeling that this was going to be an exciting lesson and so it was!! However, because the students are not accustomed to learning with the computer, they were a little restless after watching the YouTube video and took a little longer than usual to settle down. Other than that the lesson went as planned. The collaboration between students was excellent and no one felt left out, even though each computer had to be shared by two students. The presence of the IT instructor was helpful in getting students to access the Internet. 

The students were highly motivated and the level of excitement and participation remained high throughout the lesson.

I was pleased to see the level of excitement and enthusiasm among the students.  They also talked about their enjoyment of watching the time elapse photography on YouTube and expressed the desire to do more lessons in a similar manner. This shows that learning and teaching will become less pedestrian and more exciting with the integration of teaching and learning with ICT across the curriculum. 

Group 1B4: Assignment 1
It's good learning to work with technology.  So far, I can say that I have learnt how to blog, among other things. I am finding this course quite challenging, but I know that it is good for me since I have not done any serious studying since I came back from studying abroad.. 


Doing Assignment I has been my greatest challenge so far.  One of the conclusions I drew from the readings was that teachers who are going to teach and learn with ICT would like to have technical support available when 'things fall apart'.  Well I have proven that to be true as things just seem to be falling apart all around me.  I am keenly aware that learning is truly dynamic and that we always have to study to keep abreast with new skill and strategies in teaching. 


 

Group 1B-4 Assignment 1:

Well folks, it is now 12:15 a.m and I have just managed to send off Assignment I.  I can tell you that I have never been so disappointed in myself as I am in this assignment.  It was not at all well done because I was so hard pressed for time. I know that I am capable of much better work. When I realised that I could have asked for an extension, it was so late and nobody was responding to my request so I had to hurriedly send off something.
 
I saw some of my group memebers asking for extension, but did not realise that it was something that all of us could have done.  It would have been nice if someone had shared that with the rest of the group.

I have to say thanks to Temika Christian because if it had not been for her, I would have already fallen by the wayside.  Right now, it seems to me that we are in a competition, rather than collaborating.  Maybe if we can share we will all do a lot better.

Group 1B-4 Activity 2: Attitudes and Perceptions of ICT
Two Generations of Teachers: Difference in Attitudes towards ICT

There is that perception that age is a major factor contributing to use or lack of ICT use in pedagogy.  Attitudes is a major factor and these attitudes are displayed proportionately in the younger and older teachers alike.  Therefore the idea of the NET Generation is a fallacy and technophobia is prevalent among older and younger teachers alike.  

Some other factors, such as lack of technical support, the absence of an ICT coordinator and the fact that some teachers do not have computers at home are some of the other mitigating factors preventing teacher use of ICT in classrooms. These factors have the same effect on use of ICT in pedagogy for both generations of teachers.

The fear factor mentioned that affect younger users of technology was an eyeopening statement, but I agree with the author that the  high expectations of the youth has driven this fear as they know that their peers as well as older persons expect them to be able to easily engage with and master the use of today's technology.

I however believe that if older and younger teachers are given the necessary skills based training and technical support, that use of ICT in pedagogy will become the major element in lesson planning and delivery.

Group 2A-5: Activity 2: Word processor as an administrative resource

I learnt to use the computer very late in life and before doing so I was mortally afraid of it. However, I was forced to do so when I found myself in university and had to present word processed assignments instead of hand written. Well since I have learnt to use the computer, it has become indispensable to me especially in my role as a principal.  I can't imagine having to hand write all those letters, notes, and reports by hand.  Before, I found it so tedious, as well as time consuming to do so.  I am still exploring and learning new ways to use the computer but for now, word processing has become a regular feature in the execution of my daily administrative tasks.