~Final Reflection~

Reflect on what you have learned about AUPs and ICT planning in this Unit.

There are so many things that I have learned from this course.

I can only start from the very first activity in the unit. 

 - What are ICTs?

Just as a child learns to speak without knowing how to write their language or even what conventions are correct, I obtained experiences in the uses of many technologies never wondering what they may be called collectively. 

I've never taken into consideration that maybe as an institution we should have documents with policies on use and management of our tech. 

This unit has shown me the importance of having a plan to improve our use of technology in our schools. It made me realize how I've not yet used ICT's to their full potential. 

I see how full integration can create a learning environment that can only benefit both students and teachers in our advancing society. 

Along with this, I have grasped how important it is to have a security plan in place.

The AUP's give us guidelines on how ICT's are distributed, how students and teachers should conduct themselves in the handling of technology and online behaviors. 

AUP's give us a safe environment in which to explore the world of information and communication.

At this time, we are taking an approach that is only fairly secure. Without the proper documents in place, I see the risks we are taking.

It is my hope that as we grow technologically as a school, we come to examine policies that should be in place. This thought is a direct result of exposure to this unit, ICTs and AUPs.

Reflective Blog -

lesson plan with integrated ICT's

Cause and Effect 

Previously, this lesson was taught without catering to every learning styles. Mostly visual learners would benefit from this lesson. Definitions were written on the board and examples shown and read.

ICT’s were integrated by way of audio tools and YouTube video clips. Slates were used as well for matching cause to effect in an activity to drag slanted lines to the correct answers.

The presentation became alive with visuals, audio and live actions of cause and effect examples.

ICT’s made the lesson come to life and made the thinking easier for the students. In that way it did support their thinking skills.

The timing of the lesson was too long, trying to incorporate all learning styles. Though the lesson was enjoyable, it wasn’t good for time on task. 

Reflecting on Infusing ICT's

Out of the seven teaching roles, I most relate to the 'Learning Mediator' role.
In the lower primary, it is important to be able to break down topics in a simple form
for students to understand. Language has to be strategic, demonstrations have to be interesting,
teacher has to have energy and show that she cares for the content being given.

The definition of this role made it clear that everything should be done to reach students of this new digital age to make learning easy to understand and capture their attention.

Teaching techniques used in the class vary from lesson to lesson.
I do a whole lot of demonstrating in the lower primary classroom.
Most of the time it is written on the board.
I can utilize more of the Activ tools and Promethean Planet to create
digital demonstrations that students will love and can also participate in.

Also, particularly for social subjects, lots of discussion is done.
For a recent science lesson on habitats, we were able to search the internet
and pull up scenes of different places and the animals that live there as we spoke and
students gave their input and responses.

REFLECTIONS: Rationale for Computers In School

How important is it to incorporate computers in schools?
I say, it is now mandatory.

Apart from reasons that I've noted in my own rationale, here is a key reason.
It is simply the management of a monster that is given to children without a leash.

Children already know how to navigate a computer and use it in ways that they find entertaining. But, we must remember that the internet can be a dangerous place.
WE must teach our children how to navigate safely. We must give them tools to use computers in a productive manner. WE must show them safe and entertaining things that can be done with computers. WE must charter their waters so as to mold intelligent, productive, smart decision making citizens and not deviants.


My Rationale

Rationale for Use of Computers in Schools…

Here is my rationale for the use of computers in schools. There is a long term goal that must be met and computer training, knowledge, and etiquette can be taught from the earliest stages of education to foster responsible, competent citizens.

Rationale 1: Give students access to computer technology for the purpose of gaining knowledge that would equip them to function in a technologically immersed world.

Rationale 2: Mold citizens that can network through communicative technologies on a worldwide basis making them international ambassadors.

Rationale 3: Foster logical thinkers that can make rational cause and effect decisions.

Rationale 4: To make classrooms meet the standards of our advanced technological world.