Module 1B-3 - Activity 2

The reading brought out the fact that teachers' ability and desire to use ICT in their classroom depends on their ICT training and their confidence in using the tools.  The use of ICT is a sign of power.  Here in Antigua IT teachers are placed in charge of computer labs and it is difficult for other teachers to have a class in these labs. These teachers decide who use the labs and when.  The net generation are comfortable with the use of ICT but are not confident with their ability to use it in the classroom.

The training in the use ICT is needed to help teachers to integrate ICT in their lessons.  ICT would help to change the learning environment from teacher centred  to student centred. Training is definitely needed.  Training of supervisors and officials would highlight the importance of the use of ICT and present more opportunities for ICT integration.

Module 2A-4 - Activity 5 - Reflection

Two roles of the teacher is to assessor their students and assist with the administration of their classroom and their school.  Excel helps the teacher to keep a record of the students performance and display their performance.  Once the time is spent to set up a Mark Book the teacher will have it to use year after year by simply changing the names of their students and making the necessary changes to their assessments.  This has now eliminate the tedious task at the end of every term calculating grades, positioning students and selecting those who are promoted or repeats.  This can be done with the use of formulas which can done in less time than it is presently being done by teachers.

Module 2A-4 Activity 4 - Reflection

Once again we see how the use of  the word processor can help to make a teacher's task easier.  The lesson plan  template would assist the teacher in their preparation for their classes.  This lesson plan is only one of the many ways in which the word processor can be used to bring life to the classroom.  Creating classroom charts, manipulative and learning materials are ways in which word processor assist teachers to fulfill their roles.

The lesson plan template is something that I would encourage teachers to use when planning their lessons.  It helps them to integrate ICT in their lessons.

Module 2A-4 Activity 3 - Reflection

I wonder how many persons are fully aware of the many uses of the word processor.   My word processor for lesson preparation document was a test created some time ago which I modified for a present class. This one of the great advantage of the word processor is that materials can be saved for future use.

Module 2A-4 Activity 2- Reflection

The Word Processor can be used to make our task easier to complete. Once a document is created it can be saved for future use.  This helps individuals to save time and be more efficient.

My Administrative document was  a mail merge letter that I sent out to various businesses, along with a form to be completed by these businesses. By using mail merge it eliminated the need for me to create several letters.  Mail merge allows me to type one letter and generate several letters for distribution.

Module 1B-3 - Activity 1

Here in Antigua and Barbuda the importance of ICT's is being realized.  There is now a move to have ICT taught across the curriculum in schools.  Teachers are being trained on how ICT can be used in their classroom no matter the subject area. However, even though the teachers are being provided with these new skills I must admit that the equipment to assist them implementing these skills in  their classroom is slow in coming.  Some resourceful schools have taken the initiative and obtain some ICT tools for use in their schools.  One of the major hurdles we have is funding to purchase the much needed equipment.

With the limited funds and equipment some teacher have found ways to incorporate ICT in the classes.  Most schools are equipped with a lab were teachers have access,  these are used to create teaching aids,  record student grades and attendance, prepare lesson and evaluation exercises for their students. Some have sourced CDs and DVDs which class can hear and view.

As a Technology in Education Teacher at the Teacher Education Department, I presently have two groups of students.  The day group has 28 student which is held in a lab with 20 computers, one printer, a projector and teacher computer. The evening group has 17 students which is also in a lab with 15 working computers a projector and smart board. This means that the teachers have to share or bring only their laptops for class.

In the Ministry of Education you can hear the daily cry of computers dying.   Officers are provided with a computer but many (95%) are virus ridden, slow and outdated.  There is also a problem with printing facilities. Presently a desktop printer is being used by 21 officers which is often overloaded because it is unable to carry the work load. There are 2 projectors and one screen to be shared by 30 officers.  Imagine what happens when three or four officers want to conduct workshops or professional development sessions with their teachers in the same week.

Module 2A-4 Activity 1 - Reflection

The collaborative document is a new platform for me. I found this to be an interesting tool to use especially in a situation where several individuals need to make a contribution to an activity.  As a Technology in Education Teacher at the Teacher Education Department this is something that I can use in that course.  The teachers can also use this platform with their students for a group activity or assignment where each member need to make a contribution to the activity.

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