Activity 8 – Impact of ICT on schools[Really?]

How I think ICT will impact positively on schools in the medium term future:

Really?  I believe if we already envision being 'in the medium term future' that ICT can be a positive influence.  I say so because the technology outside the classroom is catching up and invading the technology inside the classroom.

What I have noticed happening is that the Ministry of Education and other concerned 'change agents' [love that term!] have had competitions which seek to involve the more widespread use of ICT in the classroom and with the assistance of the teacher.  Even more positive is the initiative by the Ministry to provide training and opportunities for the teachers to involve the students in these competitions.  I expect that these are things that will encourage teachers to use more of the tools available for them online as well as onsite.

In the medium term, I also expect that the comfort level of the teachers as well as the students will improve.  This will be because , as time passes,availability and affordability of some  technology will improve. Specifically dealing with my own situation, I believe that we will have more and greater attempts of students using technology for the classroom.  Already the scenario where students use camera-phones instead of notebooks exists.  We are trying to adjust schol policy to suit.

Thoughts from self-activities

 I feel like a hypocrite thinking about this, primarily because the medium term and the short term at this time are identical.  No change, no relief.  But we were asked to comment on positive steps....

I love the fact that students on their own have created their own segments and parodies and posted them on youtube.  I like the fact that we as staff film events and do the same and the students watch.

I still wish more than the handful would realise that they would reach students more by changing approaches.  I was in 'lecture mode' when one boy asked wistfully, and 'with all respect': 'Miss, why you does talk so much?'  I wish I could say I saw the light from then on, but I am still a work in progress.  Me and the wonky speakers I have to use with the projector!