Reflection on Classroom Management with ICT

Reflection on Classroom management with ICT

The effective teacher must be equipped with skills to ensure that proper classroom management is maintained.  Prior to April, 2011, before the netbooks were introduced in the primary schools my classroom management skills were not called into question. However, the introduction of the netbooks brought with it a new set of management issues for me as well as other teachers in the system. These new challenges require new solutions and already this course is providing some answers. 

As a classroom teacher, I now have to contend with issues having to do with the maintenance of hard ware and software and the setting up of systems to effectively manage the integration of these into the normal classroom activities. This is something that many of us as teachers are not adequately prepared for at the moment. The readings provided in the modules and activities presented by my colleagues have provided some useful suggestions on the general management of hardware and software. However, I do not recall any mention being made about the need for technical support in the management of the hardware and software and indeed there is a need for technical support staff to assist in these areas.

An issue raised in the readings which had me thinking was the section that zeroed in on Computer labs and learning labs. The fact that the one lap top per child initiative is finally a reality in the Vincentian society had me questioning the need for computer labs and learning labs. In my school for example many teachers teach from their classrooms where each child has a lap top and from reports they are rather comfortable with this method.

Reading further I gathered that the primary goal of introduction of computers in schools is to impact teaching and learning in a fundamental (and positive way) in core subjects.  As a teacher it is my responsibility to ensure that during class sessions pupils are focused on the matter at hand and are not engaged in their own activities. My classroom management skills are most certainly enabling me to do this and at the same time making learning an enjoyable and meaningful experience for those who are in my care.

Learning In ICT-enabled classrooms

Learning in ICT-enabled classrooms

Technology is shaping our future and as such our students need to be positioned to take advantage of the opportunities that would present themselves as a result of the technological advances. The inclusion of ICT into the curriculum at both the primary and secondary level is intended to do just that. 

The readings in the module “Learning in ICT-enabled classrooms” provided lots of food for thought. According to the readings, two major hindrances stand in the way of the successful integration of ICT into the curriculum, the lack of one to one computing and the resistance to change.  It is noted that for true technological advance to occur the computer must be personal to each learner having the personal touch of the student.  In this regard we are well on our way here in St Vincent and the Grenadines with the 1 lap top per child initiative. Our student have become quite verse in the use of these computers in very quick time. What we need to work towards is getting our students to begin to use these computers to construct their own learning. In this regard we need a cadre or teachers who are highly qualified in ICT to lead the way and to train others.

 A number of devices and methodologies that have been employed in classrooms in more developed countries like the US were also mentioned in the readings. In our own Vincentian context though, it would be difficult if not impossible for us to make full use of these in our classrooms because of the prohibitive costs of some of these devices (smart board, tablets etc.). Additionally, the rapid change in technology in a sense is working against us, in that by the time the market price for a number of these products have fallen sufficiently for us to acquire them, they would have become outdated. 

As teachers, what we need to do is to make the best use of the resources that are at our disposal. In making the best use of the technology that we have, we need to carefully consider what we want to achieve at the end of section or segment of a lesson and determine which type of instructional media will best support that outcome. All of this is part of effective classroom management.

  

I couldn’t agree more with Mark Prensky, that we needs to adapt existing technology to me our particular needs. I go a little further and add that as a people, we have to begin to move away from merely being consumers and begin to move towards producing products to suit our particular needs.