E-diary for Elective Module 9: ICT Leadership in Schools - Activity 4 – Whole school conditions

What I have learnt about whole school conditions for ICT integration: favourable whole school conditions for ICT integration includes visionary school leadership who are willing to integrate ICT into all facets of education and training.  They should ensure that there is whole-hearted collaboration and communication among of all school stakeholders and there is continuous assessment for learning.

What I feel is my biggest challenge in achieving ICT integration in my school:  There is some level of ICT integration at my school.  However the staff needs to take advantage of networking learning making the curriculum more relevant to what students will experience in the 21st century.

(Optional) How I feel about the course so far: The course thus far is quite enlightening.  From this activity, my understanding of vision and mission has been clarified since I have come to understand that vision is the picture and mission is the purpose.  One of the thoughts I am taking away with me is “To be mission-based means that those in positions of authority are not the source of authority”.

Module 9: Activity 3: Thinking about the whole school

At the school we use written and oral communication but need to use more technological communication among students, staff, parents and other stakeholders.  There is some collaboration among staff, students and parents through fundraising but this aspect need to really improve. Assessment is mostly pen and paper we therefore need to conduct more authentic assessment.  Generally speaking the curriculum needs to be more relevant to what students will experience in the 21st century workplace.

E-diary for Elective Module 9: ICT Leadership in Schools - Activity 2 – School Scenarios:

From the group discussions on the school scenarios I concluded that the schools need to have a plan and a  vision, have all, including community, donors know their vision and work within that vision towards school development.

After the activity:

What I feel about corresponding with the group: I am quite comfortable corresponding with the group.  At times I get some ideas from the group that I did not see that way and they cause me to think differently than I was thinking.

How often I check my e-mail:  I cannot count how often I check my e-mail.  It all depends on how I am feeling; as long as I am not having headaches my e-mail gets checked very often during the day.  One would get me easier through e-mail than one would through the telephone How I could improve group communication: Respond promptly when I receive an e-mail.  Although I check my e-mail often I do not at times respond promptly.  Sometimes because I am busy I do not respond right away and then I may forget and respond when it might have been too late.

(Optional) How I feel about the course so far: Thought provoking and informative.

E-diary for Elective Module 9: ICT Leadership in Schools - Activity 1 – Initial thoughts about leadership

Before the activity:

What I think about leadership in general: I think a leader must be self-aware - know him/herself.  He/she should be a critical thinker and think before acting.  He/she should be organized, have a strong drive to achieve in spite of challenges, be empathetic – understand others.  Leadership should be effective in building and leading teams – ensure that there is collaboration and communication among team members What I would like to know about leadership: What are the major principles of leadership? How to practicalize these principles?

After the activity:

What I learnt about leadership in the digital age: Leaders in the digital age should not work alone but take on a team approach to learn new “ICT skills and behaviours, identify new problems and seek solutions, experiment with possibilities, make decisions and generate new ways of doing things.”  They should be effective communicators so that all understand and work towards a common goal.  They should be able to create a balance between what seem to be order and chaos. Leaders should be able to create a sense of urgency with regards to the change they need to effect at the school and ensure that the school is a place where learning and knowledge are created.

(Optional) How I feel about the module so far: From the preliminary self-assessment questionnaire, I have noticed that I have some qualities and capabilities that are good and there are some that I need to improve upon.

Module 9 - Hello

I am Rosemarie Roberts from the twin island state of Antigua and Barbuda in the heart of the Caribbean, that boasts 365 white sandy beaches in Antigua and pink in Barbuda. 

I am the reading coach at the Pares Primary School.  My responsibility includes managing the Literacy centre which caters to the students who are challenged in Language Literacy on a structural basis and to the rest of the school as the students see the need to visit centre to be engaged. 

Having enrolled in the CCTI I have grown significantly with regards to integrating ICT in the teaching and learning process, have had paradigm shifts and I think my students and some of my colleagues have also gained from what I have been learning.  Since I am a part of the management team at the school, I am looking forward to this course “ICT Leadership in Schools” for the new ideas and approaches to assist in the continued improvement/development with regards to ICT in my school.  

At home, there are laptops, smart phones, pc and tablet.  At school there are 15 PC and 7 laptops with broadband internet access.

You may check here to find out more about my school.