E-diary for Elective Module 9: ICT Leadership in Schools - Activity 5 – Learning communities

After Activity 5:

What I have learnt about learning communities online: ICT Vision To use ICT to improve literacy and numeracy and to enhance the general teaching learning process. ICT Use ·         Technology is used in the teaching and learning of the core subjects at all grade level ·         To share information with all shareholders (including administrators, instructors, staff members, students, parents, community leaders, and technology experts) ·         To show what students are doing and to give parents opportunity to partner in the teaching learning process of their children ·         Beyond the classroom through e-learning ·         To communicate and collaborate with teachers at the school and within the district ·         For professional development and support of ICT integration ICT Successes Has integrated the use of technology in all grade levels, including Promethean boards in all 5th Grade classrooms and document cameras in all grades, in-service s with the country Math coaches were conducted, and a more intense use of assessment (ThinkLink, formative/summative assessments).  The widespread use of calculators for greater math inquiry has also been incorporated.  There is Professional Learning Communities for all grade levels focused on specific topics for instructional improvement Conclusion I have observed that the school I have looked at and would like to emulate uses ICT to enhance the teaching learning process, collaborate with all stake holders and share ideas of what is happening at their school.  They also share with parents what students are doing in their classes so that they can share in the responsibility of educating their children..

(Optional) How I feel about the course so far: Recognizing the range of management problems leaders are faced with as technology is used more and more in schools, I have checked out the websites of other schools to discover one which has a vision for ICT integration that I can emulate.  As a result, I have gotten ideas of  what I can do and how to further integrate ICT in my school and how I can collaborate with this school and all stakeholders at my school to enhance ICT integration in the teaching learning process at my school.

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.

Activity 11 - 21st century learning environment

      The personal learning environment is the environment where persons choose their own tools and spaces and develop networks for creating and sharing knowledge.  Teachers need to begin to seriously consider operating as facilitators in the truest sense of the word where students are allowed to work at their own pace and level.   It is a fact and unfortunately so that our classrooms today are not really designed to meet the needs of 21^st century students.  I think teachers need to be encouraged to use their initiative to come up with an agenda to truly involve and challenge the students to create and share knowledge in harmony with the curriculum standard.  I really love the idea of the flipped classroom where teacher shoots video of the content which allows students to take charge of learning for and by themselves and the teacher facilitates the application of the content in the classroom.  My concern though is at what level this idea may be practicalized; I see this taking place more effectively in Grades 5 and 6 in the elementary school and really taking off in high school.

      The diagram below is my idea of the learning environment in the connected classroom.