Many have been debating whether it was a good move by the Government that all the children who sat the Secondary examination and pass should be given a laptop. I am happy that our students will be joining student in other countries who have been using their lap tops at school to support instruction for a number years.
But, I have a couple questions that I would like to get your views on concerning the use of laptops in the classroom. Will there be training for teachers who lack the technological and pedagogical knowledge in implementing programmes that infuse technology in teaching and learning? Will there be technical support staffs attach to schools to guide the teachers along the way? What role the leadership of the school will play in planning and implementing such programme? Will assessments match new literacies expectations so as to motivate our teachers in the frequent use of the technology?
I would like to get your views.
The laptops certainly sounded good on paper, it worked on the campaign trail, but will it work for our students. No mention was about technical staff,but there is ICT training available for secondary teachers during the vocation and on Saturday's as part of an ongoing training programme.
ReplyDeleteAbout the leadership, well that's another issue, my principal has given instructions that students are not to be given access to the wireless internet available at school for their own devices (including the promised laptops) So we may be using them as glorified typewriters since there was no mention of software and Web 2.0 can only be used with internet access.
The questions that you have posed can only be answered by the policymakers, but I hope that they have acknowledged the opportunistic value of what they have offered to these students. Based on how they are to be utilised, these laptops can be the motivator that many students need, but they will have to be educated in proper usage and made to recognise its boundaries.
ReplyDeleteTeachers are the ones who will have to plan effectively for its usage by integrating this form of technology into their lessons. Based on all that we have learnt in this course, this is the perfect opportunity for teachers to use this tool for literacy development.
Now that I have been exposed to the potential of Computers, connected or not connected to the Internet, I can only feel excited for our new intake of Form Ones'.
ReplyDeleteIt is imperative that teachers and principals be fully trained in ICTs. Administrators need to widen their views on the use of ICTs by their teachers. Are we saying because there are plane crashes, we won't travel by air?
The technology is here to stay and all educators must get on board.
The Ministry of Education is running an ICT workshop for all personnel at secondary schools,not just teachers. This is an excellent step, but so far has not been well coordinated. I am still awaitng to be called since I applied to do it since May/June time when we had a break from classes.I believe what we are doing at our level is far advanced from the MOE's programme but it was an excellent idea which just requires better management of human resources.
I agree with Lyn's statement that they may be used as glorified typewriters. As a matter of fact that is the very purpose for which some teachers are using them these days.
ReplyDeleteNevertheless, the Ministry is doing its part in providing the laptops and training teachers which supports its position on technology in schools as stated in its policy document.
Teachers and administrators must now get on board and plan for how they will be used come September because it is inevitable and they should not be caught with the proverbial "pants down". There are still basic programmes on those laptops which can be incorporated into teaching/ learning opportunities.