This document provides tips for integrating information and communication technologies (ICT) into classroom learning in bitesized pieces. It recommends selecting elearning opportunities based on criteria like whether the tool enhances learning, is sustainable, and helps students take ownership of their learning. It also emphasizes classroom management strategies like being prepared, having backup plans, assigning student experts, and breaking sessions into groups. The document concludes by emphasizing keeping learning paramount and teaching skills in authentic contexts.
Fostering Friendships - Enhancing Social Bonds in the Classroom
Eating The Elephant (that is ICT) and eating it one bite @ a time!
1. Facing the Elephant
(that is ICT)
& eating it one bite @ a time
Rachel Boyd
& Tania O’Meagher
Nelson Central School
Learning@School 2009
2. Abstract
Are you overwhelmed by the spectrum of
choice in Web2 and ICT?
This quot;tasterquot; session will examine how to pick the
cream from the crop of the field of Web2 and
choose what will best support learning for your
students.
Great for beginners, we will also look at
practical ideas for the management and
implementation of ICT in your classroom.
3. Our Background
Nelson Central School
City school
Decile 7
Roll approx 400
7. eLearning
Learning and teaching that is
facilitated and supported
through the smart use of
information and communication
technologies
Enabling the 21st Century Learner
An eLearning Action Plan for Schools
2006 - 2010
8.
9. The underlying process
Learn to see past the “ICT” and see
and focus on the learning.
Beneath every finished elearning
activity or task, lies a lot of learning
from class programmes that is not
seen, but contributes to the final
completed activity/task.
19. These are what I keep in mind
Web 2.0 tools are like my personal
smorgasbord of ‘possibilities’
I make it my business to know and
experiment personally with ones I
feel can benefit learning
20.
21.
22. Selection Criteria...
Does the school have the
programme?
Is there a chance it can be
purchased?
Is the tool free?
How free is it?
Is there any catches?
23. How hard will the tool be to
use/manage?
Is it worth the effort?
Is paper & pen more effective than
using the tool?
24. The real value of [ICT tools] is
not the tool itself.
It’s what the tool enables.
George Siemens, 2005
25. More questions to ask...
Can the tool help students take
ownership of their own learning?
Can it capture the students’ learning
and help them to reflect on it?
26. Can it assist in making learning
accessible to everyone involved,
regardless of any special/learning
needs they have?
Will it enhance what you are already
doing in class learning programmes?
27. Can it build a learning community link
between home and school?
28. Will it just be an add-on that is
unsustainable?
Will it assist with students’ learning &
understanding of a concept/topic?
30. Remember that these questions are
just a guideline to ask yourself!
Choose the appropriate ICT tool (s) to
best meet and enhance your learning
programmes.
32. The 4 B’s
Be Prepared
Back up Plan
Buddy up
Break up session
33. Be Prepared...
Ensure you are thoroughly
planned and prepared for ICT
sessions.
Know what you’re going to be
doing, how it will be done and
know the steps students will need
to take to be successful.
Be clear on what you want
students to achieve by the end of
the session.
34. Back up Plan...
We all know
technology is not
100% reliable!
Always have a back
up plan (or 2!) for
what the class
could do if
something doesn’t
work or takes time
to fix.
35. Some ideas for when the Internet or
technology in general fails you….
36. Buddy Up...
Buddy students up into
pairs or small groups to
pool knowledge &
skills as well as
maximise what can be
accomplished in short
periods of time.
37. Break up Session...
Break up your class into revolving
groups & plan 2 other activities for
groups to do.
Technology
E.g.
session with
Teacher
Independent
Developmental
activity or
Equipment
worksheet
39. Seeking Help
Using this technique ensures students have
to see 3 others for assistance BEFORE
seeking help from the teacher.
40. Class Experts
Assign several
‘expert’
responsibilities to
students with talent
or patience. They
can be the people
for your ‘go to’
students when they
get stuck.
43. Greatest tips...
Purpose
Have a definite
purpose in mind for
using ICT tools -
know what you want
students to
achieve/accomplish
44. Greatest tips...
Scaffold
the learning using
ICTs - just like we do
naturally in our
classrooms
45. Greatest tips...
Build on
learning
not stand-alone
topics or
activities based
on skills etc.
Base everything on your current classroom
learning topics/programmes.
46. Greatest tips...
Break teaching
& instruction into
manageable
chunks
48. Greatest tips...
Resist the urge to
teach
programmes,
skills etc.
‘just in
case’
in time’ learning
Work towards delivering ‘just
49. Greatest tips...
Teach skills
in authentic
contexts
Teach skills (e.g.. how to
make capital letters etc)
when they arise in learning
opportunities.
(but know the skills needed to complete
the task so you can target these!)