ICTs ENHANCE STUDENT LEARNING
- 1. FACT STUDENTS’ LEARNING IS ENHANCED WHEN THE TEACHER INTEGRATES ICTs INTO THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT WH Y ? HOW ? WHAT? WHEN?
- 2. What are ICTs ? Information Communication Technology Things like: the internet (applications such as Collaborative Stories, Choose Your Own Adventure) and all e-resources computers, tablets, mobile phones social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instragram) blogs (Wordpress) digital cameras
- 3. Skeptical ? That’s ok. I will reassure you. Let me explain the why and wherefore. I promise to have you hooked by the end. Let’s call this our ICTS IN EDUCATION APPRECIATION JOURNEY. Like all good journeys, it is better in the company of others. Join me.
- 4. Let’s talk about context……. We are all part of a learning and teaching journey that takes place each day in a Year 7 – 12 Secondary School setting. The enrolment at our school reflects the diversity of the local community in terms of factors relating to social, cultural and achievement considerations. We currently have 1,200 students enrolled. ALL students are required to study English (OP) or English Communication in Years 11 and 12. This is sometimes challenging for students who have no interest in this subject area. The challenge for teachers, is to keep it interesting ! Students who are proficient in literacy have the potential to achieve well in other subject areas. Students are actively encouraged by teaching and administration staff to actively engage in their learning experience. Within the school’s pedagogical framework of Visible Learning, students respond favorably to authentic learning experiences.
- 5. Did you know that…. Effective integration of ICTs make learning experiences more AUTHENTIC ! The authenticity of the learning experience depends on: Proficient teacher planning in constructing the learning activity Proficient explanation and presentation of the content Students being given the opportunity to learn in ways which meet their own interests and needs
- 6. ICTs promote effective teacher planning! When teachers of English plan learning experiences, they draw on both academic content knowledge and a wide range of ancillary resources. Resource Enhanced Resource Using ICTs Current academic material from libraries such as journals and written texts e-Resources from reputable libraries and academic institutions Visual texts (film and TV) Clickview and Netflix allows instant access to a broad range of visual texts. Newsworthy items that can be used to underpin themes in texts and link contemporary relevance On-line media (newspapers, trending items, Facebook, Twitter) Utilization of professional learning networks (collaboration with other educators). Allows teachers to collaborate in a global rather than local context. “There is a growing body of evidence that suggests a positive relationship between teacher collaboration and student achievement.” (McClure)
- 7. ICTs promote effective presentation and explanation of content ! ICTs provide a ready source of exemplars in a diverse range of genres in order to help students identify, explain and evaluate. An example: An English teacher shares with the Year 11 class a You Tube clip “Macbeth Summary Video” which humorously and succinctly explains the plot and major characters of the play. (click on the link below and see for yourself). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUYrBzugGLY Standard 2 of the Professional Standards for Teachers is described as “Know the content and how to teach it” specifically, as it relates to ICTs, “Teaching and learning programmes and /or lesson plans which show the integration of ICT into activities to make content more meaningful.” (AITSL)
- 8. ICTs promote the teacher’s ability to provide students the opportunity to learn in ways which meet their own interests and needs ! Lessons can be modified to cater for a diverse range of student learning needs and preferences. Some examples: learning can become interactive and mobile by using devices such as tablets (eg: outdoor classes, excursions) learning can become paperless (student preference for using keyboards rather than writing; also good for the environment!) individual student organisation is scaffolded by the ability to engage in self-directed learning and reflection via digital folios and projects. Self-reflection is an integral component associated with the development and practice of higher order thinking skills.
- 9. The Evidence ! “ICTs can improve teaching by enhancing an already practiced knowledge and introducing new ways of teaching and learning.” (Edtech Review) “Because of its interactive and dynamic nature, ICT has the potential to meet the needs of individual students by providing opportunities to direct their learning and to pursue information, or complete tasks, in ways which meet their own interests and needs. (Department of Education & Training, NSW)
- 10. References Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL), 2014. Documentary evidence examples: proficient teachers. Viewed 10 August, 2015 http://www.aitsl.edu.au/docs/default-source/registration- resources/documentary_evidence_proficient_teachers.pdf Department of Education and Training. NSW (1997). Computer based technologies in the English KLA. Curriculum Support Directorate, December, 1997. Edtech Review, 2015. Advantages of using ICTs in teaching and learning processes. Viewed 9 August, 2015 http://edtechreview.in/trends-insights/trends/2056-school- architecture-classroom-design-learning-spaces McClure, C.T., 2008. The benefits of teacher collaboration; essentials on education data and research analysis. District Administration. Viewed 8 August, 2015 http://www.districtadministration.com/article/benefits-teacher-collaboration All images courtesy of Google Images Viewed 8 August, 2015 https://www.google.com.au/#q=google+images