The Masterplans for ICT in Education is a good far-sighted plan to realise that technology is constantly evolving and that the use of ICT incorporated into syllabus will definitely be more effective for students to absorb and learn in the long run.
There is a good flow of process in how the ICT is introduced. A school cannot operate basically without firstly; the infrastructure; which is Masterplan 1. Teachers are trained; money invested in buying computers and multimedia softwares etc so that ultimately, ICT is used as a pedagogical tool in curriculum to ensure that students will be able to learn more effectively as well as being equipped with skills that introduce students with various methods to do their work with a different approach.
With ICT incorporated into lessons, students’ interest in learning will be heightened. Attractive visuals, interesting audio and hands-on interactive work will definitely create more interest in engaging attention from the students. For example, the robot competition; the students will learn the process of creating one, gaining satisfaction and ownership as a result. Students will get the joy of achieving results on their own as shown in the science experiment in the video clip and learn more through teamwork as well. Therefore, emphasis is not only placed on technology, but also on the out of classroom experience. Even an online assignment/forum will inculcate a form of discipline and responsibility for the students where they take pride and ownership for the work they have done and to provide constructive comments in their peer evaluation, where they learn from each other. As a result, they learn be to self-directed and collaborative learners. Thus, students are able to learn information, process and achieve results by using technology safely and independently.
As a student, the only forms of ICT that the teachers used in those days were; the OHP where answers were written on transparencies and were flashed on the white screens for students to take down the answers. The other was to watch videos related to our topics in the AVA rooms. These are straight-forward temporary solutions, however, a student cannot really learn from his/her mistakes just by blind copying and not realising where he/she has done wrong. The experience of watching video is only enhanced when students are asked relevant questions or discussion where is there some kind of thought-process or reflection being done.
Based on my enhanced school experience, the current Masterplan 3 may affect my role as a beginning teacher in such areas; this is a learning journey for teachers to explore and use different ICT incorporated methods/ environments/ assignments to ensure students will learn more effectively. As a result, students will use ICT not only in schools but in any kinds of environment with a strong awareness of Cyberwellness so that they will use ICT in a responsible and safe manner. Students will thus learn to be self-directed and collaborative learners.
I strongly agree with you on your point where students will only learn through deep and thorough thought-processes as well as reflection. When i was in sec school, all i did for social studies classes were copying. The teacher doesn't explain anything to the class. Yes she used ppt to flash the slides but I do not think that that's a good use of ICT to enhance teaching. Tech is meant for us to learn better, to become self-managed, self-planned learners and not some desk-bound manual copiers.
ReplyDeleteStrong awareness of Cyberwellness is indeed very important. But what puzzles me most is whether the student gathers the positive or the negative things when using ICT.
Blind copying, remember, and parroting. A very familiar tone from the past which I am not a great fan of. Being able to digest and apply makes learning more meaningful and satisfying. The ICT plan allow student to explore and develop their potential.
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