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Today was the first session for the ICT training and of course it was difficult getting there due to miscommunication!

Today's session was on the policies for ICT in the school environment and ICT. The beginning of this workshop highlighted the numerous policies in place for inclusion of these programs and software yet in rural schools we still are yet to receive computers and internet access to facilitate this new wave in technology!

The facilitator is such an enthusiast about ICT in the schools and at first I was not convinced but reflecting on my daughter who is Autistic and her ability to manipulate her tablet when she was just 2 years in just a matter of seconds, maybe I am the one who needs to upgrade my system or I just might be left behind!

ICT policies aid facilitators on how to include technology, but most importantly it informs students the extent they can use and the purpose of ICT in the schools. It is now the responsibility of the school to implement proper sanctions for the abuse of ICT, informing both parents and students of the policies and the possible disciplinary actions.

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ICT Reflection Week 2- Productivity Tools

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ICT Reflection Week 2- Productivity Tools

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We started this week ICT training in a new environment with additional classmates. Today’s activity was how to manipulate info in an excel spreadsheet. At first I rolled my eyes as I thought that I already know how to use Microsoft office applications, but more and more as the class progressed I realized that my colleagues have not had the same training as I did.

Every day you learn something new, and the class that I thought that would have been monotonous was actually fun and I did learn how to increase the row size as well as short cuts using excel.
Today’s activities reinforced previous knowledge and building new knowledge and as an educator I sat on the opposite end of the classroom and felt like one of my advanced students with that I know that already ideology. But if I did not allow myself to look at this experience as reinforcement I would have missed the new information I acquired today.

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ICT Reflection Week 3- Productivity Tools II

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ICT Reflection Week 3- Productivity Tools II

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This week we started with a review of last weeks' activity and a reminder of late submission. We then moved on to Power Point presentations (PPT) that can link to all if not most software in the Microsoft Office 365.
Now I must admit, PPT is suck eye for me but like I said last week, every week I come to this class I learn something new. Who knew copying a graph from excel to PPT, if the information is changed, it changes across all applications once the data is linked. :0

I also learned how to create a hyperlink, insert audio and  screen recording to my power point! Totally cool!

Today, a tool that I thought that I've mastered, I've discovered that there are so much more that I can do with this application in teaching as well as presenting information for my administration.

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ICT Reflection Week 4- Technology Enhanced Assessments 

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ICT Reflection Week 4- Technology Enhanced Assessments 

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his week we started class with a different objective, we explored assessments both formative and summative using ICT websites and apps. We explored the Ministry's plans for E-Testing in all schools and the training required for such application. Sadly, although my school has internet access our infrastructure and lack of proper internet connection, we still have a far way to go.

Today we were exposed to multiple testing apps and websites but the best in my opinion is the Kahoot website and app. It is so interactive, fun and holds your attention. We did a class evaluation on the Water cycle and I was totally engaged and competitive, I can only imagine how my students will react.

E-testing is can not just be used for final examinations, I can see myself using e-testing to reinforce my points and ideas. The task is now to encourage my children to participate in an online testing game, but we will see!! Now you may think, what child wouldn't enjoy testing games, but i've realized rural kids are not really intrigued by technology in the classroom! If I take them out on the field and use a football to reinforce my lesson, resulting in a football match, their enthusiasm is through the roof! LOL

In my UTT teaching practice days, Edmodo was the main source of ICT used to interact with students at home and in school via the web, but now the possibilities are endless! I am thoroughly enjoying this ICT workshop!!
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ICT Reflection Week 5- Complex Problem Solving 

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ICT Reflection Week 5- Complex Problem Solving 

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This week we started with a twist, we explored the importance of ICT in teaching and I know you will say it's what we have been doing for the past 4 weeks but today we used the SAMR model.

The SAMR model includes the substitution, augmentation, Modifications and Redefinition of ICT in your lesson. To be honest it took me a while to grasp the concept of substitution and augmentation of ICT, maybe because I thought that once ICT is introduced, it substitutes the traditional chalk and talk methodology.

After grasping the concepts, It's the core ideology of teaching: taking a student to the basic and building on their knowledge. There are merits to building on the student's experiences and basic resources and transforming their learning with the aid of ICT. This methodology challenged my way of inclusion of ICT in my lessons, a challenge that was welcomed.

More and more this ICT class is expanding my ways of teaching and including ICT effectively!

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ICT Reflection Week 6-Differentiated Instructions 

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ICT Reflection Week 6-Differentiated Instructions 

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Today we explored the use of ICT and how do we tailor it for learners with differing learning styles. Having a child that is Autistic, this session was a bit emotional for me as I am aware of the challenges she face with traditional teachers whose only form of ICT inclusion is to place her in front of a tablet to watch Youtube videos to keep her busy.

Having been exposed to special needs training in my degree, I do know that catering to different learners in one lesson is difficult. It requires resources and additional man power. I strongly believe in Assistant Teachers in classes with students who have special needs. One teacher for discipline, order and reinforcement and the other for content.

ICT is a key to inclusion of children with special needs, in fact my daughter is thriving in her academics because of apps that reinforce her learning.

Challenges that we may face in my school is the usual, funding for these ICT programs and resources and the reliable internet services. Additionally, with an intake that is below 30% annually, no remedial teacher or remedial training for long service teachers, how do we move forward? I do believe once a teacher is committed to taking a student from one level to the next, I can happen, with or without ICT!

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ICT Reflection Week 7- Complex Internet Tools

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ICT Reflection Week 7- Complex Internet Tools

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Journal Entry- Week 7

Today is bittersweet! It's the last day of ICT and I wish this class could have had  just a few more weeks to allow us to explore more apps and websites that can assist in teaching and learning. Today's class was very practical, as we created our portfolios using a Web 2.0 software: SharePoint and Padlet. SharePoint is an application within my Office 365 website that honestly, I would have never ventured into!

Web 2.0 includes a couple applications that the general teaching community is aware of like youtube, edmodo and twitter. But there are also a few others like aminoto that I did not know.

To be honest, most ICT applications or websites enhances the traditional chalk and talk experience in the class, however it requires extra time to familiarize yourself with the website or app as well as to create content using all the features efficiently.  Similarly, if these applications are to be used by students to submit portfolios or projects, it requires a session/sessions on how to use the web 2.0 resources.

The impact of web 2.0 in and out the classroom can be both positive and negative but holistically, the aim is to make learning fun and allow our children to think outside the classroom. An objective ICT has accomplished and assisted.

To conclude, my ICT sessions has taught me a lot, and coming into this experience I had the wrong perception of ICT, mainly because I used Power points and Youtube videos a lot. But luckily for me, this experience both humbled me and exposed me to new applications and ideas. It also allowed me to network with a lovely group of professionals from various schools.

Thumbs up to the M.O.E, and thank you for providing such opportunities.

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