Activity 5_1B_3:Myth of Computer Literacy

There is an ongoing debate with regards to the process of attaining computer literacy and whether it should be taught in isolation or whether the integrated approach should be employed.  the reality is, information technology is here to stay, so as educators, we need to re-assess the nature of the learning process in our classes since the integrated approach places information technology in a pivotal role in the whole learning process. Hence, its success will be determined by the ability of educators to set appropriate tasks to suit the learning needs of our students in the appropriate learning environment.
The reading reveals that learning skills without context results in limited or no transfer of skills, and that, indeed, one needs to learn skills in the context of authentic use. Therefore, it is incumbent on us as educators to be creative in providing that enabling environment for our students so that they can see the purposeful transfer of skills in a real life situation. The most effective way to accomplish this is by using the integrated approach.

Activity 7_2A_4: Using Spreadsheets

This was a very good lesson. it goes to show that we do not have to teach ICT skills in isolation but instead we could integrate them into all areas of the curriculum. The teacher in the lesson was teaching a math concept and used spreadsheets to further connect the lesson to real life situation so that it could be meaningful and relevant to the student. It could have been improved a bit. I did not see how the teacher was able to determine whether or not Nicole could have repeated the actions that were undertaken during the lesson, independently.

Activity 6B_2A_4: Symbol Distribution/Using Graphs

Educators can make great use of graphs and charts in teching and learning. This activity has shown that we could use graphs or charts to help us analze data on students' performances on examinations that are given so that remediation mreasures can be put in place. We can also use graphs to teach different concepts in our lessons. For instance if we are teaching students about mean, the use of excel spreadsheet could help to better bring across the concept to students. Different features which can be used to enhance the appearance of the graphs/ charts are available on the computer.

Activity 4B_ Minimally invasive Education

The students that we teach have varying learning styles and abilities and it is true that as educators we sometimes develop the notion that we have to control learning in order for students to learn. Dr. Mitra has shown that this sort of belief is untrue. Children can learn on their own once the right conditions are in place. Technological tool/infrastructure and internet access can take children to new levels in learning that one would never imagine. We have to give our students the opportunity to interact with learning tools, solve problems, make discoveries and create novel ways of doing things. If we allow them to control their learning, it would be less stress for us and more learning and retention for our students.

Activity 4A_ 1B_3: Spontaneously Learning

Children come to school wtih a wealth of knowledge that they acquire from differnt means. It is up to us as educators to identify and build upon them so that they can see the relevance of what they learn in their enviromnetn and what they are exposed to in formal learning situations. We must teach concepts in languages that are understood by students so that they can better relate to them. In addition, we must aspire to make learning activities more meaningful and stimulating so that students would be more motivated to engage in active, constructive and collaborative learning.

Module 1B_3: Activity 3 _ Collaborative Exercise and Learners' Charter

This activity proved to be quite an interesting one since I had to consider my right as a learner. It clearly provided me with the opportunity to halt and think deeply and critically as a learner. In doing this and subsequently reviewing the rights submitted by my colleagues in the collaborative exercise, it raised a thought provoking question as to how many of us as educators, really take the time out to actually put ourselves in the place of the learners when carrying out our duties on a daily basis. It is my humble belief that if this becomes part of our modus operandi, the teaching and learning process will be substantially enhanced.

The sponsoring of one item from the collaborative exercise to the learners' charter, gave me the opportunity to critically examine each submission from my colleagues with different variations of the rights as a learner. It is heart warming to note the benefits of collaboration as it effectively contributes to the development of such a significant  and meaningful document.