Module 9 Activity 8: Learning Area Vision

Vision

To create a fun-filled learning environment where teachers integrate ICT into the teaching, learning, assessment and reporting processes in exciting ways to transform and make learning interactive and engaging with real-life experiences for learners and parents.

Social Studies

In Social Studies classes, I envisage a wide applicability of ICTs where there are increased opportunities for communication and collaboration among students, teachers, parents and the wider community across boundaries. This will enhance the importance of Social Studies while adding to its authenticity and relevance to building a complete society.

Classes will be conducted in a technology-based environment where:

v the internet will provide unlimited access to a comprehensive range of communities and events as well as access to valuable information and varying opinions on relevant issues

v teacher will facilitate access to resource materials that improves presentation of reports and written assignment using various media making the lessons more engaging and interactive

v students work cooperatively and collaboratively in groups on project-based assignments using wide range of ICT tools

v teacher facilitates the use of simulation and modelling ICT tools to enhance the understanding of key concepts

v students communicate with peers in different environments using emails, blogs, wikis, video-conferencing tools, etc. on different issues to heighten appreciation of place, environmental problems and cultural identity

Science

In Science classes, I envisage the use of ICTs for a wide range of applications by educator and learners. These include spreadsheets for data handling, digital video for data capture, data-logging tools, simulation and modelling, creation of virtual environments and provisions of resources via the internet and software applications on CD-ROM or DVD.

Classes will be conducted in a technology-based environment where:

· learners use ICTs to facilitate simulations that provide for greater depth of understanding in scientific principles and relationships while facilitating the viewing of experiments that may pose practical difficulties in a school environment

· teacher uses learning platforms, school networks and internet to provide increase access to Science-based learning materials during and outside school hours

· learners access authentic data on the internet and use ICTs to facilitate collaboration between peers, teachers and experts in the field to solve problems and build knowledge

· teacher uses ICTs to support independent work of students as well as cooperative group work in and out of school

· ICTs allow learners more time and provide an accommodating avenue for post experiment analysis and to foster discussions, communication and collaboration

· teacher uses simulations and animations to allow learners to see events that would otherwise be invisible - for example, a bee collecting pollen on its legs

Mathematics
In Mathematics classes, I envisage the use of ICTs to enhance students’ motivation, to provide timely and more accurate feedback to students, to allow for a more concentrated effort on strategies and interpretation and greater students collaboration and cooperation.

Classes will be conducted in a technology-based environment where:

Ø learners will be engaged in using ICT software to develop critical problem-solving skills, practising number skills and exploring patterns and relationships

Ø teacher will facilitate students involvement in individual and whole class activities using various ICT tools and equipment

Ø learners will use ICTs to manipulate shapes as they bridge the gap between abstract and concrete and improving their learning and understanding of properties

Ø teacher will use animations and simulations to improve students’ understanding and interpretations of complex concepts

Ø teacher will use ICT-based tasks to encourage students collaboration while using multimedia software to motivate them and lead to improved performance

Ø learners will be engaged in using modelling software to provide an avenue for ongoing exploration of mathematical concepts

Language Arts
In Language Arts Classes, I envisage the use of ICTs to improve writing and reading skills, support collaboration and develop speaking and listening skills.

Classes will be conducted in a technology-based environment where:

learners will be engaged in ICT use allowing them opportunities for reflection and analysis which will contribute to the development of higher order skills associated with communication

learners will be involved in the use multimedia design and presentational software packages to transform different media outputs into integrated reports and presentations which will help in promoting communication, negotiating, decision-making and problem solving skills

teacher will engage learners in digital techniques to allow them to review film and engage them in detailed analysis and discussion

teacher will use classroom computers and interactive whiteboards to explore the etymology of words, and the relationship between language, semantics and spelling