Module 10 Activity 2B: A Vision for School ICT Policy

Having read the articles, it has been made clear that ICT should be used as an approach to teaching and learning that can and will transform the school as a learning institution, and not be taught as a subject. This is so since ICT at its best is the most effective medium in which to learn. However, a vision for ICT is key to the initial implementation in the teaching and learning process and is the starting point of the journey. This vision is expected to be backed up by beliefs that will take what is known about ICT to improve teaching and learning and relate it to the core purposes of the school.   

Module 10 Activity 1: Where is your school in this world of technology?

The applying phase would best describe my school’s adaptation to technology. This signifies that the school is predominantly using ICTs to execute tasks in school management and the curriculum. We are on our ICT journey with a skeletal computing infrastructure in the form of a small computer lab donated by the Rotary Club and a Community Computer Access Centre – an initiative by the government, located on the compound and is accessible to the wider community. Additionally, another government initiative equipped all teachers with a personal laptop while an internet service provider supplies the school with Wifi internet access.

Currently the teachers largely dominate the learning environment using their laptops for lesson preparations, downloading videos and worksheets, processing handouts and PowerPoint presentations. The students on the other hand, are engaged using the labs to conduct research in the different subjected areas and preparing group presentations. They are also taught basic computer skills in the computer access centres.

The ICT use provides a level of motivation and excitement for the students as they are engaged in several activities that are enhancing their learning. It also provides avenues for the teachers to be more creative and innovative in making their lessons fun-filled and interesting. The administrative staff are also benefiting in a great way, using computer software to manage teacher and student affairs, and in record keeping.
However, some of the problems faced includes; some teachers reluctance to use ICT, inconsistent internet access, lack of adequate resources, lack of support mechanisms and inconsistent use of available ICT tools.