Starrs - Information Technology

Pros of Computer Labs Computer labs help ensure that all students have access to computers. The computer lab puts each student on an equal level and ensures that no student has an easier assignment because of the technology of his own computer. Cons of Computer Labs Computer labs in schools are often supervised by only one or two teachers, allowing students to have too much freedom in the computer lab. They may ruin the computers or visit inappropriate websites. Computer labs also can pose a distraction for teachers who are trying to use the computers as a supplement to the rest of the lesson that does not involve the computer.

The flipped classroom model encompasses any use of using Internet technology to leverage the learning in your classroom, so you can spend more time interacting with students instead of lecturing. It is called the      flipped class because the whole classroom/homework paradigm is "flipped". What used to be classwork (the "lecture") is done at home via teacher-created videos and what used to be homework (assigned problems) is now done in class. The flipped classroom has truly individualized learning for students. Teachers describe how students can now move at their own pace, how they can review what they need when they need to, and how the teacher is then freed up to work one-on-one with students on the content they most need support with. Students are able to catch up on missed lessons easily through the use of video and online course tools.  

Learning on cell phones can extend beyond the walls of the school or the confines of a class period - it is a device that promotes one-to-one learning.   In some schools cell phone use is banned but reconsideration could show that they can be useful in the learning environment.   Cell phones are different from a computer lab filled with computers or a cart of net-books because the cell phone is a personal technology.   This is a new time in education and these mini computers can certainly make a difference in the number of students who gain access to resources as they walk through the doors of our schools each day. Cell phones can be distracting and instead of the students focusing on the lesson they may be secretly surfing on their smart phones. Mobile bullying is also a big problem so it is very important before the policies are changed to lift the ban in the schools in my country that we ensure that there are clear policies in place.  

Social networking has definitely revolutionized the way students communicate and has further connected more and more teachers.   Social networking presents a huge opportunity for schools to connect with students while ensuring that it is done in a pedagogical way.   All school staff has a duty to ensure that students using ICT, in any context, are reminded about appropriate behaviour on a regular basis.   Collaborative learning, online group work allows students to become more active participants in the learning process.

Tablet devices are compact and offer versatility and mobility for the learners. These tools can help students communicate on lessons or queries while they are away from the classroom. This promotes efficient learning by speeding up the whole learning process while the students learn at their own pace.   The devices also contribute to a noise-free environment since there is no need for additional keyboard or mouse. This results in a learning environment which reduces noise and increases focus in a classroom.   They help students learn in an interactive way. Tablets are rich sources of audio/visual tools, such as charts, graphs and images. With these visual elements, learning experience becomes more engaging and fun for the students that ultimately promote them to learn and grow.   Additionally, Tablet Devices are effective tools when it comes to learning different activities or tasks. Using various Apps allow students to learn in an adaptable environment. Tablets allo...

Learning and teaching in a one-to-one learning environment is much different from what students knew.   Students get more personal attention with one-to-one learning while teaching offers a unique opportunity for teacher-student interaction since students can ask questions and stimulate discussion of interest.   Learning is ubiquitous and this facilitates learning beyond the classroom.   As a result students have expressed that there is definitely more interaction with one-to-one learning because it is only them and the teacher. Lessons are more hands-on and there is more flexibility in timing and the structure of the lessons.   One-to-one learning offers the teacher a greater opportunity to engage in real interaction and to learn while not having the worries of large groups with mixed ability.   The teacher has a great responsibility of finding new approaches and also to ensure the lessons are engaging so the students benefit from the process.   One...

Interactive Whiteboards are considered good additions to the teaching/learning environment because teachers have been using them as a way to provide student-centered, hands-on activities and to suit a range of student abilities and interests.  However, the lessons to be used in these sessions need to be properly planned in order to meet the needs of the students or they can be viewed as just another tool in the hand of the teacher.   Interactive Whiteboards are often seen as a way of allowing students to actively practice their skills at an independent stage but opponents have said that if the lessons are not planned well, then it defeats the purpose for what was intended.   IWBs are costly but can be considered a very vital investment in preparing students for the future.