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UNIT DISCUSSIONS

Unit 1
Discuss the concept of convergence as it applies to ICT.
In your posting, be sure to include a brief introduction, body, and conclusion;
Explain the concept using 1 example as it applies within your specific content area, i.e., the
subject and students who you teach.
Discuss at least one institutional factor that impedes implementation.
Discussion:
According to Wild,(2006) convergence has been made possible through digitalization
which allows different types of content to be stored in the same format and delivered through a
wide variety of technologies. Through the centuries communication and information were
distributed, related, transferred and expressed by means of the newspaper, telephone, and or
letters/mails. This is still the same today, but much more has been incorporated into this form of
communication. All of those functions have been converted /combined with added resources to
create what we now know as Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
ICT allows for us to communicate with each other using several technologies, namely
media, telecommunications and computer, enabling us to store and manage the information
needed. The information stored is pictures, videos, texts. The equipment used to facilitate these
performances is the computer, the internet, television, radio and the telephone systems.
ICT as it related to Early Childhood Education varies in performance. Most students are already
exposed to the world of ICT before they enter the classroom. It was much easier to transfer this
knowledge to activities in the classroom, like art, reading and mathematics by using the
computer or ipad. According to Wang & Ching and Heft & Swaminathan (as cited in McManis &
Gunnewig,2012, p.2), research shows that computer use supports and increases young
childrens skills in the social, cognitive, language, literacy, writing and mathematics realms.
It is imperative that as educators we avail ourselves to keep up with the trends in ICT so as to
enhance learning within the classroom. According to Gaible(2008) p.19, Pre-Service teacher
education does not provide adequate introduction to ICT and does not address the use of ICT to
support teaching and learning in the Caribbean.
Reference:
Gaible,E., (2008) Survey of ICT and education in the Caribbean: A Summary report based on 16

country surveys. Washington, DC: info Dev./World Bank. Retrieved from


www.infodev.org/en/Publication.441.html
Mc Manis, L.D & Gunnewig, S.B., (2012) Finding the education in educational technology
with early learners. Retrieved from
http://www.naeyc.org/yc/files/yc/file/201205/McManis_YC0512.pdf
Wild, K.(2006) The importance of convergence in the ICT policy environment. APC issue
papers. Retrieved from http://rights.apc.org/documents/convergenceEN.pdf

Unit 2
Define two or more types of ICT tools that can be used in the classroom to enhance the teaching
and learning process. Say how these tools support the major dimensions of
constructivist theories- especially as it relates to the student population you are in charge of. You
may use tools from your own experience.

Discussion response:
Constructivist theory implies that we learn by doing rather than by being told how to do. Our
prior knowledge or past experiences is used to assist in acquiring new knowledge or information.
The teacher is the guide or facilitator and not the director in the learning process. (UNESCOEducation)
ICT tools that can be used in the classroom are:

CD player
Television
DVD player
Video camera
Computer

These tools can be used during a guided lesson or to reinforce a concept taught. In Early
Childhood education, all the tools mentioned can be used by students as they reinforce number
concepts, reading, letter sounds, and problem solve, and do art. The video camera is used to
record activities and then is shown on the television.

Most children have prior knowledge of the use of these tools as they can also be found at their
homes. Manipulation of the tools is not difficult.

Reference:
UNESCO Education. Retrieved from
http://www.unesco.org/new/en/education/themes/strengthening-educationsystems/quality-framework/technical-notes/influential-theories-of-learning

Unit 3
The Internet as a teaching and learning tool can be used to engage students in
higher-order thinking or otherwise. Depending on its incorporation in classroom
activities, it may also contribute to the improvement of skills related to critical
thinking, problem solving, and group work.
Using the Internet as a teaching tool is much more important than using it as
a learning tool. State and defend your stance.
.

Response:
I agree that using the internet as a teaching tool is much more important than
using it as a learning tool. As a teaching tool, the role of the teacher as a center
figure will continue to diminish as students take responsibility for their learning. In
the classroom, students will have hands on opportunities to do research projects,
get assistance with their writing of essays, science and any subject matter.
Hemenway, (2000) shared that teachers have reported that their classrooms
have come alive, due to the use of the internet. Students have been motivated.
Classroom discussions are more open as the interactive whiteboard and screens

allow students to interact and share more than when it was mainly teacher oriented
or directed. Information for students is just a click away and they do not have to
wait until after school to get to the community library for information. Children are
very excited with its use at school, as most of them also have access to it at their
homes and already know its function. Due to the excitement of the students, they
have become more focus and most of them are doing better than before.
Reference:
Hemenway, M. (2000) What effect does classroom use of the internet have on the
teacherStudent relationship? National Association of Secondary Principals. NASSP Bulletin.
615 (84) Retrieved from
http://lrs.ed.uiuc.edu/students/jwbates/Internetonteacher.htm

Unit 4
Discuss how you can incorporate Blogs, wikis and social networks as affordances in
your subject areas and among your unique set of learners.
Discussion:
The joy of technology is that it allows for being or making contact with individuals
or groups and not having to being in physical contact with each other.
As an early childhood practitioner, my unique set of learners is not advanced in
ICT to incorporate the use of Blogs, wikis or social networking into the educational
growth. However, these opportunities are afforded to their parents and guardians.

According to Green and Hannon, (2007) as cited in EDTK 2030, Unit 4; social
networking is an aspect of Web 2.0 that allows users to create links between their
online presence, such as webpage, by either joining online groups, or by
establishing direct links to other users through lists of friends and contacts. By
creating a website, parents and guardians will be afforded the opportunity to know
what is being learnt in the classroom by viewing the subject and topics and their
contents. They will also have the opportunity to see pictures and videos of their
children at working, after giving permission for these to be uploaded to the website.
Opportunity will also be afforded for them to conference with me the class teacher
by the use of emails, Skype and whatsaap. As parents they will also be able to view
their childs progress through grade reporting.
The benefits of these are that it is convenient to all and can be accessed and
used at any time. Parents who cannot readily get to the school or teacher can
arrange for over the net conferencing and vice versa. Parents can also collaborate
with each other as a group to share information as it pertains to their childrens
learning.
Reference
EDTK 2030 Information and communication technology in education (2015).
Educational Application of
Web 2.0 Tools.pdf. Unit 4 [essential reading] UWI Open Campus

Unit 8
Research an ICT/education related policy in your school district or county, or within your own work
environment - tell us about the policy, and explain its impact or value within your organization.

________________

Research an ICT/education related policy in your school district or county, or within your own
work environment - tell us about the policy, and explain its impact or value within your
organization
Response:
I attend the Methodist Agogic Centre (MAC) School here in St. Maarten. As stated by our
ICT Project- Coordinator, Hughes (2011) our teachers at the Methodist Agogic Centre, are the
gate keepers of this digital age for both our parents and students. The responsibility lies in the
hand of each teacher to unlock the door of student potential for the use of technology for
learning, exploring, sharing and communicating.
An internet and Webpage policy has been designed with the purpose to inform, share,
collaborate and educate all stakeholders of the M.A.C, to utilize the online technology and media
as tools for instruction. (Hughes, 2011) Policies designed include:

Webpage design must maintain the designed interface and template of the school. No
personal info about students without a signed release from parents. Materials used must
meet academic standards, to name a few guidelines.

Webpage maintenance primarily to be done by the designated team.

Student information no personal information to be displayed and permission for use of


photographs to been by parents before use.

Teacher webpage create class pages in order to share and educate their students, parents
and colleagues. Must follow all guidelines.

Using the internet for Class Activities sites must be age appropriate and curriculum
based. Guidelines given to both parents and students.

Student webpage can create age appropriate for class activities and must follow
guidelines.

Copyright and plagiarism- respect the copyright laws.

Emails to be used as extension of professional work to communicate with staff and


parents using given guidelines.
With the establishment of this policy, the guidelines are being adhered to and

Information Communication Technology (ICT) is progressing. Class sites and the school site
are up and functioning. There is still much work being done to inform parents, staff and the
community of all that is happening with regards to our performance and function.

Reference
Hughes, T. (2011) Methodist Agogic Centre Foundation. Methodist Agogic Centre Strategic
Technology Plan. http://www.macsxm.org

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