Use of ICT in Classroom Teaching

Use of ICT in Classroom Teaching

6^th REFLECTION ON TEACHING USING ICT

(Second post for the month of October)

Class:  VI   Section: A

Subject: Science

Period: 4^th & 5^th

Date: 17^th October

Google classroom has many benefits, as a free online learning platform and as a trail, I created 

Google Classroom account with class VI and V students. I have implemented it successfully. To 

strengthen further, I am planning to create account for all the students of class V and VI in the 

academic year 2020.  If you wish to learn more on google classroom benefits you can log on to:

https://www.thetechedocate.org/10-benefits-of-google-classroom-integration/

I had lesson on the topic “Energy Related to Motion.” My lesson objectives were: (a) define kinetic energy, (b) write some examples of kinetic energy and (c) state the factors on which kinetic energy depend were my lesson objectives which is to be complete in 90 minutes. 

Owing to poor internet connectivity in the classroom, I have conducted the class in the conference hall and in the open field where connection is first.  I took theory and practical class in the conference hall and activity part in the ground. To go with the topic, the class was divided into 6 groups of four members and each group was provided with smartphones. All the phones were connected to the Wireless Inferred Firewalled Internet (Wi-Fi). We discussed and carry out the work practically in the conference hall. Right after the theory and practical class, I told them to carry out the activity part using google classroom link. I posted the questions a day before the actual lesson in the google classroom forum for group discussion. They have been using this google classroom teaching for several times. Taking an advantage, I straightly asked students to open the google account link and work on it using their smartphones. They were given 30 minutes to carry out the activity. 

After the activity, I instructed them to post the information in the google classroom forum to share their information with other group members. After having done that, I asked some groups to read out what their friends have posted in the forum. It was found that, almost all the groups have done the work successfully. I found drastic change compare to previous classes. This time they were able to do it by themselves which is of great success. Children were very excited and they wanted to carry out such activity throughout the academic year. Some brilliant students suggested me to create individual account so that they can use it at their home. In the academic year 2020, I am planning to talk with the parents of class V and VI students about the benefits of google classroom account.

Google Classroom Account

“Nothing is impossible for a willing heart.” Owing to many benefits, for trail, I have created account for those students who can manage the phones. As stated in my earlier post, I couldn’t create account for all the students as their parents don’t have smartphones. To create and make it user friendly, I sweated a lot, but it turns out to be a great achievement. It has become user friendly now. The objectives of creating this account was to share simple learning activities such as like how to post, view the friend’s work and comment the work in the classroom. Now, I am planning to create account for all the students after seeking consensus from the school administration and as well as from the parents. It is not necessary that children should have smart phones. They can access from any phones and computers.

Observation

(a)   Strength

This time the learning was very different from what I had before. I had lots of difficulties while implementing this apps which turn out to be a great success. In my previous post, use of this apps were not up to my expectation. It didn’t go as expected. I even made a prayer to have progress as learning progresses. I am bothered too much because I have invested (sacrificed) many periods and my leisure time besides school work and assignments pressure.

Children were enthusiastic to carry out the activity. Right after the practical and theory class I directed them to log on to google classroom link to work on the topic. This time all the group did their job successfully. In the first post (October), students were confused and they were not able to locate the information as there are several buttons with icons familiar only to Google users. That was the frustrating part, however, today there was drastic change. They were able to locate the information easily. They were able to find teacher and friend’s post easily. In the previous post, making comment on friend’s post and posting their own documents in the forum was the challenging part. Now they can do it by themselves. To work on this activity, I gave them 30 minutes but they didn’t take even 20 minutes to complete the tasks. This is one indication where they are getting used to it with the new apps. So, in the meantime I posted another question as there was 10 minutes more. They were able to do it confidently. I felt really proud, and fully satisfied when students can do without teacher’s help. This is the greatest part of achievement I ever had with ICT. 

    (b)  Weakness

There was one group totally confused. They were able to view my questions in the link but they could not find the page where to write their work. They were busy writing in a piece of paper. I got close to them and asked; are you making a draft? How are you going to post then? They said that, they are going to pass the paper around the group. All other groups heard and laugh a lot. In view of this, my instructions were not clear to them. Actually, I went step by step but some how they have missed my instructions. So, I need to check whether they have understood my instructions or not before assigning the task. It would not have happened if I checked before assigning the work.

(c)   Recommendations

1.      Whatever works are assigned to the students, one should always remember to give clear directions. I shall never forget to check student’s understanding of instructions before they carry out the activity.

2.      I shall strengthen the use of google classroom with my students. If they are provided opportunity in the grass root level, I am sure they will perform better in later part of their life.

3.      I shall create google account for class V and VI students in the academic year 2020 to strengthen the use of ICT in teaching and learning after through discussion in Parents Teacher Meetings.

4.      My school don’t have computer class. So, I shall make use of substitution periods meaningfully to orient how to use google classroom forum. Being first time, as stated above, I scarified my teaching periods. Of-course it turns out to be big success.

5.      Besides many advantages, there are disadvantages. Children can learn almost anything by themselves, using the internet. But if a child is alone with the internet, the web can be a deadly, subversive, filthy and perverse place. Therefore, we need to caution while children use the net. Talk on the mindful use of net before problem arises.

References

Lynch, M. (2018, September 4). Ten Benefits of Google Classroom Integration. The Tech Edvocate. Retrieved October 27, 2019, from https://www.thetechedvocate.org/10-benefits-of-google-classroom-integration/

 

Cains, J. T. (n.d.). What is Google Classroom? Retrieved 10 27, 2019, from https://www.dummies.com/education/internet-basics/what-is-google-classroom/

Use of ICT in Classroom Teaching

5^th REFLECTION ON TEACHING USING ICT

(First post for the month of October)

Information:
Class: V
Subject: Science
Topic: Protecting Habitat
Period: 3rd and 4th
Date: 2nd October 2019 (Wednesday)

Working with children and the internet for the past few months, I have learnt that internet can be helpful as well as harmful too. When children access the internet on large, publicly visible screens in safe and public surroundings, the net can be their most beneficial friend. Children can learn almost anything by themselves, using the internet. But if a child is alone with the internet, the web can be a deadly, subversive, filthy and perverse place. Therefore, we need to caution while children use the net.

I had lesson with class V students on 2^nd October on the topic “protecting habitats.” My lesson objectives were: (a) Define habitat, (b) explain how we can protect habitat and (c) explain the consequences if the habitats of plants and animals are destroyed.

To go with the topic, the class used the smartphones. All the phones were connected to the Wireless Inferred Firewalled Internet (Wi-Fi). The class was divided into 6 groups of four members and each group was provided with smartphones. We discussed on “Disappearing forest,” which was taught earlier to make connection to what they are going to learn. Then we switched on to the topic “Protecting habitats.” The teaching was focused on student centered learning whereby students are instructed to explore from the net to learn the topic. To guide the activity, the following questions were posted to the class:

1.      What is a habitat?

2.      Why is it important to protect habitat?

3.      What would be the consequences if the habitats of plants and animals are destroyed?

Although my school have net facilities but we have shortage of computers. After seeking permission from the school administration, I asked those children who can manage smartphones to bring it to the school for classroom use. Children were already trained how to fetch educational information from the google and how to use google classroom account during the substitution periods several times. Taking an advantage, I directly asked children to find the detail information for the above questions from the google using their smartphones. They were given 30 minutes to carry out the activity. After the activity, I instructed them to post the information in the google classroom forum to share their information with other group members.

Google Classroom Account

Owing to many benefits, as a free online learning platform, with lots of sweat, recently I created Google Classroom account with class VI and V students which took me about a month. I couldn’t create account for all the students as their parents don’t have smartphones. For trail, I have created account for those students who can manage the phones.  I ask those children to bring their phones whenever necessary because I seek consensus with those parents to use their phones. There phones will be use in the class in group to learn the basic tips on ict use, during teaching and learning process. The objectives of creating this account was to share simple learning activities such as like how to post, view the friend’s work and comment the work in the classroom. This will help them to build basic foundation of ict usage in learning process.

Observation

Children were fully engaged and they learned in their own pace. I found all the group has done their job agreeably and they were able to tell about the “Habitats” satisfactorily. However, I found that most of the information posted by group in the forum were directly copied from the net. So, have to intermediate and rephrase the sentences to their level. It indicates that, my instructions to them were not clear. So, I have to provide clear direction before they carry out the activity in future.

Being first time google classroom user, students were confused, as there are several buttons with icons familiar only to Google users. That was the frustrating part I ever had. Searching for information was not a problem but how to post and viewing friend’s post and making comment to the post in the forum was the challenging part of the session. The duration of my teaching was 45 minutes however it took another 45 minutes to complete the above task. I should have use projector to guide their work, so that it saves time. Henceforth, I am going to use projector along with the smartphones. I wish and hope that, by and by children might get adapt to it as learning progresses.

Use of ICT in Classroom Teaching

4^th REFLECTION ON TEACHING USING ICT 

(Second post for the month of September)

Subject: Science

Class: VI   Section: A

Topic: Teeth and Their Functions

Class preparation

After going through numerous articles posted by friends, I learned so many strategies which I can make use of ICT meaningfully in teaching. I am much confident and motivated to pursue further to keep abreast of my ICT knowledge. Learning for self and for the benefit of students, I am in the process of developing “google classroom account.” The primary purpose of Google Classroom is to streamline the process of sharing files between teachers and students beyond the classroom teaching. It will also minimize the use of papers. I tried to complete all the formalities and share it this time but couldn’t do due to some technical problems.

Group following teacher's instructions

On 19th September, I had a lesson with class VI students on the topic “Teeth and Their Functions.” It was a block period.  They should be able to identify types of human teeth, its functions and taking care of their teeth were the objectives of the lesson.  The activity was divided into three:

1.      Identifying types of teeth in human,

2.      Functions of teeth

3.      Taking care of their teeth.

Children working their own following the instructions 

This time I used laptops and projector to facilitate my teaching. I delivered my teaching in the conference hall where internet connectivity is strong.   They were divided into five groups of four students in each group. Each group was provided a laptop each.      

This time, I asked them to find information by themselves from the net. I exhibited the steps to access the topic on the projector.  The very intention of making them to find information by themselves is to make them feel that ICT can be use for educational purposes besides online games and movies. Although, they are very fond of using online games and movies, however they lack the knowledge on how to use ICT for learning purposes. They don’t know from where they can find information form the net. Keeping this in mind, I showed the way, from where they can fetch information for better learning.

Before students begin watching a video, I distributed the worksheet and instructed them to fill up at the end of each video. The purpose of providing worksheet is to check their understanding of the topic. The first short online tutorial they watched was ‘teeth and their functions.’ At the end of the video, I asked them to discuss and fill up the table.  Then we moved on to second activity which was on ‘foods which are good and bad for our teeth’ followed by third activity on ‘brushing tips.’

In comparison to past experiences, I found there is a vast difference in children’s learning.  Children learn much better through technology as it keeps them engage.  The following figure represents students’ performance at the end of each activity. This was a very impressive performance made by the children.

To make connection on what they have learned from the video and what is there in the textbook, I suggested them to read the information given in the textbook.  After that we had few sharing on integrating ICT in teaching. They say that, they enjoy learning as it keeps them awake when listening passively to speech, charming music, and so on. Some of them suggest me that if I can conduct science class in the conference hall every day. So, this is one indication that, they love learning through ICT.

Process of solving problem

As saying goes, “every advantage has its own disadvantage,” I came across some hindrances which I need to think over it.  For example: One group couldn’t use laptop because of weak wi-fi connectivity. In one laptop there was no google chrome browser installed which made it very difficult to use it. To avoid such circumstances in future, a teacher has to check beforehand.

Final activity sheet

Choney Dorji

DEA-2017

(06160344)

Use of ICT in classroom teaching (3rd Reflection)

Use of Mobiles in Classroom Teaching

All the children are not alike. They have their own ability. The learning does not take place with single strategy. Different students have different ways of learning. Therefore, inclusion of variety of teaching strategy is very important to bring overall success of the children. One unavoidable strategy is use of ICT in the classroom which has profound impact on children’s learning. It has become a key tool for today’s world. Different ability of child learns better through ICT.

 This time I have used MOBILES in teaching the concept of ‘Reptiles’ in class VI Science on 4^th September, 4^th period. With the prior permission from the school authority and the permission from the parents I asked children to bring a mobile for the lesson.  I downloaded all the required materials beforehand and shared via ‘SHARE IT.’ I began the lesson by talking on ‘Classification of Animals.’ I reminded that ‘Animals’ can be classified in to five.  Animals with hair on their bodies (mammals), dry scales (reptiles), feathers (birds), animals living in water (aquatic animals) and animals who spend most of the time in water (amphibians).

 I told them to have a look on those animals in their mobile that I have shared through ‘SHARE IT.’ After having observed the pictures, I asked the question; how these animals are different from each other? They were able to tell differences confidently. This is one indication that use of ICT in teaching provides variety in student’s learning. Even the low achiever could manage to reach the other bank of the river.  

In the lesson development, I told them to have a look at the pictures of reptiles in their phones and note down some important features of the animals. They were so curious to move ahead with the activities. I felt it was play and learn. Looking at the pictures, they were able to expressed their feeling with the different real pictures and make their thinking come to reality. They did the job perfectly as instructed. After having noted down the features of the reptiles, I instructed them to ‘define reptiles, write some examples and characteristics of reptiles.’ All most all the students wrote it correctly which I never experienced before. The lesson was very inspiring and effective. I was totally satisfied and driven to move further as it has immense benefit especially for low achiever students. Use of ICT in delivering lesson breaks the gap.  Actually, they are not low achiever. The teaching strategy used by teachers were not suited to them. Therefore, I am much convinced that, I will continue to use ICT, mobiles, projector as main teaching tools henceforth.

Although, use of mobiles in teaching provides opportunity to explore in depth. We can make all the information accessible because phones are easily manageable. However, there were some hitches I came across while carrying out the activities using mobile phones in the classroom. Most of the students have their own mobile at home. They are exposed to various gadgets and apps in the mobile. If we are not careful, it might mislead our teaching. So, we need to provide clear instructions before they handle the mobile in the class. Other drawback I observed was risk of losing their mobile. I have to caution every now and then to avoid such havoc.   So, in the next, I am planning to collect the mobiles before the morning assembly, upload all the information and use it during teaching. Again, collect it after the session and handover it in the evening when they leave home.  

My overall impression on use of mobiles in teaching and learning: Children were excited to use the mobiles since it was first time happening in the classroom. The serious discussion was seen among the group members. Teaching become easier as we can make information accessible and it is manageable. I found it very effective in teaching and learning.  So, I suggest my colleagues to give a try where there are no ICT facilities. Mobiles are easily manageable.

Choney Dorji

PCE06160344

Year - III

Use of ICT in Classroom Teaching

Use of ICT in classroom teaching 

Reflection paper -2 

We should understand the contribution that ICT makes to modern teachings. ICT has a great role for the students. It promotes intellectual of the child through higher order thinking, improve problem-solving skills, improve communication skills and increase the exploration of knowledge through various media. As a teacher we must give them a dais to explore, to cope and to adopt to demand of the environment.

In my first post, I reflected on availability of ICT resources in the school, internet connectivity and merits of ICT. In my second post I am focusing on use of ICT in teaching.

I have integrated the ICT in teaching the concept of ‘Photosynthesis’ in class VI Science on 21^st August.  The topic was on “Leaf – The Food factory.” Explain why leaf is called the food factory of a plant and define photosynthesis was my lesson objectives. After having short introductory of lesson, I showed a video on photosynthesis. I didn’t talk about what they are going to learn. I simply told them to watch a video. I showed them two times. After that, I posed the following questions which I prepared in power point. All the students managed to answer all the questions correctly which made me feel great.  The lesson was very enriching and successful. I was completely contented and motivated to explore further. Here after I am determined to use ICT as my main teaching tools to supplement my teaching for better understanding of the lesson.

I found Teaching lesson through a video has more impact in children’s learning as students make their thinking come to reality. They learn more by seeing things in reality. It changes the learning atmosphere.  I observed that even the struggling students perform better with an entertaining approach. I felt, they are not actually low achiever but the requirements are not meet the way they want. Therefore, as a teacher we need to think of using varieties of strategies to suit every individual.

There were some hitches came across while watching video on photosynthesis. The first one was language tone. Students were not able to catch up some words because of tone of the language and second was scientific terms used in the video.

As we are gearing towards 21^st century, integration of ICT in teaching has become a powerful weapon which we cannot neglect it to go with the change. Therefore, as a teacher we must take importance in technology for better learning and for better future.

Choney Dorji

PCE06160344

Year - III

Difficulties in Using ICT in the classroom

World now a days are totally changing. Everyone wants to be modernized. All the countries around the world are characterized by its focus on information through use of ICT. ICT plays a significant role in making the required information easily accessible. It has become an important empowering tool to generate and share information in this 21^st century. Information and communication technologies are a feature of society that people regularly encounter in day-to-day life. Similarly, the use of ICT in teaching and learning has become very crucial at this juncture to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Therefore, an understanding of the underlying pedagogical assumptions of ICT is vitally important for teachers to effectively implement these technologies within the classroom.

ICT plays various roles in teaching and learning processes. According to Bransford et al. (2000) as cited in Habibu et al. (2012), stated that several studies have reviewed literature on ICT and learning and have concluded that it has great potential to enhance student achievement and teacher learning. Wong et al. (2006), pointed out that technology can play apart in supporting face-to-face teaching and learning in the classroom. Many researchers and theorists assert that the use of computers can help students to become knowledgeable, reduce the amount of direct instruction given to them, and give teachers an opportunity to help those students with particular needs. It is also proven that use of ICT in teaching and learning help the teachers enhance their pedagogical practice and equip them with the knowledge and skills to use different computer technologies to access, analyze, interpret process and disseminate information to learners. ICT also help the educational institutions to provide ICT capacity to ensure that all teachers and students have immediate access to all software that are required to support the curriculum and adequate support to implement its use in classroom teaching learning process without any difficulties. Furthermore, it can also help to enhance the quality of education by increasing learner motivation and engagement, facilitating the acquisition of basic skills and enhancing teacher training and promote the shift to a learner centered environment.

Children watching you tube video on forms of energy in conference hall.

We are much aware that the use of ICT in the classroom is very important in providing opportunities for students to learn, to operate in an information age. It is also help to overcome the multiple barriers and become successful technology adapters in the future. In pretext to many advantages many schools in Bhutan lack (especially primary schools) ICT infrastructure, resources, unstable power supply, poor network connectivity, use of cell phone contradict with school policy are some of the central issues in schools at present scenario. In my school, we have few computers, internet connection and Wi-Fi facility. Yet, those computers are used by the teachers for professional development purposes such as for planning and preparation of lessons etc. whereby student never get access to it. Insufficient numbers of computers for the teachers, net connectivity fluctuation and lack of separate IT lab are the main obstacles to make computers access to our children and teachers. Here are some of the clips on how I managed to impart content through using ICT.

Children watching video on forms of energy.

 Advantages:

a.       Children get clear concept of the topic.

b.      Work load of teacher reduces when teaching ICT.

c.       Use of energizer clips in between the lessons breaks their boredom.

d.      Efficiency of learning increases when activity instructions are on the screen.

e.       Increases their curiosity when teaching using ICT.

Class VI students watching video on adaptive
 characteristics of deserts animals.

Disadvantages:

a.       Limited resources make less feasible to use ICT during teaching learning.

b.      There is no separate computer lab for students. The teacher has to seek permission from school administration to use resource like projector in the classroom.

c.       Transportation of electronic from one class to another after every period is another hardship for the user as preparation consumes time.

d.      Taking students in the staffroom carry out the activity is another problem as it causes distraction.

e.       Lack of IT expertise: Most of the teachers in my school lack the skill to use the ICT in teaching-learning process because they did not get formal training. Teachers rarely using ICT in a classroom due to lack of skill. I feel time has come and teachers need to be trained in the use of these ICT in particular. In this regard some initial training is needed for teachers to develop appropriate skills, knowledge, and attitudes regarding the effective use of computers to support learning. According to Beggs (2000) as cited in Habibu et al. (2012) one of the top problem to teachers‟ use of ICT in teaching was the lack of training.” Lacking in the knowledge and skills of ICT; teachers are reluctant about the changes and incorporation of extra learning associated with computers into their teaching processes. Hence there is a problem of teachers‟ acceptance and adoption of ICT.” Teachers who plan lesson in hard copy claim that “lack of skills” is a constraining factor preventing them from using computer. Lack of computer knowledge and skills deprived their eagerness about the changes and integration of ICT into their teaching practices.

References:

Habibu, T., Mamun, A., Clement, C. (2012). Difficulties Faced by Teachers in Using ICT in Teaching – Learning at Technical and Higher Educational Institutions of Uganda, 7(1), 1-10.