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