Feeding the Need

From the survey that I have conducted, I have discovered that in order for my colleagues to embrace technology integration in their teaching, there are needs that have to be worked upon first. Amongst the first needs that have to be addressed are:

·       Being in position to access the computer lab at all times.
·       Being conversant with the basic technology applications.
·       Being in position to use the computer for record keeping and data analysis.
·       Being in position to surf for relevant information or data from the internet.
·       Some need to change their attitude towards technology i.e. get rid of the technophobia.
·       Acquiring personal gadgets like laptops, iPads, or smart phones for starters.
Before this course I was just like a number of them with only the basic computer knowledge. I had an added advantage that I was a proud owner of a laptop and a smart phone, gadgets that have been handy throughout my journey of staff development.
When I started the course I was cautiously feeling my way. Slowly by slowly I got to learn more about computers through the following steps;
·       Identifying and having a professional learning goal.
·       I have created a blog in which I have shared my experiences in the course.
·       Exploring and joining social media.
·       I have surfed for relevant professional development information from the websites.
·       I have created my personal learning network.
·       I have learnt to contribute to a discussion online.
·       I have learnt to join a wiki discussion and to contribute to it.
·       Finding Video resources on teacher professional development and professional learning goals on YouTube.
·       I have created my own YouTube channel to which I posted teacher professional development videos from YouTube for further viewing.
·       I have also created a diigo account on which I have bookmarked the teacher professional development sites and blogs that I intend to revisit.
·       I have learnt to upload documents.
Using the knowledge that I have acquired this far and the gadgets that I have, I am in position to take up the challenge as an isolated teacher in a school to teach and help my colleagues to acquire the above information and skills. That would be the starting point for me to give them the basic technology information and skills as I also encourage them to acquire their personal technology devices. It may not be easy for individuals to have constant access to the internet because of the cost involved in being connected throughout.  However, once the project starts, it would not be difficult for the school administration to render its support and also to solicit support from the ministry of Education since the whole issue is to improve Education through Technology integration.

                                                   

Trawling the Net

As a student of CCTI seeking professional development, I no longer feel lost as I did before. At first I was scared of technology, but now I have an idea where to go for any information concerning my professional development. I know what sites and blogs to visit for information and I know how to bookmark sites that I would wish to revisit.

However, I still feel timid and hold back when it comes to sparking off discussion of any kind. I still need to feel the ropes. I have tried to give my comments on certain issues once in a while. My PLN has given me insight into some of the most popular tools that could be used by both students and teachers in the teaching and learning process. It has helped me with solutions to some controversial issues and also suggested tools that promote my professional learning goals and development. I have visited sites and blogs that have been very informative and mind-opening. I have engaged in discussions with my collaborative group members, and I have bookmarked sites and blogs that have been key in my professional learning and development and I intend to revisit them and share them with my colleagues at the work place.
The power of collaboration includes:

·        sharing new ideas and strategies.

·         learning to work together and ease the load that would have been cumbersome if dealt with by an individual.

·        helping each other out in case of a problem. 

Collaboration is not without pitfalls and some of them include;
·        getting the group members to move at the same pace is frustrating.
·        the silence of some members may be quite  disconcerting.  
·         It takes more than the necessary time to make the decisions for what to include or not to include, or who is to handle what aspect of a task.
·        lack of access to the Net and the high expenditure on Internet bundles may delay contact
·        lack of tools to work with i.e laptops, desktops, or iPads etc.
·        other commitments.

With the Wiki page, the following are the advantages;

·        It is easy to work on a wiki and to contribute to it.

·        ability to share with others openly any ideas that you wish to share

·        the feeling that you are adding something of value to an important discussion that will be viewed by others.

The disadvantages include;
·        the fact that anyone can alter what you have put down and distort the meaning of what you wanted to put across.
·        when you miss the link that gives you access to it, you may never be in position to post any input to it.