D J Cole UWI WEBSITE

Activity

by Deanna Cole - Wednesday, 13 November 2019, 11:18 PM

Number of replies: 0

By and large the Caribbean is on the right path to the integration of ICT in the classroom. This is particularly true of the larger economies like Jamaica who spend approximately 5.5% of their GDP towards education according to Unesco. This is fairly on par with larger countries like the US that spends about 6% of its GDP.

I believe we have the intent to create educational programs that are on par with the rest of the world and are inclusive of ICT. For example the creation of orgnizations like E Learning Jamaica Limted to accelerate ICT in schools and the educational training programs on ICT available from the Heart Trust NTA are great steps forward.

Now it is understood we do have challenges like the need for more funding, additional training, the proliferation on island wide internet and the need for more ICT equipment however we are going in the right direction.

At the end of the day we simply need more funding so the advocates of ICT can push us further into the deployment of ICT in our schools. In addition we need to drive more innovation so ICT is used. For example I would recommend we create classes where ICT technology are used in all class work. This would be practical in the secondary school levels, potentiall in the last two years of high school.It is noted this takes money.

To create this financial back bone to get this done we must assertivel look at increase taxes on alcohol and tobacco products as well as gambling. We need to increase our expectations that major telecomm providers provide free services to schools that are in there service areas. If we get serious about revenue generation we can plow those funds back in accelerating the use of ICT in our schools. With this back ground we can blend the use of ICT and traditional teaching methods to create the best opportunities for our young minds.

References

Jamaica spending on education as a percentage of GDP. 2017 Trading Economics. Retrieved from https://tradingeconomics.com/jamaica/public-spending-on-education-total-percent-of-gdp-wb-data.html

Activity

by Deanna Cole - Wednesday, 13 November 2019, 11:18 PM

Number of replies: 0

By and large the Caribbean is on the right path to the integration of ICT in the classroom. This is particularly true of the larger economies like Jamaica who spend approximately 5.5% of their GDP towards education according to Unesco. This is fairly on par with larger countries like the US that spends about 6% of its GDP.

I believe we have the intent to create educational programs that are on par with the rest of the world and are inclusive of ICT. For example the creation of orgnizations like E Learning Jamaica Limted to accelerate ICT in schools and the educational training programs on ICT available from the Heart Trust NTA are great steps forward.

Now it is understood we do have challenges like the need for more funding, additional training, the proliferation on island wide internet and the need for more ICT equipment however we are going in the right direction.

At the end of the day we simply need more funding so the advocates of ICT can push us further into the deployment of ICT in our schools. In addition we need to drive more innovation so ICT is used. For example I would recommend we create classes where ICT technology are used in all class work. This would be practical in the secondary school levels, potentiall in the last two years of high school.It is noted this takes money.

To create this financial back bone to get this done we must assertivel look at increase taxes on alcohol and tobacco products as well as gambling. We need to increase our expectations that major telecomm providers provide free services to schools that are in there service areas. If we get serious about revenue generation we can plow those funds back in accelerating the use of ICT in our schools. With this back ground we can blend the use of ICT and traditional teaching methods to create the best opportunities for our young minds.

References

Jamaica spending on education as a percentage of GDP. 2017 Trading Economics. Retrieved from https://tradingeconomics.com/jamaica/public-spending-on-education-total-percent-of-gdp-wb-data.html

Activity

by Deanna Cole - Wednesday, 13 November 2019, 11:18 PM

Number of replies: 0

By and large the Caribbean is on the right path to the integration of ICT in the classroom. This is particularly true of the larger economies like Jamaica who spend approximately 5.5% of their GDP towards education according to Unesco. This is fairly on par with larger countries like the US that spends about 6% of its GDP.

I believe we have the intent to create educational programs that are on par with the rest of the world and are inclusive of ICT. For example the creation of orgnizations like E Learning Jamaica Limted to accelerate ICT in schools and the educational training programs on ICT available from the Heart Trust NTA are great steps forward.

Now it is understood we do have challenges like the need for more funding, additional training, the proliferation on island wide internet and the need for more ICT equipment however we are going in the right direction.

At the end of the day we simply need more funding so the advocates of ICT can push us further into the deployment of ICT in our schools. In addition we need to drive more innovation so ICT is used. For example I would recommend we create classes where ICT technology are used in all class work. This would be practical in the secondary school levels, potentiall in the last two years of high school.It is noted this takes money.

To create this financial back bone to get this done we must assertivel look at increase taxes on alcohol and tobacco products as well as gambling. We need to increase our expectations that major telecomm providers provide free services to schools that are in there service areas. If we get serious about revenue generation we can plow those funds back in accelerating the use of ICT in our schools. With this back ground we can blend the use of ICT and traditional teaching methods to create the best opportunities for our young minds.

References

Jamaica spending on education as a percentage of GDP. 2017 Trading Economics. Retrieved from https://tradingeconomics.com/jamaica/public-spending-on-education-total-percent-of-gdp-wb-data.html

Activity

by Deanna Cole - Saturday, 2 November 2019, 12:33 PM

Number of replies: 0

Assistive technology are tools that allow individuals with special challenges to be able to learn, develop and participate despite the challenge they by face. Challenges can be based on physical or mental impairments of conditions. Assistive technologies are tools designed to allow people to participate in areas they would no be able to given the conditions they face.

As a teacher we must be able to identify and appreciate such challenges within our students and be able to assist by introducing and executing the use of the assistive technology that is most applicable to the specific challenge at hand.

For example a child that has a hearing problem can be assisted with hearing aids that allow him or her to be fully able to participate in the class room by using the hearing aid. Children that are blind may be able to be very productive by using special keyboards designed with brail to allow them to communicate effectively.

Assistive technology is not only used in the classroom but is increasingly used by adults in society. These technologies are important as we have a responsibility to allow all members in our communities and schools to be able to learn and develop as productive members of society. In assisting children with assistive tools we also help all children understand the need and use of assistitive technologies as a part of modern society.

Reference

EDTK2030 Information and Communication Technologies in Education - Unit 6: Assistive Technologies in Education UWI, Mona Open Campus

Activity 5

by Deanna Cole - Saturday, 2 November 2019, 10:55 AM

Number of replies: 0

HIgher order thinking skills are the advanced process of understanding and learning that occurs when we take information and experiences and critically review them in detail so they we really understand the information and the implications. These skills include analysis, synthesis and evaluation of the information. In effect this is a skill set that allows people to understand the information in a real world setting. Hots ( Higher order thinking skills) create a more well rounded understanding of information that lower order thinking skills in which people only memorize or repeat information. Hots encourages creativity and a understanding of all implication of the information.

 

In our classrooms we can use various ICT tools to accelerate HOTS.

 

For example by computers and internet children can review many viewpoints of information. This can be helpful for them understanding the details of a topic. This will then result in deeper understanding of the topic. In effect this promotes higher order thinking.

 

Other areas of ICT that will promote HOT include:

 

Interactive games

 

Probem solving in online puzzles

 

Educational videos

 

Productive use of tablet and mobile devices to access information

 

Educational TV programs

 

University of West Indies ( 2019). EDTK 2030 Unit 5. Developing Higher Order Skills with ICT Mediated Instruction. UWI Mona Open Campus.

 

WIKI - Assignment 4

by Deanna Cole - Saturday, 5 October 2019, 1:43 PM

Number of replies: 0

Hello All;

 

Please see my Wiki at https://www.wikiful.com/@deannacole/from-birth-to-eight-a-star-in-the-making

 

Picture of Deanna Cole

Web Site

by Deanna Cole - Sunday, 22 September 2019, 10:37 PM

Number of replies: 0

HI .. I found several. Weebly and Wix... very complicated . I cant figure them out. However i found one called Wordpress that i think i understand. Thanks.

 

 

EDTK2030 - Information and Communication Technology in Education S1 | 19/20

Deanna James Cole

Research Paper

Nov 2 2019

Option 2

 

Higher Order Thinking Skills and WEB 2.0 Tools

Higher Order Thinking Skills are the overall phenomenon that results when individuals learn to take experiences and information and create a synergistic result by understanding the information, analyzing the information , reasoning with the information, synthesizing the information, evaluating the information and creativity in terms of the best way forward based on the overall combination of the actions.

According to Sue Watson much of the concept of higher order thinking skills originate from Benjamin Bloom’s concepts of learning. Blooms concepts advocate that we learn by being active, challenged creative and collaborative in our engagement with experiences and information. Supporters of higher order thinking skills support the idea that learning is more accomplished when individuals are actively engaged as opposed to just passive in their engagement of information. Passive engagement such as memorization and learning from repetition without thinking, challenging and analyzing is known as lower order thinking skills. Blooms ideas were formulated in 1956.

Web 2.0 Tools

As we fast forward into 2019 we know have many online tools that can help us be engaged with information in ways that are active, challenging and conducive to higher order thinking skills. We can facilitate many of the various key points of higher order thinking by using tools such as websites, blogs, wikis and other applications. These tools are known as Web 2.O tools. In basic terms these tools can be used by individuals to place information and or experiences in easy to access online formats. This information can then be viewed, reviewed, commented on, enhanced, critiqued and in some cases changed. As individuals work with Web 2.0 applications they can also collaborate. Stakeholders who engage with these tools can be motivated to execute higher order of thinking skills.

According to Barak and Dori Web 2.0 tools encourage interactivity, creativity and collaboration and decision making. This is relatively easy for today’s students because Web 2.0 tools are easy to use and easily found online. Web 2.0 engagements encourage students to become more interactive and thoughtful about the information that is available because of the ease of finding the information and he ease of being engaged with the information and the other people engaged with the information. . This in turn creates higher order thinking skill. Let’s take a look at some examples of how Web 2.0 tools can help inspire higher order thinking.

 

Examples of how Web 2.0 tools are conducive to Higher Order Thinking Skills

In a recent research action Barak and Dori advised that the use of Web 2.0 tools enhanced the higher order thinking skills of the student in terms of critical thinking, presenting opinions and overall persuasive discussions. This does not surprise me. I believe we have to look further than our own actions in our learning journeys at UWI. In many cases were have to review information in our readings and course material, present our view points and engage with other students and our instructors via interactive formats and Wikis.

In being participants that want to do well I believe we do in fact become more advanced in our engagement with information and critical thinking skills. In effect we have to use higher order thinking skills to assure we come across as progressive and competent students.

 

Now let’s take a look at the use of Web 2. Tools in Early Childhood Development. Today’s children are using tablets and going on line at increasingly early ages. As a consequence it comes as no surprise that children are going on websites, blogs and wiki’s as well as interactive learning sites such as ABS Mouse .com.

Many blog advocates believe that the use of blogs by children assist them in terms of building confidence, increasing their ability to present a position, improving communication skills and enhancing reasoning skills. In addition The School Run Blog staff advocates that the international nature of the internet allows children to engage with people from across the world.

 

Concerns about Web2. Tools and early childhood development.

Web 2.0 tools bring many positives to education such as enhanced critical thinking, creativity and enhanced collaboration. However like most teaching concepts we must be concerned and aware of both positives and negatives. In terms of Web 2.0 tools George Palaigeorgiou notes there are several important concerns. Key concerns include the potential that the subject matter may not be of real interest to the students. As a consequence students my start off with a bang however quickly become bored with the topic especially given the need to be interactive and challenged. In addition the issue of internet safety and incorrect information based on the freewheeling potential of opinions may have negative and unwelcome implications.

Research by Palaigeorgiou also indicates the knowledge that children have about the internet and various devices may not be as strong as teachers believe. As such the need to use Web 2.0 tools may turn out to be a significant challenge and distraction to the children. In effect, the ideal learning and development may be blocked. Teachers as well my become a road block if the teachers themselves are note competently trained in the use of the internet and various applications related to Web 2.0 tools.

 

 

 

Conclusion

 

Higher Order Thinking Skills are important opportunities for young students to learn and develop. In today’s fast paced world children are equipped with many technology tools such as the internet, computers, mobile devices and Web 2.0 tools. Web 2. O tools are internet based platforms such as wiki’s, blogs and other interactive platforms that allow information to be shared with individuals across the globe. Given the excitement of using these technology tools there is significant synergy that occurs when higher order thinking skills are used in conjunction with Web 2.0 tools.

By using Web 2.0 tools, given the appropriate parental guidance, children have much to gain by sharing ideas, presenting information, collaborating with each other and thinking in general based on the information at hand. This interactive engagement is an important opportunity for the learning and development of children.

 

 

 

Oct 22 2019

Deanna James Cole

Assignment 2

Option 2

 

Introduction

In the last few years ICT has been introduced to many early childhood education institutions across the globe. In kindergarten classes research has indicated the use of ICT has proven to improve the learning results in various subjects including mathematics according to Nicholas Zaranis. In China the use of robots in storytelling and critical thinking exercises has shown positive impacts on children based on Rachel Bolstad’s report on the use of ICT in schools. With these insights at hand and the ongoing convergence of ICT in education it is important that our schools in Jamaica understand and participate in the use of ICT.

Development of school based policies

Development of the school based policies will be based on research to identify the best practices currently being used in schools. In addition the policies will be discussed with the staff and all stakeholders via a focus group meetings to assure an inclusive environment. Stakeholders will include school management, teachers, PTA members and other experts on the topics. The policies and practices will be reviewed on an ongoing basis to assure they remain relevant and productive.

Preparing the staff and areas of focus

The staff will be prepared by an overall introduction as well as ongoing engagements on the topic of ICT in schools. During the end of year and start of year staff meetings a session on the topic of ICT in schools will be executed as part of the agenda. In addition written and electronic materials will be provided for the staff to review. Best practices will be shared with the staff. Feedback surveys and reports will be executed and shared so that we can transparently review areas of concern and assure everyone we are moving in the right direction. Based on these actions a representative team of our staff will formulate the overall best plan of action.

The specific ICT teaching actions we will undertake in our schools will be based on practices that are currently being used successfully in school across the globe. Research indicates current best practices include the use of the following:

• You tube videos

• Computers

• Cameras

• Internet

• Programmable toys

• Tablets

• Audio Visual Equipment

Staff members trained on the usage and benefits of best practices currently applied in early childhood education. Staff will then be encouraged to brain storm and select applications that will best suit their classrooms. Teachers will be advised to use at least 2 of the practices per term.

 

Provisions for special students

All students will be included in our ICT enhanced learning and development programs. In order to do this we will assure our overall policies and practices mandate inclusion of all students including those with special needs or physical impairments. To assure these children are included we will assure the following points are parts of our program.

1. Identification of the needs of all individual children

2. Education of the parents of all children of the importance of ICT in learning for all

3. Inclusion of equipment that is conducive to the needs of special children including the following examples

According to Stanberry and Raskind the following are key examples of ICT that can assist special needs students.

• Abbreviation expanders

• Alternative keyboards

• Audio books and publications

• Electronic math work sheets.

• Freeform database software

• Graphic organizers and outlining

• Information/data managers

 

Monitoring and evaluations

It will be important to assure the introduction of ICT in the classrooms will in fact create the consistent and ongoing results that are in the best interest of the students and all stakeholders. To accomplish this it will be critical to place the correct monitoring and reporting systems in place.

Monitoring the classrooms can be a combination of the class room monitoring by senior staff. This can be accomplished by walk in visits and or electronic CCTV solutions. To assure consistency the monitoring program can be given quantified occurrence targets per term.

Evaluations will occur in terms of the actual implementation and the impact of the use of ICT we build into the program. For example the teachers will out a report similar to the example below.

 

 

Class Kindergarten 1

Date Ever Monday over the Sept to Jan Term.

Target number of Mondays: 16 Actual days ICT used: 13

Teacher Deanna Cole

ICT Technology Used Internet and projector

Lesson Content Letters of the alphabet

ICT action Children were able view videos reviewing the letter s of the alphabet

Learning enhancement produced The children were very interested in seeing the animated letters of the alphabet. In addition they learned to sing an alphabet song that will assist them in remembering the letters of the alphabet.

Lessons learned The children were very interested. It was learned that the children were most attentive during sessions in the mornings when they were energetic. At these sessions it is important to re-arrange the desks to assure all the children are able to see the screen properly. In addition after the session the information is reinforced by talking to the children about the content presented.

 

By creating ongoing reports we can assure the use of ICT creates the desired impact.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Nicholas Zaranis , 2016; The use of ICT in kindergarten for teaching addition based on realistic mathematics education., Volume 21, Issue 3, pp 589–606AUGUST 29, 2018

Robot teachers invade Chinese kindergartens. 2018 Retrieved from https://phys.org/news/2018-08-robot-teachers-invade-chinese-kindergartens.html

Rachel Bolstad; 2004. The role and potential of ICT in early childhood education. Early Childhood Education New Zealand Council for Educational Research. Retrieved from https://www.nzcer.org.nz/system/files/ictinecefinal.pdf

Kristin Stanberry, Marshall H. Raskind Assistive Technology for Kids with Learning Disabilities: An Overview. Retrieved from https://www.readingrockets.org/article/assistive-technology-kids-learning-disabilities-overview

 

 

 

 

EDTK 2030 Information and Communication Technology in Education

Due Date: Sept 22 2019

Deanna James Cole

Student ID 313100255

Assignment 1 Essay

 

Introduction

Over half the people in the world used email to communicate in 2018 according to the Radicati reports. In effect this ICT communication medium was used by close to 4 billion people according to Heinz Tschabitscher. In a world that has so many means to communicate the reliance on email by so many people for so many reasons must make us wonder why? In considering the success of email it is important to review the affordances of email and its constraints to understand the growth of email. Affordances are the various possibilities and positive benefits that can be derived from an object or service according to Michael Hammond. In reviewing email it will be prudent to review both the positive affordances as well the constraints that can exist with this ICT marvel. This is especially true as we endeavor to integrate email into our journey of educating.

Affordances

Email is uses by virtually everyone according to a recent US Census report. J Clement advises that the 2017 Census report states that the average percentage of people that use email from age 15 to over 65 was approximately 88 %. As a user of email myself it is easy to see many of the affordances of email. Key affordance include the following beneficial points;

Benefits

• Ease of use

• Fast speed of delivery from the originator to the recipient

• Able to be done in written text with visual pictures our audio visual clips.

• Able to be time stamped and show other information as to who sent the email for identification purposes

• Worldwide reach where ever internet services are available

• Can be used on stationary computers or wireless mobile devices

• Relatively inexpensive to use

Reflection

Email is a very positive communications medium based on the ability of people to communicate business, social and most importantly educational information from one person to another. In education we as teachers can efficiently disseminate information to students, parents, staff members and other stakeholders. This ICT technology is a key enabler to education for communicating various insights to our overall community.

In the Caribbean where we have limited budgets and increasing needs to improve the quality of our educational process email can be used to communicate information in a cost effective expedient manner. The ability to create and receive emails on computers and mobile devices make email a medium that is accessible to almost every one. This universal ability allow us as educators the ability to quickly connect with our stake holders in an accountable manner. Indeed email is one of the most important ICT tools available to teahers.

Constraints

To assure we as educators provide the most positive and consistent learning environment we must be aware of the affordances of email as well as constraint that can impact our use of the internet. By doing this we will be able to have contingency plans to use if email is not available.

Constraints of email include the following:

• Email requires internet availability, electricity or battery power

• Email requires computers, tablets or mobile devices

• Email indirectly has costs associated with the requirements above

• Internet coverage may not be available to all students, teachers and stakeholders

• Emails can include incorrect information and or be tampered with

• Email communications may be misinterpreted

• Email leads to social disconnection and can lead to cyberbullying

• Email may be deemed questionable as a communications medium that is acceptable to use for young children

Reflections

In no uncertain terms the constraints noted are important to understand so that we as educators can assure the related negative impacts of the constrains do not undermine the learning and development of our students. In addition in regards to the limitations such as the need for internet, electricity and cost concerns we must be aware of our student’s individual situations and assure that we leave no students behind due to these constraints.

In terms of misunderstands and social disconnection we must assure we use email wisely and always double check that our recipients understand our true intentions and remain socially connected to us. We need to have communications that promote decent interactivity between the sender and the receiver. In addition especially with children we need to engage them in ways other than email alone to assure correct learning and development is taking place. For example if we send an email it would be important to ask for a response and invite questions. The following day it would be good to review the communications quickly to assure everyone is on the same page.

 

 

 

Conclusion

Email is used by the majority of individuals across the world for a variety of business, social and educational purposes. It is an easy to use, reliable for of communications that can instantaneously share information between the sender and the recipient. In the educational arena it can be used by teachers and students. While there will be some concern as to how young a person should be using email the reality is more and more children are using electronic devices and email will not be far behind voice and texting communications. Adam Fort notes some teachers are against the use of email by school aged children due to the potential that children will become more withdrawn and socially awkward in face to face communications due to the reliance on email for communications. While this is a reasonable concern the use of email is in fact an increasing part of modern adult life. As such I believe proper guidance and education on the use of email is a better option than to shun the use of email. In business today email is day to day part of many operations. Children need to understand it in order to ready them for adulthood.

With the mind the focus on email needs to assure email is used for positive communications. Children are already using computers and mobile devices in schools, hence the use of emails as an off shot of those technologies is inevitable. The benefits of email are significant. Ease of use, speed of communications, to ability to send and receive email messages from stationary devices or from mobile devices and inexpensive costs are all reasons that the positives of email out weight the noted concerns above. As such I believe email is justified in today’s modern society and in our educational environment.

 

 

References

Hammond Michael 2010; Education and Information Technologies. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.library.open.uwi.edu/docview/577605677?accountid=42537

Heinz Tschabitscher 2019; How Many People Use Email Worldwide? Retrieved from https://www.lifewire.com/how-many-email-users-are-there-1171213#targetText=Email%20%26%20Messaging&targetText=But%2C%20how%20many%20email%20users,by%20the%20end%20of%202022.

J Clement; 2017; Percentage of internet users in the United States who use e-mail as of November 2017, by age group. Stastica Retrieved from https://www.statista.com/statistics/271501/us-email-usage-reach-by-age/

Adam Fort 2013; Why Teachers are Against E-mails in the Classroom. Retrieved from https://elearningindustry.com/why-teachers-are-against-e-mails-in-the-classroom