CoNDuCiVe CLaSSRooM WiTH iCT

Why do we use ICT to create conducive classroom? There are many reasons why ICT is important in everyday life, since computers and associated technologies are increasingly necessary in al business and commercial concerns.

The communication aspects and the ways in which a constructivist theory of education can be supported through ICT as well. The skills which children gain by being able to control the applications used in ICT. The confidence children gain by communicating through and controlling their environment. The needs for communication skills in the students’ future careers, both school and in the workplace as they have the access to information on the World Wide Web. The creative power of ICT, especially in the making of web pages, using text and graphics, as well as more advanced facilities. Communication technologies such as audio and video conferencing, enabling children to communicate their ideas across national and local boundaries. 

It is important to consider the welfare of those in the classroom in order to optimize motivation – for you and the pupils. This means considering a variety of factors. The motivation of your pupils is very important if they are to do well. Child (1997) describes motivation as being of two kinds, intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation stems from a sense of achievement at having solved a difficult problem, perhaps developing a model based on spreadsheet, while extrinsic motivation stems from external considerations, for example praise from the teacher or the need to complete some coursework by a given deadline. 

However, before pupils can become motivated they must have been provided with what Maslow (1970) describes as lover-level needs. At the very basic level, these are listed as physiological needs like food and warmth, and then physical needs such as safe and comfortable working environment. Maslow suggests that, without these, pupils will not reach the higher levels of his motivational hierarchy.This means that before your pupils can work effectively you must do your best to provide them with a comfortable and safe environment. 

With the increasing use of the internet in education most schools will have devised an internet policy. As a minimum, schools will include a ban on accessing unsuitable sites for children, including those of a pornographic, violent, or racist nature. However there will be many other kinds of site which the school may deem to be unsuitable. 

The use of the internet has a close bearing on the use of the school’s network in general and so the policy is likely to include guidelines and rules on the use of those systems too. Having devised their policy, the school may well require both parents and pupils to sign a form in which they agree to abide by the policy. Passwords might not be issued until this has been done, and network access might be suspended for any breach. 

The school and ICT department should also have policies and promote good practice on such things as the use of games, the loan of software and copyright issues. You must know these policies and follow them. A factor which is particular significant for ICT is that lessons can be subject to regular disturbances, which you will have to deal with. For example, other teachers send pupils to your classroom to ask if they can use a spare machine, staff may want to use a machine, if you have the network printer in your room people come to collect printouts, if staff or pupils have a problem with ICT they interrupt to ask for help. As a new teacher this can be very distracting, but you will get used to it. The pupils seem to accept it quite readily. 

As a conclusion, we have only begun to experience the radical changes that computers will make on society, as we know it. Computer fraud and abuse take many forms. Teachers face new challenges in the new technology based education. They must strive to provide equal access to computers to all students. They must promote computer ethics in their classroom. Educator and parents are concerned about student’s privacy and access to inappropriate sites. Plagiarism concerns about student’s assignment utilizing the World Wide Web are becoming a major concern. Technology provides opportunities but also provides concerns to teachers and parents. In the end, all must work together to take advantage of this powerful tool. 

Let's see what they have to say...

   
 References: 

• Leask, M. & Meadows, J. (2000). Teaching and Learning with ICT in the Primary School. Routlegde Falmer: New York.

• Kennewell, S., Connell, A., Edwards, A., Hammond, M. & Wickens, C. (20027). A Practical Guide to Teaching ICT in the Secondary School.Routledge Falmer: New York.

• Lever-Duffy, J. & McDonald, J. (2008). Teaching and Learning with Technology. Pearson: USA.

• Bitter, G. & Peirson, M. (2005). Using Technology in the Classroom. Pearson: USA.