Department of Technology in Education

1. Department of Technology in Education

2. ICT Across the Curriculum Heads of Non-State Secondary Schools 24th – 28th January 2005 Charles Galea – Education Officer Computer Studies

3. Use of ICT now … • Information and Communications Technology (all students) • Computer Studies (Option Subject) • Mathematics (all students)

4. ICT in the National Minimum Curriculum “It is imperative, therefore, that the educational system ensures that all students, including children of different abilities, gain access to and training in technology and the new means of communication.” Pg. 25

5. NMC envisages changes… “… one must seriously consider which physical and organizational changes are required of a school which seriously regards the computer as an indispensable learning vehicle.” Pg 43.

6. ECDL Exam Schedule

7. ECDL Exam Schedule

8. ECDL Exam Schedule

9. Internet Connectivity All computers in 36 Secondary schools connected to the Internet • E-mail address • Web space on offer http://skola.gov.mt

10. Why use ICT? • The potential of ICT to change the nature of work and leisure over the next 20 years • Surveys demonstrate that ICT enhances the quality of teaching and learning

11. ICT and pupil achievement … “In schools which provide good ICT learning opportunities, pupils achieve higher results in the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science … at GCSE level in general” major DfES study http://www.becta.org.uk/research

12. ICT and pupil achievement … “Schools that make good use of ICT within subjects at Key Stage 3 and GCSE level achieve better results than those who do not, especially where such schools have access to good ICT resources.” major DfES study http://www.becta.org.uk/research

13. The Computer can be used … “The evidence shows that when teachers use their knowledge of both the subject and the way pupils understand the subject, their use of ICT has a more direct effect on pupils’ attainment.” Becta report to the DfES

14. The computer as a teaching aid Multimedia • Text • Pictures • Sound • Graphics • Animation • Video clips • Interactivity

15. General Benefits • Efficiency • Increased communications • Motivates students

16. Benefits for teachers • Sharing • Flexibility in tasks • Confidence & enthusiasm • Planning of lessons

17. Benefits for students • Better lessons through collaboration • Focused teaching • Improved pastoral care

18. Benefits for students Improvements in reading comprehension Development of writing skills Independent learning

19. Benefits for students Students found that learning in a technology-enhanced setting is more stimulating and student-centred than in a traditional classroom

20. Benefits for parents • Communication with teachers • Greater access to attainment and attendance • Increased involvement • Understand more students’ learning capabilities • Parents more engaged in the school community

21. Where to start? Teachers cannot wait for more computers to arrive at school before they begin the task of building ICT into their working life

22. 3Qs 1 Does your school mission statement include the philosophy that knowledge is like a seamless fabric?

23. 3Qs 2 Is the school ethos supportive of change? 3 How is technical support provided?

24. Schools with ICT in SDP • M. A. Vassalli Boys JL – Handaq • St. Joseph Boys JL – Paola • Guze D’Amato Boys SS – Paola • M. Mortimer Girls JL – Sta Lucia • Sir A. Dingli Girls JL – Pembroke • Maria Regina Girls JL – Blata l-Bajda

25. Which lessons? • Excellent lessons rarely benefit by use of ICT • Poor lessons cannot be rescued by use of ICT – these need basic re-evaluation • Normal lessons are the important ones that benefit most by the use of ICT

26. Practical realities in school • No more than 3 pupils per computer • Consider classroom organization • Teachers find that they are working more closely and personally with small groups • Computer Lab availability

27. Practical realities Teacher input Teacher input Students’ work

28. Practical realities Teacher input Teacher input Students’ work Teacher input Teacher input Students’ work

29. Using the Internet … • Preparation is required to integrate the Internet within the lesson • Establish the purpose for which information is to be used • Consider the limitations of ICT tools

30. Preparation required by teacher • Integrate telecommunications with an activity that is present in curriculum. • Choose a beneficial topic. • Plan regular sessions. • Visit and check the sites beforehand. • Have specific tasks. • Be prepared for changing methodological style. • Take time to learn.

31. The changing role of the teacher “From the sage on the stage … … to the aid by the side”

32. Top Tips • Teachers to decide how they want ICT to feature in lesson • Think carefully how they would teach a given lesson without using ICT. • Consider support required • Remember that students are learning new skills • Use of ICT can be slow at first

33. New challenges for teachers .. • Resistance to technology • Fear of the changing role of the teacher • Time constraints • New pedagogical approaches • Lack of teacher training • Software evaluation and availability

34. ICT Secondary Sector Thank you http://schoolnet.gov.mt/ictsec