|
The purpose of this activity is to give
you a glimpse of the more advanced levels of impact that ICT
could have on schools. With this in mind, you will be able
to assess what is possible in your own specific school and
classroom environment. Being exposed to innovative and seemingly
revolutionary ideas could give you ideas about smaller and
more achievable changes that you could introduce to make the
most of ICT within the ability of your resources.
"Two
major influences have impacted upon education for students
in primary and secondary schools in New Zealand and world-wide.
Firstly, the rapid development of information and communication
technologies and secondly, the deep questioning taking
place regarding what a student will be required to know
and be able to do to succeed in the twenty-first century.
School responses to each of these influences have inevitably
brought about changes: changes in the curriculum, in the
way teachers redesign and present the curriculum, in the
uses made of resources and the way current classrooms
and buildings are being reconfigured."
The Churchill Report is the outcome of a
study of schools in England, Austalia, USA and Hong Kong.
Gillian Eadie, the author, is a principal of a school in New
Zealand. We will examine this report from two perspectives:
- teaching spaces
- curriculum delivery
Teaching spaces
Eadie's first research question was "How
is the availability and use of ICT changing the use of existing
classroom spaces?" Her observations would be based
on a broad experience, but confined to relatively resource-rich
schools. When you read her comments, think of your own classroom
and those of your colleagues. Note the distinction between
using computers in a computer room and using computers in
the classroom. If placing computers in classrooms is not a
reality in your schoool, focus your attention on the computer
room. Think beyond the casual observation and try to ascertain
what the educational objectives are that lead to changes in
teaching spaces. Do not always accept that all changes are
for the better. Evaluate the changed spaces that you read
about and decide whether this is achievable or even advisable
in your situation. What ideas can you use and adapt for your
needs? Click
here to read what the Churchill Report has to say about teaching
spaces.
|
Site
Map
