My Thoughts on E-safety

The issue of e-safety in general is one that should get the attention of all technology users.  However, whenever the focus is on children, a higher level of attention is necessary, since they are among society's most vulnerable and should be protected at all cost.

 A few short years ago, parents were concerned about television and its impact on the minds of the young.  While this remains a factor, I think that there has been a shift, and the safety of our children as they interact online is now of paramount importance. 

While I concede that there is a lot that can be taught explicitly by discussing the risks involved, viewing videos, and so on, I am convinced that one of the best ways of fostering e-safety awareness in our students is by teaching through doing.  The modeling of desirable behaviors, and actively encouraging our students to do the same are essential elements of e-safety.  Above all, as teachers, we are to be constantly vigilant and employ "with-it-ness", so that as much as is humanly possible, we are aware of what our students are doing while they are in our care.  In this way, our students will learn to enjoy the technology through safe and confident use.

Reflections on Assignment 2

Assignment Two was as informative as it was challenging. The preparation of the speech was fairly straightforward, although it did require a significant amount of reading and critical analyses.  That process was indeed enlightening, as it forced me to look beyond the surface, and offered perspectives that I can draw on in my role as IT Coordinator.

Although I am relatively competent in slide preparation for PowerPoint presentations, the second aspect of the assignment was a tremendous challenge. It was my first effort at voice synchronization, and I struggled immensely. Consequently, that aspect of the project did not go as planned.  Fortunately for me, the written speech compensated for my lapse, and I received a grade for which I am satisfied.

Interestingly, while the assignment has been submitted and graded, it is not finished for me.  I have pledged that I will seek to master the skill of voice synchronization, since I think that it will be very useful in my classroom practice. 

One-to-one Learning

As suggested by the name, in one-to-one learning, each student is in possession of his or her own digital device, such as a laptop, tablet or cell phone.  This is undoubtedly an excellent way of supporting students' learning, and has the potential to transform the teaching and learning process.

The one laptop per child initiative in St. Vincent and the Grenadines offers the opportunity, and it is indeed anticipated that ICT enabled one-to-one learning will take place. Having interacted with the course material, and from observation and discussion with my colleagues, I am concerned that optimal benefit may not be realized from these laptops within the classroom in many instances.  I believe that the on-going professional development of teachers is needed, and support must be offered in order to achieve effective one-to-one learning within our schools.

I am committed not only to implementing the principles learned from my reading, but to collaborated with other educators when and wherever possible to deepen our understanding of one-to-one learning, share related best practices, and to remain motivated.