QR Codes for Singapore Schools?

An interesting development in Korea that has changed the lives of some people. The barcode-looking diagram that were on the posters are called QR codes. I feel that this technology has a lot of potential for student learning within the premise of schools in Singapore. Unfortunately, the popularity of QR codes never really took off in Singapore.

Collaborative Learning and ICT use

Recently, a group of colleagues and myself were discussing on the virtues of collaborative learning and how we could engage students in collaborative learning through the use of ICT and at the same time, be rewarded with meaningful learning.

Below, is the Prezi presentation which we shared with other colleagues who are enrolled in the same course.

Collaborative Learning by TG11 for QED507 on Prezi

Making Connection between my ESE And the Masterplans for ICT in Education

From my observation, it is evident that my school was sufficiently equipped with ICT tools such as PCs and projectors in every classroom and the computer labs have enough computers for every pupil in a class. It was also clear that most of the pupils were competent in completing their ICT-based projects, using word processors or presentation slides. Our teachers were also motivated to integrate ICT into the core curriculum through the use of specialised programmes, videos, or real-time collaboration. It was impressive to note that the school has embarked on e-learning initiatives to allow pupils to try to learn on their own. For pupils without internet access at home, the school have also given them access to the computer labs to complete their e-learning.

It is interesting, however, to note that the school does not have complete Wi-Fi coverage yet. Although I do not feel that Wi-Fi connection is integral to pupils' learning in a primary school setting, it does afford convenience for teachers to coordinate administrative tasks, as well as to use our own ICT equipment to conduct ICT-based lessons promptly.

Masterplans for ICT in Education

Our economy is constantly demanding for growth and efficiency thus reliance on technology becomes one of the ways to meet those demands. Unfortunately, developments in technology is rapid and one may not want to wait until the day when his job requires him to perform tasks that require ICT knowledge in order for him to want to start picking up ICT skills.

I feel that MOE's desire for pupils to be exposed to ICT since a young age will put them in a very advantageous position by the time they graduate into the workforce as ICT skill sets are commonly required in various occupations these days. However, ICT skills, like any other skill sets, require bedding time and most importantly, proper infrastructure needs to be put in place before related skills can be taught. In that respect, it seems to me that MOE has recognised that and rushed to roll out Masterplan 1 to try to install relevant infrastructure in schools for teachers to integrate ICT into their teaching.

I also feel that Masterplans 2 and 3 implemented by MOE is commendable because they have allowed time for teachers and pupils to learn to use ICT skills effectively. Then after that, they have continued to encourage synergistic collaboration in teacher/teacher, teacher/student and student/student partnerships. The step-approach over the past 15 years seems to be the most natural thing to do.

I can still remember back in my secondary school days, around the time that Masterplan 2 was implemented, when my teachers were actively imparting ICT skills to my class. We were constantly encouraged to use the internet to add depth to our projects, as well as to make use of softwares such as MS Powerpoint to present our ideas on multiple disciplines and issues in class. The range of interactive and fun activities made possible by ICT really enhanced my experience in learning, as well as interests towards ICT developments.

My experience in school for the past 10 months have made me realised that ICT skills can be taught at an even younger age as the interface for technology has become more intuitive than in the past. As pupils become more familiar with various ICT formats, I would like to think that I as a teacher would have to be even more savvy than my pupils in order to keep them motivated towards learning with ICT. I feel that I have to keep myself up to date with popular ICT medium and to use them in creative ways to incite curiosity in my students and passion in learning. At the same time, I also learn how to become more effective as a teacher and administrator by employing ICT myself so why not?