Quality of education (II. part)

Once we realize the traps, we can devote time to advantages of ICT use.

Cognition

Classroom consists of a myriad of different intelligences. Teaching staff undoubted strive to maximize the development of all of them, which is no easy task. One of ICT advantages is representing and reaching information in diverse ways. I am not talking only about diverse teaching methods and styles but also about moving boundaries in dimension of knowledge in various fields. Knowledge that were once considered extraneous can now be presented in different ways. We can activate different senses, engage students and simulate experience in order to activate cognitive development.

How can iPad Can Transform Classrooms?
(http://langwitches.org/blog/2012/08/07/there-is-more-to-ipads-in-the-classroom-than-apps/, 7.3.2017)

Many researches were made about brain activation and of course, all information are available online. It looks like teachers can’t any more have excuses. Stimulating specific brain and qualitatively improving cognition is achievable with some effort and….using ICT.  

Dellit, J. (2009). Using ICT for Quality in Teaching- Learning Evaluation Processes. Retrieved from http://www.ictliteracy.info/rf.pdf/UsingICTQuality.pdf.

Quality of education

Last day I was talking with my cousin (15 years old, secondary school)…

 “We were using computers for learning about cell division. We were able to search information on our own, at the end we only needed to fill the worksheet. Our biology lessons are always fun.”

And it made me think…

Well, no doubt, it was fun; the children have had free hands on using network during classes. But it was also instructive? The use of ICT in education contains many pitfalls that need to be made aware.

1. Use of ICT can give unnecessary information.
2. Use of ICT can be time-consuming if not well planned.
3. Use of ICT can increase differences in learning (among students).

And to sum up these findings: Use of ICT does not automatically add quality!