Seeing MP3 In My ESE

As explained in the three MPs, not every local school would be on same page regarding the use of ICT in the classrooms. However, there is a standard baseline so that every school has at least a common basic foundation on which they can build their ICT knowledge and application on. During my ESE period, I was not able to observe much of the usage of ICT in the English Language and English Literature lessons, but I was able to observe how the school incorporated ICT in its administration, specifically in the Secondary Three streaming options. The school administration created a option poll in the Parents' Portal on their school website and in their briefing to the students, they explained to them how to choose their Secondary Three subject combination options in the portal with their parents.

I think the entire process was very well thought out. It allowed for the parents and the students to come together and be involved in choosing the combination for the Secondary Three academic year. While the student was encouraged to be independent in choosing their own choice of subject combination, they were still able to receive proper consultation from their parents before making a decision. Also, instead of spending hours pouring over endless paperwork, this option poll allowed for quicker processing on the school's administration side. Students can access and check out the result of their assigned subject combination from home with their parents too.

The increased use of ICT in the schools will definitely make lessons more interactive and interesting, and at the same time, improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the school's administration processes.

MP3!

For MP1 and MP2, the detailed planning and the successful accomplishment of its goals really impressed me. Even as the world progresses in technology, our schools are definitely not lagging behind. In fact, our teachers and students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to implement technology in the classrooms and school administration and management. I also like the fact that the implementation of MP1 and MP2 allows for the less privileged students to start off their IT learning on the same platform as the rest. While they might not have an access to a computer or laptop at home, they are given an opportunity to be exposed to and to learn how to incorporate IT in their learning in their schools.

I am personally very excited for MP3. The idea of an independent learner and thinker is exactly what a Singaporean student needs now. With the world wide web, learning is no longer confined within the classroom, and the main source no longer from just the school or teacher/s. Instead of facing a textbook daily, students are allowed to venture future to search for the details and information that they need on their own. This shapes them into an independent learner and thinker. This applies to the teachers as well. Our role is no longer just about carrying out the lesson, but it's to whet the student's appetite for more knowledge and to create a learner for life.

ESE: The Use Of ICT

ENHANCED SCHOOL EXPERIENCE:

PREPARATORY TASK FOR ICT FOR MEANINGFUL LEARNING

Enhanced School Experience: Classroom Observations of ICT Use

(I)                            Specific Observations

School Name:  Pasir Ris Secondary School

Class:  1E6

Profile of the class: (For e.g., the students’ academic abilities,  stream and other characteristics) Express stream. A minority of international students (Korea, Malaysia and Taiwan). Students are able to communicate well in English, not necessary proper British English, but well enough. However, when it comes to writing, students are weaker in their grammar and sentence structure and expression.

Subject: English Language

What ICT tools are used in the lesson? Powerpoint slides were used in one of the lessons to teach them about a writing guideline.

Describe how ICT is used for teaching and learning in the lesson. Visually, it captured the attention of the students and they were generally participating more actively in the learning process instead of just listening to the teacher. For the teacher, it allowed her to have more interaction with the class and look out for weaker students as well.

(II)                         General Observation:

How do teachers in the school feel about the use of ICT for teaching and learning? (For this question, you may want to speak to the HOD/ICT and other teachers you know in the school.)

The use of ICT allows for more involvement from the students, as they are more attracted by what they see and hear. Most of the students grew up in a technologically-savvy environment, and with ICT, they are more interested in lessons. The teachers are also motivated. This also allows lessons to, in a way, expand beyond the classroom and textbooks.