Making connections between ESE and the Masterplans for ICT in school

The 1st ICT master plan focuses on having the infrastructure and multimedia resources while preparing teachers to be ICT literate. In the school I was attached in for my ESE, all the teachers have went through training and are able to use ICT as pedagogical tools. As the school uses an online learning management system, teachers are able to use this system to post notes, quizzes and announcements for students. They are able to notify parents on the student’s progress and students can also submit online reflections for what they have participated in school. The school has computer rooms and computers in the library where they can access the systems. The art room also has a digital media room where art students can use the computers as and when they need.

In the 2nd ICT master plan, the focus is shifted to developing school ownership, experimentation and research on innovative practices. Schools also try to inculcate independence and discipline through e-learning. In this school, students are expected to actively check the learning management system for new learning materials or to look out for announcements regarding the various subjects they are taking. They are often tasked do online quizzes in the comfort of their own home and such online systems are useful in helping them get almost immediate feedback for their learning.

From the 3rd master plan, emphasis is placed on collaboration, response and discussion. This is evident in the various blogs set up by each subject. Students are given assignments, reading materials and videos to aid their learning. These are all uploaded on the blogs which they are expected to check from time to time. They also take charge by creating their own blogs to chart their progress in self-directed learning assignments. These blogs are linked back to the main subject blogs where both students and teachers can instantly check and comment. The role of the teacher is changed, from being a repository for information to a facilitator for learning where the student takes ownership and initiates own learning.

Increasingly, teachers are also communicating with students via social platforms such as Facebook. Some teachers in this school set up Facebook pages for the class and post interesting articles or videos for the subject. Students can then comment on these resources. By using these social platforms which are close to the students’ lives, they are more inclined to check regularly and voice out their opinions. Even the usually shy students were more willing to comment. In this way, learning is extended beyond curriculum time and inspires them to find out more about the subject in their free time.