westec-itec.org » Classroom Technology http://www.westec-itec.org Using Technology For Advancing & Education Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:51:50 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.1 en hourly 1 The responsible use of mobile phones in schools Part 3 http://www.westec-itec.org/the-responsible-use-of-mobile-phones-in-schools-part-3-60 http://www.westec-itec.org/the-responsible-use-of-mobile-phones-in-schools-part-3-60#comments Mon, 21 Sep 2009 06:31:30 +0000 Samantha http://www.westec-itec.org/?p=60 As we conclude our thoughts on this hot topic at the moment we can see how it is fast becoming a problem in schools, leading to calls for something to be done about it.

This modern technology is very appealing to the young people of today and it is fairly easy to abuse its use. People can turn this technology into an instrument for bullying, harassment and embarrassment towards fellow pupils and teachers.

The education authorities also need to consider the theft of these devices, as well as the use of images to count as evidence in disciplinary matters. Cheating is another issue to address, as technology can be used to photograph exam papers and look answers up using the internet facility on the mobile phone.

Hopefully soon the authorities will take note and address school policies on ICT, behaviour and bullying in the near future.

]]> http://www.westec-itec.org/the-responsible-use-of-mobile-phones-in-schools-part-3-60/feed 0 The responsible use of mobile phones in schools Part 2 http://www.westec-itec.org/the-responsible-use-of-mobile-phones-in-schools-part-2-58 http://www.westec-itec.org/the-responsible-use-of-mobile-phones-in-schools-part-2-58#comments Sat, 19 Sep 2009 15:26:45 +0000 Loiuse http://www.westec-itec.org/?p=58 As we brought up in a previous article recently, when a teacher was filmed dancing in front of his pupils, a degree of control needs to be taken by the authorities to tackle this growing issue in schools and other education institutions.

This may be a relatively new problem but policies do need to be developed and action needs to be taken to minimise the risks of this phenomenon.

This new technology, when used irresponsibly, can put people in a compromising position. Images and videos can be sent almost instantly between mobile phones and computers. In no time, as with the case of the teacher, images and videos can appear on the internet.

]]> http://www.westec-itec.org/the-responsible-use-of-mobile-phones-in-schools-part-2-58/feed 0 The responsible use of mobile phones in schools Part 1 http://www.westec-itec.org/the-responsible-use-of-mobile-phones-in-schools-part-1-56 http://www.westec-itec.org/the-responsible-use-of-mobile-phones-in-schools-part-1-56#comments Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:17:35 +0000 Nick http://www.westec-itec.org/?p=56 In this modern age, mobile phones can raise several significant health and safety issues in schools. Education institutions are only now starting to open their eyes to the fact that while most children use their phones responsibly, there are others who misuse them and can cause problems for staff and fellow pupils.

As the technology moves forward, more and more pupils have the latest camera phones which not only take pictures, but are also capable of recording videos.

The widespread use of the internet has only further complicated this issue as it takes no time for inappropriate content to be displayed for all the public to see.

]]> http://www.westec-itec.org/the-responsible-use-of-mobile-phones-in-schools-part-1-56/feed 0 Is there too much technology in the classroom these days? http://www.westec-itec.org/is-there-too-much-technology-in-the-classroom-these-days-62 http://www.westec-itec.org/is-there-too-much-technology-in-the-classroom-these-days-62#comments Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:22:41 +0000 Loiuse http://www.westec-itec.org/?p=62 In the olden days, teachers just stood in front of the class with chalk in hand writing on a blackboard. Nowadays, with the advancement in technology we have interactive white boards (IWBs) and other new equipment to aid with learning.

These IWBs can work as an overhead projector, television, computer, DVD player and more.

Most people’s homes are filled with all the latest technology and so schools have tried to keep up. But with the problems discussed in the last few articles regarding how mobile phone technology can have adverse effects on the learning environment, the question above does need to be asked.

Are school children becoming lazy with all these gadgets? And, were the old methods of instilling discipline the best?

These are important issues to address.

]]> http://www.westec-itec.org/is-there-too-much-technology-in-the-classroom-these-days-62/feed 0 Education authorities raise awareness of the risks posed by new technology in the classroom http://www.westec-itec.org/education-authorities-raise-awareness-of-the-risks-posed-by-new-technology-in-the-classroom-48 http://www.westec-itec.org/education-authorities-raise-awareness-of-the-risks-posed-by-new-technology-in-the-classroom-48#comments Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:20:52 +0000 Nick http://www.westec-itec.org/?p=48 The secretly-recorded video of a teacher that was filmed doing a ‘chicken dance’ in the classroom in front of his pupils has sparked a debate on the use of new technology in the classroom.

As technology advances and videos recorded on the latest mobile phones can be quickly uploaded onto sites like YouTube, it begs the question; will technology now be used against authorities in education?

Phil Ryan, a science teacher and head of year, had only done the dance to entertain his Year 11 pupils at Broadgreen International School in Liverpool, but the video has become a hit on YouTube.

Teachers are now being warned about the perils of the internet and education authorities are to raise awareness about the risks posed by new technology.

]]> http://www.westec-itec.org/education-authorities-raise-awareness-of-the-risks-posed-by-new-technology-in-the-classroom-48/feed 0 Classroom Teachers Vs Digital Learning http://www.westec-itec.org/classroom-teachers-vs-digital-learning-32 http://www.westec-itec.org/classroom-teachers-vs-digital-learning-32#comments Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:12:39 +0000 Samantha http://www.westec-itec.org/?p=32 I don’t think any of us are in doubt that the use of technology in schools is increasing all the time. But the big question is:

Is it technology for technology sake or does it actually help children to learn?

Walk into any classroom today and there is sure to be an interactive whiteboard. These whiteboards act as computers, overhead projectors, TV’s and DVD players to name but a few of its functions. Many teachers have wholly embraced this technology and use it to its full potential where as others argue that it hinders the teaching process and that the traditional text book or chalk on blackboard approach works much better.

Ultimately I am of the mind that when used properly technology can be a great way to engage children in their school subjects, allowing them to interact and get involved rather than just sitting at a desk and copying from a book. If a teacher does not fully embrace this technology however then I feel it is detrimental to utilise it half heartedly and that in these cases traditional teaching methods will work better. As technology advances I’m sure this question will be brought up again and again, but as more people enter into the teaching profession one would assume that they have been brought up in a more technically savvy world and therefore will be able to make use of classroom technology more efficiently. What do you think?

]]> http://www.westec-itec.org/classroom-teachers-vs-digital-learning-32/feed 0 Learning no longer confined to the classroom http://www.westec-itec.org/learning-no-longer-confined-to-the-classroom-7 http://www.westec-itec.org/learning-no-longer-confined-to-the-classroom-7#comments Sun, 12 Jul 2009 20:00:15 +0000 Nick http://www.westec-itec.org/?p=7 With today’s technology learning is longer confined to the traditional children’s classrooms. Nowadays there are laptops, PDAs and other modern digital equipment which is helping to bring the world into the classroom.

Modern technology is making a great different in education and is allowing children to learn more quicker. Recently the US education department did an online study and found that is an effective way to educate in the modern era.

In fact nearly 98% of classrooms in Oklahoma U.S.A use computers in the national curriculum, and their is no sign of the computer generation slowing down!

Due to the internet we now live in a more global society with the world available from every PC. Because of this it is essential that the necessary digital tools are used in the classrooms. Lets just hope the kids don’t learn too fast or they will lose the rest of us!

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