In the 21st century, ICT is seen as an utmost tool to support teachers in creating more “Learner-Centric” learning
environment. ICT integration has greater impact in challenging learner’s
understanding and thinking either through whole class discussion and individual
/ small group work which results in reinforcing of traditional pedagogical
practices. The integration of ICT has been widely used by the educationist in
delivering concept and letting the learners search information and get abreast
with latest information. In connection to this, it was in fact a
blessing in disguise with the closure of school due to COVID-19 pandemic as
everything became learner centered where they got the opportunity to explore
and learn individually through social medias like Goggle classroom, Wechat and
messengers.
With announcement of closing of schools in the
country due to COVID 19, I felt that lessons I learnt from ICT, was an appropriate means to cater lessons to students.The most appropriate mode of teaching through social media was wechat as the parents in remote were more comfortable in using Wechat. It made me and the learners
much comfortable with teaching and learning. I felt, children were enjoying the
platform as they were able to respond freely and they were so excited to learn
for the first time in such a forum. They even asked me if they are allowed
to sing. It clearly indicated that they were enjoying the use of Wechat. The
activities assigned to students of class PP were to write lower case letters as given in SIM
book.As to supplement,they were guided to goggle on internet on same topic. Some of them even submitted the video clips and audios.
Some of the challenges encountered were; I had tough
time in sending the video clips on letter formation and sounds due to poor
internet network. As students and parents couldn’t download videos on time,
feedbacks could not be provided on time. Submission of their works due to poor
network coverage and availability of net package data was another reason where the flow of
lessons failed. Since parents have to engage mostly on farm works, they
couldn’t help their child to participate the online teaching on regular basis. As
parents are farmers, medium of instructions was very challenging too.
So, as to reach the students through such medias, we must be well equipped with ICT knowledge. Moreover, it is even better if parents are also equally competent in ICT knowledge. However, exploring the internet, I could overcome my short falls. I even gained lots of experiences in editing, posting, texting, cropping and filling the colors. Had I not tried this time, I am pretty sure that I would not have learned anything. I felt, the lesson would had been even more effective if I had made a video tutorial. Hereafter, I am confident in creating video lesson in teaching. Therefore, the aim of this module EDN 419 is achieved and what I have learnt is fully applied.
