Get Connected and Join Our Facebook Page "Bahamas Technology User Group"
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Monday, October 4, 2010
Saturday, March 27, 2010
The Bahamas Technology User Group 2010
A Technology Event you really don't want to miss...
The Department of Education in collaboration with Promethean is presenting a Technology User Group for all Educators in April.We are expecting great visiting presenters from both the U.S. and the U.K. The event is free,so we encourage you to register today.There is something for everyone and we promise you,you won't
be disappointed.
Friday, January 8, 2010
To Be or Not to Be...
The Interactive Whiteboard how truly effective is it?
As the ICT Trainer with the Department of Education, I have heard arguments levied for and against using the Interactive Whiteboards(IWB's) in the classroom. Many people would argue its effectiveness because of the impact that cost has in purchasing these tools and outfitting them in the classroom. Putting cost aside, I would ask any of the naysayers,how do we fix a broken system by doing business as usual such as employing the same 19th century method and pedagogies in our schools? Furthermore, have we been effective in improving student achievement and test scores. The answer would be a resounding 'NO'!
We have an opportunity to integrate technology into the classroom through the use of the Interactive Whiteboard which provides an alternative solution to the traditional way of teaching through either chalk or talk or Expo pens. Let us keep in mind that nothing is ever foolproof. However, it is an alternative solution that is geared for today's generation tech students, our digital natives who embrace technology in every area of their lives and we have to simply play catch up. We now have to focus on utilizing 21st century tools to develop 21st century skills.
The IWB is a tool that can address the various learning styles and what is more important is the interactivtiy it provides in using it in the classroom. Teachers connect to their students through interaction and it continues with students to students and back to students to teacher. We have such powerful interaction and collaboration with the use of the IWB that you do not find with the traditional whiteboard. Moreover,the ability to collaborate and access other resources via the internet, the use of videos in a lesson, audio and the use of assessment devices or remote clickers such as the Activotes by Promethean which allow for immediate assessment of the learners in the classroom. These are the 21st century alternatives in education for our students.
Indeed, with technologies that are often introduced we have to provide training and clearly this is our greatest challenge to ensure that our teachers are knowledgeable and competent in the use of the boards and the development of lessons. This goes without saying, that we are taking baby steps in this area but we are encouraging teachers to take the initative and be proactive and explore the World-Wide Web of resources and learn all that they can, particularly, how to effectively use the IWB in the classroom in an effort to create engaging and exciting lessons.
I have come to find out no program or technology can be effective unless we are effective. This means that we have to develop the right attitude and skills to meet the challenges and if we do this then we can produce results and gain success. I am just crazy enough to adopt the quote by the late Malcolm X, "By any means necessary," we can transform education with the Interactive Whiteboards, through innovative ideas, through proper aligment of the curriculum and by having the right attitude with these, success can be achieved.
As the ICT Trainer with the Department of Education, I have heard arguments levied for and against using the Interactive Whiteboards(IWB's) in the classroom. Many people would argue its effectiveness because of the impact that cost has in purchasing these tools and outfitting them in the classroom. Putting cost aside, I would ask any of the naysayers,how do we fix a broken system by doing business as usual such as employing the same 19th century method and pedagogies in our schools? Furthermore, have we been effective in improving student achievement and test scores. The answer would be a resounding 'NO'!
We have an opportunity to integrate technology into the classroom through the use of the Interactive Whiteboard which provides an alternative solution to the traditional way of teaching through either chalk or talk or Expo pens. Let us keep in mind that nothing is ever foolproof. However, it is an alternative solution that is geared for today's generation tech students, our digital natives who embrace technology in every area of their lives and we have to simply play catch up. We now have to focus on utilizing 21st century tools to develop 21st century skills.
The IWB is a tool that can address the various learning styles and what is more important is the interactivtiy it provides in using it in the classroom. Teachers connect to their students through interaction and it continues with students to students and back to students to teacher. We have such powerful interaction and collaboration with the use of the IWB that you do not find with the traditional whiteboard. Moreover,the ability to collaborate and access other resources via the internet, the use of videos in a lesson, audio and the use of assessment devices or remote clickers such as the Activotes by Promethean which allow for immediate assessment of the learners in the classroom. These are the 21st century alternatives in education for our students.
Indeed, with technologies that are often introduced we have to provide training and clearly this is our greatest challenge to ensure that our teachers are knowledgeable and competent in the use of the boards and the development of lessons. This goes without saying, that we are taking baby steps in this area but we are encouraging teachers to take the initative and be proactive and explore the World-Wide Web of resources and learn all that they can, particularly, how to effectively use the IWB in the classroom in an effort to create engaging and exciting lessons.
I have come to find out no program or technology can be effective unless we are effective. This means that we have to develop the right attitude and skills to meet the challenges and if we do this then we can produce results and gain success. I am just crazy enough to adopt the quote by the late Malcolm X, "By any means necessary," we can transform education with the Interactive Whiteboards, through innovative ideas, through proper aligment of the curriculum and by having the right attitude with these, success can be achieved.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Professional Development for Teachers (Saturday Sessions)
South-Eastern District Training Coming Soon!
January 2010
Venue TBA
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Technology User Group Meeting
Do you want to make a difference in your school?
Come out to the Technology User Group Meeting this Thursday, October 15, 2009 @ 4pm
A New Season For Change
Yes, we made it through September and the Back to School blues. One thing that we should be thankful for is another chance to learn new things, to practice what we learned in our Summer Professional Development Workshops and showcase our new skills each new school year. Every year, I challenge myself in my yearly tactical plan to set goals that go beyond what I did the previous year. I am grateful for a new season of change where I am offered a clean slate to do that which has not been done before. Yes, I revisit old plans and try to better them in the upcoming years to provide a better working module or list of activities that can speak to the areas that may have challenged me beforehand.
The new season brings new opportunities to build upon the old and it offers us another chance to produce/create new and improved ideas.In our classroom this year, let's challenge ourselves to think out of the box, to be innovative through the use of internet resources and programs, and allow for the integration of technology resources such as the Activboard, the use of Powerpoint and videos within the classroom which benefits the majority of our students regardless of their learning styles. Let us go beyond the norm and create a new experience for learning to take place and with that promote a difference that would change the students that we teach.
The New Season of Change is ready for those who are willing to embrace it...Will You?
The new season brings new opportunities to build upon the old and it offers us another chance to produce/create new and improved ideas.In our classroom this year, let's challenge ourselves to think out of the box, to be innovative through the use of internet resources and programs, and allow for the integration of technology resources such as the Activboard, the use of Powerpoint and videos within the classroom which benefits the majority of our students regardless of their learning styles. Let us go beyond the norm and create a new experience for learning to take place and with that promote a difference that would change the students that we teach.
The New Season of Change is ready for those who are willing to embrace it...Will You?
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