Bloggers I: "Guidelines for ICT integration with NCS subjects Grades 10-12" (WCED, 2007)

Computer Use 774

Bloggers H: Blog Post - 29 March 2017

Technology in the classroom does not only contribute to interactive learning but also helps the teacher to prepare the learners for the real world. As the world develops in technology each day, we are becoming more technological dependent. It gets more important to teach learners to be “tech savvy”, to not only help them study but to create successful techno citizens (Wainwright, n.d.).

What ICT integration could like in school subjects:

ENGLISH

Little emphasis is placed on writing with pen and paper. Assignments are typed and research is rather done using the internet. This ultimately results in learners relying on Autocorrect and Spell checks, thus not proofreading their work.

ICT is beneficial in the classroom and teachers can:

• show accent-related YouTube videos
• play songs for listening comprehensions (e.g. cloze exercise) and
• subtitled videos.

Many applications are designed for learning English such as EYE Read (increases reading speed) and Smart Ideas (incorporating visual literacy in a fun way). The use of Interactive White Boards (IWB) means that learners can see the language (enhancing reading skills) and interact with the content rather than just seeing words on a whiteboard.

The use of ICT can make learning fun and it adds variation to the classroom while still focusing on the learning outcomes and develops reading, writing, listening and speaking competence.

MUSIC

Computer software can assist in musical performance, composition, arrangement and music theory, and general research.  Audacity is some of the programs that are free for the school. Assignments and test can be created through notation programs. Electronic keyboards can be used as input into the notation program to create MIDI files. IWB can be a useful assistive tool if the teacher knows how to use it optimally.

Life Orientation (LO)

LO aims to develop skills, knowledge, values and attitudes that could empower learners. Technology (internet) can be seen as a great way to enrich the teaching and learning experience.

Examples of ICT in LO:

• A projected educational YouTube video.
• Learners are able to research different careers and see whether there’s a need for it in the job market.
• Learners are able to research causes, symptoms, treatments for different diseases through MayoClinic.
• A website like the LoveLife can enlighten learners about issues that young people face and dealing with the consequences of risky behaviour.

Mathematics:

According to the Guidelines for ICT integration with NCS subjects Grades 10-12 (WCED, 2007), the use of a computer in all learning outcomes and assessment standards will enhance teaching and learning, especially where the mathematical concepts depend on visual representation. “This is especially so when dealing with graphs and Space, Shape and Measurement.”

Computers are really useful with the drawing of graphs and exploring geometrical shapes and patterns, (especially transformations and tessellations).

Life Science (LS)

Other than whiteboards and projectors, software programs (Crocodile clips) can be used in an LS classroom to support learning and teaching. Simulations and/ or animations can be used to illustrate the most important information. Computers can furthermore be used to critically analyse data (in table form) through Excel or Dataharvest. Programs can also be used to show images and videos of dissections.

CONCLUSION

It is important to keep in mind that every subject has its own software needed to ensure successful learning. Thus, the content must suit the outcome of the curriculum. Although using technology and software in the classroom are encouraged, not all subjects are provided with digital resources. The Mindset multimedia is also just for specific subjects like; Mathematics, Physical Sciences, English and LO. This creates inequality to other subjects.

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Inemari Prins 18289819

Wade Lyle Lewis 17058317

Je’Maine Crous-Delport 18200494

Anchen Fourie 17600235