[Year 12 IPM] VELS and ICT *An Attempt to Model an Ideal Working Relationship

[Philip Brown]

Hi Keith and others,
 
Continuing on with the discussion of ICT and VELS ("The Standards") There is an interesting paper by Allison Elliot who delivered a paper at the Australian School Library Association XIX Biennial Conference - April 10 -13, 2005
 
Amongst other things, she sees structural barriers which are preventing the uptake of ICT in schools. These are:
 
Limited classroom space Lack of computers and/or internet in classrooms; old computersUnreliability of the technologyLack of leadership and support from principalsLack of institutional support and encouragementPoor technology infrastructureClass time tabling difficulties. Short lessonsPoor teacher attitudes toward technologyLack of teacher confidenceConflicting information on the value of ICTs in learningClassroom management difficultiesDifficulty adjusting to new pedagogiesLack of professional development or inappropriate PDLack of time for planning and preparationLack of involvement in computer room and/or classroom layout/planning
To counter these barriers Elliot maintains that "several main enablers are considered necessary for
ICTs in authentic ways across the curriculum. Assuming the technology is in place, teachers
must:
1. "*(B)elieve that technology can more effectively achieve and maintain
higher-level goal than what has been used".
2. "*(B)elieve that using technology will not cause disturbances to
level goals that * are more important that the ones being maintained".
3. "*(B)elieve that he or she has or will have the ability and resources
the technology" 
4. Have the commitment and support from others and leadership
supervisory and administrative personnel 
5. Feel confident and competent with ICT pedagogies, not just with personal computing skills.
 
The whole paper is a good read and may help to keep some perspective on the issues.
 
Phil Brown
Oxley College
9727 9917

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