We learned ICT as a communicative tool, and I realized how it breaks down social barriers and connects with others. We can use social media to chat with family and friends without being physically present. I learned that these tools are interactive, making learning together easier and faster. For instance, using Mentimeter in class showed me how quickly we could share feedback. We even looked at how Google Docs helped us work together on our lesson plan, allowing us to edit and comment whenever we needed. Our tutor explained that tools like Gmail and video conferencing help us communicate, and we even touched on Google Classroom. We went through the differences between real-time communication (synchronous) and communication that doesn't need to happen at the same time (asynchronous).
Then, we explored inclusivity, which means accepting and valuing everyone for who they are. I understand how creating an inclusive environment in teaching and learning is so crucial for embracing diversity and giving everyone a sense of value and the chance to participate fully.
To embrace this inclusivity, we learned about assistive technology (AT), which are tools that help people with disabilities learn and work better. We even tried out some using assistive technology ourselves, like screen readers, which help people who can't see by reading text aloud. We also tried audio-to-text converter, even though our different pronunciations made it a bit tricky to use. We learned about other tools like JAWS for people with blindness and many more. It was so intriguing to see the range of technology available, from Braille displays to talking calculators. Our tutor gave us a practical task: to teach a child with vision loss using two assistive technologies. I realized that ICT can be a powerful way to make learning more inclusive for everyone.
Finally, we went through ICT as an informative tool which is a blending of traditional and modern learning. It's not just about text on a screen anymore, it includes all sorts of things like images, videos, and interactive simulations. This variety really helps different learning styles and can make tough topics easier to understand. ICT can turn us into active researchers, encouraging us to dig deeper and develop important research skills. We also talked about how the huge amount of information online helps us learn to think critically and evaluate different sources. Instead of just lecturing, they guide teachers through online resources and help us develop communication skills. We looked at interactive simulations, which we had used before, and it really showed how we can use ICT to not just learn about computers but to actually gain and use information. Overall, I left the class with a new appreciation for how ICT can transform learning for both students and teachers by offering access to so much information, encouraging us to think critically and creatively, and promoting learning or teaching.
