|
|
|
|
Secondary Geography - Evaluating the impact of ICT in Geography
Module 6 |
Contents |
|
Task 8
Copy and paste these questions into a word-processing package, then answer them for one of the ICT-rich lessons you have taught. (Alternatively click here to open a Word document containing the questions and a commentary.)
Related to the Learning Objectives of the lesson
- How did the ICT activity help to achieve the geography objectives?
- Was it a suitable task for the pupils’ age/abilities?
- In what ways was it successful? - Did the children learn what you expected?
- Were there any unexpected learning outcomes?
- How will you use the assessments of the pupils’ progress and achievement in the subject to inform your planning?
Teacher Confidence and Competence
- What was your own level of ICT confidence before the activity? Do you feel you have gained in confidence and why?
Reflecting on the classroom organisation, what factors do you think were important in doing the ICT activity?
- What would you do differently next time you carry out the task with a class?
- In what ways did you use ICT to improve your own professional efficiency related to the activity?
Hardware and Software Issues
- Did the software used give any feedback to the pupil? If so, how was this feedback recorded and used by you and the pupil?
- What hardware or software problems did you experience?
- Would you like further training on how to use either of these?
- Were there any other resources issues?
Is the ICT work you planned good practice?
Look again at the ICT rich unit of work or lesson you planned, taught and assessed and check it against the criteria below, as an individual and as a department. You might like to involve the ICT coordinator and/or the T@lent adviser to give an external view.
Is the ICT helping and supporting the geography?
Select six pupils, two upper-ability, two middle-ability and two lower-ability from the class or year group. Use your knowledge of the pupils, their marks and the work they have produced to see if there is any evidence that the pupils are now able to do one or more of the following:
Is there evidence of progress from the introduction of your training?
You may find it helpful to refer back to the form you completed in module 1, to look again at the activities you plan.
As a department, discuss any barriers that might be impeding progress and suggest strategies for overcoming them.
What is happening in other schools?
Find out what is happening in other schools. Use your own networks, the LEA, the Geographical Association and the T@lent conference site. By now you should be a regular user of the conference and access to this continues beyond the NOF ICT training.
Reporting on: What has been the impact of the training?
Write a report on: What has been the impact of the training?
This evaluation could focus on:
Base your report on your portfolio. Your portfolio should contain evidence of the training:
The evaluation may have been for personal use, but it is likely that the department, faculty or school would benefit from a report on the use of ICT in geography teaching. You should be able to report, verbally and/or in written format - word-processed, desktop published or as a multimedia presentation!
Task 9
Write a report using the main points of your evaluation of the impact of ICT on teaching and learning in geography, contribute to the continuing on-line discussion by posting the report on the conference site.
You might be undertaking a diploma, Masters degree or other course and could use your evaluation as the basis for a reflective essay; equally you might wish to publish a report in a professional journal.
Your report will also be useful as part of the department's submission for inspection, including OFSTED inspections.
Action Planning for the Future
The report is not the final stage but the start of the next cycle of curriculum development and evaluation, your evaluation leading to better teaching and learning using ICT or perhaps deciding not to use ICT in a particular context.
Look again at the skills audit, and identification of needs audit, you completed at the beginning of the NOF ICT training. Re-assess your skills and the use you are making of ICT.
What progress do you feel you have made? Which areas do you still need to develop?
Task 10
To complete your NOF training you will finally need to submit an action plan and your portfolio in order to receive your ICT certificate. You should discuss this with your adviser who will assess the portfolio and suggest further accreditation routes where appropriate.
Hopkins, D (1989) Evaluation for School Development OUP, Milton Keynes
Murphy, R. & Torrace, H. (1987) Evaluating Education: Issues and Methods, London: Paul Chapman Publishing Ltd.
Wragg, E.C. (1994) An introduction to classroom observation, London: Routledge