ICT for Meaningful Learning

Class management problem is a serious issue that will definitely hinder the learning progress. In this instance, I’m referring to managing the student’s emotional and behavioral problems.

There are quite a number of examples illustrating classroom management problems in scenario 1 which I will focus on in this blog entry as I was unsure of how to ensure that every student is contributing to the learning task when we are encouraging Collaborative learning previously.

Class management problems
I agree to Eikha’s first point ‘Failing to plan and anticipate’. Mrs Xing failed to anticipate the reaction and behavior of her students in the presence of technical devices like computers.

Problem 1: At the start of Mrs Xing’s class, some students were surfing the net while others were confused about usage of the computers.

Solution: Clear instructions should be given before student even enters the computer lab. They will be instructed to sit in front of the computers and wait for further instructions before proceeding. Give step-by-step, concise instructions after entering the computer lab; make sure everybody is doing the exact actions. Stop any time to discipline the class if any student is distracted. The progress will be slow but ultimately Mrs Xing will be able to establish control.
Like what Claire had mentioned, I’m in favor of the ‘providing blue and red cups (taken from the Secondary School Video Clip)’ idea. It is one way for the students to ask for assistance while not disrupting the class.
Another solution will be to engage a computer lab management software which allows screen sharing, Blank student’s screen, Transfer files to student’s computers and Remote control.
There are a variety of these management software to choose from – LanSchool, NetOp School, Apple Remote Desktop etc. (http://www.wtvi.com/teks/02_03_articles/labmanagementsoftware.html)


Problem 2: Mrs Xing could not see the students as they were blocked by the computers.

Solution: Constantly walk around the students to provide help or discipline any student who is distracted. After this particular lesson, Mrs Xing may want to suggest installing mirrors in positions to reflect every student’s faces.
In this fashion, she will be able to monitor student’s computer screen using the computer lab management software while monitoring their attention using the mirrors.


Problem 3: Students who finished their assignment faster than others were making noise. When Mrs Xing was editing their script, they became restless and made more noise.

Solution: As mentioned earlier, Mrs Xing needs to foresee the possible interference to her lesson. She could have prepared a short quiz or a video to occupy the students who have completed their work.
Furthermore, as they were all holding tablet PC, it will be even more convenient for Mrs Xing to edit an individual student’s script and share it with the class while walking around with it and commenting. Students will focus their attention to her while students who are unsure of the way to improve their writings are able to learn from others. Hence, Mrs Xing will be utilizing the facilities to a larger potential.

I feel that Mrs Xing had an unreasonable expectation of the students considering it’s the first time that she is introducing ICT into her lesson. She may also want to take note of her lesson content as she seems to have neglected the interest of her students in her effort to integrate technology to the class. When students take no interest in her subject, they may not be willing to get involve or take the effort to understand the topic.
Lastly, I’d suggest giving more time for students to familiarize themselves with using technology to their learning benefits. Introduction to the various uses of technology should be accomplished before any commencement of lesson with ICT.