I think the flipped classroom can be implemented particularly with older children.  This just takes proper planning and organization.  I spoke to a teacher about this concept earlier this week and he got so excited about the possibilities.  He is a teacher who favours the project approach and immediately could see how this approach would increase productivity in his classes.  The only drawback noted was the fact that since the students are reluctant to do homework now would they put in the effort to get the notes reviewed and the research done.   

Module 8 Activity 9 Cell phones

Coming into this module, I did not have a problem with cell phones in the classroom. I could not understand why teachers had such a problem with them.  My 14yr old takes a cell phone to school.  I asked him if his fellow students used their cell phone in class.  He told me that it was against the rules so why would they.  This reinforced to me that if rules are set and teachers support these rules, cell phones will not be a problem.  Most of the problems I have seen listed arise from lack of classroom management not form cell phones.  If the teachers were really monitoring their classrooms as they should, students would not have the opportunity to misuse their phones.  Also if lessons were engaging the children's interest would they be distracted by the cell phone?

Module 8 Activity 8 E-Safety

It is important for students to have guidelines to follow to ensure e-safety and in some instances their own personal safety.  They need to know how much information and what kind of information is appropriate to be posted.  They also need to guided as to what sites they can access.  I don't think that rules should just be handed to them however.  The rules will be more likely to be followed if the students know their relevance.

Module 8 Activity 6/7 1:1 learning/tablet devices

One to one learning is possible whether technology is present or not.  Of course technology like tablet devices makes it a little easier to accomplish.  The important thing to note is that goals must be defined and clear in the minds of both student and teacher.  By goals I am thinking of both time defined goals and curriculum goals. 

Module 8 Activity 5 IWB

When I was first introduced to the IWB, I was very enthused.  I saw the potential for a tool which could focus students attention and for which instruction material could be prepared before on the laptop.  However the IWB really is very similar to a blackboard in function and limits collaborative learning and individual instruction.  For class instruction a laptop and projector would work while a hub of computers in the classroom would facilitate individual and small group interaction better.

Module 8 - Activity 4 - One Computer classroom

The one computer classroom lends itself to collaborative learning.  Students are grouped to accomplish tasks and must learn to work together.  Organization and scheduling are important to management of such a class since it is important to ensue that all students get equitable time to complete projects.  Planning is also important to ensure that all students are on task whether using the computer or not.

Module 8 Activity 3 - Computer labs

I really do not favour computer labs since I think that ICT education should not be isolated from it's function.  I think in every area of learning there should be effort to make it relevant to the students. 
However with regard to managing computer labs, establishing rules and standards are very important.  Students should be aware of what is expected of them.  Planning and preparation is also important, not only for computer tasks but also for times when the technology breaks down.  Scheduling is also important

With regards to training for teachers I think teachers should be willing to sacrifice some time to improve their product.  Training sessions should be held after school.  In fact that is an idea to pursue.  Organize training sessions with Ministry of Information

Module 9 Activity 1 Leadership style

It's difficult to lead people who are not comitted to the job. People who are more concerned about themselves and their problems than about doing what is best for the students.

Module 7 - Activity 8 - Communication/collaboration

Collaboration and communication are important.  I would have given up in frustration tonight if the other group members had not been online with me.  Having two other persons with whom to work through the task made it easier to understand and complete 

Module 7 - Activity 7 - Social media

Social media can be manipulated to enhance learning.  It is possible to increase interaction and peer learning through social media. 
Students can be distracted while using social media but since this can happen in any learning situation, it is no reason not to explore utilizing social media.

Module 7 - Activity 6 - Real World Collaboration

Placing a project in a real world context makes it relevant.  It is no longer a meaningless task given just to fulfill a curriculum reqirement about which the students do not really care.   It develops students who have a purpose for learning other than grades and who will be more willing to make meaningful contributions to society.

Module 7- Activity 5 - Students engagement

What have you learned about student engagement?
1. If students are not engaged, learning is minimal.
2. Once students are engaged it is possible for them to take charge of their learning experience.
3. If the tasks align to the students' interests and abilities, they will become engaged.

Module 7-Activity 3c- critical thinking

Critical thinking skills are very important if we want to develop effective citizens.  The strategies discussed in this activity should be incorporated into regular instuction.  I find however in my situation that the teachers themselves lack these skills and I am very concerned because they cannot therefore develop them in the students.  Also some teachers are still stuck in the 'children should be seen and not heard' mode so do not get the opportunity to experience the absolute joy of seeing students take charge of their learning experience.

ccti - module 7- activity 3a - concept mapping

I LOVE THIS.  Mindmeister is so easy and concept mapping is such a great way to organize information.  Finally a format my mind can relate to.

ccti-module 7-21st century

Most of the principles identified seem like principles which should already be enacted, particularly in 'Child Friendly Schools' .   Looking at our schools I see that the students are ready but the timidity of our teachers is keeping them back.   I took two students out yesterday and we passed through the museum and the yard of the Anglican cathedral (full of tombs from the 18th century).  They learned so much and only refered to me when they couldn't understand the writing ,the family crests, etc.  Students don't need to be in a classroom to learn.  On the way to town one asked me where I had learned so much from?  On the way back, I pointed out to them that if they researched some of the things they had seen online they would also acquire a lot of knowledge.   Teachers need to link real life to in class work.