A Bridge too far

A Bridge too far?

Explaining beginning teachers use of ICT in Australian Schools

 

This paper which is witten by Frank Bate of Notre Dame University talks about a study that was conducted with in a three year period. The study focused on beginner teachers and how they used ICT in their classrooms for the first 3 years of their careers. The research was completed in Western Australia in public, independent and catholic schools. There was a specific focus placed upon 3 teachers; Rashmi, Dawn and Mike. As these 3 were new to the teaching world, they all had their own opinions on ICT in and around the classroom. What I have gathered from the article is that the 3 teachers felt positive when it came to using ICT in their classrooms. In saying that though, what I gathered from the article was that there was one flaw, and that is ICT seemed to assist the teacher more but they were unsure on how much it was actually helping the students. This is something I also find interesting as it is only in recent times that extensive research is being put into how much ICT will benefit a students learning capabilities.

In the research Bate gathered it was seen that yes ICT helped, but he felt it helped the teacher more then it did the students. The teacher is the one who makes a lesson engaging and exciting even when using ICT. We must understand that a teacher must be knowledgeable in the area of ICT for any successful results to be obtained from it. Learning should be student focused and a teacher should look to cater for diversity to the best of their ability, as everyone deserves an equal chance to learn. This is where Bates argument and research comes in, from what I have gathered he is saying that in many cases ICT may work but in other cases it may not. Knowing this is an important part to becoming a successful teacher.

The Internet plays a major part in ICT learning and using. From the studies it was gathered that all teachers liked the fact of how resource based the Internet can be. Thus benefiting the teacher very nicely. However they thought at times it may be a little broad and the students may struggle with it at stages and it may not benefit their learning capabilities. What needs to be understood though is that ICT can be used across all strands of learning, it is so broad a teacher can used it easily to teach Maths and English. With Australia's current emphasis on ICT learning we are starting to see benefits.

Bate makes valid points in his article and as a student studying a teaching degree I understand what he is saying, but seeing how the world is these days and the ever changing technology one would be silly not to use it to their advantage. Understanding it is vital though if one is to use it.