A Perspective on Information and Communication Technologies Dissertation

A Perspective on Information and Communication Technologies - Dissertation Example Increasing complexities, combined with the availability of technology to tackle them, are the milestones of technological progress requiring all sections of society to keep pace. The academic world is no exception. Information society has been defined as ‘a society in which the creation, distribution, and manipulation of information has become the most significant economic and cultural activity’ (UK National Inventory Project, 2000). To meet demands of the information society a number of initiatives have to be taken to ensure that the new generations are prepared to meet its challenges. The associated changes in the way in which knowledge is produced and used are of key relevance to higher education in the twenty-first century (Gibbons, 1998). Â  Through an appreciation of historical and contemporary literature key impact areas are identified in relation to their effect on students, their teachers and the quality of education imparted. These key areas are then evaluated to determine the relative importance of each. Using the reported experience of two schools that have incorporated ICT into their education systems, assessment of the actual experience and impacts felt is made and compared with the impact areas identified. This is done with the objective of giving substance to the recommended steps for deriving maximum benefit from the positive impacts of ICT in education. Â  The term ICT is quite broadly used and covers all aspects of computers, networks (including the Internet) and other devices the important thing is to understand what the technology can do, not how it works. Making a distinction between devices on the basis of technology employed is futile as digital technology pervades more and more areas of our lives every day (TTA, 1998).

Leading in Teaching, Learning and Mentoring Practice Essay

Leading in Teaching, Learning and Mentoring Practice - Essay Example Moving onwards to the role of a teacher as a leader in the educational settings, it can be further elucidated by considering the major roles of a teacher leader as explained by Harrison and Killain (2007). Through their work, they have emphasized the role a teacher can play in the lives of their pupils both by working along with his colleagues and also himself directly. Some of them include role of a teacher as a; Participative leadership- through which the teacher leader himself becomes a part of the change being brought about and is in a better position to collaborate with his fellows in achieving a set target A teacher leader is different from a school leader. He enjoys authority and power of a more expanded nature. Through formal and informal efforts, a teacher leader can collaborate with his colleague and even the head of the institution for the betterment of the educational setup. While in the work environment, a number of incidences are encountered which further strengthen the statement that a teacher plays the role of a leader. Two of such cases are elaborated in the subsequent paragraphs. I had the opportunity to work in Meadow High School and teach autistic children with special needs. During my stay there as a teacher, I came across the ways in which these children were being dealt with. While some of them were commendable, I found certain aspects of interaction and teaching lacking there. The school plans and teaches to a mainly primary model which prepares the student for an entry level qualification, although there are opportunities for the students to gain GCSE’s and A levels if the students are able to do so. In recent years the needs of students have become more complex as was witnessed by me during my interaction students which all had Autism of a moderate to complex level. ‘Autism is one of the most common developmental disabilities in the world, affecting approximately 1