How do technology and pedagogy mix?

This topic focuses on the features of today’s classrooms, and considers the digital tools that can enhance more didactic teaching methods. It looks at the nature of didactic teaching and the activities and challenges for an educator adopting a didactic teaching model, as well as considering how ICT tools can enhance such approaches.

This topic identifies different kinds of learning objectives including knowledge-based, understanding-based, and application-based learning. It considers the most appropriate ICT tools to meet these objectives and identifies different learning styles or approaches adopted by students and the role of ICT in supporting and extending these.

This topic explores how ICT can be successfully integrated with teaching and learning by both educators and by students. The development of educators’ and students’ ICT skills depends on two key factors: 1. The maintenance of functioning ICT systems (hardware and network). 2. A well-considered ICT development plan that ensures good training opportunities for staff, as well as regular learning opportunities for students. However in order to make the most of existing ICT resources, there is a need for enthusiasm, commitment, and the active participation of educators, students, and those who work more widely in schools. This depends on the quality of relationships developed in schools and other educational settings.

This topic looks at the way that ICT can enhance learning through more spontaneous learning interactions. Educators will need to develop effective management strategies to maximise these opportunities. Strategies to keep the learning on track are covered here.

This topic focuses on the extensive range of possibilities for learning, creating, and sharing knowledge through school ICT resources. They should encourage students to use ICT tools and resources to support lifelong learning. Self-directed projects with minimal educator intervention can help to develop students’ independent learning skills.

This topic discusses different ICT hardware and software tools and how these can be used by educators in their classrooms. It compares multimedia presentations with lectures. The key issues are how learners absorb and retain information, and which hardware and software tools can support more effective presentations.

The focus of this topic is on the effective use of ICT presentation tools to deliver information interactively and engagingly, and to help embed students’ knowledge and learning.

Good design and delivery are essential aspects of a successful presentation. This topic looks at how using presentation software such as PowerPoint lets educators create effective and engaging presentations quickly and easily. The focus is on presentation design, the importance of visual design, and on considering presentation delivery and overall effectiveness.