There seems to be a lot of web 2.0 technologies that we are learning to use and hopefully we can pass on this knowledge to other teachers. I do have some concerns that I am sharing with you and hope that I can receive some viable answers. Many of our schools especially the secondary schools do have computer labs. Students have access to 25-30 computers in the lab with or without internet access. However the average population in secondary schools are anywhere between 600-800 students the ratio of computers to students is about 1:26 which is very difficult to work with. An acceptable ratio is about 1:3 or best practice 1:1. Many schools therefore use computers for the subjects that require them such as Computer Science or Information Technology. The use of technology enhanced lessons across the curriculum therefore can be very difficult or non-existent. The smarter way to use computers with internet access is to have them within the classroom setting so that they can be used for what they are: tools to help with teaching and learning.
Within the primary school system the ratio of computers to students are about 1:5. The problem is that many teachers view technology integration as literacy skills which we refer to as lower order thinking skills (LOTS) this is a start but what we must have is meaningful integration which requires use of the constructivist approach to teaching. Teachers need to use ICT tools to help students to think critically this can start simply by the use of web quests then use of blogs, wikis, concept map software and other viable resources that can be found e.g. educational software (off the shelf). I am deeply concerned about our schools and the MOE and their ability to equip our students with skills for the new millennium.
