Summary of the blog

 In this blog, I explored three ICT tools that are communicative, informative and co-constructive. Each tool plays vital role in enhancing learning process, promoting collaboration and encouraging engagement. 

In my first reflection, i focused on Telegram as communicative tool. Telegram enables users to share information and encourages collaboration. I also included a picture of how i used telegram daily as an communicative tool fostering collaboration and peer learning. we can also share our ideas, knowledge and information encouraging shared understanding and building communication skills. Overall in teaching and learning, telegram has become one of the most used communicative tool.

When it comes to informative tool, i focused on YouTube as it is one of the most used and powerful information source in learning. It offers many educational videos for free, users can access tutorials, guides and watch documentaries on any topic enhancing deep understanding and encouraging exploration. It also  supports self-paced learning, allowing users to pause, rewind and replay content based on their understanding and time. I included a picture of Khan academy channel in YouTube providing many free educational videos that users can watch to understand complex topics, supporting diverse learning styles. 

In co-constructive tool, I focused on google docs which allows multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously, encouraging collaboration  and peer learning. It encourages students to co-create, edit, and reflect together giving feedbacks ad comments fostering shared learning, creating and growing together. It also fosters equal participation as every group member can contribute, revise and express their ideas.

I also included a video on google classroom as constructive tool-focusing on what, why and how to use it.

Video on Google Classroom

 

Assistive Technology

 

Assistive tool

Inclusive classes is not just about placing all the students with diverse needs in same classroom, it is ensuring that every learner gets equal access to learning and achievement, regardless of their physical or cognitive challenges. It is about creating equitable learning environments where every students can access, participate and succeed. Assistive technology plays a vital role in achieving this goal by breaking down barriers to learning. Assistive technology is any device or equipment that helps people with disabilities perform task that might otherwise be difficult or impossible. It enhances student’s access to education and empowers individual to live independently. Some assistive technologies that aid in learning are jaw 5, Braille display, Braille watch, screen reader, hearing amplifier, etc. From this entire assistive tool, in this reflection I will be exploring two; that are braille and hearing amplifier. I will be reflecting about their significance, effectiveness and integration in classroom.

Assistive tool 1: Braille

Braille is a tactile writing system used by people who are blind or visually impaired. It was developed by Louis Braille in the 19^th century and it consists of raised dots arranged in cells that represent letters, numbers, and punctuation marks. Braille allows people who cannot rely on sight to read and write independently, making it one of the earliest and most empowering forms of assistive technology.

Braille is used in many formats-books, signage, computer displays (with refreshable braille displays), and even math and science notations (Nemeth Braille code). Braille enables visually impaired students to access the same curriculum as their sighted peers promoting inclusive education. What I liked about the braille was not just about its functionality, but it’s symbolic value. It represents independence and inclusion where every students whether visually impaired or not gets equal access to learning. A student using braille is not simply being put in classroom together but also engaging fully with the content, participating in their learning journey equally and developing confidence in their abilities in education.

However, there are also some challenges to it. According to Emerson et al. (2009), while Braille literacy is crucial, it requires skilled instruction and early exposure, which are not always guaranteed due to shortage of skilled teachers and resources. In my opinion, braille is quite appropriate for inclusive classrooms when used with proper guide and resources. It will give provide equal opportunities for visually impaired students to learn along their peers. Teachers must receive training on how to integrate braille materials into lessons and ensure students who are visually impaired are not left behind.

Assistive tool 2: Hearing amplifiers

Hearing amplifiers, including personal FM systems and sound field amplification system, are used to support students with hearing difficulties. These devices amplify teachers voice, reduce background noise and ensure that sound is delivered clearly to the student. Unlike hearing aids, which are fitted to an individual’s hearing loss, hearing amplifiers provide generalized sound enhancement in learning environment.

Hearing amplifiers are suitable for inclusive classrooms because of their unobstructed nature and ease of use. They can be easily integrated into daily classroom routines and does not require much instructional changes and trainings. Hearing amplifiers provides opportunities for students with hearing difficulties to connect with their peers and do classroom activities together.

However, there are some limitations. While it may help with auditory clarity, it does not compensate for language processing challenges or other communication barriers. Moreover, this tool requires consistent use and teachers must be mindful of turning the microphone on and minimizing unnecessary noise.

Reflecting on these two tools-braille and hearing amplifiers has enhanced my understanding of inclusive education. Both tools aren’t just aids to learning but are source of empowerment and independency for students with visual and hearing difficulties. It allow them to engage with the content of same curriculum as their peers in ways that respect their individual learning needs. I learned that using these tools successfully does not depend on the technology only but also teacher’s attitude and preparedness to use it. Teachers must be flexible, informed and prepared to create an environment where assistive technologies are integrated successfully supporting students learning experience. Moreover, these tools ensure equity over equality. Equity ensures that every student receives the support they need in their learning to reach their potential. For visually impaired student, which might be a braille-enabled tablet; for students with hearing difficulties, it might be a hearing amplifier. Both students may be together in the same classroom, but their way to understand the content might differ and that’s where inclusive education is integrated.

Citation

·  Emerson, R. W., Holbrook, M. C., & D'Andrea, F. M. (2009). Acquisition of literacy skills by young children who are blind. Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, 103(10), 610–624.

·  Nelson, P. B., Soli, S., & Seltz, M. (2005). Classroom acoustics and amplification. The ASHA Leader, 10(5), 6–7.

 

Co-constructive tool

 ICT as CO-constructive tool

As I reflect back on my ICT journey, I realized how much it changed the way we interact and engage with knowledge. ICT is no longer just a support system but has evolved into a strong co-constructive tool enabling collaboration and shared understanding. Co-constructive tools are digital or physical resources that allow multiple users to collaborate-either in real time or asynchronously to build knowledge and create content.

In the past, learning was more of teacher centered and one way where teachers teaches and students were just a passive receiver of knowledge. Now with integration of ICT tools such as Google docs, zoom and various online discussion forums, the learning process has become much more active and interactive. Now not only the teacher and student but also students among themselves can collaborate and build knowledge together.

By integrating co-constructive tool in classroom, it can promote collaborative learning, increase engagement and motivation. Furthermore, it fosters reflecting thinking and develops critical 21^st century skills. One of the co-constructive tools I used is Google docs. Google docs are one of the most powerful co-constructive tools that engage teachers and students collaboratively. It allows multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously making working collaboratively easier and efficient.

Whether its group assignment, discussions or peer review, Google docs encourages students to co-create, edit and reflect on contents together. The comments and suggestion features encourage students to learn from each other and peer review. For example, when we used Google docs for our assignment and discussions we collaborated, edited and commented on each other’s content making learning more engaging, interactive and meaningful. It also promotes equal participation where every group member can contribute, discuss and revise. As a co-constructive, Google docs not only just supports learning, it provides a platform for everyone to collaborate, revise and share their ideas, providing enough space for thinking, creating and growing together. 

The image shows students using Google docs to discuss on their assignment. Google docs enables multiple users to work on the same document simultaneously making it easier to work collaboratively and do assignments together.

Informative tool

 

 ICT as Informative Tool

In this information driven world, informative tools play a vital role in education, business and literally in everything we do. Informative tools are applications which provide vast repositories of information and content to learners. Some example of informative tool include internet, digital media, software’s and tele communication systems to collect, store, process, share and communicate information.  Integrating informative tool in classroom not only encourages learners to explore, think critically, and develop research skills but also provides opportunities for learners to expand their knowledge and evaluate resources on internet.

Informative tool helps teacher prepare lessons by providing, analyzing the information and finding out the best way to impart these information so students can learn in the best way possible. On the other hand, students can use informative tool to explore on any topic they are interested and clear their doubt through information on internet. For example, if a teacher is teaching about the solar system then teacher can find lots of information about it and make sure students get what is being taught meaningfully. For students, if they don’t understand it, they can always find information and videos on solar system enhancing their knowledge and encouraging research skills in them.

One informative tool I used the most is YouTube. YouTube has become more than just an entertainment platform- it is powerful informative providing vast information that supports learning across all age group. It provides many educational videos, guides, tutorials and documentaries on any topic. Channels like khan academy provides many education content breaking down complex subjects into simple terms that students can learn easily.

One good thing about YouTube that makes it appealing is it allows self-paced learning where learners can pause, rewind or replay content based on their understanding. It also supports many learning styles like visual and auditory. Learners who prefer visual can watch animated contents while those who prefer auditory can listen to lectures and ted talks. These enhance students understanding of the content and encourage learners to explore more on any content. However it is important to verify the credibility of sources and evaluate the validity of resources. When used wisely, YouTube can be a powerful informative tool providing vast information for deeper understanding and exploration. 

This image shows an education content in khan academy channel. These videos on YouTube are example of informative tool because they provide vast information on any topic. YouTube also provides access to many other educational contents for free. It not only provides information and encourage exploration but also supports visual and audio learners in their educational journey.