Module 3, Lesson 2: Select and Use ICT Tools for Teaching and Learning

Lesson Outcomes

1. Selected and used an appropriate digital tool in teaching

2. Provided alternative ways in incorporating the digital tool in a lesson

Introduction

The current systems employ technologies by integrating ICT tools and applications in education and in
instruction. ICT stands for Information and Communications Technology. This refers to various tools and devices or
gadgets used in communicating, disseminating, creating, storing and managing information. It is important that
learners understand how to use these tools in helping them learn.

A great part of learning is working on information and using it to create can be useful and edifying for
humanity. Since the intention of education is to make learners become useful and productive citizens, the use of ICT
tools can provide a lot of possibilities on how learners can do something with what they know. Teachers can
therefore employ ICT tools in their ways of engaging learners by communicating, disseminating, and managing
information. This direction of integrating ICT tools will reveal the usefulness of employing ICT Tools in a wider range
of the teaching and learning process.

It is not necessarily the presence of advanced technology or the use of ICT tools that can ensure the
success in engaging learners, but it still remains that the effective use of ICT tools depends on how the teacher will
use them. There is a variety of ICT tools from which to choose. When employed appropriately, the potentials of their
uses can have bearing on the lesson and the learners' engagement in the process of learning. In instruction the ICT
tools can be used in the presentation of the lesson, demonstrating a point or presenting a concept. There are tools
that can be used in providing practice or provide the chance to apply the skills taughtEven when working as a team
or a group, tools can be employed to facilitate the accomplishment of the task during the class or even after beyond
the face-to-face session.

Let me walk you through the selection and use of a digital tool and how you can integrate it in your lesson.

A. Using Mobile Phone and the QR Code.

Since ICT integration allows ease of processing of information, here's an example of how we can read
information at a quicker speed and in an interesting manner.

Have you seen a symbol like this one below? This is now popularly used in different products, reading
materials, and even in museums. This is a QR code.

What is a QR-Code?

Are you familiar with a QR Code?

Familiarize yourself with a QR Code. It is a code that was created by a physical a corporation Denso-Wave
in 1994. Effectively and efficiently connecting the physical world with the electronic world, QR stands for 'Quick
Response.' It allows the readers to decode the information at a high rate of speed. This is popular in Japan and it is
also used by companies as they attach their QR code in their products. It usually gives a URL linking you to a
website or immediately provides the salient information about the product.

You can easily read QR codes through a QR code scanner. Here's all you need to do:

1. Have a mobile phone with a camera;

2. Using the mobile phone, download from Playstore or App Store the QR Code Reader/Scanner application. Choose
an appropriate QR code reader for your operating system whether IOS or Android. Once installed in your gadget, you
can use it to read the codes.

3. Focus your camera on the QR code. Click it and the message will be revealed to you.

More interesting than reading QR codes is creating your own QR codes.

Step 1: Be online. Step

Step 2: Search for QR Code a generator and ensure that you read the information about the application. This is
important to ensure your safety in the internet. There are tons of QR code generators out there, but a few of the most
popular include Kaywa, [Link], Visualead, and QR Stuff. There are many FREE applications online and
therefore you can take this chance to use them.

Step 3: Once you have identified your free online QR Code Generator you can now encode the text or the
information that you want

Step 4: Run it and save it as a jpeg file. Now, you have successfully created your own cod own code which you can
download.

Step 5: Test the QR code using your QR Code reader or scanner.

B. Using Laptop and the Infographics

There is an apparent deluge of information around and access to these is made easier through the internet.
You are faced with one major question on how to best interpret it all and put it into one cohesive information that is
quick and clear to read.

In the teaching and learning context, you may be faced with a challenging topic given a short amount of
time. How can you capture and deliver that information simply and effectively while making it engaging and
informative as well? Infographics are an immediate answer to this situationThe infographic is another interesting tool
to use in instruction.

An infographic is a visual representation or an image such as a diagram, chart or picture representing

If it is used to market products in the increasing visual world, then infographics can also be employed in
marketing information and ideas in the teaching and learning process.

One tool that can be used in creating infographics is Canva ([Link] com)It has several
infographics template for education. You can try out the free design elements and produce one just like a
professional infographic designer. You can start exploring this site and familiarize yourself with its features. As a
gentle reminder, please take time to read the instructions and navigate around the features to get optimal use of it.

There are many ways for which infographics can be used.

Using infographics:

1) To present survey data

Presenting statistical data such as from surveys can be overwhelming Infographics can be highly useful.
Data are much easier to decode. They can be made easier and quicker to understand if they are presented in a
infographics.

2) To simplify a complex concept

Simplifying a complex idea is the core purpose of using an infograph This is a very effective educational tool
as a way of, summarizing key po or providing an overview of a lesson.

3) To explain how something functions

Using infographics, you can show the intricacy of how something complex works. It can reveal the
mechanics behind how an object works. Designers can create infographics by showing the mechanics behind
intricate objects, processes, concepts.
4) To compare

Presenting information by highlighting similarities and differences through a visual parallel in an infographic
can turn out more effective than sometimes expressing it in words. It is easier to draw comparisons with the same
information neatly organized.

Assess the given the infographic of a superhero - Batman from the time it was conceived in 1939 to 2013.

Would you say that it is effective? Why or why not? What are the key elements that the designer clearly employed to
show a visual starting point?

5) To present interesting facts

When information or facts are presented all in words, the use of infographics can bring life. If done well, the
infographics can transform the information into visual image that can attract and engage readers.

If there is a written text, the information may not stand out compared to when it is presented in this format.
Information written in snippets becomes understandable and more appealing to the eye.

Expand your understanding of using infographics.

Recall the ways of integrating an infographic in a lesson as discussed previously. Discuss how else will you
be able to integrate infographics in your lesson. In which part of the lesson is it best integrated?

C. Ipad/Tablet and the Online Bulletin Board

Creativity and collaboration are fun! A dull and boring bulletin board can be made interesting when done
online. Posts when done with themed backgrounds, stylish fonts and varied colors become attractive to the learners.
An online bulletin board is a way of presenting ideas with a twist and interest with no cost at all. Here's how:

Step 1: Search for [Link] 8 pled ersigned.

Step 2: Sign up or log-in using any of your social media account.

Step 3: If you want to make your own, click MAKE A PADLET.

a. You can choose Start with a Blank or Pick a Template.

b. Start making posts by clicking the + sign.

c. Make your posts as creative as you can by clicking Modify and selecting your choice of color, font, theme, etc.

d. You can now share your Padlet or online bulletin board to your friends. Click Share and allow others to have
access to it or you can share through the social media account where others can view it.

Step 4: If you want to join someone's bulletin board, click JOIN A PADLET.

a. Enter in the dialog box the URL of the padlet you want to join.

b. Start posting on your friend's/classmate's by clicking the + sign.