advance to the next phase, schools choose an ICT curriculum that allows a
project-based, ICT-enhanced approach. These schools begin to involve the
community more in the learning environment and as resource providers.
Transforming
The transforming approach is linked with schools that have used ICT creatively
to rethink and renew school organization. ICT becomes an integral
though invisible part of the daily personal productivity and professional
practice. The focus of the curriculum is now much more learner-centred
and integrates subject areas in real-world applications. For example, students
may work with community leaders to solve local problems by accessing,
analyzing, reporting, and presenting information with ICT tools.
Learners’ access to technology is broad and unrestricted. They take even
more responsibility for their own learning and assessment. ICT is taught as
a subject area at an applied level and is incorporated into all vocational
areas. The school has become a centre of learning for the community.
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCHOOLS RELATED TO ICT DEVELOPMENT
Along with approaches to ICT development noted above, there are various
characteristics of schools, or aspects of school leadership, that relate to a
school’s progress in ICT development. Below are general descriptions of
the more important of these characteristics of schools that have an effect on
ICT development within schools.
Vision
Vision refers to the aspirations and goals of both individuals within a school
and the school system as a whole. As the school advances, the mission statements
should become clearer and provide a basis for decision-making.
Mission statements should help individual members of the learning community
visualize a school’s aspirations for the future and act in harmony.
Philosophy of learning and pedagogy
Ways in which teachers and students interact and how the school is managed
for learning are part of what is meant by a school’s philosophy of learning and
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ICT DEVELOPMENT AT THE SCHOOL LEVEL