Preparing ICT Learning Experiences

What is an ICT Learning Experience?

An ICT Learning Experience describes how ICT has been used to make a difference to a learning activity.

It does not merely describe resources or learning materials, rather the experience itself – the context in which the learning took place. It may involve a facilitator with a group of teachers, a teacher with a group of students, a student with a group of students, or any other possible combination of learner and teacher. The key word to take note of is learning. Learning needs to have taken place.

Why publish ICT Learning Experiences?

The ICT Learning Experience resources are being published in order to share the experiences gained by teachers during the ICT PD Cluster project. The ICT Learning Experiences will show how ICT related materials and resources improve learning.

What is the selection criteria for an ICT Learning Experience?

An ICT Learning Experience:

• clearly shows how ICT made a difference to the learning – learning needs to have taken place;
• describes how the teacher or professional development facilitator designed the activity to meet the needs of the learners;
• has been used successfully in a New Zealand situation;
• explains the key pedagogical decisions made and describes their impact.

Additional criteria to consider for a student-focused ICT Learning Experience:

• demonstrates clear learning - teaching processes;
• has reference to the New Zealand curriculum;
• provides an authentic New Zealand context for the learner;
• is open ended and non prescriptive;
• promotes higher order thinking skills;
• demonstrates discerning use of ICT in an appropriate context;
• provides scope for inclusion and extension;
• encourages interaction and collaboration.

How many ICT Learning Experiences need to be submitted?

Clusters can select from six options for how they will share their experiences with a wider audience. Submitting Learning Experiences to TKI is one of the options they can select. (Please refer to page 9 of the ICT/PD Clusters Administration Handbook 2004, for further information on 'Sharing of knowledge and experiences'.)

What are the deadlines for submitting ICT Learning Experiences in 2004?

Clusters must submit their resources by the December 2004 milestone.

ICT Learning Experience examples

View the search results for ICT Learning Experiences.

What is the development and publishing process for an ICT Learning Experience?

Download (Word doc, 35k) the flowchart which explains the development and publishing process from initial concept to end product.

How do I prepare material for TKI?

Read Preparing Material for TKI to obtain essential information about developing material for TKI.

How do I write for the Web?

The style of the material must suit the needs of the audience.

• Text style should generally be simple, direct, and professional. Let your natural way of speaking be your guide. Think of yourself as discussing ideas with your audience. Reading the text aloud can be a useful check.
• Sentences should be complete.
• Sentences and paragraphs should be short rather than long, simple rather than complex.
• Each new concept should have its own paragraph. Clearly link the ideas within each sentence and between paragraphs.
• Use the active rather than passive voice – "arrange the desks" rather than "the desks should be arranged", "provide a folder or clip-board" rather than "a folder or clip-board should be provided".
• Use verbs in preference to nouns – "arrange" rather than "determine an arrangement", "assess" rather than "carry out an assessment".
• Use commonly-used words as your first choices. Use "decide" rather than "determine", "help" rather than "facilitate".
• Make sure any specialist terms are clearly defined and are being used in the same way as other related publications.

What if I include links to websites in my ICT Learning Experience or support material?

Any websites mentioned in an ICT Learning Experience should meet the TKI website quality assurance standards. Please read the TKI Site Selection Criteria and ensure that any websites you refer to are suitable.

Who do I contact if I need help?

Please contact the ICT Online Editor at TKI (ict@tki.org.nz) if you have any questions or require any assistance with creating or submitting an ICT Learning Experience.