Topic outline

  • General

    • KICTCFT Competency
      The teacher to use ICT tools to enhance collaboration and communication in the classroom to support pedagogy.

      Specific Objectives: On completion of this unit you should be able to;

      1. Identify collaborative activities to incorporate immediately into classroom practice.
      2. Identify collaborative and communication tools and platforms.
      3. Discuss the characteristics of collaborative learning and effective communication.
      4. Design unit plans and classroom activities to enhance collaborative learning and effective communication.

    • Welcome to this unit on ICT to support collaboration and communication. In this unit we will look at how we can enhance collaboration and communication in classroom teaching using various ICT tools. What tools do we usually use to communicate? Can we use the same tools to communicate in the classroom? Let us find out.

  • What is Collaboration?

    • Recommended time: 45 minutes

    • Sub-unit Competencies

      So what do we mean by collaboration? Does this simply mean group work or is it something different? In this sub-unit we will investigate the term and come to consensus as to what the concept entails.

    • Activity 1: What is Collaboration?

      1. Study the three readings below entitled, 'Collaboration', 'Characteristics of Collaborative Learning' and 'Types of Collaborative Activities in Class'.
      1. In the forum below entitled 'Collaboration Forum' discuss the benefits of collaborative learning in your class context. Make sure you reply to your colleagues' posts.

  • Collaboration Tools

    • Recommended time: 60 minutes

    • Sub-unit Competency

      What collaboration tools are available? In this block we will investigate a few of them although there are numerous possibilities and new tools being released all the time. We will spend some time setting up and using just one... Skype. On completion of this sub-unit you should be familiar with at least one collaboration tool.

    • Activity 2: Collaboration Tools?

      1. Study the reading below entitled, 'Collaboration Tools'
      1. Access the URL below to access the Skype installation page and create an individual Skype account.
      1. Install the program or app on your computer or mobile device.
      2. Then access the forum below, entitled 'Skype Accounts' and post your new Skype account name for the others in the class to see. Ensure that you reply to your colleagues' posts.
      1. In Skype search for ten class mates and invite them to link with you.
      2. Set up a group conversation with as many members who are online.

  • Collaboration in the Classroom

    • Recommended time: 50 minutes

    • Sub-unit Competency

      How can we use digital collaborative tools in the classroom? In this block we will discuss and then let you reflect on how best to deploy collaboration tools like Skype, Twitter or Facebook in your lessons and also when they are appropriate. On completion of this sub-unit you will have thought about how you could use digital collaboration tools in your class.

    • Activity 3: Collaboration Case Study

      1. Access the reading below that includes an example of how collaboration was used in a Kenyan school setting.
      2. How might the lessons learned be transferred to your subject or school? .

  • Communication

    • Recommended time: 50 minutes

    • Sub-unit Competency

      The term communication can mean many things. So what do we mean in this unit? Let us work towards a common understanding. On completion of this sub-unit you will have a clear understanding of the term Communication.

    • Activity 4: What is Communication?

      1. Read the two documents below entitled 'Communications Introduction' and 'Introduction to Communication'. Pay particular attention to the process of communication as described in the second reading.
      1. In the forum below, entitled 'Communication' discuss 'How do you communicate to yourself, your students, the parents and your supervisor? Also mention which tools you use to enhance communication. Also ensure that you reply to your colleagues' posts.

    • Activity 5: What are the elements of communication?

      1. Complete the short Do It Yourself (DIY) test below. Can you remember the main elements of a typical communication?

  • Communication Tools

    • Recommended time: 75 minutes

    • Sub-unit Competency

      By the end of this sub-unit you should be able to identify communication tools and carry out practical activities involving the tools in a classroom situation.

    • Activity 6: Using communication tools

      1. Study the reading below which outlines the various digital communication options or tools.
      1. Access the Chat below and discuss, 'What are the common barriers to effective communication and collaboration in the classroom?" and " How can a teacher use ICT tools to enhance communication and collaboration in the classroom?"
      1. Access the forum below entitled, 'Use of the communication tools for teaching and learning and discuss 'How can we maximise the use of communication tools in teaching and learning' and specifically for each subject. Make sure you reply to your colleagues' posts.

    • Portfolio Assignment: Communication Grid

      1. Access the template entitled 'Portfolio Template for Unit 5' below and save a copy that you can use as your own.
      1. In your version of the template, complete the grid. Identify a topic in each of your teaching subject and show how you would use the various communication tools to encourage collaboration and communication.
      2. Use the assignment submission tool entitled 'Portfolio Item #5: Communication Strategies' below to submit the completed template. Note that this is a portfolio assignment!

  • Conclusion and Summary

  • Attribution

    • Open Education Resources

      The following Open Education Resources (OER) have been adapted to create this unit on pedagogy and ICT:

      1. Cambridge University (FoE).(2014). OER4Schools: Unit 3 - Group Work. - Available here
      2. Commonwealth of Learning. (nd). Commonwealth Certificate for Teacher ICT Integration (CCTI). COL/SchoolNet SA. - Available online here
      3. Commonwealth of Learning/Commonwealth Secretariat/Ministry of Education, Guyana. (2012). ICT in Education for Teachers. - Available here
      4. Park, J. (2015). Kasyoka Mutunga: How OER brought Running Water to a Community in Kenya.  - Available here
      5. Park, J. (2014). School of Open Africa's Launch and Future.  - Available here

      Images have been adapted from:

      1. OpenClipart. (2014). Open Clip Art. - Available online here
      2. Ipapun. (2014). Divine Icons. Free for non commercial use - Available online here

      The following references are also acknowledged:

      1. Open University of Malaysia. (nd). Topic I: Introduction to Communication - Available online here

  • Credits and License

    • This unit was adapted from OER and developed further by Ms Eunice Gachoka, Ms Purity Kibui and David Kanyoro.

      Creative Commons License

      All material in this Kenya ICT CFT Course unit is licensed by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Kenya under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License with the exception of the resources listed below:

      Open University of Malaysia. (nd). Topic I: Introduction to Communication

      All content not licensed under a Creative Commons license is all rights reserved, and you must request permission from the copyright owner to use this material. 

  • Pilot Feedback

    • The Kenya ICT CFT Course is in its pilot phase. We would, therefore, like some feedback on your experiences in order to refine it. Please access the survey below to leave your feedback on this unit's strengths and weaknesses.