Project based learning in ICT transaction and teachers' preparation

Abstract

Information communication technology (ICT) has a tremendous potential to make teaching learning process a dynamic one. ICT based learning does not mean replacing the teacher with computer and it's a value addition, it gives the learner freedom and learner's autonomy, and scope for constructing their own knowledge NCF (2005). PBL is an alternative strategy which is effectively used to enhance the learning capacity of student teachers. The PBL needs an in-depth investigation of the topic. In a typical PBL setup the entire class is involved on a common project or it can be assigned to a group with different PBL tasks selected by the class teacher on a theme. PBL has been adopted in Regional Institute of Education Mysore to engage the student in learning ICT knowledge and skills through extended inquiry process structured around complex authentic question or driving question and carefully designed the project and tasks. Students acquiring a range of ICT skills, like word processing, PowerPoint presentation, use of spreadsheets, e-mail, publishing news letter in web designing, handling database and use of different types of computer assisted learning materials, introduction of new concepts in a micro environment, which allows students to use their own learning capacities and to know how to use these gadgets, in different subject areas at different levels giving appropriate feedback. Simulation of science experiments, which are impractical to perform in the laboratory can be performed by virtual mode, The present paper describes the analysis of the feedbacks given by the fresh batch of students who were yet to start a project, its about project evolution by fresher on the senior batch of student teachers project done during the year 2009 - 10.