PCF5: Parents, carers, children and ICT

Title of session
...Parents, carers, children and ICT...

Session details

 * Date: ... 16th July...
 * Time: ... 4pm...
 * Room: ... Elvin Hall...

Session papers

 * Busgopel, Protect children on the internet.
 * Deepak De, Social acceptability/learner centre education.
 * Awradha Guhgadeen,Talking book.
 * Iwlkarm,Open and distance learning for parents and carers, unexplored possibilities.
 * Iwshilla Ogunshola,Nigeria.
 * Mark Warbush,Elearning platforms.

Key Issues that arose in the session

 * Study on impact of internet on children- 2007- children not able to manage all info from internet. Children at risk of criminals who operate on internet. Proactive measures needed-29.6% computer located in the bedroom- too much privacy. 3/5 hours per day on internet. 45% children inform parents about friends on the internet. Support services for parents and guardians- child safety on internet is everyone’s concern.
 * Social acceptability. Compare conventional to open distance education system. To be acceptable ODC must be seen as a means to achieve educational needs of people. Parents interviewed- open schooling- less favourable opinion of that system. Conventional parents-fear- prestige associated with conventional. ODL and conventional supplement each other. Social acceptability of learner centred education.
 * Talking book- words into sounds- instructional design- engage learners- make learning more meaningful- affective/pshyco-notes. Innovation within curriculum- develops numeracy and literacy skills. Peer learning- self awareness- confidence- communication skills- 22 schools (1200 tested). Video clips. ABC talking book. Disparity between schools. COL organise workshops. Empower teachers and learners.
 * Experience. ODL material for IGNOU. Chat shows for parents. Short films. Writing in magazines/newspapers. Research. Grips resource packs. Workshops with parent groups. Parents need info and skills. Children with special needs. Play a critical role in a child’s development. Diversities. Untapped potential of ODL for parent groups. Children form slums. Collaboration with open organisations-can we be truly flexible.
 * IT- be used to empower learners and parents- some see ITY as a curse- study what is the importance of IT in education. It also has many benefits- 50.7% respondents still not aware of benefits of IT- communities of people. 70% feel IT in a negative way: laziness, loss of jobs, play games, need to create awareness to make the most of IT –bland IT in social activities.
 * Different elearning platforms. Appropriate for various levels of course. Tertiary education, elearning and conventional education will go together-feedback-caught students’ interest.