EDTK 2030

Describe the affordances and constraints of email as an ICT tool for learning.

Information Communication and Technology (ICT) includes a range of technology and other resources used to create, store, communicate, disseminate and manage information (Tinio, as cited in EDTK2030 Essential Readings, 2014). The use of ICT tools in education are very important, students are required to use their efforts to understand the different applications. Teachers incorporate these tools in teaching and learning by including them in the various content areas of the curriculum. In order for ICT tools to be effectively utilized in teaching and learning the knowledge of how people learn should be taken in consideration (Uwiopencampus EDTK2030, 2014). According to Stevenson, “the use of Information and Communications Technology ICT as an aid to teaching and learning has been adapted largely as an act of faith” (as sited in Kennewell, 2001, p. 101).

According to the online Macmillan Dictionary affordance is define as the “quality of an object or environment that allows someone to perform an action.” The same dictionary defines constraints as “something that limits your freedom to do what you want” (Macmillan Publishers Limited, n.d.). Affordances and constraints are related and are necessary for any activity to take place. A persons’ abilities and what they will do with ICT tools must be considered when thinking about affordances and constraints (Kennewell, 2001). Theories provides support for understanding different developments that takes place in the learning environment (Uwiopencampus EDTK2030, 2014). Theories that support the use of ICT based on unit 2 is the constructivist theories with emphasis on the three dimensions: activity based teaching and learning, reflective teaching and learning and teaching and learn that focuses on social negotiation.

An example of affordances within my professional environment is the ability to communicate and interact with e-tutors and peers about given topic. I can send email to myself as reminders of important dates, work I have done and stored on laptop or flash drive as backup in case of malfunctions. This email can be retrieved from any computer saving me the time of having to redo the work. I am able to communicate and stay in touch with relatives in the island as well as those abroad. I am also able to meet new friends from different parts of the world and interact with them.

An example of constraints as it relates to email and learning is the unauthorized use of password to access email, writing down passwords for future reference and not properly storing it or not properly logging out from a public computer are risk for person to loose important information if found out by troublemakers.

A possible solution to the constraint identified above is to ensure that the computer is properly logged off after every use and recommends the use of simple passwords that are easily remembered such as a child’s name.

Whilst “the use of Information and Communications Technology ICT as an aid to teaching and learning has been adapted largely as an act of faith” (Stevenson, as cited in Kennewell, 2001, p. 101) students are required to use their efforts to understand the different applications. In order for ICT tools to be effectively utilized in teaching and learning, the knowledge of how people learn should be taken in consideration, (Uwiopencampus EDTK2030, 2014).

                                                                                                                    References

Kennewell, S. (2001). Using affordances and constraints to evaluate the use of information and communications technology. Journal of Information Technology for Teacher, 101.

Macmillan Publishers Limited. (n.d.). Retrieved from Macmillan Dictionary: http//www.constraintbyMacmillanDictionary.htm

Uwiopencampus (2014). EDTK2030 Unit 2. Development and Characteristics of Information and Communication Technologies ICT. [Essential Readings], p. 3.