ICT as a situating tool

Situating tool is a system that lay the students in the environment where it involves a context and the occurrence of a situation. Examples of such systems include simulation, virtual reality and multi-user domain. Computer serves as a situating tool. We can locate lots of simulations and games which can enhance learning. Simulations are mostly used while teaching science. By means of virtual reality (RS) extension systems, the computer can create 3-D images on display to give the user the feeling that are situated in virtual environment, for example, a flight stimulation program.

This applications will really help the students to witness the real scenario and will trigger to learn more. Students learn more on when there is hands on experiencing and this is the one of the best ways to inculcate their interest in learning. I too had a interesting session during the Google map Search. I found this very interesting where I have to search the location of the place and I could even see the places in 3-D shape. This kind of simulation will make students to learn more. For example, we can use lots of simulation to teach science subjects and mathematics. The phET simulation is the free on-line simulation where teacher can integrate the ICT in teaching.

When I was going through this simulation I found very interesting where there are lots of options to conduct any type of experiment. Then I came to realise that this is the best way to integrate the ICT in teaching to engage students fully. This simulation will also help, if there is no enough equipments in the school where students can access in this simulation. So, if teacher can integrate the situating tool in teaching, this will be the best way to provide a real-life experience to students.

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ICT as co constructive tools

Co constructive tool is the application that support the construction of knowledge through a shared understanding. The examples are google docs, electronic whiteboard, blogs, discussion forum and so on. The most recent we use as co constructive tool is Google docs. Where it is an emphasis on collaboration and partnership work. At the same the it also provide a platform in the form of  interactional process such as cooperation and coordination. As we collaborate to finish the assignment using Google docs I tend to develop the skills and confidence to become highly effective  learners collaboratively. Just as, if teacher can use the ICT as a co constructive tool to integrate in the class. The lesson will be more interesting where student would love to engage in different scenario. They would love to explore with the help of each other resulting in productive learning. So, it will be a enormous learning opportunity for the students if teacher can provide a activity consisting this tool.

This is a Google docs where we have been doing till now. I came to realise that, this how ICT as co constructive tool can integrate in learning. This is because as we engage in Google docs to complete the task the most important thing is it enhances collaborative learning among the friends. It enables to have a wise decision where we can send and reply messages on it. There's also a facility to co-edit where every members can edit, insert images, links and all. So, I believe that this tool will enhance learners for the explanation, problem finding and problem solving.

Till now these are the discussion forum where we are actively engaged in different types of activities in distinctive modules. Where all the information and knowledge are exchange with each other and clear each others doubts. So, I felt very productive having many discussion group and there is always a way where I can seek help and contribute in this.

ICT as constructive tools

Constructive tool is a general purpose tool use to manipulate information, construct their own knowledge or visualise students understanding. The examples are excel, spreadsheet, power point presentation, simulation, and so on. Due to Corona pandemic every teachers and learners are given a choice to teach and learn using ICT. This is a very good example where all over the world, students are getting ample of time to explore and construct their own knowledge with the help of these tools.

Even I as a learner, am able to learn new things and can able to expand my prior knowledge with the help of these tools. The most commons tools that I have been using are power point and Microsoft word. Through these tools am able to construct my own understanding and thoughts by representing in different ways. For example I can use graphics to represent my mathematics concept either in ppt or Microsoft word. 

If teacher really able to integrate ICT using constructive tools in the classroom, it enhances student's critical thinking, creates motivation and independent learning. So, I realise the one important thing that is with the help of constructive tools we can learn in the absence of teacher. This is because our current situation is like teaching and learning in a house with ICT. So, this clearly indicates with the use of those tools student can learn independently.

The new constructive tool that I had learned is about simulation. Where I had made a simulation consisting maps, images and music in ppt. During the making of simulation I came to know that I am manipulating information and constructing my own knowledge, the way I design my ppt with the help of images, videos and all. After that either lecturer or those who watch my simulation can visualize what am I trying to convey. So, this makes simulation as a constructive tool.

ICT as communicative tools

During the learning of my online classes we chat, vle and g.mail are the most frequent tools that I use. This makes my communication with my lecturers and friends easier and accessible. So, applications which enable easy communication is known as communicative tools. When I use those tools I came to realise that those tools are the saviour of every body life threads. This is because learning can be done in  continuously and productively apart from normal classes. To ensure the learning in and out of the class there are many tools which we can use.

Facebook, WeChat, g.mail, video conferencing, vle, twitter, Instagram, blog and so on are the communicative tools. Now when I use those tools in my learning purpose the most effective tool I found is vle and we chat. This is because in vle tutor uploads the materials that we need to go through and in WeChat regularly we take our online classes. However, sometimes I face difficulties during these periods because too much information leads to chaotic and I land up unable to get enough information. At the same time it is very hard to get the information quickly as the responder do not reply fast. Aside this the use of vle and WeChat makes my communication in an proper way as I get enough time to think before responding.


Incase of using the tools like video conferencing and online chat (during the online classes). It is very burdensome and hectic to have a class. This is because as our class consist of more than dozen of people the video conference tends to fail and I frequently left without participating due to network issues. When we have online classes , like usally we chat with tutors and friends together but the thing is some points miss out and some repeats. During that time I tend to lose the track and face difficulties to go on the track. Even though , I found that when we are having video conferencing its like we are having real time conversation and this keeps me alert and attentive. At the same time we can have a quick respond and solve the urgent issues within no time. So to integrate the communicative tools while learning can have both positive as well as negative impact but based on the best choices we can assure to use communicative tools.

ICT as an informative tools

Information and Communication Technology consists of various tools and systems that can be exploited by capable and creative teachers to improve teaching and learning situations. ICT as informative tool provide vast respositories of information and content to learner's activity. Sound, graphics, text, movies, radio, television,etc are the source of informative tools . The internet is a good source but from reputable and credible sites. Sites from .org, .edu. or .gov have good information. At the same time books, enciclopedias, world atlas, newspaper articles and good magazines and such.

The integration of informative tools mainly help students to:

• Boost the critical thinking
• Analyse the information
• Enhance information search skills
• Integrate relevant ideas

So, by using those tools in the classroom to teach and learn. The effectiveness and the motivation of students will develop towards learning. Moreover the learning will be more interesting. As per my experience, most frequently I use phone to do my learning activity. Whenever I get stuck I usually browse google to at the same time I get seek help from my friends through we chat and facebook. The more I use different sources of informative tools the more knowledge I gain and expose to new things. I get to explore more on the particular subject and this tends to motivate my learning . So, integrating informative tools while learning really encourages me to explore and arouse the curiosity which ensure me to learn effectively and productively.

The most common I used is internet (Google) whenever I face difficulties to understand I browse the google. This really help me to solve the problem and incase I cannot understand while refering the information from google then I seek help from my fellow mates in we chat and messenger. At the same time we even have several group chat where we can solve and clear out each and every doubts.