English teaching talks – Integrating ICT

English teaching talks – Integrating ICT

In this series of six short videos, Nik Peachey explores how teachers can make effective use of information and communication technology (ICT) in their practice. To integrate ICT effectively, Nik says that teachers need:

• a framework for using ICT to increase learning impact
• to know how to use ICT as a tool for their own development  
• ideas for developing language and digital literacies using ICT
• to be able to select the best apps to use in class for their context
• to know how to integrate ICT into a design for blended learning.

Pre-viewing task

Before you watch the videos, think about the questions below. If you are using this resource as part of your professional development in your institution, discuss the questions below with your colleagues.

• What websites, platforms or apps would you recommend to other teachers, and why?
• KWL: Choose one of the bullet points above. What do you know about this topic? What do you want to know? After watching the videos, you can come back to this and add what you have learned.

Part 1: Why should you integrate ICT in teaching?

In this first video, Nik explores key reasons for integrating ICT into teaching. He outlines how digital tools can enhance learning and enrich the classroom experience for both learners and teachers.

Before viewing

• Do you currently teach online, face-to-face or both? 
• If you teach face-to-face, how do you use technology in your classroom?
• Do you use ICT tools for your own professional development? Which websites, apps or platforms do you find most useful?

While viewing 

• Nik discusses several areas where ICT can support and improve learning. What are the main benefits he highlights?

Watch Why should you integrate ICT in teaching?

After viewing

• Which area of using ICT are you most interested in finding out more about? 

Part 2: How to integrate ICT in the classroom

In this video, Nik provides a framework to help teachers understand how to use ICT for increased learning impact.

Before viewing

• What concerns do some teachers have about integrating ICT in the classroom?
• What challenges might they face?
• Do you have a rationale for using ICT in your classroom?

While viewing

• Nik talks about a framework called the SAMR model. What does SAMR stand for?
• What examples does he give for each stage of the model?

Watch How to integrate ICT in the classroom

After viewing

• Have you heard of the SAMR model before? Do you think you will use it after watching this video?
• Do you ever ask your learners for feedback when using digital tools? How might this help guide your future planning?

Part 3: How can ICT support professional development?

In this video, Nik explores how ICT can be a powerful tool for continuing professional development. He looks at ways to connect with other educators, discover useful resources and reflect on your own teaching practice.

Before viewing

• Do you use social media for professional development? Which platforms or communities do you find most useful?
• Are you familiar with using hashtags to find or follow topics in education?
• Do you belong to any special interest groups (online or offline)? Are there any you'd like to join?

While viewing

• What is a PLN, and how do teachers typically build one?
• What are Nik's tips for finding and curating useful information online?
• What are some benefits of blogging for teachers?

Watch How can ICT support professional development?

After viewing

• Which of Nik's suggestions did you find most practical or inspiring?
• Would you like to try any of them in your own professional development?  

Part 4: Using ICT to develop language and digital skills 

In this video, Nik explains how integrating ICT into your lessons can support the development of both language skills and digital literacy. This combination of skills can empower learners throughout their lives.

Before viewing

• In your classroom, do learners have direct access to digital devices, or is only the teacher using a computer or screen?
• Are learners allowed to use mobile phones for learning activities in your lessons?

While viewing

Nik explores the value of giving learners hands-on opportunities to work with technology.

• Why does he think it's important for learners to use devices themselves?
• What kinds of skills do learners develop by creating videos? What video project ideas does he suggest?
• What are the benefits of making podcasts as a classroom activity? 

Watch Using ICT to develop language and digital skills

After viewing

• Have you ever done video or podcast projects with your learners? What worked well? What challenges did you face?
• If you haven't done this before, do you feel inspired to try it? Why or why not? 

Part 5: How to use apps to support learning

In this video, Nik explores how teachers can make informed decisions when choosing educational apps. With so many tools available, it's important to select apps that genuinely enhance learning and are engaging, accessible, easy to use and safe.

Before viewing

• Do you currently use any apps or digital tools with your learners? 
• How do you usually decide which ones to use?

While viewing

Nik shares a set of practical questions to guide app selection. Make notes on what Nik says about each of these questions:

• What will learners learn from using the app?
• Will learners find it interesting?
• Will all of the learners be able to access the app?
• What platform does the app work on?
• How easy is it to use?
• How safe is it?

Watch How to use apps to support student learning

After viewing

• Reflect on the apps you currently use. How well do they meet Nik's criteria?
• Will you use this set of questions to guide your choices in the future? Why or why not?

Part 6: How to incorporate ICT in teaching

In this final video, Nik discusses how we can integrate ICT for a planned approach to blended learning. Blended learning combines physical and digital learning. This can expand learner knowledge and build autonomy as they take more responsibility for their learning.

Before viewing

• What do you understand by the term 'blended learning'?
• Have you heard of 'flipped learning'? What do you think it involves? 
• Do you already use a blended approach with your classes? If so, how?

While viewing

Nik introduces different blended-learning models and explains how to use ICT effectively across both online and face-to-face settings.

• Which models does he describe?
• What benefits of blended learning does he highlight?
• According to Nik, what kinds of learning are most suitable for online activities, and what works best in the physical classroom?
• How can digital tools help with giving feedback?

Watch How to incorporate ICT in teaching

After viewing

• Which of Nik's ideas or models could work well in your own teaching context?
• Is there anything you'd like to try as part of your blended approach?

 Reflection 

• KWL: In the pre-viewing task, you chose one of the bullet points and answered the questions: What do you know about this topic? What do you want to know? Now that you have watched the video, add what you have learned.
• What are you going to do differently after watching these videos?