LESSON 18: TABLETS FOR TEXTBOOKS IN SCHOOL

Tablet for learning is still futuristic, but to day, books are still primary of medium of instruction in must schools. These will be replaced by digital technology reading tools, but there are now perceptions that virtual literary may very well ease out textual print literary, the disadvantages of using books for learning are being debated upon. the load of books and work books are backbreaking due to their weight and size. publishing and printing millions of books are just too expensive. The errors in public schools textbooks have also exposed, errors resulting from information, technical mistakes and editorial lapses.Technology is being viewed as a savior. Learning technology along with other audio-visual aids to teaching-and-learning.

This lesson is trying to aid the inconvenience of having books as the primary medium of instruction wherein every day, students will bring a lot of heavy books. They are suggesting to have a digital-based medium of instruction specifically the use of computers or tablets for convenience. However, tablets-for-learning is still futuristic because of most common reason, finances.  Nevertheless, through both books and tablets help in students' learning, we cannot deny the fact that students nowadays would prefer those that are modern.

LESSON 16: THE INTERNET AND EDUCATION

The Internet, also simply called the Net, is the largest and far-flung

network system of all systems. Surprisingly, the Internet is not really a

network but loosely organized collection of about 25,000 network accessed by

computers on the planet. It is astonishing to know that no one owns the

Internet. It has no central headquarters, no centrally offered services, and no

comprehensive online index to tell users what information is available on the

system.

How is everything coordinated through the Internet? This is done through a

standardize4d protocol called Transmission Control protocol/Internet Protocol

(TCP/IP). To gain access to the Internet, the computer must be with what is

called a Server which has special software that uses the Internet protocol.

Originally developed and still subsidized by the United States government, the

Internet connect not only commercial, industrial, scientific establishments but

all other sectors including education and its libraries, campuses, and computer

centers.

The great attraction of Internet is that one the sign-up fees are paid,

there are no extra charges. Electronic mail, for example, is free regardless of

the amount of use. In contrast, individuals using the Internet on their own

personal computers must pay ongoing monthly fees to whoever is their service

provider.

Getting around the Net

The vast sea of information now in the Internet, including news and

trivia, is an overwhelming to those who wish to navigate it. Everyday, the Net

user-population and the available information continue to grow, and new ways are

continuously being developed to tour the Internet.

The most attractive way to move around the Internet is called browsing.

Using a program called a browser, the user can use a mouse to point and click on

the screen icons to surf the Internet, particularly the World Wide Web (the

Web), an Internet’s subset of text, images, and sounds are linked together to

allow users to access data or information needed.

The future of the Internet seems limitless. Already its complexity has

spawned and continues to spawn Net sites including new demand for services to

business, industries, science, government, and even homes. Many experts predict

that Internet is destined to become the centerpiece of all online communications

on the planet and in some future time in the solar system using interplanetary

satellite communications stations.

A view of educational uses of the Internet

Today, even elementary school graders in progressive countries like the

United States are corresponding via e-mail with pen pals in all 50 states. They

ask probing questions like, “What is your state’s most serious problems,” or How

much does a pizza cost in your state? This educational activity prodded by their

schools are paying dividends from increasing the pupil’s interest in Geography

to a greater understanding of how people live in large cities and other places

in the United States or the world.

Educational software materials have also developed both in sophistication

and appeal. There is now a wider choice from rote arithmetic or grammar lessons

to discovery and innovation projects. But the real possibility today is

connecting with the world outside homes, classrooms, and Internet cafes. And

today schools are gearing up to take advantage of Internet access, where they

can plug into the Library of Congress, make virtual visits to famous museums in

the world, write to celebrities, and even send questions to heads of states.

LESSON 15: UNDERSTANDING HYPERMEDIA

Hypermedia is nothing but multimedia, but this time packaged as an educational computer software where information is presented and student activities are integrated in a virtual learning environment. Most educational IT applications are hypermedia and these include:

• Tutorial software packages
• Knowledge webpages
• Simulation instructional games
• Learning project management, and others

The presentation of information-learning activities in hypermedia is said to be sequenced in a non-linear manner, meaning that the learner may follow his path of activities thus providing an environment of learner autonomy and thinking skills.

Characteristics of hypermedia applications:

1. Learner control- the learner makes his own decisions on the path, flow of events of instruction.

2. Learner wide range of navigation routes- the learner has a wide range of navigation routes such as by working on concepts he is already familiar with. He may even follow a linear or logical path, even if the previous activity is half-completed. He may explore other sections opting to return or complete the previous activity.

3. Variety of media- Hypermedia includes more than one media (text, graphics, audio, animation and video clip) but does not necessarily use all types of media in one presentation. Since only virtual learning activity takes place, it is important from the standpoint of the teacher to optimize the learning process by identifying the characteristics of media application, as well as the advantages and limitations of such an application.

REFLECTION:

          Hypermedia provides personalized learning activities as it helps those slow and poor learners. It gives activities suited to your learning objectives and needs. It presents variety of media that will really cater those fast and slow learners. Whereas in a traditional teaching methods, the teacher would take extra time, attention and effort to help the students who are slow in understanding the lessons. With that it gives teacher a hard time to develop new strategies and objectives for both fast and slow learners. So, it is really beneficial for the teacher to use hypermedia. It is also then possible for a teacher to let his students search, explore and discover in a traditional classroom. But with that, you need to provide the student an event to apply the learning, resources and materials as well as much time since the teacher has to take into consideration each one especially the slow learners.

        Hypermedia is really helpful for both the learner and the teacher but traditional learning does not mean no improvement on the student. It is still the best way for a nation which is not more particular or do not find it a need with using computers and information technology in boosting their economic status. Let us remember, computers have limitations and disadvantages too!

LESSON 14: THE SOFTWARE AS AN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE

 Whenever people think about computers, they are most likely thinking about the computer machine such as the television-like monitor screen, the keyboard to type on, the printer which produces copies of text-and-graphics material, and the computer housing called “the box” which contains the electronic parts and circuits (the central processing unit) that receives/ stores data and direct computer operations. The computer machine or hardware is naturally an attention-getter.

      It’s more difficult to realize, however, that the computer hardware can hardly be useful without the program or system that tells what the computer machine should do. This is called software.

There are two kinds of software:

1. The system software. This is the operating system that is found or bundled inside all computer machines.

2. The application software. This contains the system that commands the particular task or solves a particular problem.

In turn the applications software may be:

(a) A custom software that is made for specific tasks often by large corporations, or

(b) A commercial software packaged for personal computers that helps with a variety of tasks such as writing papers, calculating numbers, drawing graphs, playing games, and so much more.

Microsoft Windows

Also referred to as program, Microsoft Windows or Windows for short is an operating environment between the user and the computer operating system. Also called a shell, it is a layer that creates the way the computer should work. Windows uses a colorful graphics interface (called GUI – pronounced “gooee”) that can be seen on the computer screen or monitor whenever the computer is turned on.

The user can work with on-screen pictures (icons) and suggestions (menus) to arrive at the desired software. Windows 95 (now improved with Windows 2003 and 2007) is software designed for Microsoft Windows. Actually, Windows is in itself a self-contained operating system which provides

· User convenience – just click a file name to retrieve data or click from program to program as easy as changing channels in your TV screen

· A new look – fancy borders, smooth and streamlined text fonts

· Information center – Windows puts all communications activities (e-mail, downloads etc. in a single screen icon); adapts/configures the computer for the Internet.

· Plug and play – configures the computer with added components, such as for sound and video.

Instructional Software

Instructional software can be visited on the Internet or can be bought from software shops or dealers. The teacher through his school should decide on the best computer-based instructional (CBI) materials for the school resource collection. But beware since CBIs need much improvement, while web-based educational resources are either extremely good or what is complete garbage. In evaluating computer-based educational materials, the following can serve as guidelines:

· Be extremely cautious in using CBIs and “free” Internet materials

· Don’t be caught up by attractive graphics, sound, animation, pictures, video clips and music forgetting their instructional worth

· Teachers must evaluate these resources using sound pedagogical principles.

· Among design and content elements to evaluate are: the text legibility, effective use of color schemes, attractive layout and design, and easy navigation from section-to-section (such as from game to tutorial to drill-and-practice section)

· Clarity in the explanations and illustrations of concepts and principles

· Accuracy, coherence, logic of information

· Their being current since data/statistics continually change

· Relevance/effectiveness in attaining learning objectives

· Absence of biased materials (e.g. gender bias or racial bias)

LESSON 13: COOPERATIVE LEARNING WITH THE COMPUTER

Defining Cooperative Learning

This is learning by small groups of students who work together in common learning task.

There are 5 elements of cooperative learning:

• ·        A common goal
• ·        Interdependence
• ·        Interaction
• ·        Individual accountability
• ·        Social skills

Therefore, not every group work is cooperative learning since students working on their worksheets physically sat around a table may be working together without these features of cooperative learning.

From several studies made on cooperative learning, in its true sense is advantageous since it:

• Encourages active learning, while motivating students
•  Increases academic performance 
• Promotes literacy an language skills
•  Improves teacher effectiveness

Cooperative learning and the computer

Researchers have made studies on the learning interaction between the student and the computer. Given the opportunity to work individually or in group, the students generally wish to work in computer-based and non-computer-based activities. Psychologists think the computer fosters this positive social behaviour due to the fact that it has a display monitor-just like a television set-that is looked upon as something communal.

Components of cooperative learning  

1. Assigning students to mixed-ability teams 
2. Establishing positive interdependence
3. Teaching cooperative social skills
4.  Insuring individual accountability, and
5.  Helping groups process information

Discussion:

1.     Discuss the difference between peer competition and positive interdependence in a group. Simply said, aren’t there debates in group work?

ü Peer competition is the learning that happens with peers. They exchange ideas with each other. Confidence in peer competition is more exercised. In positive interdependence, there is learning within the group. Others may be shy and others may be confident enough to share their ideas.

2.     What can be done in case some members of a group do not show positive interpersonal and communication skills? Can the teacher help in this situation?

ü There are persons who are too shy to express what they want and share what they know. The teacher may help by letting them contribute one by one so that they can overcome their shyness.

3.     Do skills in listening, negotiating, compromising, punctuality, tolerance (giving others a chance to speak) part of the social skills needed in group work?

ü These things are probably the most important things in a group work. It can surely help to let the students enjoy peace while learning.

4.     How can group members ensure that each member of the group is also accountable for the group work, and not totally depended on others? In practical terms, how can the teacher grade individual students fairly in a group activity for one single output?

ü The participation of everyone in the group must be strictly observed for the teacher to know how he/she gives grade to each and to be fair for those who actively and willingly contribute to the topic. One from the group may be obligated to list all the names of contributors to each topic they take.

5.      While cooperative learning is a very good avenue for teachers to help students learn effectively, why is it not to be adopted in all classroom learning situations?

ü Cooperative learning should be applied often but the teacher should also have the time to discuss so that students may also learn from the teacher and not just only from the group.

LESSON 12: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN SUPPORT OF STUDENT-CENTERED LEARNING

In this lesson, we shall see how the teacher expands his options to make himself more effective and relevant in the 21^st millennium information age. In particular, the lesson shall respond to questions on student-centered learning approaches in the classroom.

The Traditional Classroom

 From the traditional teacher-learning, the teacher stands in front of the very well arranged student chairs. This situation is purposed to maintain classroom discipline and also to allow the teacher to control classroom activities through teacher-led discussions.

However, after spending so much time with the discussion that students get restless, they start talking to each other or simply stare away to lack of attention. Often enough, the teacher has to also manage these kinds of misbehaviour. One way of preventing this situation is to individually give them worksheets for them to work on.

The SCL Classroom

Desiring to gain effectiveness, efficiency and economy in administration and instruction, schools in these developed economies have also adopted the supports of ICTs. Their students have now become active not passive learners, who can interact with other learners, demonstrating independence and self-awareness in the learning process.

Generally the new school classroom environment is characterized by student individually or in groups. They perform computer word processing for text or graph presentation, prepare power-point presentation, search for information on the Internet, brainstorm on ideas, problems and project plans and as needed, the teacher facilitating instruction, also giving individualized instruction to serve individual needs.

Discussion:

1.     What can you say to the objection that an SCL environment can be noisy and unwieldy?

ü It may be noisy and unwieldy but if that the best way of letting the learners learn well, such things may be ignored.

2.     How can SCL be fun, memorable and healthy?

ü The students enjoy sharing their own ideas resulting to students getting new ideas and information about the topic provided. They have at the same time bonding with each other and that will become memorable. It may lessen their stress to think of other information since others contribute and there is learning in the group.

3.     Share/discuss experiences on your e-mail activities

ü I can feel that a technology such as e-mailing is an advanced way of learning here in our place compared to the traditional way of teaching. But sometimes the net is very slow that I, sometimes can’t upload lessons needed to be.

4.     Share/discuss experiences on Internet surfing

ü In surfing the net, I’ve enjoyed it since it provides much information plus its own examples.

LESSON 11: THE COMPUTER AS THE TEACHER'S TOOL

          Constructivism was introduced by Jean Piaget (1981) and Bruner (1990). They gave stress to knowledge discovery of new meaning/concepts/principles in the learning process. Various strategies have been suggested to foster knowledge discovery, among these, is making students engaged in gathering unorganized information from which they can induce ideas and principles. Students are also asked to apply discovered knowledge to new situations, a process for making their knowledge applicable to real life situations.

          While knowledge is constructed by the individual learner in constructivism, knowledge can also be socially constructed. 

Social Constructivism

 is the effort to show that the construction of knowledge is governed by social, historical and cultural contexts. In effect, this is to say that the learner who interprets knowledge has a predetermined point of view according to the social perspectives of the community or society he lives in.

          The psychologist Vygotsky stressed that learning is affected by social influences. He suggested the interactive process in learning. A more capable adult (teacher or parent) can aid or complement what the learner sees in a given tasks or project. In addition, John Dewey sees language as medium for social coordination and adaptation. For Dewey, human learning is really human languaging that occurs when students socially share, build and agree upon meanings and knowledge.

The Computer’s Capabilities

   Informative Tool

The computer can provide vast amounts of information in various forms, such as text, graphics, sound, and video. Even multimedia encyclopedias are today available on the internet.

   Communication Tool

The computer has been used in communication as evident by social networking sites as to facebook, twitter and friendster. We can even chat/talk friends and families anywhere in the globe through yahoo messenger or the one in facebook or view them through the webcam. We can send messages and information through the internet in just seconds or minutes.

     Constructive Tool

The computer itself can be used for manipulating information, visualizing one’s understanding, and building new knowledge. The Microsoft Word computer program itself is a desktop publishing software that allows users to organize and present their ideas in attractive formats.

Co-constructive Tool

          Students can use constructive tools to work cooperatively and construct a shared understanding of new knowledge. One way of co-construction is the use of the electronic whiteboard where students may post notices to a shared document/whiteboard. Students may also co-edit the same document from their homes.

Situating Tool

          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 a virtual environment. A flight simulation program is an example of a situating tool which places the user in simulated flying environment.

REFLECTION

          The computer has provided as different uses, gives us advantages and convenience. The trend nowadays is information technology which makes use the computer in all its applications. Computers have been already used in schools to provide and facilitate students’ learning. It is obvious that even the youngest generation knew about it and how it is being used. Student’s make their assignments, create projects, and do researches with the use of computer. It really seemed that our present civilization is dependent on computers. It is in anyway advantageous if used wisely and purposely.

          Japan, China, Korea and other countries already made used of the use of computer as a teacher; programmed to teach and be objective. Others also can study anywhere in the world without going to schools and be seated inside a classroom. One can already facilitate his own learning through the computer. It can provide vast information, provides easier communication and facilitates constructivism among minds of learners.