LESSON 10: COMPUTER AS A TUTOR

Content:

            The microcomputer or also known as the personal computer is now a tool for programmed instruction. Since Educators believed in the potential of computers, they devised strategies to use the PC’s as an individualized instruction.

        Computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is one of the programmed instructions devised by Educationalists. This is a software that can be called as a tutor but not to the extent of replacing the real tutor which is the teacher. In connection, the teacher, the students as well as the computers have their roles while having this computer activity. Teachers must insure that students have the needed skills in performing the activity, he/she decides the objectives, plan the process and of course evaluate students’ achievement through tests. On the other hand, students receive information, understand instruction, keep in mind the rules and apply the knowledge and rules during the process. Lastly, the computer acts as a tutor, provides learning environment, offers drill and practice and most importantly provides feedback. Anyhow, integrated with lessons, CAI works best in reinforcing learning through repetitive exercises so that students can master the basic skills.

            Aside from CAI, there are also a lot of software that can be used as an instructional material. We have Simulation programs, Instructional games, Problem solving software, and also Multimedia encyclopedia and Electronic books. All of these materials can help the teacher with their respective roles as a tool in enhancing student’s thinking, communication and collaboration skills.

Experience:

            I can always associate CAI to our special course “Job Enabling English Proficiency”. In here, we are assign to our respective computers. Since it is about developing proficiency, the programmed activities in the computer are more on speaking. The instruction is to imitate the native speakers with the use of microphone and then we hear our voice through a headset until we are almost like the native speakers. This is what we do every time we meet in class. It’s just so exciting. And the book is true when it said that, repetitive exercises reinforces learning. We had so much fun while learning especially that it was virtual and realistic. But still, we cannot afford not to have a teacher because she was the one who instructed us on how to use the computer as well as direct us to the learning outcome that we should achieve.

Reflection:

            It’s always good to know that Educators are really trying to devise individual programmed instruction. Personally, it helped me become independent somehow in my learning endeavor. Through using computer as a tutor, I became more matured in decision making as well as manage my own learning in the way I want. But I also realized that my teachers are also my companions in moving to a higher degree of learning. They will be my guide in knowing the right thing to do and will remind me of the limitations I have while working with the computer. Still, teachers are irreplaceable.

Application:

            As a future educator, computer as a tutor is a good assistant in delivering my lessons. Sometimes, teachers need some rest being the tool of students’ learning. Through the different kinds of computer software, students will have independent learning but of course, I should know my role as their teacher. But as mentioned in the book, computer activities are not the end-all of learning, the challenge for me now is to how I should integrate these various activities in the classroom arena. This makes me more excited!