LESSON 18: TABLETS FOR TEXTBOOKS IN SCHOOL

 

            

Content:

          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 in school. They are suggesting to have a digital-based medium of instruction specifically the use of computers or tablets for convenience. However, tablet-for-learning is still futuristic because of most common reason, finances. Nevertheless, though both books and tablets help in students’ learning, we cannot deny the fact that students nowadays would prefer those that are modern.

    

                In fact, De La Salle University is now experiencing this kind of learning. Students’ parents really invested as well as other stakeholders to advance their students. Practically, this would require the teachers to be literate also especially that she will be the facilitator of their learning.

    

Reflection:

               On the other hand, if we are to impose tablets in all schools, it’s really impossible for now. Three main reasons were given: the cost, durability and technical expertise. Though there are really schools who are trying to use this tablets, we should accept the fact that it has also limitations.

     

Application:

            Tablets in school is not that impossible to happen. So as early as now, I should be exposed to using these kind of things. Though I’m not that traditional of course. Anyway, everything can be learned. I should have the willingness to learn things for the better future of my students. 

LESSON 17: EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY 2 PRACTICUM

Content:

            The content of this chapter is about teaching the basics like how to use the Microsoft Word, Power Point, and how to use the internet. Basically, ET 2 practicum is about hands-on computer tutorials through which, the teacher in charge should be capable in it. Practically, ET 2 practicum phase needs computer laboratory and computers, computer lab tutor/ assistant and assigned number of hours for tutorial. It also include the tasks that the students (probably a teacher) should achieve after the tutorial.

            Consequently, this is about challenging the teachers of the new age in integrating technology in the curriculum.

Experience:

            In our case, since somehow we already know about the basics of Microsoft word, Power Point and surfing the net because in the first place we are almost every day expose to this, our teacher decided that we’ll just have the Excel. This would prepare us in becoming a teacher to know how to easily solve grades.

            In connection, we have also been taught in our IT 21 laboratory subject about Microsoft Excel, but it was not about solving grades so I’m very happy that our knowledge about Excel has been widen.

Reflection:

            Unlike before, solving grades are now very convenient and easy. Going back in high school, our teacher will sometimes asked us to solve the grades of other students because she was already tired of solving a lot of grades manually. But look at now, “no sweat!” as they say. It just made me overwhelmed with how fast technology is affecting the educational arena in a good way. But though it has a lot of advantages, these programs also have disadvantages, that is why reviewing and recalling the basics of these materials should be considered because primarily, the basis of the students’ performance lies in their grades.

Application:

            Educational Technology 2 Practicum is a way of helping the teachers cope with the trends of today. It will allow them to apply their learning in instruction, making use of these programs in the real setting. I, as an educator should also adapt to the new way of teaching by giving time in learning the concept. My knowledge about Microsoft Word, Power Point and Excel will help me make my work more convenient as well as help my students learn in the way they want (ex. making use of PPT). Though I have learned basics of it, I have still the chance to improve my skills and apply it inside the classroom.

LESSON 16: THE INTERNET AND EDUCATION

Content:

            Internet is an organized collection of about 25,000 networks accessed by computers and the funny thing about it is that no one owns the Internet. We may become curious of how the internet works especially that, most of the information are already found in it. How can it be? Well, this is coordinated through a standardized protocol called Transmission Internet Protocol/ Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) which is being enacted by a Server.

            Undeniably, the vast sea of information and the continuous growing of information is a challenge to those will try to control the internet. Anyhow, it allows users to access data needed by just a click particularly in the World Wide Web.

            Expectedly, sooner or later, internet will become the centerpiece of all online communications in the world.

            Applying internet to education, we can notice that educational software materials have also become sophisticated and appealing. A lot or most of educational information are now available in the internet. In just one click, we can find information about anything we’d like to know. That is why, technologists, find ways to use the internet for a virtual type of learning.

Experience:

            Internet is I think the most popular thing that has ever been created in the world. Personally, almost every day I surf the net for my reports, assignments and projects and also for leisure. I would say that, it is really part of our daily living. Even in making reports, books are not enough source of information. In the internet we can find a lot of sources with elaboration and examples of a certain topic which really helped understand better my report.

We also use the internet as a way of communication with my classmates as to the clarifications of our projects and assignments. Also, our teachers are requiring us to surf the net for researches as well as taking exams online. But sometimes, instead of focusing in our assignments, we are being carried away by the things we can explore in the internet which are not part of our lessons. We multi-task which results to unfinished educational businesses. As for me, these and a lot more are the advantages and disadvantages of using the net.

Reflection:

            The vast concept of internet would not let a person decipher what’s happening inside it. But to the visible usage of internet, it’s really a help to all of us, in education, business and other professions. Internet, in one way or another has always been our companion in understanding a lot of things. It allows us to explore the beauty around and appreciate the things that we consider unimportant. Through the internet, I am able to communicate with other people, understand our lessons better.

Application:

            Internet can be a way of starting a business. Through exploration, we can use it to tutor foreign students and make money out of it. It will just not just provide us money but also improve our knowledge as we teach those students. Practically, as I am expected to be a real teacher, not online teacher, I would just make use of the internet to explain and deliver my instruction in a most realistic way. Moreover, a lot of suggestions of strategies and activities can be gotten from the internet which is very useful in the teaching-learning process.

LESSON 15: UNDERSTANDING HYPERMEDIA

Content:

            Hypermedia is also the commonly known multimedia but with the inclusion of educational computer software where students are exposed to virtual learning environment. In hypermedia, information-learning activities are presented in a non-linear manner that encourages autonomy and thinking skills for students.

            Hypermedia applications can be learner controlled and learner can have wide range of navigation routes and he can use variety of media. This would mean that learners have the control for the flow of instruction but also depending on the ability and motivation of the students. Nevertheless, the teacher will always determine the suitable learning objectives. And also, hypermedia includes more than one medium that can be used by the students. And the teacher’s task is to identify the characteristics of media application as well as its advantages and limitations.

            Indeed, information and communication technology cannot replace the teacher altogether because only teachers have the capability to understand and identify the hypermedia that is suitable and appropriate for the learners.

Experience:

            The use of Hypermedia is encouraged in the school. Since this is about using the different media then I believe we are now into applying of Hypermedia. Rightly, hypermedia encourages independence and creativity and critical thinking in the part of students. Like for example in making a video presentation, we are not just making any video that we want rather we need to understand the concept and the media that we should incorporate in the presentation we will make. But on the other way around, we are given the chance to be independent in our own learning because we are not controlled to a linear presentation. It would just depend on us. So I think the experience we have made us a lot more serious about our learning.

Reflection:

            Hypermedia in any case provides us various ways in making our projects and activities. Through using hypermedia, our learning is not limited to only one pace but we are opportune to explore a lot of things about technology. But also, as learners we will know of our limitations with the help of our mentors, our teachers that will lead us to the right usage of hypermedia in improving and enhancing our skills.

Application:

            Understanding Hypermedia is important in the educational context to ensure its successful integration in the teaching-learning process. As teacher soonest, it is my duty to experience how to use hypermedia and be literate about it to give to my students the quality facilitation of their learning. “I cannot give what I do not have”. So through understanding hypermedia I will be able to share to them the advantages and limitations of such applications.

LESSON 14: THE SOFTWARE AS AN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE

Content:

            This topic considers the Software which is found inside the computer as an education material for students’ learning. The software can be system which operates the system of all computers and application which commands a particular task. And application software can also be custom (for large corporation) or commercial (for personal use).

            The most common software is the Microsoft Windows wherein accordingly, which I also believe that this program provides user convenience, new-look smooth texts, information center, and plug and play. All of these features are very helpful in the learning of the students.

And in choosing Instructional software, the teacher must decide the best computer-based instruction (CBI) materials for the school resource collection. And she is to consider the quality as well as the usefulness, practicality and utilization of that software.

Experience:

            I think all of us would agree that the software present in our generation is much more convenient than the type writers and all other obsolete machines before. Most of us are using the Microsoft to write letters, use excel to solve grades, save our file documents inside it and all other stuffs that can be done by the computer’s software, we already do. We, as students find it easy to access information, watch videos as well as encode our paper works. The software I think is used by all.

Reflection:

            Thanks to the advent of these innovations done by technologists. I was able to meditate that we have come so far. Everything is so convenient especially in school. And all of these things like the software is being updated from now and then to make the convenience more convenient. I just hope that what we are experiencing right now with technology, we can use in a most relevant and significant way. Since the title of this topic suggest that it is for an educational resource, then I hope we are to use these software in education.

Application:

            The software can be used in anything not just in education. As teachers, we are to let our students utilize this for the betterment of their learning. As soon to be teacher, I must see to it that I can give my students learning activities that will let them utilize the software in a practical manner. Software as an Educational resource is a necessary tool for a much easier work.

LESSON 13: COOPERATIVE LEARNING WITH THE COMPUTER

Content:

            A lot of countries who tried to apply the use of Information Technology in SCL are finding it hard to provide individual unit for the students. That is why the book suggested a very good way of engaging the students to the ICT’s without compromising the quality of their work and that is Cooperative or Collaborative or Promotive Learning. So this is learning by small groups (utmost six members) who work together for a common task. In here we are to consider five elements: a common goal; interdependence; interaction; individual accountability; and social skills.

This cooperative learning is accompanied with the computer. Students working with computer in groups will cluster and interact with each other for advice and mutual help. Psychologists believe that with this phenomenon, computers foster positive social behavior which is very useful in the real arena.

            Truly, it does not mean that when a computer is present there can be cooperative learning right away. With that comes the role of the teacher to guide and facilitate the learning goals that the students should achieve. Specifically a teacher should: assign students to mixed ability teams; establish positive interdependence; teach cooperative social skills; insure individual accountability; and help the groups process information.

Experience:

            We are exposed to this type of learning. In school, we are always group in most of our activities especially those that require the use of computer because not all of us in class have one. This is I think good for those who are also mentally challenge where they can be helped and cope with those who are already advanced. In our experience in school, our collaborative work really matters. If one of the members will not work, the product is not that good. That is why though we are in a group, we are still given specific task for us to be responsible in our own learning and be responsible in the group as a whole.

Reflection:

            Cooperative Learning is not new to us especially that our facilities in school are also limited. But looking at the positive side, working with a group with use of computer develops our communication skills, social skills, and also taking responsibility of our assigned task in the group. Being in a Cooperative Learning is an authentic training for us since we are also in a collaborative situation when we are to work. It’s just amazing how educators find ways to integrate computer in the learning arena of those who have limited access to technology.

Application:

            Cooperative Learning is very much necessary in this 21^st century since our goal is to have a globally competitive individuals. In cooperative learning we are all exposed to working with other people and learn to communicate our ideas to them. With the integration of computers to this kind of learning, we are not just solving the problem of scarcity of the computers but as well as we are trying to uphold the social, mental, emotional and all aspects of a student. In connection, this is a challenge for us teachers on how we can better use Cooperative Learning in a way that we cannot compromise the quality of learning of our students.

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

 

Content:

            Traditional teaching is far different from the present. In the past, the teacher is the fountain of knowledge and acts as a teacher literally. Every day, the scenario would always be the teacher standing in front and the students sitting in their chairs and then listen to the teacher. After some time, students become bored and tired and overloaded with information which in the first place they did not even internalize. But thanks to the new way of instruction where students become independent learners and doers of different classroom activities making them critical and creative thinkers.

             This is where Student- Centered Learning arisen. In almost all the developed countries, they have adopted the support of ICT’s. Students now become active and not passive learners who can interact with other learners, becoming independent and self-aware of the learning process. 

            With the advent of the Information technology, we cannot tell that all educational arena are practicing the new trend. While there is still an under developed country, we cannot assure full application of the Student- Centered Learning for they have no other option but to use traditional learning activities for the sake of students literacy.

Experience:

            Somehow, our country is really trying to cope with the use of technology in education. Apparently, we are part of the users of these technologies. We are requested to use PPT in reporting with the LCD and Projector, surf the net for independent study, use electronic resources for learning like toondoo, edmodo and other applications and also we are encourage to have virtual communication with other people to add our learning.  However, though we are exposed to Information Technology, we cannot deny the fact that it’s still not enough for our wholesome learning since we are still on the process of development. Anyhow, with regards to the Student-Centered Learning, we are really into it because we are in the world of Outcomes-based approaches and teachers cannot afford to always be the fountain of knowledge.

Reflection:

            Engaging students in a learning where they are the main lead is the ideal teaching that I should always bear in mind when I become a teacher. I realized that those times where we believe that only the teachers are the sole source of information, students will really find it hard to apply their learning in the real setting. But with the Student- Centered Learning, students are really the center.

Application:

            Information Technology is really applicable nowadays especially that my soon to be learners are already exposed to student-centered learning. Since students are used to having games or activities of the 21^st century, I should consider four things which are found in the book:  1. students can perform using the computer; 2. prepare PPT; 3^. search information on the internet. Lastly, 4.develop their critical thinking through brainstorming of ideas. With these guide, we, as teachers can better help our students to excel in their field when they will have their own career in life.

LESSON 11: THE COMPUTER AS THE TEACHER’S TOOL

Content:

            In this lesson, we are to focus on the constructivist and social constructivist use of computers. Constructivism as introduced by Piaget is about knowledge discovery of concepts in the learning process like making students engaged in gathering unorganized information to make a new knowledge as well as apply the discovered knowledge to a new situation. On the other hand, social constructivism is believing that the construction of knowledge is governed by social, historical, and cultural contexts. In addition, Vygotsky’s “Scaffolding theory” is applicable to social constructivism where learning is affected by social influences specifically of the adults that guides the learner. In addition, Dewey believed that learning occurs when students socially share, build, and agree upon meanings and knowledge. In the book, constructivism and social constructivism are being differentiated. The bottom line is that, both theories are helpful in students’ learning, it’s just that the constructivism focuses on personal discovery while the other is influenced by social context.

         In any case, we are talking about computer in relation to these two learning theories. Accordingly, computer can be an informative, communication, constructive, co-constructive and a situating tool. As an informative tool, computers can provide a vast amount of information multimedia and of course through internet. As a constructive tool, computers can manipulate information, visualize one’s understanding and build new knowledge. As a co-constructive tool, computers can work cooperatively with shared understanding of new knowledge. Lastly, as situating tool, computers can create 3-D images with the feeling of being situated in a virtual environment through realistic situations.

Experience:

            A lot of ways and means are provided on how to utilize the computer. As an informative tool, we so much rely on computers especially in making researches and projects since it’s also very accessible and fast. As to its constructive use, I think all can notice about how computers can manipulate the information being with the help of the user and it helps us a lot since everything is set and organized like making Power Point Presentation as well as organizing our ideas in the Microsoft Word. As a co-constructive tool, we can use varied software that helps us share our works to other people as a way of helping one another improve our understanding. Last but not the least, computer as a situating tool. I honestly do not an experience being in a 3-D world but I visualized it as something cool and exciting. They said that it’s realistic and I want to experience this as soonest.

Reflection:

            As we are reminded always, computers cannot replace the teacher. I would admit that sometimes I see computers better than my teachers but later I realized that both must complement each other because without my teacher, the learning that I will acquire is not fixed. Teachers are the ones controlling the computers not the opposite. Though computers have a lot of contributions to the educational arena, it’s nothing compared to the effort given by our noble educators who worked hard since then. Technology in education is nothing if it’s not directed by the teachers.

Application:

            The title of this lesson itself shows the application of this topic. I would always remind myself that it is about using “computer as a tool” and not as a “replacement of my role”. I should always go back to my objectives as I plan to use the computer as an aid in instruction. Is it appropriate for the learners I have? Is it align with the learning outcomes I expect from my students? Is it in accordance with the curriculum? These kinds of questions must be considered once a teacher integrate technology in instruction.

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!