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.