Lesson 19: Tablets for Textbooks in Schools

            What are books? Books are the source of knowledge and information. Before, we have been using books as our reference and source of information.  As time goes by, many things have changed. With the technology many things were developed.  One of this technological advancement is the tablet. Tablets are like mini versions of a computer. With this development, will books be totally replaced by the tablet?  I think not.

Today, most schools still use books as their primary source of information. But are books convenient for learning? If we will look at books, it has its advantages and disadvantages. With the advantages, books provide accurate information and it can use anytime and anywhere. With the disadvantages, books are bulky, books are expensive and some books have errors which can lead students to confusions.

            Today, technology is being viewed as a savior. Given the fact that students are enamored by computer games which take which take much of their time at home; educators have begun to think that the computer screen can very well serve as a powerful educational medium. Already computer games have been adopted in developed countries as a learning technology along with other audio-visual aids to teaching-learning. Classroom instruction which rides the vehicle of gaming admittedly makes learning more effective and more fun. From studies, educational video gaming has been shown to inculcate competencies that relate to learning concentrations, lasting memory recall and higher visual literacy.

           

LAPTOP	IPAD/TABLET
Portable with hardware With keyboard With big screen Heavy weight (3-9 lbs.)	Handy to carry Easy to operate Touch screen with stylus Can store files, videos, images With camera With e-Reader

            We cannot deny the fact that, tablets can be like books. They can also be the source of information. It will give a new face to education. It can make learning-teaching more interactive and meaningful. But we cannot avoid the thought of, are we ready about this? In the Philippines, we are still having difficulties with this thing. First, tablets are expensive to purchase. Second, books are better than tablets because with tablets you need to charge. Third, teachers and students are not familiar to these things, they need training and tutorials.

            With the situation, “tablets for textbooks” is still on debate and development. Maybe not now but we are still on the positive side that someday, all schools can have this type of learning.

            “Tablets for Textbooks”, is not a bad idea. If we consider it, I think it will be effective and useful for teachers and students.

            On the other hand with the presentation of the topic, it was good because the reporters have explained and justified the advantages and disadvantages of books and tablets. They have also presented a significant study that supported their statement about the issue on, Printed Books or Electronic Books? With their PowerPoint presentation it was good. They followed the KISS (Keep it Short and Simple). All in all, I was satisfied with the reporting.

            Tablets will be a useful tool for students and teachers. It will not only bring innovation to education but it can as well improve it. Go for Tablets for Textbooks!

Lesson 18: Educational Technology 2 Practicum

          Much like filed studies in teacher education; Educational Technology 2 offers students the experiential process of adapting to technology integration within a student-centered paradigm. This is the practicum phase of the course which can be done, as seen fit by the teacher, either at the end at the more theoretical lessons or inserted between lessons. The practicum requires one to actively participate and do hands-on activity.

            The essential requirements for the ET-2 practicum will be:

·         A computer laboratory/special computer classroom with adequate sets of computers for hands-on tutorial learning.

·         Participation of computer lab tutor/assistant- as the teacher’s technical assistant- to assist the learner in the use of the computer and its various programs.

·         Assigned number of hours in conformity with the course requirement. Tutorials are preferably done during weekends in order to provide continuous hours of computer hands-on training.

1.      Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet program which allows one to enter numerical values or data into the rows or columns of a spreadsheet, and to use these numerical entries for such things as calculations, graphs, and statistical analysis.

Why use Excel?

Spreadsheets (like Microsoft Excel) can be very useful for student interactive activities, interactive lectures, and instructor use for developing materials for class. Example aspects of spreadsheets that are relevant to science education are:

Using Excel as a calculator to explore what mathematical equations can tell us about how the real world works for specific input conditions or for a range of possible values.

The calculator can be pre-constructed with a focus on student exploration or students can be guided to construct their own calculators and then explore. The first option saves time but the second option prepares students to use Excel for their own projects and future activities.

·         Graphically displaying equations (analytical models) and real data.

·         Obtaining numerical solutions to more mathematically complex models.

·         Graphically comparing results from a model and observations.

·         Statistical analysis including mean, standard deviation, and error bars on graphs, linear and polynomial fits, multivariate analysis, etc.

·         Spectral analysis (Fast Fourier Transforms).

·         Displaying histograms of student’s results or student response to exams or questions.

Source: http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/mathstatmodels/xlhowto.html

          To sum it up, Educational Technology 2 promises to bring the student teacher and the professional teacher trainee to the challenge of a new age- integrating technology in the teaching-learning process. The brisk pace of technology is a preparation to bring our teachers to move ahead with their use of technology in the classroom.

            The course ET-2 prepares us future educators to the real setting of teaching and learning. The 21^st century learners are technology-oriented individuals and it entails a big challenge to us future teachers on how we will address their different needs and interests.

Regarding with the reporting, the reporters delivered the lesson well. They have demonstrated how to use the Microsoft Excel. They have also presented related videos about the topic. The reporters also presented a significant study that further explained the use of Microsoft Excel in education.

Using Microsoft Excel is a hard task. It requires an individual to be equipped with the necessary skills needed so that he/she will come up with the right product. Unlike other Microsoft applications, Microsoft Excel in the hardest to manipulate. Even me, I am not that competent in using the Excel because of the formulas and other things to be memorized. If given the chance to enroll in tutorials I would probably be enrolled in Microsoft Excel class. Of course thanks to ET-2 because it had given me background about the Microsoft Excel.

Microsoft Excel is very important especially to us teachers. It is useful in computing grades. The thing is that, we must be equipped with the skills needed so that we can use the Excel well. With Excel, there is no need to do manual computations wherein errors are possible. On the other hand in Excel you can be sure that your computations are accurate.

Lesson 17: The Internet and Education

In a relatively short period of time, the Internet has had an amazing impact on almost every facet of our lives. With it, we are able access to new ideas, more information, unlimited possibilities, and a whole new world of communities. It has grown and evolved to influence how we interact, how we conduct business, how we learn, and how we proceed day to day. And as much as it has changed our lives, in the process, the Internet itself has changed too.

                                    Source: http://www.internetsociety.org/internet

            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 a loosely organized collection of about 25,000 networks accessed by computers on the planet. It is about 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 in the system.

Getting around the Net

            With the Internet an individual can connect to a range of information and sites. One can access to any programs and sites anytime and anywhere if Internet is present and available. The most attractive way to move around the Internet is called browsing.

            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 screen icons to surf the Internet, particularly the World Wide Web (WWW), an Internet’s subset of text, images, and sounds are linked together to allow users to access data or information needed.

A view of educational uses of the Internet

            Nowadays, schools have provided free access to the Internet. With this advancement students can easily access to information anytime if needed. Students can also do research, with just a click everything served with the internet. 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 state.

            In connection to the report, the reporters have explicitly explained the topic. It was good that they have given us trivia about the Internet. With their, PowerPoint presentation it was nice and friendly to the audience. They have also shown significant research that was relevant to the topic.

            The Internet is a useful creation especially to schools because it allows students to have an access to information that can help them with their learning. As what we are experiencing, the Internet is a helpful tool to our studies and works. With Internet connection, we become updated to the current trends and events that are happening in the world. Another is that, with the Internet we can communicate ideas around the globe.

            Indeed, the Internet opens the door to a wide collection of information. It also expands student’s knowledge, opportunity to learn and connect with other people. 

Lesson 16: Understanding Hypermedia

Hypermedia refers to software programs where students can organize and present ideas and information. Most of these programs are educational ones. Some of these are:

a.       Tutorial software packages;

b.      Knowledge webpages;

c.       Simulation instruction games; and

d.      Learning project management; and others.

Characteristics of hypermedia applications

1.      Learner control. Learners can decide on their own what they wanted to include in the instruction. She/he is in control of the events, flow, content, media, feedback, etc. in the hypermedia program.

2.      Learner wide range of navigation routes. This means that learners of the hypermedia program can work on their desired sequence and pace of his path depending on his likes and motivation. Students also have the chance to choose their preferred activity and that teachers will set the learning goal and objectives.

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.

Computers cannot replace teachers as well as these hypermedia programs cannot replace the learning activity in the classroom. These programs are created to support the activity in the classroom to make it more effective, enjoyable and interactive.

Hypermedia programs are useful to the teachers in ways like:

·         Get the learner’s attention

·         Recall prior learning

·         Inform learners of lesson objectives

·         Introduce the software and its distinctive features

·         Guide learning, eliciting performance

·         Provide learning feedback

·         Assess performance

·         Enhance retention and leaning transfer

Hypermedia programs are very useful programs for teachers and students. It increases the drive and determination of the students to learn. It motivates them to participate in the discussion. These are effective tools in preparing and setting the learning environment. This was realized during the reporting. The reporters have modified the usual oral questioning into a much more creative way through the integration of technology. They have successfully set the mood of the learning environment into a very encouraging and interactive way. They have as well, presented a nice PowerPoint presentation which made it easier to comprehend things. In addition the group has provided a study related to the topic that have further explained concepts and arguments.

I have learned that hypermedia programs can be a tool that can increase students’ participation in the classroom. It also allows learners to experience real-life events; it enriches interests and a tool for informing students with the learning objective of the teacher, etc. The good thing about hypermedia program is that it promotes learning and teaches them to be optimistic and active in acquiring and constructing new knowledge.

Teacher’s roles are very crucial and hard. What teachers teach to their students contribute to their growth and development. That is why, teachers must think of ways that would help them to become effective in teaching the students. Thanks to the creation of hypermedia programs that can help teachers with their lesson. These programs help them in giving direct feedback to students; assessing learning and it stimulate active learning. Hypermedia programs on the other hand, help learners in ways like, various programs can improve their motivation to learn and they provide opportunities to learners to acquire things independently, anytime and anywhere.

Lesson 15: The Software as an Educational Resource

What is computer? Does it solely refer to television, monitor screen, the keyboard, the printer and CPU? Computers are more than that, it consists not only with these physical components (hardware) but it has programs or system that tells what the computer machine should do. This is called the software.

Two types of software:

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

2.      The applications software. This contains the system that commands the particular task a particular problem.

 

·         a custom software that is made for specific tasks often by large corporations, or

·         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.

The Microsoft Windows

            Also referred to as a 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 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, 2007) is software designed for Microsoft Windows. Actually, Windows is in itself a self-contained operating system which provides:

a.       user- convenience

b.      a new look

c.       information center

d.      plug and play

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 instruction (CBI) materials for the school resource collection. In evaluating, teachers must see to it that the method he/she uses in a computer-based instruction is appropriate so that they will come up with a sound and valid results. To achieve this, the following should be considered:

1.      Cautions in using CBI materials.

2.      Consider the relevance and worth of the material.

3.      Assess and evaluate materials based on sound basis.

4.      Evaluate design and content.

5.      See to it the information are accurate.

6.      Use up to date data.

7.      Use materials that are connected to the real-life situation of the students.

8.      Used materials that are free from biases.

Computer software offers various benefits to teachers and students. It has become one of the learning resources used by the teachers in class. Just like the reporters have done, they have used an application (text twist) to introduce their topic on hand. It had also helped them to set the classroom into a student-centered one. The game had motivated us to learn and participate with the discussion. The reporters have also provider significant study to further explain the benefits of software programs to the learning-teaching process. Their PowerPoint presentation also helped with the delivery of the lesson. It facilitated learning of concepts and ideas. Software programs are indeed very important to the teachers and students because it enhances the educative process.

Teachers must be cautions and vigilant before integrating computer software to instruction. He/she must consider every aspect like the content of the material. I have learned that a teacher must first assess and evaluate the material before implementing it to the class. Through this, the teacher can ensure if the material is useful and appropriate to the topic and to the students. As we use these different programs, we must also see to it that, it will not replace the role of the teacher and that it will not erase the importance of the non-electronic classroom activity. The program role is to support and enhance other non-electronic classroom activity and the teaching-learning process.

As a future teacher, before deciding on a particular program, I must first consider the needs and interests of the students, the appropriateness of the material to the topic and the relevance of the material in meeting the set goal and objectives. With this, I can ensure that the learning will not be affected but instead it will be effective. Assessment and evaluation will be a big help in doing so.

Lesson 14: Cooperative Learning with the Computer

We cannot deny the fact that even though computers are easily made available in the market there are schools that can’t afford to have 1:1 (one computer for a particular student) so the tendency is that they will have it as 2:1 (2 students with one computers) or 3:1. Will learning be effective with this kind of classroom setting? That is why the creativity of the teacher will have to respond to the situation and cooperative learning will likely to be the answer to the implementation of IT supported learning in our schools.

Cooperative learning

            Cooperative and collaborative is a kind of learning in which students learn by interacting in a group of small group. In a cooperative learning, there are five elements that are needed:

1.      A common goal

2.      Interdependence

3.      Interaction

4.      Individual accountability

5.      Social skills

The elements mentioned above are very important since we don’t want our students to be working alone in the group. We want them to be learning by group and within the group. This is the real essence of group activity. The interaction and sharing of ideas are the chief goal of the collaborative activity.

Pros of Collaborative Learning

a.       Encourages active learning, while motivating students;

b.      Increases academic performance;

c.       Promotes literacy and language skills; and

d.      Improves teacher effectiveness.

Collaborative learning with computer

            Researchers have made studies on the learning interaction between the student and the computer. The studies have great value since it has been a long standing fear that the computer may foster student learning in isolation that hinders the development of the student’s social skills.

            But this statement has already proven to be wrong because based also on a research; researchers agree that the computer is a fairly natural learning vehicle for cooperative learning. This kind of learning with the computer may also refer to us as promotive learning.

Components of cooperative learning

            Teachers are still not that confident in using computers in collaborative learning. To address this problem, there are several tasks that the teachers must perform. These are the following:

a.       Assigning students to mixed-ability teams;

b.      Establishing positive interdependence;

c.       Teaching cooperative social skills;

d.      Ensuring individual accountability; and

e.       Helping groups process information.

Some schools don’t have enough number of computers for their students but with teacher’s creativity and flexibility he/she can still use the available computers for teaching-learning. With the cooperative way of learning with computers teachers can utilize and accommodate the needs and interests of the learners. Like what our instruction did during one of our activity, he let those students with laptop be paired to those students who don’t have one. In this way, the teacher can address the needs of the students. It will not only benefit one student but the group and they can as well develop their social skill through interacting with other members of the group.

In the reporting, the reporters have shown the importance of working together if you are in a group. Every member must participate and so their assigned tasks so that the group will be successful in attaining the set goal. With the way they did the report, it was good since they have presented a friendly and nice PowerPoint presentation. They have also included relevant pictures to us that have furthered explained the concepts. Another, the reporters have presented related study that strengthened the statement that the computer is a fairly natural learning vehicle for cooperative learning.

As educator we must be artistic and flexible in our instruction. If the learning material (computer) is not enough to accommodate the students we must think of ways to proceed with the discussion. The problem must not hinder us in using the computers in our class. We cannot hide the fact that, there are schools that cannot afford to buy computers. In connection to this; teachers must find alternative ways on how he/she can let students learn without compromising the use of computers. And that is through collaborative learning with computers.

Lesson 13: Information Technology in Support of Support of Student-Centered Learning

Learning will become meaningful and effective if our priorities are centered on the students. Our students’ needs and interests are our main concern. As teachers and as second mothers to our students we are responsible for their development and learning. The kind of students we produce reflects on the kind of teaching be employ to them. The idea of student-centered learning is not a recent idea. In fact, as early as the 20^th century, educational educators such as John Dewey argued for highly active and individualized pedagogical methods which place the student at the center of the teaching-learning process.

As educators, we must therefore be concern and considerate with our students because we are the ones who can make our students a productive individuals of the society. We must implement student-centered approaches in the classroom. We must as well, get out from the shell of traditional teaching wherein teachers were the only source and the center of teaching-learning process.

The traditional classroom

In this type of classroom, teachers are the ones who talk and give information, students will just listen, take down notes, will be sitting during the whole period and wait for the bell to ring. These are the usual scenarios that we can observe in a traditional classroom or teacher-centered classroom. In traditional classrooms, chairs are arranged with neat columns and rows while the teacher stands in front or sit behind his/her desk. This is done to control classroom activities and to discipline student’s misbehaviors.

In this classroom, students rarely interact with their classmates. This is to discipline students. Students are also learns independently with the end of making them critical and creative thinkers. Traditional classroom is not that bad at all it just that it does not promote student’s active participation and social interaction.

The SCL classroom

            John Dewey has described traditional learning as a process in which the teacher pours information to student learners, much like pouring water from a jug into cups. This is based on the long accepted belief that the teacher must perform his role of teaching so that learning can occur. This learning approach is generally known as direct instruction, and it has worked well for obtaining many kinds of learning outcomes.

The world changes so do education, technology had already become part of education. With our generation today, learners are more likely to learn effectively with technology. And our economy needs globally competitive individuals, equipped with the skill and competence that would let them do business with the foreign countries. Desiring to gain effectiveness, efficiency and economy in administration and instruction, schools in these developed economies have also adopted the support 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.

In a student-centered classroom it is characterized by individual or group activities:

·         Performing computer word processing for texts or graph presentations

·         Preparing power-point presentation

·         Searching for information on the internet

·         Brainstorming on ideas, problems and project plans as needed, the teacher facilitating instruction, also gives individualized instruction to serve individual needs.

This is how SCL classroom works; students are actively engaged in the teaching-learning process.

With the presentation of the topic, the reporters have delivered it well. They have set a classroom environment that was not traditional but a SCL one; this was achieved when they have prepared creative activities like the charade and oral questioning where all have participated. They also have employed the use of power-point presentation which helped in the delivery of the topic. As a result, we have understood the report and it did develop our communication skill and brainstorming ability. In addition, they have also presented a very good study that further explained the topic.

This topic had strengthened the idea that student must be the center of the teaching-learning process. They are the top priority and that we are responsible for their learning. It is also important that we engaged our students to different activities that would develop not only their logical and creative thinking but as well as their social and communication skills. This must be realized to prepare and make them globally competitive and productive individuals in the society. And we must remember that technology can help us with this challenge. The computer can serve as our tool in achieving our goals and objectives successfully.

As teachers, it is very important that we let our students be actively engage (hands-on learning) in the teaching-learning process because with this kind of learning environment they are more motivated to learn. Another is that, teachers must employ activities that connect to real-life events so that learning will be meaningful to them. And as the world change, so do our students. Today, we are now on the 21^st teaching-learning wherein students are likely to learn with technology. We cannot run from this fact, so as flexible teachers we must go with the flow. Therefore, it is also important that we also utilize technology in our instruction so that learners will no longer become passive learners but active learners. Technology plus student-centered environment equals meaningful and fruitful learning.