Computers are very flexible in terms
of its functions. Aside from being a tutor, computers can also be a teacher’s
tool in the instruction. We will now look at computers in a new perspective- as
a tool. In which, it can support the constructivist and social constructivist
paradigms of learning.
Constructivist was introduced by
Piaget (1981) and Bruner (1990). In constructivist point of view, learning is
effective if learners discover knowledge themselves. The strategies that can
promote discovery learning includes: gathering unorganized information in which
students can generate new ideas and principles and applying what is being
gathered in the real-life events.
Social constructivist views learning
as a socially constructed one. Learning is governed by social, historical and
cultural context. In effect, this is to say that the learner who interprets
knowledge has a predetermined point of view according to the social perspective
of the community or society he/she lives in. According to Vygotsky a
psychologist, learning is affected by various social factors such as the
environment, age, culture, gender and ethnic background. Thus, social interaction
is very important in learning. For Dewey he sees language as a medium for
social coordination and adaptation. According to him, human learning is really
human languaging that occurs when students socially share, build and agree upon
meanings and knowledge.
The Computer’s Capabilities
Computer being a flexible invention have
various functions in which the teacher can employ to his/her class. These are
the following:
1.
An
information tool
Computers can be the source of information. With the
power of the internet, students can easily access to a wide collection of
information. With just one click everything served. But it does not end there,
for the constructivist point of view, students can use the information they
have organized and gathered to make a composition or presentation as assigned
by the teacher.
2.
A
communication tool
Teachers as well as students used computers as a
channel for communication like in instruction and presentation of topic.
3.
A
constructive tool
With the use of computers, teachers and students can
organize and manipulate gathered information. Application such as the Microsoft
Word can be of great help in doing so.
4.
As
co-constructive tool
Students and teachers can use computers as a
co-constructive tool through sharing, communicating and working cooperatively
with others. We can post and construct ideas to other people with the use of
the electronic whiteboard and the internet. Computers can make us closer to
other people.
5.
A
situating tool
By means of virtual reality (RS) extension system,
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 a simulated flying
environment.
The
presentation was good though there are some points that the reporters were not
able to elaborate and give an explicit explanation. The PowerPoint was
presentable and creative but I was not able to see the relevance of the sound
effect to the report which made me a bit distracted during the report. The
motivation was engaging and it really had motivated us to listen and learn. With
my other subjects, teachers have also employed computer in their instruction
especially on computer as an information tool. They have also used computers as
the channel to deliver the information and they presented their lesson with the
use of computers and projectors. Even us students, during reporting we rarely
used the “bitaymax” or the visual aids, we now usually used projectors in presenting
the gathered information.
We have
really realized the benefits of computers not just in instruction but as well
as to the construction of information. Computers did not only help teachers but
as well as students. They have opened a world of creativity and opportunity for
the teachers and students. With the computer it had made teaching and learning
more interactive, creative and meaningful.
To
be an effective teacher someday, I will not doubt to integrate computers to the
discussion. This is a useful tool in addressing the needs and interest of my
students. This is also a serve as my channel in communicating and delivering
information and ideas effectively. Computer is a very powerful tool, it cannot
make our work easier, faster and enjoyable but it can as well make us
productive, effective and efficient with our tasks. If we will utilize it
properly, computers will be the key to a more meaningful, interactive and
creative learning.
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