Reflections: Setyembre 2015

Biyernes, Setyembre 18, 2015

Lesson 17: Educational technology 2 Practicum

Much Like field studies in teacher education, educational technology 2 offers students the experiential process of adapting to technology integration with in a student-centered paradigm. This is the practicum phase of the course at the end of the more theoretical lessons or inserted between lessons. The practicum phases consist of hands-on computer tutorial which the students teacher or professional teacher-trainee will need to make him or her capable. In sum, 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 face of technology advancement and innovation continues, but ET 2 is a preparation to bring our teachers to move ahead with their uses of technology in the classroom. Overall, the Filipino teachers shall be empowered to meet the technology challenges of the 21st century digital age.

In the end, I think that the goal of Educational Technology 2 meet the expectation of a future teacher like me - to use and apply the new trends of technology in teaching. Educational Technology 2 aims to have modern teachers that will teach modern students. To use the different technologies as a strategy in teaching, it will be more effective and pleasing to the students.

As a future teacher, I must appreciate the broad benefits that the computer can bring in the lives of students and teachers. Yet there are always limitations in everything. I will not rely on computer alone because I know that it is always been the teacher that is the most effective and efficient aid in the teaching and learning process.

Lesson 16: THE INTERNET AND EDUCATION

The internet, also simply called the NET, is the largest and far-flung networks system –of-all-system. Surprisingly, the internet is not really a network but a loosely organized collection of about 25,000 networks accessed by computers in the planet. It is 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. How is everything coordinated through the Internet? This is done through a standardized protocol (or set of rules for exchanging data) called Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). To gain access to the Internet, the computer must be equipped with what is called a Server which has special software (program) that uses the Internet protocol. Originally developed and still subsidized by the United States government, the Internet connect not only commercial, industrial, scientific establishments but all other sectors including education and its libraries, campuses, and computer centers. The great attraction of the Internet is that once the sign-up fees are paid, there are no extra charges. Electronic mail, for example, is free regardless of the amount of use. In contrast, individuals using the Internet on their own personal computers must pay ongoing monthly fees to whoever is their service provider. The vast sea of information now in the Internet, including news and trivia, is an overwhelming challenge to those who wish to navigate it. Every day, the Net user- population and the available information continue to grow, and new ways are continuously being developed to tour the Internet. 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 (the Web), an Internet’s subset of text, images, and sounds are linked together to allow users to access data or information needed.

The future of the Internet seems limitless. Already its including new demand for services to business, industries, science, government, and even homes. Many experts predict that he Internet is destined to become the centerpiece of all online communications on the planet and in some future time in the solar system using interplanetary satellite communication stations.

Today, even elementary school graders in progressive countries like the United States are corresponding via e-mail with pen pals in all 50 states. They ask probing questions like, “What is your state’s most serious problems,” or How much does pizza cost in your state? This educational activity prodded y their schools are paying dividends from increasing the pupil’s interest in Geography to a greater understanding of how people live in large cities and other places in the United States or the world. Educational software materials have also developed both in sophistication and appeal. There is now a wider choice from rote arithmetic or grammar lessons to discovery and innovation projects. But the real responsibility today is connecting with the world outside homes, classrooms, and Internet cafes. And 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 states.

A computer with Internet is one of the things I cannot live without. This is due to the fact that I can keep in touch with my family and friends, and also, I can get bunch of information through it. The Internet and Education is always connected to each other because, when one speak the word “Internet”, the word that will come into our mind is the “information”, and information, data and facts are always related to field of education so that we cannot deny the fact that they are close to each other.

Lesson 15: Understanding Hypermedia

From the Educational Technology I course, the student has already become aware of multimedia or an audiovisual package that includes more than one instructional media (means of knowing) such as text, graphics, audio animation and video clip.
Hypermedia is nothing but multimedia, but this time packaged as educational computer software where information is presented and student activities are in a virtual learning environment. The presentation of information-learning activities in hypermedia is said to be sequenced in a non-linear manner, meaning that the learner may follow his path of activities thus providing an environment of learner autonomy and thinking skills. This fact makes it therefore important to understand hypermedia in the educational context in order to ensure their successful integration in the teaching-learning process. For the most part, the learner controls the sequence and pace of his path depending on his ability and motivation. He has the option to repeat and change speed, if desired. Of course, at the start, the learner may choose the learning activities he prefers. Meanwhile, the teacher has the prerogative to determine suitable learning objectives.

The learner also has a wide range of navigation routes such as by working on concepts he is already familiar with. They may even follow a linear or logical path, even if the previous activity is half-completed. He may explore other sections opting to return or complete the previous activity.

In this lesson, what I have discovered is that the hypermedia is a blending of two words “Hypertext” and “Multimedia”. An example here is this “digital portfolio”, there is a certain point by where a hyperlink is placed, and if you click it, you will proceed to another page or site. In the internet, we can find lots and lots of hypermedia. This is use to organize the content of the website or page.

Lesson 14: The Software as an Educational Resource

There are actually softwares that are intended for educational purposes or as an education resource. However, whenever people think about computers, they are the most likely thinking about the computer machine such as television-like monitor screen, the keyboard to type on, the printer which produces copies of text-and-graphics material, and the computer housing called “the box” which contains the electronic parts and circuits that receives or stores data and directs computer operation. The computer machine or hardware is naturally an attention-getter. In this lesson, two kinds of software are introduced. These are the system software which is the operating system that is found or bundled inside all computer machines and the second one is the application software which contains the system that commands the particular task or solves a particular problem. Microsoft Windows is also introduced in this lesson. Microsoft Windows is also referred to as a program. This is an operating environment between the user and the computer operating system. Windows uses a colorful graphics interface (called GUI-pronounced “gooee”) 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 and 2007) is a software designed for Microsoft Windows. 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 instructional (CBI) materials for the school resource collection. But we must beware since CBIs need much improvement, while web-based educational resources are either extremely good or what is complete garbage.

In using computer, lots of softwares are being used – some are for entertainment (Farmville), practice (Text Twist), and for instructional (SimCity, Bookworm) as well. Softwares are merely important to a computer because they are the ones to put sense to computer. Softwares are like internet, Microsoft Office, Windows, etc.

The main concern here is the instructional software and the software which lets us to drill or practice our minds. As a future teacher, I must choose an appropriate and updated type of educational software as a teaching material, because, somehow, the learning is quite interesting if we present this kind of software to the students.

Lesson 13: Cooperative Learning with the Computer

This lesson encompasses the strategy which is the cooperative learning with the computer. The creativity of the teacher will have to respond to the situation, and so cooperative learning will likely be the answer to the implementation of IT supported learning in schools. But the situation may not be that bad since there are motivational and social benefits to cooperative learning and these can compensate for the lack of hardware that educators face. Cooperative learning is learning by small groups of students who work together in a common learning task. It is often called group learning but to be truly cooperative learning, five elements are needed: a common goal, interdependence, interaction, individual accountability, and social skills. 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 students learning in isolation that hinders the development of the student’s skills. There are components of cooperative learning, these are assigning students to mixed-ability teams; establishing positive interdependence; teaching cooperative social skills; insuring individual accountability, and helping groups process information.

In cooperative learning, I can attest that this is one of the best strategies to teach students or learners about socializing with their co-learners and learn to interact with them as well as understand their diversities. In my own experience, When cooperative learning is applied with the use of computer though it is useful enough, there is a tendency that not all of the learners can be catered unless the teacher is pro enough to make every learners function their responsibility in the group. Ofcourse, cooperation of every individual is highly needed in this.

Yes, cooperative learning is fun, yet it will be failure if the elements needed in the group or team is lacking or is not mastered. But the good thing is that interdependence will help them know one another deeper and interaction will break some of the unleashed potential hidden within the learner.

As an application, I, as a teacher must consider the elements needed in cooperative learning before imposing activities to my students so that learning will not only be fun but will be meaningful as well. I will see to it that they will understand the art of teamwork. Nevertheless, learners nowadays can already interact with the use of computer. This is an edge of the teacher. I will use this as an aid so that I will not be burdened with the works I must do. Anyways it’s the reason why computers are being made, to make life easier. However, I will not be too dependent on computers because I know that everything really has limitations and it is my wisdom to decide what to do and what not to do as a teacher in the cooperative type of learning with the computer.

Lesson 12: Information Technology In-Support of Student Centered Learning

In this lesson, we shall see how the teacher can expand his options to make himself more effective and relevant in the 21st millennium information age. In addition, suggestions shall be made on how a student-centered classroom (SCL) can be supported by information technology (IT).The idea of student-centered learning is not a recent idea. In fact, as early as the 20th century, educational educators such as John Dewey argued for highly active and individualized pedagogical methods which place the student at the center of the learning process. In the traditional classroom, it may be observed that classroom are usually arranged with neat columns and rows of student chairs, while the teacher stands in front of the classroom or sits behind his desks. This situations is necessitated by the need to maintain classroom discipline, also they allow the teachers to control classroom activities through lecture presentation and teacher-led discussion. Noticeably, however, after spending so many minutes in lesson presentation and class management, students can get restless and fidgety. Often enough, the teacher has to also mange misbehavior in class as students start to talk among themselves or simply stare away in lack attention. To prevent this situation, teachers often make students take time to work individually on worksheets can help the situation. Another option is now presented and this is adopting the idea of developing students to be independent learners with the end of making them critical and creative thinkers. In the SCL classroom, John Dewey described the traditional learning process in which the teacher pours information to students 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 kind of learning outcomes. The problem with the direct instruction approach to learning, however, is the fact that the world’s societies have began to change. Of course, this change may not be strongly felt in many countries in which the economy longer depends primarily on factory workers who do repetitive work without thinking on the job. The traditional classroom and direct instruction approach to learning conform to this kind of economies.

In contrast, industrialized societies we find knowledge based economies in which workers depends on information that can be accessed through information and communication technologies. Desiring to gain effectiveness, efficiency and economy in administration and instructions, 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 this lesson, the thing that is the main concern is the usefulness of computer when it comes in student-centered learning. With the very broad power of this invention, it allows students to be independent learners, where they are not being spoon-fed by their teachers. Also, they can easily research a thing in their mind that needs answer, so they are now exploring in their own. The fact that we are now in the modern times, and the students should be the primary concern. And through computers and internet, the students can be the center of teaching inside the classroom.

The Information Technology can support the student-centered learning, for instance, the students are asked by their teacher to do reporting via Microsoft PowerPoint, so the tendency is that the students will work for themselves to do their task. Also, if the students have assignments, they can browse the internet, and through it, they are exploring in finding information they need.

Lesson 11: Computer as teacher’s Tool

In the previous lesson, we saw how the computer can act as a tutor particularly along a behaviorist and cognitive approach to learning. But we also saw certain computer software programs have been developed to foster higher thinking skills and creativity.
In this lesson, we shall again look at the computer, but this time from another perspective the computer as the teacher’s handy tool. I can in fact support theconstructivist and social constructivist paradigms of constructivist learning.
Constructivist was introduced by Piaget (1991) and Bruner (1990). They gave stress to knowledge discovery of new meaning/concepts/principles in the learning process. Various strategies have been suggested to foster knowledge discovery, among these, is making students engaged in gathering unorganized information from which they can induce ideas and principles. Students are also asked to apply discovered knowledge to new situations, a process for making their knowledge to real life situations. While knowledge is constructed by the individual learner in constructivism, knowledge can also be socially constructed. Social constructivism is an effort to show that the construction of knowledge is governed by social, historical and cultural contexts, 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 lives in. The psychologist Vygotsky stressed that learning is affected by social influences. He therefore suggested the interaction process in learning. The more capable adult or classmate can aid or complement what the learner sees in a given class project. In addition Dewey sees language as a medium for social coordination and adaptation. For Dewey human learning is really human language that occurs when students socially share, build and agree upon meaning and knowledge.

Given its present-day speed, flexibility and sophistication, the computer can provide access to information, foster creative social knowledge- building, and enhance the communication of the achieved project package.

Without the computer, today’s learners nay still be assuming the tedious tasks of low-level information gathering, building and new knowledge packaging. But this is not so, since the modern computer can help teacher- and – students to focus on more high level cognitive tasks. In this lesson, I proved out that the computer is a very effective tool for the students to learn. An example cited by the speaker was a nail, without any tool, it seems to be useless and nonsense. And if you would relate it to learning, without using of tools, learning will be senseless as well. In the field of education, printing press, libraries, and printed books have been a teacher’s tool in educating, but, we are now in the 21st century so the tools use have been upgraded and improved when it comes in reliability and the quick access to information – that tool is no other than the computer.

Nowadays, the effectiveness of a classroom can be depending on how you use computer in your class. If you don’t incorporate the computers, the class will be a bit boring. The computers are in our hands so all of we need is to treasure the good things it bring to our daily teaching.

Lesson 10: The Computer as a Tutor

Educators saw much use of the personal computer. It has become affordable to small business, industries and homes. They saw its potential for individualization in learning, especially as individualized learning is a problem since teachers usually with a class of forty or more learners. They therefore devised strategies to use the computer to break the barriers to individualized instruction. The computer is one of the wonders of human ingenuity, even in its original design in the 1950s to carry out complicated mathematical and logical operations. With the invention of the microcomputer (now also commonly referred to PCs or personal computers), the PC has become the tool for programmed instruction. The computer can be a tutor in effect relieving the teacher of many activities in his personal role as a classroom tutor. It should be made clear, however, that the computer cannot totally replace the teacher since the teacher shall continue to play major roles of information deliverer and learning environment controller. Even with the available computer and CAI software, the teacher must: Insure that the students have the needed knowledge and skills for any computer activity; decide the appropriate learning objectives; plan the sequential and structured activities to achieve objectives; and evaluate the students’ achievement by ways of tests of the specific expected outcomes.

In this generation, educators accept the fact that the computer has indeed succeeded in providing an individualized learning environment so difficult for a teacher handling whole class. This is so, since the computer is able to allow individual students to learn at their own pace and motivate learning through a challenging virtual learning environment, and assist students through information needed during the learning process.

There has been a fear that someday in the future teachers will be replaced with CAI because as an assessment it is much better if we will used the computer to assist as in our learning for it is consistent and objective. Yes, it is partly true and also partly wrong because we all know that there are roles that teachers have to do that CAI cannot. A computer cannot assess and insure if the students have the needed knowledge and skills for it does not have any will and intellect, a teacher can decide the appropriate learning objectives while computers do not, a teachers can plan any structured activities to achieve objectives suited to the needs of its students and a teacher can evaluate the student’s achievements by ways of tests of the expected outcomes. With CAI, we can only expect lower level learning skills and what is only programmed in the computer will be the only thing a student will learn unlike with a teacher, we can learn more from him/her as we can freely asks questions or can interact with different experiences in life.

Computer assisted can be used on some areas of a student’s learning but it can’t represent in behalf of the teacher in all aspects. Drill and practice software materials can be useful if we want excellence in the use of the computer. But to make it a teacher, it can’t never be. Teachers are still the best and suited way for a student to learn more, computers can only assist. In this particular lesson, I have learned that not all tutors can be a human, but a tutor can be a thing and that is computer. We are now in the modern times whereby the use of computer is rapidly arises. In just one click, there will be lots of information provided. And as a future teacher, I must equip myself to know the good properties of the internet which can merely contribute to my improvements – academically and when it comes to my field also. Using computer can add your cognitive aspect because through the use of some instructional software like “Bookworm”, “Text Twist”, “Hangaroo”, etc. In this lesson, I learned that the computer can also improve our decision making through the use of softwares.

Martes, Setyembre 8, 2015

Lesson 3: Understanding Educational Technology

“Educational Technology makes the world a better place.” This is the very first slide shown in the reporter’s presentation. There are different roles of educational technology in learning. In a traditional way, technology plays a role as a teacher by which the learner learns from what is being presented by the technology in same manner as teacher present or discuss his/her lesson to the learner. In a constructivist way, technology plays a role for the as a partner by which the learner learns through the use of technology. Learner makes his/her understanding and develops his critical thinking through using technology. Through technology learners gain sufficient knowledge and worldwide views and information through internet services. Learner could also use the technology in communicating other people from different places or countries wherein they could have their conversation out from their own beliefs and understanding on a certain thing and compare it with one another and learn from it. Learners could also develop his/her critical judgment, curiosity and problem solving skills on how the technology works and being operated wherein they could explore their understanding so that he may use it for the application on what he/she learns. Learners could also present their activities or creation to the other people in a convenient way with the use of technology. In a brief explanation, technology cant each the learner but the teacher uses the technology to teach themselves.

From the constructivist point of view, educational technology serves as learning tools and learners learn with it. Often, we misuse educational technology, because we have not bear in mind its role in education. Some just use it and took advantage. It is not wrong to use educational technology as long as we don’t completely depend on it.

The book says that this generation is smarter than the previous generation. And I agree with that. Nowadays, most of the learners are dependent in educational technology for better learning. They learn even without the aid of an instructor or teacher this is because learners are being provided with materials needed in learning and they are not being limited to learn. Today, even little children knows how to manipulate new devices because they are more open to it and they were born where high technologies are everywhere.

However, by using traditional or constructivist point of view, when technology is used effectively educational technology will really increase learner’s understanding, learning and achievement. In addition, it augments motivation to learn, encourages and supports the development of critical thinking skills.

Through understanding the role of educational technology in education, I can now generate techniques which will be effective in teaching my learner’s with the use of educational technology. Technology is not the teacher, experiencing how to use it is another issue. We must always bear in mind that this is not just about technology, this is learning and with educational technology. We must not always rely on it alone but try our very best to be the best teacher for our learners.

Lesson 2: An overview of Educational Technology 2

Education needs to utilize and enhance its functions by making use of these technological advancements. Students learn faster, assignments made easier and studying more interesting thru the use of computers and the internet. School administrators, department heads and other persons in supervisory positions can avail of this information technology to enhance their functions. Professional and student teachers therefore will be greatly helped by this course. Educational Technology 2 is a new course in the education curriculum which has to come about from the need to adapt to a changing world. The need for information and knowledge before was provided by the books, print media, radio, and later the television. Now, so much advancement has been made in the field of technology. We are now living in a world of computers, internet, laptops, cellphones, iPod and other technological inventions, because they will be given the training and skills to use technology and its inventions as a tool for teaching and self-improvement.

Educational technology has been dynamic. The delivery of marketing education seems to be rapidly shifting toward pedagogy rich in experiential learning and strongly supported with educational technology. This study integrates and extends previous research efforts and investigates the simultaneous effects of multiple influences of technology and non-technology factors on learning outcomes. Responses were obtained across a marketing curriculum with technology-accustomed students. The findings suggest that the use of preferred instructional methods will enhance each of the three different measures of learning outcomes, while encouraging supportive class behaviors can increase self-report performance and course grade. Regardless of the dependent outcome measure, only one of the five instructional technology variables proved significant, suggesting that in contrast to previous studies that examined technology in isolation, when analyzed relative to other learning factors, technology’s influence is secondary. Implications are discussed with practical suggestions for the classroom and direction for further investigation.

Educational Technology 2 as I see, it seems to encourage educators as well as learners to combine education and technology. Educators can use technology in providing knowledge and skills to learners. It has become one of the important aids of education nowadays. With this, teachers must be advanced than there students and this is possible through attending seminars and workshops.

As a pre-service teacher and one day will be a “real” teacher, I will engage myself in things that will help me increase my knowledge and learning about educational technology. I must not limit my learning and as well as teaching in what I can see. This is because I am the teacher, students must most of the time learn from me and I also learn from my learners. But as an effective teacher, I must not rely on technology alone. I will always be remembering that education is not just about educational technologies, it’s all about learning, changing, and applying, learning, changing, applying and so on the things that is being taught in the real life situation.

Lesson 1: An overview of educational Technology 1

We are aware now that educational technology has already a big part in the learning and teaching process in education. As what was taught to us, as a field, educational technology emphasizes communication skills and approaches to teaching and learning through the judicious use and integration of diverse media. Scholars in the field examine the uses of innovative media and technologies for education, examining all aspects from direct student learning to management and impacts on institutions. As in all forms of applied technology, the field studies how theoretical knowledge and scientific principles can be applied to problems that arise in a social context. Practitioners in educational technology seek new and effective ways of organizing the teaching and learning process through the best possible application of technological developments. These activities rely upon a body of knowledge for successful and ethical implementation, rather than routine tasks or isolated technical skills.

The Educational Technology 1 course has paved the way for the learner to become aware, appreciative and equipped to use educational technology 1 tools ranging from traditional to modern educational media. Indeed, the foundation for a truly satisfying exposure to educational technology has been firmly laid down by the educational technology 1 course, starting with the through treatment of the history of educational technology, quality education, and the roles of educational technology 1 in the 21th millennium. In educational technology 1, the learner was also oriented towards averting the dangers of dehumanization which technology brings into societies, such as through ideological propaganda, pornography, financial fraud, and other exploitative use of technology. Sad to say, these dangers continue to affect peoples and cultures while widening the gap between rich and poor countries.

Since I was the reporter in this lesson, ofcourse, I experience how teach to assuming that I am the real teacher. It is fun and rewarding. The lesson was just a review, however, it seemed like I used time machine to time travel. As an experience and since experience is the best teacher, this might seem cliché but indeed, I can attest to this. This lesson also taught me how to consume educational technology in a proper manner. Since it is already built within me the boons and banes of educational technology, I can now use it without resulting danger or I can prevent some of its disadvantage in learning and in teaching my future students as well.

It’s so glad to know that students really pays attention to you whenever you throw questions and when all hears and eyes were lend on you while teaching. Technology greatly impacts the teaching and learning process nowadays. I have seen its vitality in the community and schools. But if not used in a proper and appropriate way, it may cause chaos in the school and society as well. I agree that Technology in education plays an important role in improving the educational skills and knowledge of the people. This is very important especially those who need improve their knowledge in order for them to achieve a successful life in the future. Technology in education is manifested through the use of computers. This is also a great help for teachers since they can already enhance their teaching skills and strategies every time they are facing their class. This technology is very essential for both the students and the teacher but there are some instances wherein this technology is seen to be disadvantageous for both of them as well. I think it is safe to say that many teachers have felt the panic of technology-gone-wrong in their classrooms before. When it is working well, technology (tools such as computers, the Internet, or other mobile devices) can support student learning. Although technology can cause confusion when there is a technical problem, it can also support a rich learning environment filled with student engagement and unlimited information.

As an application, we, as teachers, should see to it that before integrating technology into the classroom by adding computer devices and other technology tools to the learning environment, teachers need to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages so they can be fully prepared to handle unexpected issues or questions from parents or administrators. And for the students to avoid the dangers of technology in learning, we must always discipline and correct our students in using the educational technology in an effective means for them to inculcate what they learned within themselves and not just in while being in the classroom.