Computers in Education EDUC 4065

1
Computers in Education EDUC 4065

• Themes Issues using technology in the classroom
• Lecture 1

Ruth Geer and Dr. Alan Barnes
July 2004
2
(No Transcript)
3
Reflection

• Has the use of computers changed the way teachers
  teach?
• From your experience and observations, how have
  you seen computers being used by students?
• What are some of the equity ethical issues?
• What do you understand by student centred
  learning?
• Do computers ensure better learning?

4
Questions to be addressed in the course

• How do students learn?
• What impacts do computers have on student
  learning?
• What skills understandings do teachers need for
  effective integration
• What skills, concepts and information will
  students need to be effective members of
  society?
• What skills are enhanced through the use of
  computers?

5
(No Transcript)
6
The Questions cont.

• What role does the teacher play in technology
  integration?
• What strategies will help students become better
  learners?
• How can computers be used effectively in
  education?
• What are some of the management issues
  associated with using computers?

7
(No Transcript)
8
How can technology provide an effective learning
environment?

• It has the potential to provide a dynamic
  student-centred learning environment.
• It can support students in constructing their own
  knowledge and understanding
• Students need to develop information literacy to
  become independent and life-long learners
• It must be deeply integrated into the purposes
  and activities of the classroom to enhance
  student learning (Sheingold, K., 1991, p20)
• Focus must shift from technology per se to its
  use as a tool

9
(No Transcript)
10
What changes are needed?

• Students must become critical thinkers, problem
  solvers, creators
• Teaching and learning is moving from
• teacher centred to learner-centred
• individual tasks to collaborative work
• passive learning to active learning
• competitive to cooperative
• Technology is providing a catalyst for change
• interaction among students and between students
  and teachers is changing

11
Rationale for integration

• Provides student-centred learning
• Supports constructivist learning
• Increases motivation
• Increases engagement
• Provides empowerment
• Develops problem solving skills
• Supports collaborative learning

12
Rationale for integration (cont)

• Increases productivity
• Access to information
• Links to learning tools
• Unique instructional characteristics
• Develops communication skills
• Encourages educational reform

13
Learning with Technology

• ...it is not the features of technology alone,
  but rather the ways in which those features are
  used in the classroom that shape its impact.
• (Sheingold, K., 1991, p18)
• Teachers are still the key to creating relevant
  and meaningful learning environments
• (Apple Classrooms of Tomorrow, 1995)

14
Issues in the Classroom

• Should computers be in the classroom or
  laboratory?
• How much time should students spend on the
  computer?
• How do you manage if you only have one computer
  in the classroom?

15
Technology competency standards for teachers

• Teachers must be able to demonstrate a sound
  understanding of technology operations and
  concepts
• Teachers plan and design effective learning
  environments and experiences
• Teaching, learning and curriculum
• Productivity and professional practices

16
Using computers in Education

• Taylors model
• Tutor learning from the computer using it for
  instruction
• Tool learning with the computer using it as a
  tool/instrument
• Tutee programming the computer encouraging
  the development of higher order thinking skills
• (toy)

17
Course aims

• Understand how computers can be used as tools for
  instruction, learning and management
• Understand how computers can extend, support and
  enhance student learning in the curriculum
• Integrate computers into existing curriculum
• Translate theories and research findings into
  practice

18
Assessment

• Mandatory Contributions to discussion list
• Unit of Work - (50)
• Unit of work critique - (50)

19
Text

• Text Book
• Grabe, M Grabe, C 2003, Integrating Technology
  for Meaningful Learning, 4th edn, Houghton
  Mifflin, Boston.
• Accompanying Website
• http//college.hmco.com/education/grabe/int_tech/4
  e/students/

20
Activities

• Visit the Making Better Connections website
• http//college.hmco.com/education/grabe/int_tech/4
  e/students/
• Consider later discuss the four types of
  integration

21
Further activities

• Visit the state education websites as found under
  resources. Try to locate the ICT policy for each
  state.

22
References

• Forcier, R Descy, D 2002, The computer as an
  educational tool productivity and problem
  solving, 3rd edn, Merrill Prentice Hall, New
  Jersey.
• Jonassen, DH 2000, Computers as mindtools for
  schools engaging critical thinking, Merrill
  Prentice Hall, New Jersey.
• Morrison, G Lowther, D 2002, Integrating
  computer technology into the classroom.2nd edn,
  Merrill Prentice Hall, New Jersey.

23
References cont

• Norton, P Spague, D 2001, Technology for
  Teaching, Allyn Bacon, Boston.
• Roblyer, MD 2003, Integrating educational
  technology into teaching. 3rd edn. Merrill
  Prentice Hall, New Jersey