Rationale

Paulus Musters


Introduction

For today's educators, exploring multimedia, the Internet, and other new ways to deliver knowledge is an extremely exciting and rejuvenating adventure. (Treuhaft) From my own recent experience and research into the use of emerging technologies in education, specifically computer technology, I'm finding these tools are effective only if used in an appropriate way. Although new computer technology has become a motivating factor for both the teachers and students, with exciting applications in and out of the classroom, caution must be given to avoid using a new innovation just for it's own sake. For instance, what are the benefits of employing a new medium that consumes resources and time--both at a premium in today's educational environment--if an instructor simply transfers what is already effective in a more traditional medium? (Dede)

The first step in the process of applying the new technologies is to evaluate one's current teaching methods for effectiveness, to see if improvements can be made, and therefore identify opportunities to incorporate the right technology to enhance both the teaching and learning experience. (Treuhaft)

Define Technology Usage

We are living in an era when the amount of accessible information has dramatically increased, with computers responsible for much of the availability of this avalanche of material. How to integrate this wealth of information into your curriculum so it is of benefit depends on defining technology usage. In their book "Constructionism," Idit Harel and Seymour Papert say, "in doing this one has to define education or learning first--real education is not something performed on someone, nor is it something one gets; it is something one does for oneself." (Papert) This self-motivation is why the introducing of the computer into the classroom can play a major role by shifting the focus from the teacher, who traditionally delivered information, to the student who is now the active seeker and participant in acquiring knowledge.

Harel and Papert also answer the question of how students learn via computer: "The answer is, the same way he or she learns by using a pencil. Pencils don't make you a better writer, but they can be used to write with. Computers, too, can be used to write with, or to draw with, or to calculate with, or to store and retrieve information with, or to solve certain types of problems. One learns by doing these things and by thinking and reflecting about what one does." (Constructionism)

Reasons for Using Technology

From straightforward overheads, handouts, maps and graphs -- useful for teaching support -- to the more complex multimedia software incorporating animation, sound, and video, computers help to capture the student's attention and provide a visual means of learning. With self-paced learning programs, instructors can guide students through "real world" situations, such as inside a space shuttle during a mission, a chemical reaction in an science experiment, or the wonders of ocean reefs that would be too difficult or expensive to experience in reality.

Modem access takes communication a step further: students can dialogue with each other regardless of distance or time. The walls of the school are becoming boundless.

To help with more mundane tasks, this technology can assist teachers in planning coursework, managing the classroom, grading and record keeping and tracking the daily accomplishments and problems of students. This automation of routine gives the teacher more time to focus on individual student needs.

The cost of computers is declining and a time when the cost of providing traditional schooling is rising. Availability of easy-to-use educational software and a better pedagogical understanding of how these tools can be used are both necessary to reevaluate educational delivery systems to see if they are meeting the needs of today's and tomorrow's students. The role of teaching changes from information provider to information guide. (Treuhaft) A key element in shifting to more academic computing is that although instructors may have a diminished role in the actual delivery of information, they still retain control over content, standards, design, and assessment of student learning.

Real World Examples

If you're looking for more information and application of computers in learning you may want to look at the following:

Expected Outcomes

Today's students are extremely media savvy and expect high production values in the delivery of information. At the center of the new classroom will be the teacher, using instructional technology. The teacher can expect his or her role in the classroom to change from being the person on stage, who is seen as the source of knowledge, to the one guiding students in their quest. Teachers will enjoy a renewed sense of purpose as they participate in this process, if it is both appreciated and supported by administration. And, students with special education needs will be able to participate in ways never before possible. A synergy exists when students are actively engaged in a defining of their own learning. This shift and changing of attitudes for both teachers and students is necessary to bridge any gap between technology and humanity. Other exciting benifits of the intelligent integration of technology into the classroom, especially the self-paced programs, will include; the receiving of immediate unbiased feedback, increased student interaction, peer pressures pushed to outside the classroom, self-motivating effects, and effective behavior modification opportunities.