None other than our very own Professor Dr. Lemuel Brana! *applause* :D
Monday, March 12, 2012
Net 25 Interview with PCS President Dr. Lemuel Brana
None other than our very own Professor Dr. Lemuel Brana! *applause* :D
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Sunday, March 11, 2012
Educational Qoutations
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
- Benjamin Franklin
Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them become what they are capable of becoming.
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength of the nation.
Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength of the nation.
- John F. Kennedy
The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.
- Aristotle
Each man must look to himself to teach him the meaning of life. It is not something discovered. It is something molded.
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery
Nine guiding principles: Teaching and Learning
1. An atmosphere of intellectual excitement
2. An intensive research and knowledge transfer culture permeating all teaching and learning activities
3. A vibrant and embracing social context
4. An international and culturally diverse learning environment
5. Explicit concern and support for individual development
6. Clear academic expectations and standards
7. Learning cycles of experimentation, feedback and assessment
8. Premium quality learning spaces, resources and technologies
9. An adaptive curriculum
From Manual to Digit
Tools in Contemporary Classroom Teaching BY NEIL The advancements in science and technology have brought progress in the field of education. In more industrialized countries, educational technology is the trend. New discoveries are introduced into the classroom to give students two main benefits: learning their lessons and familiarization with computer applications. Technology plays a vital role to materialize this goal. The following are technological innovations that have been proven effective in facilitating discussion inside the classroom in different parts of the world. Microphone. Microphone is useful in a classroom with big population where noise is unmanageable. Paired with speakers, students are able to hear their teachers clearer. Besides, the teacher no longer loses his/her voice at the end of the day. Computer. Having a computer in the classroom is an asset to any teacher. With a computer in the classroom, the teacher can easily present lessons in different media, show educational websites, and demonstrate how to use computer programs. LCD Projector. With an LCD projector attached to the computer, the teacher can stage slideshows and PowerPoint presentations. Digital Camera. Digital camera and video camera are helpful particularly in an art or science class. Children learn better through visual aids like images and videos. Class Blog and Wiki. These interactive Internet sites allow students to post and share messages, articles or projects with their classmates. The teacher serves as moderator who maintains the site. Class Website. The teacher may maintain a Web site that houses class syllabus, schedule, notes, or even lessons that can be viewed by the students. The Web site might also have a forum where teacher and students can share thoughts. While teachers of previous generations have manually toiled to create teaching aids in paperboards and chalkboards, present-day teachers have the opportunity to use computer technology in presenting texts, drawing, graphs, and other illustrations to assist students effectively and effortlessly in their learning journey.
Qoute for a Break!
"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement, nothing can be done without hope and confidence."
- Hellen Keller
Modern Technology Updates Education By Karen Mefford
From day to day, our world has been changed gradually form one condition to another. The revolution of new ideas always comes up to the minds of every person, especially the idea to improve technology which people need to make the living better. As the result, modern technology has been bringing people certain advantages such as ways for fast communication, the improvement of traveling, and good health care medical treatment. However, loneliness, world destruction weapons, pollution, and sameness of lifestyle are brought by modern technology, too.
For the plus side, we can get the fast ways of communication through modern technology, without it everything will be the same. Nowadays, people can get hot news from any parts of the world very quickly by using E-mail and Internet. Moreover, telephone-local or/and oversea is playing a key role for people to communicate to with each other.
Next, modern technology brings us the convenience of traveling form one place to the other faster than before. Now, we have aircraft that can make journey shorter, for example, before if you wanted to go to France (form Cambodia), you could not go by train or plane. But now people spend only 10 hours to travel from, Cambodia to France by direct flight these days. So, all transportation means invented with the support of technology really brings people easiness
of traveling.
Next, modern technology brings us the convenience of traveling form one place to the other faster than before. Now, we have aircraft that can make journey shorter, for example, before if you wanted to go to France (form Cambodia), you could not go by train or plane. But now people spend only 10 hours to travel from, Cambodia to France by direct flight these days. So, all transportation means invented with the support of technology really brings people easiness
of traveling.
Moreover, medical treatment has been going well for a long period of time with the help of modern technology. These days, most of the hospitals are using modern technology as the assistance for the operation, for example. Some doctors use new machines to produce medicine which effectively cures people and prolongs the life expectancy around the world. In addition, the discovery of x-ray enables doctors to treat some kinds of diseases.
However, modern technology doesn't automatically bring the good things but some bad points. The booming of industrialization and development causes pollution to our world. For example, the smoke for all kinds of vehicles affects the air, especially ozone layer. As the result, people suffer illness like cancers.
Next, some people use modern technology to create the negative things of the mankind. They create world destruction weapons such as nuclear and atomic bombs. These weapons cause a huge ruin for human beings if we use them in the wrong ways/ For example, the terrorists use grenades to attack honest people who have different tendency from their groups.
Furthermore, modern technology brings loneliness to old people in some countries. In England, old people are left at the government homes that make them feel isolated from their off-springs. This is because.their sons and daughters are busy with their
works in new world and forget them.
Last, sameness of lifestyle becomes to the mind of all people. Before people had different cultures and traditions like the way wearing the clothes or building. But people, now tend to build the same models of house and wear the same fashion of clothes.
To conclude, although modern technology brings us some goods benefits, it also gives a lot of bad results. So, to make our world prosperous, we should use the modern technology in the good ways and find the effective solutions to the bad result.
However, modern technology doesn't automatically bring the good things but some bad points. The booming of industrialization and development causes pollution to our world. For example, the smoke for all kinds of vehicles affects the air, especially ozone layer. As the result, people suffer illness like cancers.
Next, some people use modern technology to create the negative things of the mankind. They create world destruction weapons such as nuclear and atomic bombs. These weapons cause a huge ruin for human beings if we use them in the wrong ways/ For example, the terrorists use grenades to attack honest people who have different tendency from their groups.
Furthermore, modern technology brings loneliness to old people in some countries. In England, old people are left at the government homes that make them feel isolated from their off-springs. This is because.their sons and daughters are busy with their
works in new world and forget them.
Last, sameness of lifestyle becomes to the mind of all people. Before people had different cultures and traditions like the way wearing the clothes or building. But people, now tend to build the same models of house and wear the same fashion of clothes.
To conclude, although modern technology brings us some goods benefits, it also gives a lot of bad results. So, to make our world prosperous, we should use the modern technology in the good ways and find the effective solutions to the bad result.
Like Stars On Earth
An art teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh teaches at a local boarding school and thinks that every child is special and must have his chance of enjoying his/her school days, so he breaks all the rules of 'how things are done' in the school to let his motives became successful, all the children respond to him with joy, all except a small boy named Ishaan Awasthi, of eight years old who seem to be in a different world all the time. Nikumbh soon finds out that Ishaan is unhappy about something. He attempts to help him. The questions remain will he be successful or will the errant prove dangerous for him.
The Mumbai-based Awasthi family consists of Nandkishore, his wife, Maya, and two sons, Yohan and Ishaan. Both sons attend St. Anthony's High School where Yohan excels in his studies, but Ishaan does the opposite, having failed in his 3rd standard twice already. His parents continue to be disappointed with his performance, and as a result he hides his report cards from them, often misses school, and keeps to himself all the time. Things get worse when he gets into disagreements and fisticuffs with other children, prompting his father to have him admitted in the New Era Boarding School in distant Panchgani. Even this re-location does not improve Ishaan performance, and the Principal decides to rusticate him. Then a temporary teacher, Ram Shankar Nikumbh is recruited. Ram meets with Ishaan and believes he has a solution that will improve the child's life - little realizing that Ishaan does not have much of a future as neither his teachers, his friends, and even his parents believe that there is any hope for him.
Bible Verse For Teachers :)
"Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it."
Proverbs 22:6
Violence and Crime in Public Schools Quick School Safety Statistic
The percentage of public schools experiencing one or more violent incidents increased between 1999–2000 and 2003–04 from 71 to 81 percent. In 2003–04, 18 percent of schools experienced one or more serious violent incidents, 46 percent experienced one or more thefts, and 64 percent experienced another type of crime. Forty-four percent of public schools reported at least one violent incident to police, 13 percent reported at least one serious violent incident to police, 31 percent reported at least one theft to police, and 50 percent reported one of the other specified crimes to police.
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics. (2006). Indicators of School Crime and Safety, 2006
Professional Communication
Professional communication encompasses written, oral, visual and digital communication within a workplace context. This discipline blends together pedagogical principles of rhetoric, technology, and software to improve communication in a variety of settings ranging from technical writing to usability and digital media design. It is a new discipline that focuses on the study of information and the ways it is created, managed, distributed, and consumed. Since communication in modern society is a rapidly changing area, the progress of technologies seems to often outpace the number of available expert practitioners. This creates a demand for skilled communicators which continues to exceed the supply of trained professionals.
Successful communication skills are critical to a business because all businesses, though to varying degrees, involve the following: writing, reading, editing, speaking, listening, software applications, computer graphics, and internet research. Job candidates with professional communication backgrounds are more likely to bring to the organization sophisticated perspectives on society, culture, science, and technology.
Successful communication skills are critical to a business because all businesses, though to varying degrees, involve the following: writing, reading, editing, speaking, listening, software applications, computer graphics, and internet research. Job candidates with professional communication backgrounds are more likely to bring to the organization sophisticated perspectives on society, culture, science, and technology.
Education Tech
Evaluation of educational technology and its current application - Presentation Transcript
1. Evaluation of Educational Technology and its Current Application INTRODUCTION DEFINITION of TERMS CLASSIFICATION of ED. TECH PROCEDURE IN USING SPECIFIC TECHNOLOGY FOR TEACHING CRITERIA IN EVALUATING EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY
2. Strong Impact of New Technologies Affected the way people live, work, play and learn Challenged the time tested method and approaches in teaching and way of education is managed. Administrators of schools keep abreast with the fast changing mode of teaching
3. Strong Impact of New Technologies Massive retooling of teachers and employees Roles of teacher from purveyor to that of the facilitator or guide in the quest of knowledge IT continues to have a strong impact on the access to worldwide and information that enriches teaching and learning.
4. Definition of terms Evaluation Technology ICT Educational Technology
5. Evaluation Evaluation is a holistic approach; all the phases of learning must be seen because all of them contribute to the total development of the child. Evaluation therefore must judge the strength of the content selected, the strategies employed, and the instructional materials used.
6. Evaluation Is used in Ed Tech and its means considering the merits of the material used. its strength and weaknesses as a tool for learning. It includes mainly aspects of consideration like size, attractiveness, relevance, and economy, ease of handling, novelty and practicality.
7. Technology Is the science of the application of knowledge to practical purposes in a particular field. means the totality of the means employed by a group of people to provide itself with the objects of material culture.
8. Information and Communications Technology Refers to the use of electronic communication system which has made the sharing of information faster and more effective. The system also provides the students easier and faster access to adequate materials which were formerly supplied by teachers. ICT tools refer to the computer and its various applications like word processing, power point, excel, publisher, particularly the internet and E- mail
9. Educational Technology Author Definition Council for ED. TECh for the Development, application and evaluation of United Kingdom (1997) systems, techniques and ideas aids to improve the process of human learning Commision on Instructional Contended that educational Technology is a Technology in the United systematic way of designing, implementing States and evaluating the total learning and teaching process in terms of specific objectives based on research on human learning and communication Lucido, 1997 Employing a combination of human and non-human resources to bring about more effective instruction
10. Author Definition Garo ( 2004) Application of the of the results of researches or scientific studies, which may be material or non- material to improve teaching and learning URL:http://www.hawaii.e Define as field of study of human learning and deals du/ with complex, integrated process involving people, etec/dept/etec_programat. procedures ideas, devices and strategies for pdf analyzing problems and devising solutions to those problems URL: Educational technology os the use of tools by http://webinstituteforteac teachers to improve their capacity to educate hers.org/ students Talks/jones/1.htm
11. Common line would be the use of tools or devices to improve human learning. The definitions reflects the interrelationships of the elements of teaching and learning with instructional tools or with technology tools to be able to promote quality instruction.Ã Synthesizing the Definition
12. Mediated Technology Methods and Strategies of Learningà Paper Technology Theories, Laws, Principles of Learning Hi-Techà Classifications of Educational Technology Educational Technology Material Technology Non-Material Tech Lo-tech
13. Traditional or low-Technology The Traditional or low-Tech instructional materials are the indigenous materials usually real objects or those that are made of paper and cardboards. Pictures or photographs, charts flashcards and maps done in paper are examples of these. Realia or real objects and their edited versions like models and mock-ups, specimens and objects are also included as such.
14. Through they are traditional in nature, their merits as tools for learning have been proven in the decades that past. They are still here to stay because not all schools are equipped with technology tools and not all teachers are ready to embrace modern technology.
15. Hi-Technology Hi-tech materials or the mediated technology include those which are presented using media equipment or hardware. This includes the educational television, motion pictures, overhead projector, opaque projector, slide projector and more importantly the computer and its peripherals like the LCD, printer and scanner,
16. computer and its various applications -most pervasive modern technology for teaching and learning is. -In fact all educational efforts are being geared toward its used. -Its effectiveness in teaching and learning has been widely recognized
17. Non-Material Educational Technology The non-material educational technology on the other hand includes the theories, laws, principles, methods and strategies of teaching. They evolved as results of results of researches and studies in order to facilitate teaching and learning. In all the years, their contributions to the practice to teaching and learning have been recognized; their effectiveness as bases for educational decisions has been proven.
18. APPLICATIONS OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY All learning is based on sense perception, claimed by Pestallozi. Research finding show proper application of educational technology can result to improved sensation and perception leading to quality learning. ED. Tech transcends geographical barriers, expose students to experiences beyond classroom, disseminate instruction across large areas and make education more accessible to more people ( Ed,. Tech: Microsoft Encarta 2002
19. APPLICATIONS OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY With the advent of computers and the linking of several computers in the super highways, and the internet the world has shrunk making it very possible for everybody to access information and to disseminate the same all over the world as fresh and as fast as can be.
20. USES OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY in THE CLASSROOM Arouse and sustain the interest and attention of the students Concretize concepts and ideas to promote meaningful learning Make learning more permanent by providing rich experiences Make learning more permanent by proving rich experiences
21. USES OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY in THE CLASSROOM Provide-self activities for independent learning Increase one’s vocabulary by eliminating verbalism (A wordy phrase or sentence that has little meaning.) Promote continuity of thought.
22. Choosing and Applying Educational Technology Helpful Questions: What instructional material is suited to my objectives and subject matter? What instructional material is available for my specific lesson? If there is none, shall I develop one?
23. Choosing and Applying Educational Technology Shall I use the traditional technology or shall I use computer-based technology? Am I ready and are my students ready? Shall I use multi-media presentation? Is there a technology-enabled environment to meet my needs? Shall I use the overhead projector to dramatize my lessons? Shall I use film? If yes, what film? Is it really necessary to use film?
24. Choosing and Applying Educational Technology Shall I use recording or audio-video clip? Why this recording? Why this audio-video clip? Why should I bring my class to the rice terraces In Banawe when it is very far, very expensive and very risky? Can I not contrive the experience in one of the corners of the school ground? Or can I not let them view still pictures of the rice terraces and then ask them to write a description?
25. Planning Is important in choosing materials for teaching so that achievement of both the general and specific will be assured. It is because planning provides the direction at which the teacher is bringing his class. The students must also be informed as to why a specific material is being used, and they must be guided as to what to look for and what to listen to in the material that is shown. The principle in the application of educational technology should cater to the general and specific objectives of the lesson
26. Procedure in Using Specific Technology for teaching Previewing this step requires that the teacher should be very familiar with the technology of the material he has chosen. The teacher should have a rich background of experiences or adequate knowledge about the devices he has chosen.
27. Re-view or follow upn refers to the connection or relatedness that should be built between and among experiences provided by various educational technologies. n refers to the phase of the lesson where the technology can be used. Tying experiences together nProcedure in Using Specific Technology for teaching Effective Timing
28. CRITERIA IN EVALUATING EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY Size relative sizes of pictures must be observed so as not to confuse pupils and students Relevance content of the educational technology must be related to the learning task on hand and the maturity level experiences of the learner Color materials can be more effective if its colorful. Color used should depict should approximate the real-life colors ( Montessori Approach).
29. the prize of the material does not guarantee its effectiveness. Cheap but properly chosen educational technology can be effective also as long as the teacher utilizes them alongside with pedagogical practices. Durability Easy to handle NoveltynCRITERIA IN EVALUATING EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY Economy
30. Why we need Technology in School?
31. References: Garo, Candelaria. Theories and Principles of Educational Technology. National
Educational Technology Itself
Educational technology
Educational technology is the study and ethical practice of facilitating learning and improving performance by creating, using and managing appropriate technological processes and resources." The term educational technology is often associated with, and encompasses, instructional theory and learning theory. While instructional technology is "the theory and practice of design, development, utilization, management, and evaluation of processes and resources for learning," according to the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) Definitions and Terminology Committee, educational technology includes other systems used in the process of developing human capability. Educational Technology includes, but is not limited to, software, hardware, as well as Internet applications and activities. But there is still debate on what these terms mean.
Explanation and meaning
Educational technology is most simply and comfortably defined as an array of tools that might prove helpful in advancing student learning and may be measured in how and why individuals behave. Educational Technology relies on a broad definition of the word "TECHNOLOGY". Technology can refer to material objects of use to humanity, such as machines or hardware, but it can also encompass broader themes, including systems, methods of organization, and techniques. Some modern tools include but are not limited to overhead projectors, laptop computers, and calculators. Newer tools such as "smartphones" and games (both online and offline) are beginning to draw serious attention for their learning potential. Media psychology is the field of study that applies theories in human behavior to educational technology. Those who employ educational technologies to explore ideas and communicate meaning are learners or teachers. Consider the Handbook of Human Performance Technology.[4] The word technology for the sister fields of Educational and Human Performance Technology means "applied science." In other words, any valid and reliable process or procedure that is derived from basic research using the "scientific method" is considered a "technology." Educational or Human Performance Technology may be based purely on algorithmic or heuristic processes, but neither necessarily implies physical technology. The word technology comes from the Greek "techne" which means craft or art. Another word, "technique," with the same origin, also may be used when considering the field Educational Technology. So Educational Technology may be extended to include the techniques of the educator.
A classic example of an Educational Psychology text is Bloom's 1956 book, Taxonomy of Educational Objectives. Bloom's Taxonomy is helpful when designing learning activities to keep in mind what is expected of—and what are the learning goals for—learners. However, Bloom's work does not explicitly deal with educational technology per se and is more concerned with pedagogical strategies.
According to some, an Educational Technologist is someone who transforms basic educational and psychological research into an evidence-based applied science (or a technology) of learning or instruction. Educational Technologists typically have a graduate degree (Master's, Doctorate, Ph.D., or D.Phil.) in a field related to educational psychology, educational media, experimental psychology, cognitive psychology or, more purely, in the fields of Educational, Instructional or Human Performance Technology or Instructional (Systems) Design. But few of those listed below as theorists would ever use the term "educational technologist" as a term to describe themselves, preferring terms such as "educator". The transformation of educational technology from a cottage industry to a profession is discussed by Shurville, Browne, and Whitaker.
A Short History
Educational technology in a way could be traced back to the emergence of very early tools, e.g., paintings on cave walls. But usually its history starts with educational film (1900s) or Sidney Pressey's mechanical teaching machines in the 1920s.
The first large scale usage of new technologies can be traced to US WWII training of soldiers through training films and other mediated materials. Today, presentation-based technology, based on the idea that people can learn through aural and visual reception, exists in many forms, e.g., streaming audio and video, or PowerPoint presentations with voice-over. Another interesting invention of the 1940s was hypertext, i.e., V. Bush's memex.
The 1950s led to two major, still popular designs. Skinners work led to "programmed instruction" focusing on the formulation of behavioral objectives, breaking instructional content into small units and rewarding correct responses early and often. Advocating a mastery approach to learning based on his taxonomy of intellectual behaviors, Bloom endorsed instructional techniques that varied both instruction and time according to learner requirements. Models based on these designs were usually referred to as computer-based training" (CBT), Computer-aided instruction or computer-assisted instruction (CAI) in the 1970s through the 1990s. In a more simplified form they correspond to today's "e-contents" that often form the core of "e-learning" set-ups, sometimes also referred to as web-based training (WBT) or e-instruction. The course designer divides learning contents into smaller chunks of text augmented with graphics and multimedia presentation. Frequent Multiple Choice questions with immediate feedback are added for self-assessment and guidance. Such e-contents can rely on standards defined by IMS, ADL/Scorm and IEEE.
The 1980s and 1990s produced a variety of schools that can be put under the umbrella of the label Computer-based learning (CBL). Frequently based on constructivist and cognitivist learning theories, these environments focused on teaching both abstract and domain-specific problem solving. Preferred technologies were micro-worlds (computer environments where learners could explore and build), simulations (computer environments where learner can play with parameters of dynamic systems) and hypertext.
Digitized communication and networking in education started in the mid 80s and became popular by the mid-90's, in particular through the World-Wide Web (WWW), eMail and Forums. There is a difference between two major forms of online learning. The earlier type, based on either Computer Based Training (CBT) or Computer-based learning (CBL), focused on the interaction between the student and computer drills plus tutorials on one hand or micro-worlds and simulations on the other. Both can be delivered today over the WWW. Today, the prevailing paradigm in the regular school system is Computer-mediated communication (CMC), where the primary form of interaction is between students and instructors, mediated by the computer. CBT/CBL usually means individualized (self-study) learning, while CMC involves teacher/tutor facilitation and requires scenarization of flexible learning activities. In addition, modern ICT provides education with tools for sustaining learning communities and associated knowledge management tasks. It also provides tools for student and curriculum management.
In addition to classroom enhancement, learning technologies also play a major role in full-time distance teaching. While most quality offers still rely on paper, videos and occasional CBT/CBL materials, there is increased use of e-tutoring through forums, instant messaging, video-conferencing etc. Courses addressed to smaller groups frequently use blended or hybrid designs that mix presence courses (usually in the beginning and at the end of a module) with distance activities and use various pedagogical styles (e.g., drill & practise, exercises, projects, etc.).
The 2000s emergence of multiple mobile and ubiquitous technologies gave a new impulse to situated learning theories favoring learning-in-context scenarios. Some literature uses the concept of integrated learning to describe blended learning scenarios that integrate both school and authentic (e.g., workplace) settings.
Theories and practices
Three main theoretical schools or philosophical frameworks have been present in the educational technology literature. These areBehaviorism, Cognitivism and Constructivism. Each of these schools of thought are still present in today's literature but have evolved as the Psychology literature has evolved.
Behaviorism
This theoretical framework was developed in the early 20th century with the animal learning experiments of Ivan Pavlov, Edward Thorndike,Edward C. Tolman, Clark L. Hull, B.F. Skinner and many others. Many psychologists used these theories to describe and experiment with human learning. While still very useful this philosophy of learning has lost favor with many educators.
Skinner's Contributions
B.F. Skinner wrote extensively on improvements of teaching based on his functional analysis of Verbal Behavior and wrote "The Technology of Teaching", an attempt to dispel the myths underlying contemporary education as well as promote his system he called programmed instruction. Ogden Lindsley also developed the Celeration learning system similarly based on behavior analysis but quite different from Keller's and Skinner's models.
Cognitivism
Cognitive science has changed how educators view learning. Since the very early beginning of the Cognitive Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s, learning theory has undergone a great deal of change. Much of the empirical framework of Behaviorism was retained even though a new paradigm had begun. Cognitive theories look beyond behavior to explain brain-based learning. Cognitivists consider how human memory works to promote learning. After memory theories like the Atkinson-Shiffrin memory model and Baddeley's Working memory model were established as a theoretical framework in Cognitive Psychology, new cognitive frameworks of learning began to emerge during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. It is important to note that Computer Science and Information Technology have had a major influence on Cognitive Science theory. The Cognitive concepts of working memory (formerly known as short term memory) and long term memory have been facilitated by research and technology from the field of Computer Science. Another major influence on the field of Cognitive Science is Noam Chomsky. Today researchers are concentrating on topics like Cognitive load and Information Processing Theory. In addition, psychology as applied to media is easily measured in studying behavior. The area of media psychology is both cognitive and affective and is central to understanding educational technology.
Constructivism
Constructivism is a learning theory or educational philosophy that many educators began to consider in the 1990s. One of the primary tenets of this philosophy is that learners construct their own meaning from new information, as they interact with reality or others with different perspectives. Constructivist learning environments require students to utilize their prior knowledge and experiences to formulate new, related, and/or adaptive concepts in learning. Under this framework the role of the teacher becomes that of a facilitator, providing guidance so that learners can construct their own knowledge. Constructivist educators must make sure that the prior learning experiences are appropriate and related to the concepts being taught. Jonassen (1997) suggests "well-structured" learning environments are useful for novice learners and that "ill-structured" environments are only useful for more advanced learners. Educators utilizing technology when teaching with a constructivist perspective should choose technologies that reinforce prior learning perhaps in a problem-solving environment.
Instructional technique and technologies
Problem Based Learning and Inquiry-based learning are active learning educational technologies used to facilitate learning. Technology which includes physical and process applied science can be incorporated into project, problem, inquiry-based learning as they all have a similar educational philosophy. All three are student centered, ideally involving real-world scenarios in which students are actively engaged in critical thinking activities. The process that students are encouraged to employ (as long as it is based on empirical research) is considered to be a technology. Classic examples of technologies used by teachers and Educational Technologists include Bloom's Taxonomy and Instructional Design.
Theorists
This is an area where new thinkers are coming to the forefront everyday. Many of the ideas spread from theorists, researchers, and experts through their blogs. Extensive lists of educational bloggers by area of interest are available at Steve Hargadon's "SupportBloggers" site or at the "movingforward" wiki started by Scott McLeod. Many of these blogs are recognized by their peers each year through the edublogger awards. Web 2.0 technologies have led to a huge increase in the amount of information available on this topic and the number of educators formally and informally discussing it. Most listed below have been around for more than a decade, however, and few new thinkers mentioned above are listed here.
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§ Don Krug
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Benefits
Educational technology is intended to improve education over what it would be without technology. Some of the claimed benefits are listed below:
§ Easy-to-access course materials. Instructors can post the course material or important information on a course website, which means students can study at a time and location they prefer and can obtain the study material very quickly.
§ Student motivation. Computer-based instruction can give instant feedback to students and explain correct answers. Moreover, a computer is patient and non-judgmental, which can give the student motivation to continue learning. According to James Kulik, who studies the effectiveness of computers used for instruction, students usually learn more in less time when receiving computer-based instruction and they like classes more and develop more positive attitudes toward computers in computer-based classes. The American educator, Cassandra B. Whyte, researched and reported about the importance of locus of control and successful academic performance and by the late 1980s, she wrote of how important computer usage and information technology would become in the higher education experience of the future.
§ Wide participation. Learning material can be used for long distance learning and are accessible to a wider audience.
§ Improved student writing. It is convenient for students to edit their written work on word processors, which can, in turn, improve the quality of their writing. According to some studies, the students are better at critiquing and editing written work that is exchanged over a computer network with students they know
§ Subjects made easier to learn. Many different types of educational software are designed and developed to help children or teenagers to learn specific subjects. Examples include pre-school software, computer simulators, and graphics software
§ A structure that is more amenable to measurement and improvement of outcomes. With proper structuring it can become easier to monitor and maintain student work while also quickly gauging modifications to the instruction necessary to enhance student learning.
§ Differentiated Instruction. Educational technology provides the means to focus on active student participation and to present differentiated questioning strategies. It broadens individualized instruction and promotes the development of personalized learning plans. Students are encouraged to use multimedia components and to incorporate the knowledge they gained in creative ways.
Criticism
Although technology in the classroom does have many benefits, there are clear drawbacks as well. Lack of proper training, limited access to sufficient quantities of a technology, and the extra time required for many implementations of technology are just a few of the reasons that technology is often not used extensively in the classroom. To understand educational technology one must also understand theories in human behavior as behavior is affected by technology. Media Psychology is the study of media, technology and how and why individuals, groups and societies behave the way they do. The first Ph.D program with a concentration in media psychology was started in 2002 at Fielding Graduate University by Bernard Luskin. The Media Psychology division of APA, division 46 has a focus on media psychology. Media and the family is another emerging area affected by rapidly changing educational technology.
Similar to learning a new task or trade, special training is vital to ensuring the effective integration of classroom technology. Since technology is not the end goal of education, but rather a means by which it can be accomplished, educators must have a good grasp of the technology being used and its advantages over more traditional methods. If there is a lack in either of these areas, technology will be seen as a hindrance and not a benefit to the goals of teaching.
Another difficulty is introduced when access to a sufficient quantity of a resource is limited. This is often seen when the quantity of computers or digital cameras for classroom use is not enough to meet the needs of an entire classroom. It also occurs in less noticed forms such as limited access for technology exploration because of the high cost of technology and the fear of damages. In other cases, the inconvenience of resource placement is a hindrance, such as having to transport a classroom to a computer lab instead of having in-classroom computer access by means of technology such as laptop carts.
Technology implementation can also be time consuming. There may be an initial setup or training time cost inherent in the use of certain technologies. Even with these tasks accomplished, technology failure may occur during the activity and as a result teachers must have an alternative lesson ready. Another major issue arises because of the evolving nature of technology. New resources have to be designed and distributed whenever the technological platform has been changed. Finding quality materials to support classroom objectives after such changes is often difficult even after they exist in sufficient quantity and teachers must design these resources on their own.
Experimental evidence suggests that these criticisms may have limited basis. See, for example, the work done by Sugata Mitra. A recent presentation summarizes the research and Dr. Mitra's current research initiative.
Educational technology and the humanities
Research from the Alberta Initiative for School Improvement (AISI) indicates that inquiry and project based approaches, combined with a focus on curriculum, effectively supports the infusion of educational technologies into the learning and teaching process.
Technology in the classroom
There are various types of technologies currently used in traditional classrooms. Among these are:
- Computer in the classroom: Having a computer in the classroom is an asset to any teacher. With a computer in the classroom, teachers are able to demonstrate a new lesson, present new material, illustrate how to use new programs, and show new websites.
- Class website: An easy way to display your student's work is to create a web page designed for your class. Once a web page is designed, teachers can post homework assignments, student work, famous quotes, trivia games, and so much more. In today's society, children know how to use the computer and navigate their way through a website, so why not give them one where they can be a published author. Just be careful as most districts maintain strong policies to manage official websites for a school or classroom. Also, most school districts provide teacher web pages that can easily be viewed through the school district's website.
- Class blogs and wikis: There are a variety of Web 2.0 tools that are currently being implemented in the classroom. Blogs allow for students to maintain a running dialogue, such as a journal, thoughts, ideas, and assignments that also provide for student comment and reflection. Wikis are more group focused to allow multiple members of the group to edit a single document and create a truly collaborative and carefully edited finished product.
- Wireless classroom microphones: Noisy classrooms are a daily occurrence, and with the help of microphones, students are able to hear their teachers more clearly. Children learn better when they hear the teacher clearly. The benefit for teachers is that they no longer lose their voices at the end of the day.
- Mobile devices: Mobile devices such as clickers or smart phone can be used to enhance the experience in the classroom by providing the possibility for professors to get feedback.
- Interactive Whiteboards: An interactive whiteboard that provides touch control of computer applications. These enhance the experience in the classroom by showing anything that can be on a computer screen. This not only aids in visual learning, but it is interactive so the students can draw, write, or manipulate images on the interactive whiteboard.
- Online media: Streamed video websites can be utilized to enhance a classroom lesson (e.g. United Streaming, Teacher Tube, etc.)
- Digital Games: The field of educational games and serious games has been growing significantly over the last few years. The digital games are being provided as tools for the classroom and have a lot of positive feedback including higher motivation for students.
9. There are many other tools being utilized depending on the local school board and funds available. These may include: digital cameras, video cameras, interactive whiteboard tools, document cameras, or LCD projectors.
- Podcasts: Podcasting is a relatively new invention that allows anybody to publish files to the Internet where individuals can subscribe and receive new files from people by a subscription. The primary benefit of podcasting for educators is quite simple. It enables teachers to reach students through a medium that is both "cool" and a part of their daily lives. For a technology that only requires a computer, microphone and internet connection, podcasting has the capacity of advancing a student’s education beyond the classroom. When students listen to the podcasts of other students as well as their own, they can quickly demonstrate their capacities to identify and define "quality." This can be a great tool for learning and developing literacy inside and outside the classroom. Podcasting can help sharpen students’ vocabulary, writing, editing, public speaking, and presentation skills. Students will also learn skills that will be valuable in the working world, such as communication, time management, and problem-solving.
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