Computers in the Classroom

1
Computers in the Classroom Resource Based
Learning

• Becoming Information Literate
• Week 9
• Lecturer Karen Sloan

2
Computers in the Classroom

• The purpose of using computers in the classroom
  is to provide a tool to assist student learning
  across the curriculum.
• The Curriculum Guidelines National Statements
  and Profiles Technology Strand Information
  Technology

3
Information Technology Introduction

• What is Information Technology?
• What is Resource Based Learning?
• Using computers in the R-7 curriculum.
• Selection and Evaluation of software.

4
Information Technology Definition

• Information Technology refers to the process,
  applications and equipment by which we
• access
• create
• organise
• analyse
• present
• communicate information in a range of formats
  including text, images and sound.

5
Information Technology The Processes

• The processes refer
• to the ability to define information needs,
• to locate
• to select
• to analyse
• to organise
• to present
• to evaluate effectiveness of the processes.

6
Information Technology Applications

• Applications are the software tools which can be
  grouped into three broad categories
• Curriculum Software
• Generic Software
• Information Systems

7
Information Technology Curriculum Software

• Primarily designed to teach students concepts and
  skills
• Mathblaster
• Reader Rabbit
• Super Speller

8
Information Technology Generic Software

• Used to achieve a wide range of learning
  objectives as determined by the teacher.
• Wordprocessors
• Databases
• Multimedia
• Computer Aided Design.

9
Information Technology Information Systems

• Software which provides information sources to
  the user.
• CD-ROM encyclopedias
• Electronic Databases
• World Wide Web on the Internet.

10
Information Technology Equipment

• The equipment refers to a wide range of
  information technologies.
• computers
• scanners
• modems
• printers
• CD ROM burners
• digital cameras

11
Information Technology The Potential

• Educators recognise the potential for the use of
  IT to enhance learning outcomes.
• provide flexibility in meeting individual needs
  and abilities of students
• reduce risk of failure at school
• immediate access to richer source materials
• present information in new ways

12
Information Technology The Potential cont...

• motivate and stimulate learning
• enhance learning for students with special needs
• motivates students to try new ideas and take
  risks
• encourage analytical and divergent thinking

13
Resource Based Learning

• Definition
• A philosophy of education and methodology for
  teaching and learning through exposure to and
  practice with diverse resources.
• Teachers become motivators and facilitators
• Students become active learners as they use a
  wide range of materials to investigate topics.

14
Resource Based Learning

• Involves active participation with multiple
  resources (books, journals, newspapers,
  multi-media, Internet, people, software
  applications etc)
• RBL is student centred, where students learn by
  doing and making meaning as individuals.

15
Resource Based Learning

• The Process
• Deciding Identifying information scope, need,
  purpose, problem
• Finding Locating sources, locating resources,
  retrieving information
• Using Analysing and Interpreting

16
Resource Based Learning

• Recording Noting, organising notes
• Presenting Original, clear, accurate
  communication with sense of purpose and audience.
• Evaluating Process of research and progress as a
  researcher.

17
Using Computers R-7 Curriculum Principles

• Effective computer use occurs when
• Use is an integral part of the curriculum
• Use is consistent with the schools curriculum
  priorities and students learning needs.

18
Using Computers R-7 Organisational Principles

• Effective computer use occurs when
• student and teacher access to computer facilities
  are determined on the basis of educational
  priorities and equity principles.
• When schools have a plan for computer use within
  the curriculum

19
Using Computers R-7 Student Learning Principles

• Effective computer use occurs when
• Use is appropriate to the age and levels of
  development of the students.
• Students are assisted towards becoming competent
  computer users and encouraged to enjoy their
  computer experiences.
• Students are assisted towards an appreciation of
  the potential of the computer as an aid to their
  learning and are encouraged to become
  discriminating in its use as a tool.

20
Using Computers R-7 Student Learning
Environments

• Learning environments should reflect
• Students as communicators
• Students as creators
• Students as problem solvers
• Students as researchers
• Students as motivated, successful learners.

21
Using Computers R-7 Student Learning
Environments

• By providing and implementing an integrated,
  curriculum driven IT program which incorporates
• Discovery learning
• Direct teaching and guidance
• Use of students prior knowledge and skills
• Cooperative learning partners, small group, peer
  group and cross-age tutoring
• Educators can empower students with transferable
  skills and knowledge through IT and RBL.

22
Information Technology Software

• Selection and Evaluation of Software
• Four basic requirements that should be considered
  when evaluating software
• Technical Aspects
• Presentation
• Educational Content
• Instructional design

23
Information Technology Software

• Selection and Evaluation of Software
• Technical Aspects Hardware issues
• Hard drive space
• RAM
• Speed of PC
• CD Drive
• Sound and Video Card

24
Information Technology Software

• Selection and Evaluation of Software
• Presentation
• User friendliness
• Text
• Graphic/Video/Sound quality
• Menu/Key commands
• Documentation

25
Information Technology Software

• Selection and Evaluation of Software
• Educational Content
• Accuracy of information
• Australian content
• Relevance to curriculum areas
• Expected learning outcomes for students

26
Information Technology Software

• Selection and Evaluation of Software
• Instructional design
• Clear instructions
• Interaction
• Feedback
• Self paced

27
Conclusion

• Information Technology and Resource Based
  Learning
• The computer itself is a tool for accessing
  resources and presenting information, thus it is
  a powerful learning implement for RBL
• Research using the World Wide Web, Databases...
• Analyzing and reporting (word processors,
  spreadsheets, multimedia presentations -
  Hyperstudio)
• Computer Based Learning Programs and software -
  self paced

28
Conclusion

• Information Technology and Resource Based
  Learning
• RBL is inherent in the Information Technology
  curriculum
• To be information literate students need to be
  empowered with skills in Resource Based Learning
• Educators can achieve this through the effective
  use of computers across the curriculum.

29
References

• Windows on Practice Using computers in the
  primary school Education Department of S.A. 1991
• Gateways Information Technology and the Learning
  Process ACT Department of Education and
  Training and Childrens, Youth Family Services
  Bureau Union Office Canberra 1996
• Integrating Computer Technology into the
  classroom Morrison, Lowther DeMuelle Prentice
  Hall 1999
• Integrating Educational Technology into Teaching
  Roblyer, Edwards HavrilukPrentice Hall 1997
• Information Alive! Gwen Gawaith
• http//stauffer.queensu.ca/inforef/tutorials/rbl/i
  ndex.htm