This software application is used in various subjects and situations. The use of word processing (such as MS Word) is appropriate in language subjects and to produce activity reports on projects. Presentations on projects can be done using the presentation application (such as MS PowerPoint).
BASIC APPLICATIONS OF IT IN TEACHING AND LEARNING
The learning environment now should be able to prepare students for the future either to enter the workforce or to enter an institution of higher learning. They are able to compete using IT to communicate, cooperate and carry out their everyday tasks.
The traditional educational practice does not provide students with all these skills. The basic skills such as using word processor have been a must for those working in offices. E-mails prove to be important communication tools due to their speed in delivering information.
The integration of IT involves the use of Information Technology to increase the efficiency of teaching and learning. The use of tools such as computers and projectors and software application such as word processing, electronic worksheet, the Internet, course software and others require careful planning and changes in the functions of the teacher, student and classroom.
The Need to Apply IT in Teaching and Learning The use of IT in education has an effect on achieving the learning objectives, motivation and relationship among students. In a study conducted by Knezek (1999) it was found that studentds:
- Show the ability to think on a higher cognitive level when learning to use the computer.
- Able to analyse problems, conduct self-evaluation and pose relevant questions.
- Form strategies to cooperate with friends
- Motivated, more interested and confident of themselves.
Opinions on the Use of IT in Education Perspective about IT in education can be categorised as:
Four Perspective Categories about IT Category Details Media and communication According to Saettler (1990) the use of technology in education focussed initially on audio visual media.
Nevertheless in the year 1988, the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) took an interest in the use of telecommunication and computer-based information technology as a teaching media in education.
Layout system At the end of 1970, there were discussions that technology in education should not only be viewed as a communication media to disseminate information on education but also as a systematic approach to designing, developing and delivering lessons suitable to specific requirements. (Heinich et al. 1997).
Skill training tool The need for the skilled use of the computer hardware in vocational training in schools has led to the view that the practical use of computer-based technology and communication were suitable ways to learn the many branches of subjects such as mathematics, science, language besides other basic tecnological subjects such as robotics, manufacturing systems and computer aided design.
Technology related to computers Opinions on the wide use of computers in education has formed a new branch of technology in education that is Educational Computing. Educational computing covers teaching systems and technology support systems based on computers in the form of application and tools.
With this increasing view that covers various technology sources including media, teaching systems and support material, which are computer based, Educational Computing was known as Educational Technology. This view was supported by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE).
THE ROLE OF TEACHERS AND STUDENTS IN THE USE OF IT IN EDUCATION
„..there are two obvious observat ions. First, the teacher and not technology per se is the focus of any matter in relation to computer technology in schools. Secondly, th e role of the teacher and the education paradigm has to undergo changes to accommodate the potential of information technology as a problem solving tool and a stimulus for curriculum ch ange." Collins et al. (1996).
The Justification of Using IT in Teaching and Learning The integration of IT in education has a positive effect on the studentsÊ learning process. A study was conducted by Bracewell (2001) to gauge the effectiveness of IT in education. He categorised the effectiveness of IT education into 14 categories. Seven of them are related to student learning and the other seven are related to teaching. Let us discuss each of the effectiveness.
(a) Learning
(i) Increase the intellectual level of the students in problem solving, creativity and learning skills. (ii) Expands and deepens the scope of the lesson content.
(iii) Increase the interest in studying.
(iv) Increase the focus to carry out activities when using IT.
(v) Form the interest to carry out investigation as information is easily accessible.
(vi) Encourage cooperation among students in schools and outside the school.
(vii) Increase the level of information integration.
(b) Teaching
(i) The teacher can get materials and help easily and quickly.
(ii) The teacher cooperates during and after school hours.
(iii) The teacher and the students can focus more on planning the learning process to enhance learning activities.
(iv) The teacher guides and interacts more with the students.
(v) The teaching and learning process is seen as a continuous exploration process.
(vi) Learning evaluation becomes more challenging.
(vii) Diagnostic evaluation focuses more on the specific weaknesses of students.
The Effects on the Functions of theTeacher, Student and the Classroom The integration of IT in educaton has a great impact on the functions of the teacher, student and the use of space in the classroom. The teacher cannot remain as an imparter of knowledge as information technology allows the latest information to be accessed easily. This causes changes in learning activities. Now we will discuss the functions of the teacher, student and the classroom.
(a) The function of a teacher
The teacher plays an important role in teaching and learning. Below are the functions of a teacher.
Functions of a Teacher Details Teacher as a student
Teachers have to accept the fact that students nowadays are more skilled and confident in using technology such as IT and thus from time to time they have to learn this knowledge from their students.
Teacher as a facilitator
Teachers as facilitators not only focus on their specialised subjects, but also guide students in the learning activity, problem solving and updating lesson content.
Teacher as a learning partner
The integration of IT in educations involves learning based on projects which requires the teachers to cooperate with the students in making the project as success.
Teacher as material designer
Teachers have to give more focus on creating teaching and learning materials such as worksheets, notes and guides.
Teacher as a researcher
Teachers do more re-evaluation after teaching and with the aid of IT-related teaching materials they can plan to improve studentsÊ learning.
Teacher as IT trainee
As the field of IT is fast developing, teachers have to continuously equip themselves by obtaining continuous training in pedagogy and technology.
Teacher as a member of the teacherÊs group
Through Internet forums, teachers can obtain various new ideas by sharing experiences and information among themselves.
Function of the Student
The functions of teachers and students complement each other. If the teacher functions as a facilitator, the students have to be independent to search for information and be more responsible towards their learning.
Functions of a student
Functions of a student Details Students as teachers
The IT-based learning activities encourage selflearning where students have to search for and share information with other students. Students as learning partners
In activities involving projects, students have to work with other students and teachers. This is evident in elearning where students are involved in discussions through forums. In student groups, they often allocate roles such as head of group, secretary, presenter and so on.
Functions of the Classroom
IT based learning often takes place in computer laboratories. However, with the project to supply computer hardware to schools, teaching and learning can take place in the classroom. In schools that conduct IT in education, changes are noticed in the classroom (Eadie, 2001). Among the changes that take place are:
Functions of the Classroom
Functions of the classroom Details Classroom arrangement
Tables and chairs are not arranged in the usual manner facing the teacher who stands in front of the class. Chairs are placed such for group work. For classes that have computers, the tables can be arranged so that the computer can be shared by other students. Hardware Sharing
Most schools canÊt afford to buy computer hardware for each student or each class. Special space is allocated either inside or outside the class for computer sharing. Besides that, teaching and learning using one or a few computers can be done effectively. A computer laboratory is another way of hardware sharing in Malaysian schools.
Standard Characteristics of Teachers and Students from the Aspect of IT Application
To carry out IT integration in teaching and learning, the teachers have to equip themselves with the skills to use technology.
International Society fo r Technology in Education (ISTE) has drawn a few useful guidelines for teachers in the National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETSoT). There are 23 guidelines that are categorised into six, and they are:
(a) Operation and Technology Concept Teachers must have the knowledge, skills and basic understanding related to technology and are able to increase their information according to their needs and the development of technology.
Planning and Developing a Learning Environment and Experience Teachers should know how to plan and use technology to meet the needs of a variety of studentsÊ learning ability as well as identifying and evaluating learning resources.
(c) Teaching, Learning and the Curriculum Teachers implement the curriculum including the various technology based methods and strategies to improve learning. (d) Testing and Evaluation Teachers vary testing and evaluation strategies including the analysis and interpretation of data collected.
(e) Productivity and Profesionalism Teachers use technology to increase profesionalisme and continuous learning and the use of resources to enhance skills in teaching and learning.
(f) Social Issues, Ethics, Law and Humanities Teachers understand social issues, law and humanities to create a conducive and safe environment for students from all walks of life.
(a) Creativity and Innovation Students should show thinking skills creatively, increase knowledge, create products and processes using technology.
(b) Communication and Collaborativeness Students have to use digital media, the environment and even through distance learning to communicate and cooperate so as to contribute to other students.
(c) Research and Information Usage Students use technology to access, evaluate and use information.
(d) Creative Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making Students use critical thinking skills to plan and carry out research, manage projects, solve problems and make decisions using technology and digital resources.
(e) Digital Citizens Students understand culture, communal issues related to technology, law and ethics.
A VIDEO ON INTEGRATED LEARNING AND TEACHING IN PHILIPPINES SCHOOLS
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