Lesson 18: Tablets for Textbook in Schools

Content

           Today, books are still the primary medium of instruction in most schools. Already, there is a disadvantage of using books for learning that are being debated upon. The errors in public school textbooks have also been exposed, errors resulting from wrong information, technical mistakes and editorial lapses.

      Today, technology is being viewed as a savior because the students are enamoured by computer games. By that, the educators have begun to think that the computer screen can very well serve as a power point educational medium.

      In general, tablets as a primary learning tool can be replacing the textbooks. Tablets are conducive to higher thinking, constructive and participative teaching-and-learning. By that, parents gave full support to the IT advancement. Technology itself may be a key to problem resolution and Filipino ingenuity is called to respond to the challenge facing the digital generation of the millennium.

Experience

            I never experience tablets as a textbook in a school since in the first place, me myself do not have any tablets. Second, the school where I am enrolled is not that rich school that have these tablets that can make their students use in school. I think, these things should be applied only for those high classes’ schools or in the future where tablets are easy to access and affordable enough.

Reflection

            I think, the use of these tablets are good if the school really have their own tablets where the application are all for the school purposes but if the student have their own tablet that they would use, it can be a big disadvantage where the student really be pushed to make something else in room without noticing it by the teacher. If it would be employed in the classroom setting, I hope that it would be a boon than bane. With the proper use of it, it can be good factor of disseminating information and a bridge toward the topic that should be presented and the student where the topic is presented.

Application

            We can apply this if we already have enough knowledge about it and we already have control on it in terms of proper usage and a good factor in the educational process. It can be a good agent of transferring information but it cannot deny the fact that since our country is still coping on it, we cannot implement this because of the factors that have mentioned above

Lesson 17: Educational Technology Practicum

Content

            This topic should be a hands on activity where in the student are supposed to make a draft in Microsoft word and PowerPoint, here they should have a product of an encoded thing where in the prior knowledge of them about PowerPoint and word should be applied on it. It should be an advantage for those who really have expertise in editing on both. In Microsoft word, we can put pictures, text and edit it on it while on the PowerPoint; we can put images, videos, pictures, text. We can edit on the Word in text, images, and grammars of a sentence. However, on the PowerPoint, we cannot edit grammars but we can check the spelling of the word and others. In short, these two may have similarities; they also have these differences that make them unique. As an addition, we can still put hyperlink to both and comment. But of course, we cannot make animations and transitions on the word for it will be printed afterwards. On the other hand, just like the discussion above on the internet, here, we can do many things, we can make almost everything. But of course, on the evaluation part of it is really crucial.

Nowadays, with the advent of internet, we can make

Experiences

            I think all of us really experience in making PowerPoint slides and making an output from the Microsoft word. Now, with the advent of internet, we can still make use of PowerPoint and word but can be enhance or improved with the use of internet. I remembered when I use internet itself as a background of my PowerPoint. It was so fascinating and very crucial to make but when you can see the product of your hard work, you will feel good and satisfied since you put your all efforts on it.

Reflection

            In doing your slides and making output from the word, it is really convincing and can be effective if you put something that is so familiar. I realized, doing PowerPoint slides is really easy. The difficult part is to make something that you could get the attention of your listeners or making them attentive with the use of PowerPoint slides that you made. The concept you want to portray without distorting the topic you will be presenting. Honestly, there is one person on my mind when I talk about the concept and creativity of PowerPoint slides. It’s just that, based on the observations that I made, the PowerPoint he’s presenting really can get attention of the listener and although there is someone also who really have the skill in showing a good PowerPoint, but in terms  of concept-making that would make it an PowerPoint that is attention-catcher. And because of these things, I realized that I should be like them who really have great interest on making PowerPoint so that the topic they would present would be effective. I also realized that through long period of time of exposure to a certain thing, you maybe not master in making that stuff but you will improved and enhance on the things you would try if you just put an effort. At the end of the day, you would be gaining a lesson from something, you like it or not because I believe, that is the nature of human being; we just cannot notice it most of the time.

Application

            We can always apply these things to our future career, being a teacher, we can make PowerPoint, use word in our lesson plan, and innovate things using internet. By these things and information, we can always make things better. We can apply what we have experience in our past courses and integrate it to our future teaching. We can always make use of our prior knowledge like in our Information Technology and Education Technology and applied it in this topic that can also be applied on our future careers. 

Lesson 16: Internet and Education

Content

The Internet, also simply called the Net is the largest and far-flung network system of all systems. The Internet is not really a network but a loosely organized collection of about 25,000 networks accessed by computers on the planet.
           Everything is coordinated in the Internet through a standardized protocol called Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). To gain access to the Internet, The computer must be equipped with what is called a Server which has a special software program that uses the Internet protocol.
           The great attraction of the Internet is that once the sign-up fees are paid, there are no extra charges. E-mail for example is free regardless of amount use. The vast sea o information now in the Internet is an overwhelming challenge to those who wish to navigate it. The most attractive way to move around the Internet is called browsing. Using a program called the browser, the user can use a mouse to point and click on screen icons  to surf the Internet, particularly the World Wide Web, an Internet's subset of text, images and sounds are linked together to allow users to access data or information needed.
            Educational software materials have also developed both in sophistication and appeal. But the real possibility today is connecting with the world outside homes, classrooms and Internet cafes. Today schools are gearing up to take advantage of Internet access.

Experiences

            Nowadays, it is rapidly diverse and rapidly increasing. The experience of exposure to this internet to education is presently occurring. It started from the moment I used computer up to the present where I still using this computer. The main difference is that, before, I am not equipped yet with skills and still don’t know yet the basic things in using this computer. It helps me when I don’t understand something. When something in my mind  is bothering me. When it is required to our class, I always used it when there is a requirement of doing so and I don’t have nothing else but the internet alone. When it was my first time using it, it was o funny because I really do not know where should I point the arrow and where should I type so that I can search. It was really hard for me use computer before especially when we should research about something on the internet. it is really a big burden to me since I really don’t know how to make my works improved.

Reflection

            I realized that the basic knowledge about this thing is really necessary and a must. The next thing in life of it is the application of what you have learned and experiences that can be applied to it. I also learned how fortunate I am right now, though, I am not that expert of doing so this internet and not good enough in applying this concept to the real world, I would still manage to operate it well and I can still manage to teach other person, especially those who cannot manipulate it well because I know the feeling of wanting to do something yet there is a barrier that stopping you from doing so. I know the feeling of wanting to integrate something yet you don’t know how because you really don’t understand it well that is why, you don’t know how to integrate it and apply it a certain thing. I realized that with the use of internet, we can make some updates and search for new software and applications based from the topic that we have on the lesson. We can search for a program where our topic can be applied and much innovated.

Application

            With the diverse benefits that we could get from the internet, we can always search for a new updates about our topic and apply on the educational process. With the advent of internet, we can now associate internet and education in pursuing a goal in our class in the future. We can use this to make some enhancement to our traditional way of delivering information to our students. With proper use, we can make our some innovations and some activities that really caught their attention and interest in listening and involving on the activity that you prepared. With this internet, we can always make something better if we just focus and apply it properly. We can make something better that even ourselves cannot imagine in doing so. 

Lesson 15: Understanding Hypermedia

Content

     Hypermedia is nothing but multimedia, but this time packaged as an educational computer software where information is presented and student activities are integrated in a virtual learning environment. Most educational IT applications are hypermedia and these include tutorial software packages, knowledge webpages, simulation instructional games, and learning project management and others.

          The presentation of information- learning activities in hypermedia is said to be sequenced in a non-linear manner, meaning that the learner may follow his own path of activities thus providing an environment of learner autonomy and thinking skills.

          There are three important features that are outstanding that characterize the hypermedia software:

Learner control - the learner makes his own decisions on the path, flow or events of instruction. 

Learner wide range of navigation routes - the learner controls the sequence and pace of his path depending on his ability and motivation. 

Variety of media - which includes more than one media but does not necessarily use all types of media in one presentation.

Experiences

            Understanding hypermedia is really crucial for it was clarified to me when it was reported to us in this course. I never knew what hypermedia is until it was discussed thoroughly by the reporter during their time. From the moment I used computer and tend to operate it comfortably and confidently, I think that I already have used hypermedia but as what I was saying, the clarification and the deep understanding about hypermedia was when the reporting of it in our class. And from the moment I first made my PowerPoint up to the first draft of Microsoft word that I have made before is one of the experiences with regards to this topic.

Reflection

            From the moment I first used computer up to the present where I still don’t know what my understanding about this hypermedia is. Honestly, it’s just clarified when they reported about it and when I reported my topic in this course. I realized that no matter how basic and how often you used a certain things, it’s funny sometimes because of the complicated mind we have, we tend to forget the basic ideas that we have before and make things so complicated until we noticed it already when we are on-going or in the middle of the process wherein we fully understand a certain thing or a certain topic. I also realized that even the single topic can be complicated if we think it that way. It just mean that it is really depend on how we perceive everything on our environment and how diligent are we although sometimes we don’t understand it fully but still we are doing it for some reason that we have. I realized, though it is funny to think of it, it’s just a simple word that is having a complicated meaning due to the letters it contain.

Application

            Just like software, we can always associate computers and this topic to our future student if we just have enough equipment and materials in a school. We are responsible enough to our actions if we are going to use it as a tool or aid in the teaching factor but also to the learning process that the student may be having. We can always apply this hypermedia if we already know how to used it and we have this full understanding of what is it.

Lesson 14: The software as an Educational Resource

Content

           The computer hardware can hardly be useful without the program or system that tells what the computer machine should do. This is also called the software. There are two kinds of software: the systems software, which is the operating software that is found or bundled inside all computer machines; and applications software, which contains the system that commands a particular task or solves a particular problem. In turn, the applications software may be; a custom software that is made for specific tasks often by large corporations, or a commercial software packaged for personal computers that helps with a variety of tasks such as writing papers, calculating numbers, drawing graphs, playing games, and so much more.

          Microsoft Windows also referred to as a program is an operating environment between the user and the computer operating system. Actually, Windows is in itself a self-contained operating system which provides user convenience, a new look, information center, and plug and play configurations.

        Instructional software can be visited on the Internet or can be bought from software shops or dealers.  But beware since computer-based instructional materials need much improvement, while web-based educational resources are extremely good or what is complete garbage.

Experiences

            From my experiences on researching about my projects on high school up to the present situation wherein I still scroll on the internet, the experiences are really there. The first time I used software was when I was in high school wherein I really don’t have any choice of doing something else but to surf on the internet because my classmates are really hardworking and I think that If I would not do that such, I would be left over my classmates and be behind them all the time because I was so out-dated. I remember, it was so funny remembering that I am afraid to touch the computer and surf on the different software for in my mind that it would be very shy if I damaged one of those, but still, I would still manage to make something better on me during that time. During our research not just on the Science Research that we had but also on the research that we are still having, software is really an educational resource for it really answers our curiosity and questions in our mind.

Reflection

            Based from these experiences, I learned that the positive impacts that we could get from the software is really dependent on us who are using these software because we are in control on the actions that we are taking. We are capable of doing everything based on our will but the consequences that we can get from it still depend on us. However, I realized that the more responsible enough to use software in education, the effective it is if you are just competent enough and good enough on your research in that software. It just means that the responsibility and the sense of being mature in using computer is a must if you wanted to have more positive outcomes on yourself from the software. So, It is on us on how are we good enough or what could be our purpose in using these software in our education and our lives to have more positive result or product.

Application

            Nowadays, application of this topic is really often, as what we can observe on the environment that we have and based on the things that we could experience. This is due to the higher rate of advancement of our technology that even the younger ones really know already how to operate a certain technology that we, before, could not imagine how to use it now. I can always apply on every topic that I may have on the near future but I cannot assure about the effectiveness and reliability of the results that may have. We can always associate our topic on the internet but the problem is on the extent of positive impacts or negative impacts of this software to the students especially on the future generation.

Lesson 13: Cooperative learning with the Computer

Content

           Cooperative or collaborative learning is learning by small groups of students who work together in a common learning task. It is often also called group learning but to be truly cooperative learning, five (5) elements are needed: a common goal, interdependence, interaction, individual accountability, and social skills. It encourages active learning while motivating students; increases academic performance; promotes literacy and language skills; and improves teacher effectiveness.

         The teacher is assigned several tasks in order to ensure collaborative learning. These are: assigning students to mixed-ability teams; establishing positive interdependence; teaching cooperative social skills; insuring individual accountability; and helping groups process information. It is also important for the teacher to limit learning group clusters  (six is the ideal number in a group) so that there can be closer involvement in thinking and learning.

Experiences

            I think that I never had any experiences having this cooperative learning with the computer because as far as I remember, if not all and most of the activities given by our teacher is more focus on the product of individual especially on the product that they want to had before. As far as I’m concern, though, indirectly, we had this experience on our educational technology 1 wherein we would be able to make a movie and from that, maybe we had a sort of experience that this topic is really applicable. Maybe, the research that we had is some sort of cooperative learning because we were using computers on searching about something then, tend to elaborate and discussed based on the research that everybody does. though indirectly also, but I think it is more applicable compared to the latter thing I have mentioned.

Reflection

            When we are having our activity, I realized that its not about on the involvement the student is important, it’s about the interest she should have to learn more especially if it is some sort of collaborative or cooperative learning wherein she/he is one of the groups that are giving and taking information from the other. I think, open mindedness of a certain student is a must because in the process of brainstorming and cooperating on a certain group, the ideas she may have or the other group has is not that important but because we have this something on our mind that we should always accept ideas from the group, though, it’s not said that we should always have on that or what, we should have scepticism and should know how to adjust on the thinks that may encounter during the brainstorming or even after because I can really have a big impact not just on the product that you may have but also to the relationship you have or you may have on a group where you belong. I realized that the cooperative learning may be only achieved indirectly with the use of computer because of many factors in the classroom setting, I think its just focus on the thought that everybody is using computer to communicate and to be able to help them on what they are doing but not really all of them are there using computer during their brainstorming process or what.

Application

            We can apply this in our future if we really have enough equipment or materials that can be used in our teaching process. I think that it would be easier for us to make something if we have complete materials and the topic is really applicable to it. I can apply this topic if I have enough skills and knowledge on the integration and application approach. If the topic is so much related to the cooperative learning with the computers, I think, it can be used effectively on the reflection thing because in that field, they can brainstorm on what they have reflect based on the topic and if they are not all there. It means that the application of these topics may not be direct really but still used to manage computers in the cooperative learning. 

Lesson 12: Information Technology in support of student-centered learning

Content        

       Desiring to gain effectiveness, efficiency and economy in administration and instruction, schools in these developed economies have also adopted the support of ICTs. Their students have now become active not passive learners, who can interact with other learners, demonstrating independence and self-awareness in the learning process.

Generally the new school classroom environment is characterized by student individually or in groups:

·         Performing computer word processing for text or graph presentations

·         Preparing power-point presentation

·         Searching for information on the internet

·         Brainstorming on ideas, problems and project plans

·         As needed, the teacher facilitating instruction, also giving individualized instruction to serve individual needs

Given this new trend in teaching-and-learning, it must be pointed out, however, that traditional classroom activities – especially in less developed countries – will continue to have strong place in the classroom. In spite of this setback experienced in some countries, the option has now been opened for the modern teacher to shift gears to student centered learning.

Experiences

            When we were in second year I think, we had our information technology subject. here, we would be able to know what is the meaning of that, the significance to our course and of course, we would experience what are the common products out from the knowledge we had in our lecture, in laboratory, we really did make many things and of course, with the aid of our teacher, and the exercises they have prepared. The things we have made are applicable on our course since in the future, we should know how to make something from computer which the involvement of the student really seen. As far as I remembered, the cards, calendars, cartoon, web, and many more are really a great experience because it can really give us an idea and an experience that we might not get in the future.

Reflection

            Based on the image that we could imagine by tracing back the past we were still on the process of learning in Information Technology course, I realized that the involvement of the student really a big impact to all of them. It can give them experiences but also learning’s that others may not get in the future, it’s an honour and privileged to be in that situation of ours. I realized that the experienced that I had help me a lot in my educational technology 1 and 2. it really help me in introducing to the first and second educational technology. it let me experienced the things I may not experience d if I’m not on the situation like those. I think the involvement of a student in a certain situation r activity arranged by the teacher really help a lot to the student if he/she is really engaging or involving herself to the activity. If a student is really helping herself and really willing to learn from the given activity, the result would really be something special. I think, it’s not about on how the complicated the activity is, it’s about, how active and involved the students are on a certain activity.

Application

            As I was saying, Involvement of the student on an activity is a must. If you wanted to make your activity a successful one, you have to make sure that everything you plan is achievable and clear, concise. In the future near that I would be teaching, I think I ca apply this topic if the school I would be teaching have complete enough the course for this topic or they have complete or have most of the materials or equipment I may be needing. I think also, the preparedness that I may have should always be there in the sense that I can really confidently manipulate and teach my student about it, and it would maybe easily for me to be on a crucial situation that I can face on the near future. It is also a big help if you yourself can integrate even to the simplest thing you can imagine from your topic based on the major of specialization that you have to the topic of information technology or to the topic you will be teaching soon in the future.