Computer in Education
Computer in Education
• The computer is a powerful tool with number of uses in the field of education.
• Categorizes the educational application of computers in education in to three. As
tutor, as tool, and as a tutee.
Computer as teacher
The drill and practice material is designed to help learners master already
taught skills or knowledge through repetitive work. A computer drill and practice
program can provide motivation better than similar pen and paper exercise.
Tutorial
In a tutorial material, the computer presents the theoretical portion, then the
program leads the student through a series of question or exercises to Increase their
fluency in a skill.
Educational games
• Instructional games add fun to computer aided instruction. In some cases, games
are modified version of drill and practice and simulation software .The skill used
in the game may not be an academic one but the concepts presented in the
game meets an objectives of the subject, making learning enjoyable.
Simulation
The learner confront a real life situation, like that of symbolic simulation, without fear
of risks involved. Most simulations are designed to promote application of
information, thinking and problem solving skills.
Problem solving
• Some CAI application teach problem solving skills but do not necessarily fall into
the previous categories problem solving applications are designed to promote
students higher order thinking skills such as logic reasoning pattern recognition,
and strategic thinking.
Computer as assistant
• In this category, the computer helps the learner in performing routine work tasks.
It can function as a typewriter, a calculator, drawing canvas, a filling system, and
the like. Software program include word processors, graphic design packages,
presentation software, databases, spreadsheets, and telecommunication /
internet tools.
Computer as learner
• In this category, the roles of the computer and student that we see in traditional
computer aided instruction are reversed. The computer becomes the learner while the
student becomes the teacher. The objectives of the application is for the student to teach
the computer to perform some task.
Multimedia
Advantages
The chief advantage of the computer is interactivity. The learner is involved
as it is required to respond. Researches on the use of CAI in various educational
levels as supplement to traditional, teacher-directed instruction reveal the
achievement effects of those exposed to CAI more superior than those who
are exposed with traditional instruction alone.
Limitations
Utilization guidelines
1. Each student should have fair access to equipment. For situations where one
computer is used by many students, have a maximum of five students per
computer. Alternative and flexible scheduling may also be adopted.
2. Employ tandem or pair techniques in computer use. This can address social
interaction.
3. For students who have computers at home, they may be encouraged to extend
developing their skills.
4. Preview and critique the software prior to actual use and encourage student
evaluation. Have the software open as the class starts so that there is no waste
of time in opening them.
5. If the television is connected to the comuter (or lcd projector), make sure that the
television is already set up. A platform can be used to elevate the set-up so that
everyone could see it.
6. Make instruction and explanations very brief. Take note that students will use
the computer laboratory room for hands-on activities and not for lecture. Limit
lectures to 15 minutes maximum.
7. Classroom discipline should be maintained inside the computer laboratory. The
nontraditional classroom setting may prompt students to be noisy and loiter too
much.
8. Websites and links in the internet which are used as reference should be
reviewed before directing students to access them. Web addresses and links
frequently change and become inactive.