SUB-STRAND 2
TECHNOLOGY IN THE COMMUNITY
At the end of this content, learners will be able to:
Describe and give examples of at least five technology tools for learning.Demonstrate the use of at
least three technology tools identified.Discuss the benefits of using technology tools in
learning.Examine the negative impact of computers and computer use on the environment Propose
environmentally responsible practices that can be used to reduce the negative impact of computers and
computer use on the environment
TECHNOLOGY TOOLS FOR LEARNING
Technology
is the use of scientific knowledge for practical purposes or application,whether in industry or our
everyday lives. So basically, whenever we use our scientific knowledge to achieve some specific
purpose means we are using technology. We apply technology in almost everything we do in our lives.
Educational Technology
(edutech) is the use of hardware and software or technology tools to improve the processes of teaching
and learning.Hundreds of educational technology tools have been created with the purpose of helping
student improve their academic activities and facilitating communication between teachers and
learners.
Below are some examples of technology tools that can be used to support learning
1. Encarta
2. Mavis beacon
3. Spreadsheet
4. Scratchndicators
5. Presentation
6. Virtual museum
7. Google classroom
Encarta
Microsoft Encarta was a digital multimedia encyclopedia publish by Microsoft Corporation from 1993
to 2009. Encarta was a multimedia product, with text,pictures, sound, short videos and more used
for leaning various subjects. It discusses knowledge about science, history, arts, animal life,
environment, and more.
It helps student to access information on various subjects or topic with a single click.
Uses of Encarta
1. For improving learners reading skills in English.
2. It provides step-by-step instruction for solving math problems3.
3. It helps students to learn on their own.
Scratch
Scratch is a free visual programming language that allows students to create their own interactive
stories, games and animations. As student design scratch projects,they learn to think creatively and
reason systematically.
Uses of Scratch
1.It helps children develop their logical thinking
2.It improves social skills
Scratch help children to lean coding concept.
Mavis Beacon
Mavis beacon is an application software program design to teach touch typing".
How to use Mavis beacon
1.Open the program by double clicking on the Mavis beacon icon.2.
3.If this is your first time, sign in by tying your first name and last name and select your age. If not
your first time, click on your name on the class list.
Google Classroom
Google Classroom is a free web based social tool for leaning. It allows students to post questions and
receive answers from their teachers and fellow students. Teacher can post question and lesson materials
to student at home. Teachers can create,distribute, and mark assignments all in google classroom.
Spreadsheet
Spreadsheet
is a software that is used to organize and calculate numerical data.Spreadsheet is made up of rows and
columns that stores numerical data, perform calculations, and organize the data into meaningful
information.
Uses of Spreadsheet
1. For entering, sorting and storing of data.
2. For performing calculations
3.For data collections
Virtual Museum
Virtual museum is a collection of digitally recorded images, sounds, text and other data of historical,
scientific or cultural interest that can be accessed through electronic media or web. As with a traditional
museum, virtual museum can be designed around specific objects such as art museum or natural history
museum or can consists of online exhibitions
BENEFITS OF USING TECHNOLOGY TOOLS IN LEARNING
1.Technology promotes active participation of student in teaching and learning
3. Technology motivates students to learn.
4. It creates new ways for students to lean
5. Technology encourages collaboration helps student to lean on their own.
6.It encourages communication between students and their teachers.
NEGATIVE IMPACT OF COMPUTERS AND COMPUTERUSE ON THE ENVIRONMENT
Computers have a negative impact to the environment as well as the usage of computers. Many
electronic products such as computers are discarded with a predicted amount of 20- 50 million tons
generated every year, most of this waste ends in landfills.This waste has a negative impact on the
environment since the heavy metals and dangerous chemicals make up these electronics and pose
health risks to the entire country. These heavy metals contain beryllium, cadmium, lead and mercury
and the waste contain chemicals which are toxic and help contribute to global warming.people using
them for various purposes on a daily basis. While computers have certainly brought numerous benefits
and improvements, they also have a negative impact on the environment. In this lesson, we will discuss
some of the ways in which computers harm the environment and the steps that can be taken to reduce
these impacts.
1.Energy Consumption
One of the biggest environmental impacts of computers is their energy consumption.The production
and use of computers require a significant amount of energy, which often comes from non-renewable
sources such as coal and natural gas. This energy consumption contributes to greenhouse gas
emissions, which are a major contributor to climate change. People who use computers never turn the
actual device off which wastes a large amount of electricity that could have been potentially saved and
reduce the amount of electricity produced by burning fossil fuels.
2.E-waste
Another major negative impact of computers on the environment is the generation of electronic waste,
or e-waste. E-waste refers to electronic devices that are no longer wanted or needed, and can include
computers, laptops, printers, smartphones, another electronic devices.When electronic devices are
discarded, they often end up in landfills where they can release harmful chemicals into the
environment. These chemicals can contaminate soil and water, posing a threat to plants, animals, and
even humans. In addition, the extraction of the materials used in electronic devices, such as metals and
plastics, can also have negative environmental impacts. Agbogbloshie in Ghana is one of the largest-
waste dumping site in the world
