Lesson 10 The Computer as the Teacher’s Tool

 

Content                            

This lesson talks more about how the computer is used as a handy-tool.  It tackles more about the constructivist and Vygotsky’s approach.  Constructivist was introduced by Piaget (1981) and Bruner (1990). They gave stress to knowledge discovery of new meaning/concepts/principles in the learning process. While knowledge is constructed by the individual learner in constructivism, knowledge can also be socially constructed. The psychologist Vygotsky stressed that learning is affected by social influences. He therefore suggested the interactive process in learning. . In addition, Dewey sees language as a medium for social coordination and adaptation. For Dewey human learning is really human languaging that occurs when students socially share, build and agree upon meanings and knowledge.

The computer is capable to access information, foster creative social knowledge building, and enhance the communication of the achieved project package. The computer can provide vast amounts of information in various forms, such as text, graphics, sound and video. Even multimedia encyclopedias are today available on the internet.

Along the constructivist point of view, it is not enough for learners to download relevant information using the computer as an information tool. Students can use gathered information for composition or presentation projects as may be assigned by the teacher. The computer itself can be used for manipulating information, visualizing one’s understanding and building new knowledge. For example, the Microsoft PowerPoint allows you to organize and present your ideas. 

Experience

            Nowadays, computer has lots of advantages when it comes to the improvement of the teaching-learning process. During my primary years, we were already introduced with how the computer works, and used the programs found in the computer. As I have observed, teachers find it convenient to use computer software which could help them compute our grades. While during my secondary years, our teachers used computers for showing us simulations for a clear and thorough discussion of the relevant topics.

Reflection

            The computers when used properly will greatly have a positive effects or outcome to both the teachers and learners improvement in all aspects since it will not just sharpen and broaden their knowledge, it would also develop their technical and analytic skills.

Application

          Computers are not just used to access information and in communication. It is also primarily used as a co-constructive and situating tool in learning. Wherein in co constructive, it could be used as an electronic whiteboard where students can post their notes and for a fun experience, teachers could also make use of a game. It could be used as a situating tool, wherein learners can be able to create their own 3D images and also simulations.