Teacher Who Uses Media

What can you say about teachers who use media simply to make classes entertaining and fun?

Media nowadays is very useful especially in the field of teaching that is why some teachers use it to make their classes entertaining and fun. In this connection, I, as a student aiming to become a teacher someday highly regard these teachers because they are able to adapt the new way of having their class sessions which is the application of technology in the teaching-learning process. It is really good to use media while teaching because it can make the class discussions more interesting and serve as an aid to catch the attention of the students. Using media also help the students to comprehend more what their lessons are all about because as I've experienced, lesson projected on the media are more appealing and easy to understand compare to the traditional way.

         But on the other side, this media must be used properly not just merely for entertainment and fun. While using this kind of tool for learning, teachers must consider that in every class session they have, different forms of media must be utilized mainly for the purpose of making the students to learn more effectively and not just for enjoyment only. And since the teacher has the authority inside the classroom, in his or her hands rely the responsible way of using this media to have a better teaching-learning outcome.  

Plan of the DepED

What do you say to the plan of the Department of Education to supply one computer unit to each public school (average school population with 1,000 students) in the country?

     Well, for me, it is a good idea that the Department of Education had a plan of supplying one computer unit to each public school having an average school population of 1,000 students in the country. Eventhough that it might not enough sustain the needs of the students because of their large number, still it could help the students to become aware of the new trend to learn. In this way, they could be able to know more about the proper utilization of computer to their education. In this way also, the students could gain more informations especially the updated ones which could be a helpful tool in their studies. I also agree in the idea that through this computer unit and with the integration of technology in the teaching-learning process will help to improve the performance of the students especially in academics in which may lead to a better outcome of the performance of a public school.

         In another sense, with regards to this plan of the DepED, I suggest that if possible, this computer unit will be increase in number that will satisfy the demands or needs of number also of the students in a particular public school because the more computers to be used by the students, the better outcome it would be. I want also to add that in giving this learning tool to its beneficiary school, there must be training for the teachers regarding in the proper usage of this device in which later on they will be the ones to guide the students in the proper handling of this computer unit to achieve the desired goal of the DEpEd in having this plan. I also hope that that this will be made into action in a possible earlier time and every public school could avail this kind of medium for a better teaching-learning outcome.

LESSON 4 Systematic Approach to Teaching

                                                     Systematic Approach to Teaching

 “A plan that emphasizes the parts may pay the cost of failing to consider the whole, and a plain that emphasizes the whole must pay the cost of failing get down to the real depth with respect to the parts.  – C. West Churchman

INTRODUCTION 

    The broad definition of educational technology encompasses systems or designs of instruction. In this lesson, let’s discuss a symbol system or a systematic approach to instruction.

          ABSTRACTION

                                                  
                                               Systematic Approach to Teaching          
             
             As depicted in the chart, the focus of systematic instructional planning is the student. Instruction begins with the definition of instructional objectives that consider the students’ needs, interest, and readiness. On the basis of this objective, the teacher selects the appropriate teaching methods to be used and, in turn, based on the teaching method selected, the appropriate learning experiences and appropriate materials, equipment and facilities will also be selected.

             The use of learning materials, equipment and facilities necessitates assigning the personnel to assist the teacher and defining the role of any personnel involved in the preparation, setting and returning of these learning resources. (in some school settings , there is a custodian/ librarian who takes care of the learning resources and / or technician who operates the equipment while teacher facilitates.) the effective use of learning resources is dependent in the expertise of the teacher, motivation of level or responsiveness, and the involvement of the students in the learning process. With the instructional objectives in mind, the teacher implements planned instructions with the use of the selective teaching method, learning activities, and learning materials with the help of other personnel whose role has been defined by the teacher.

            Will the teacher use direct instruction or indirect instruction? Will he /she teach using the deductive or inductive approach? It depends on his / her instructional objectives, nature of the subject matter, and readiness of student and the expertise of the teacher himself or herself.

             Examples of learning activities that the teacher can choose from, depending on his/her instructional objectives, nature of the lesson content, readiness of the student are reading ,writing ,interviewing ,reporting or doing presentation, discussing, thinking, reflecting, dramatizing, visualizing, creating judging and evaluating.

             Some examples of learning resources for instructional use are textbooks, workbooks, programmed materials, computer, television programs, flat pictures, slides and transparencies , maps, charts, cartoons, posters, models, mock ups, flannel, board materials, chalk boards, real objects and the like.

            After instructions, teacher evaluates the outcome of instruction. From the evaluation results, teacher comes to know if the instructional objective was attained. If the instructional objective was attained, teacher proceeds to the next lesson going through the same cycle once more. If instructional objectives was not attained , then teacher diagnoses was not learned and finds out why it was not learned in order to introduced a remedial measure for improved student performance and attainment of instructional objectives.

SUMMING UP

         The systems approach views the entire educational program as a system of closely interrelated parts. It is an orchestrated learning pattern with all parts harmoniously integrated into the whole: the school, the teacher, the students, the objectives, the media, the materials, and assessment tools and procedures. Such an approach integrates the older, more familiar methods and tools of instruction with le the new ones such as the computer.

            The systems’ approach to instruction is simple in theory but far from being simplistic in practice. It is not just a matter of teacher formulating his/her lesson objective and then directly teaching the student. There are a lot of elements or factors that the teacher has to take into consideration-students’ needs, interests, home background, prior experiences, developmental stage, nature and the like. The teacher, in the choice of the most appropriate teaching method, learning activities, and learning resources, considers the nature of her subject matter, availability of resources, her/his capability, the developmental stage of his students, and of course his/her lesson objective. Her/his choice of assessment method for learning is likewise dependent on the lesson objective. The action of the teacher takes after getting assessment results is based on the assessment results, acceptability of remedial measure to parents and students, like a tutorial class after class hours. Will an extra hour after the class devoted to tutorial be acceptable to the students and parents concerned?

            The phases or elements are connected to one another. If one element or one phase of the instructional process fails, the outcome which is learning is adversely affected. The attainment of the learning objective is dependent on the synergy of all the elements and of all the factors involved in the process.

            The purpose of a system instructional design is to “ensure orderly relationships and interaction of human, technical, and environmental resources to fulfill the goals which have been established for instruction.” (Brown,1969).

ANALYSIS

 Guide Questions for Discussions

1. Who is at the center of the chart? What does the central location in the chart mean?

•   The center of the chart are the students. The central location in the chart mean that the focus of the systematic instructional planning are the students.

2. What are the steps of the instructional process or the parts of a systematic instruction?

• The steps of the instructional process or the parts of a systematic instruction are the definition of instructional objectives, selecting the appropriate teaching methods to be used, choosing the appropriate learning experiences, selecting appropriate materials, equipment and facilities, assigning personnel roles, implementing planned instructions, evaluating the outcomes of instruction, and refining the process.

3. What does each step mean?

•   Defining the instructional objectives begins the instruction which consider the students’ needs, interest, and readiness. The teacher selects the appropriate teaching methods to be used and as the basis of these objectives, in turn, based on the teaching method selected, the appropriate learning experiences and appropriate materials, equipment and facilities will also be selected. The use of learning materials, equipment and facilities necessitates assigning the personnel to assist the teacher and defining the role of any personnel involved in the preparation, setting and returning of these learning resources. The effective use of learning resources is dependent in the expertise of the teacher, motivation of level or responsiveness, and the involvement of the students in the learning process. With the instructional objectives in mind, the teacher implements planned instructions with the use of the selective teaching method, learning activities, and learning materials with the help of other personnel whose role has been defined by the teacher. After instructions, teacher evaluates the outcome of instruction to know if the instructional objective was attained or not. If instructional objectives were not attained, the teacher goes to the refining of the process in order to introduce a remedial measure to improved student performance and attainment of instructional objectives.

4. In what way does the chart show the systematic or systems approach to instruction? Are the elements or phases of instruction independent of one another or do they relate to one another?

•  The chart shows the systematic or systems approach to instruction by following those steps which show instructional process. It views as a system of closely interrelated parts. Yes, the elements or phases of instruction are independent of one another or they relate to one another. If one element or one phase of the instructional process fails, the outcome which is learning is adversely affected. The attainment of the learning objective is dependent on the synergy of all the elements and of all the factors involved in the process.

                                  
APPLICATION

            

Make your own graphic presentation of the system’s approach to instruction.

                                 

       

 

                                                                

        

                                                                                       

                                                    

         LESSON 1

Meaning of Educational Technology

        “Technology is more than hardware. Technology consists of the designs and the environments that engage learners.”- D. Jonasses

Focus Questions:

·         What is educational technology?

·         How does educational technology differ from technology in education?

·         How do educational technology, instructional technology and technology integration, educational media elate to one another?

INTRODUCTION

            The organization of this course on Educational Technology 1 is based on the broad meaning of educational technology. That’s why we start this course with a comprehensive understanding of the term educational technology.

      

ACTIVITY

Brainstorming

·         In two minutes, write down anything that comes to mind when you hear the phrase educational technology. (Teacher writes them on the board.)

·         Read what you wrote.

    

ANALYSIS

            Questions for Discussion

§  Of the words written on the board, what is most common?

§  Are there words that are related? If yes, how are they related?

§  What conclusion can you draw on what most people think educational technology is?

§  Is this common concept on educational technology adequate? Defend your answer.

ABSTRACTION

Meaning of Educational Technology

             To understand the meaning of educational technology, it may be good to begin with the meaning of technology. The word “technology” comes from the Greek word techne which means craft or art. Based on the etymology of the word “technology”, the term educational technology, therefore, refers to the art or craft of responding to our educational needs.

            Many people think that technology refers only to machines such as computers, tv, videos, and the like. All these form part of technology but educational technology is all these and more! Technology is not just machines. It is a “planned, systematic method of working to achieve planned outcomes-a process not a product. Technology is the applied side of scientific development.” (Dale, 1969) Technology also refers to any valid and reliable process or procedure that is derived from basic research using the scientific method.” (http://en.wikipedia.org?wiki/Educational_technology#Perspectives_and_meaning) Technology refers to “all the ways people use their inventions and discoveries to satisfy their needs and desires.” (The World Book Encyclopedia, Vol. 19) So, educational technology refers to how people use their inventions and discoveries to satisfy their educational needs and desires, i.e. learning.

            Educational technology is a “complex, integrated process involving people, procedures, ideas, devices, and organization for analyzing problems and devising, implementing, evaluating, and managing solutions to those problems, involved in all aspects of human learning.” (Association for Educational Communications and Technology, 1977. The definition of educational technology: A summary, In the definition of educational technology, 1-16, Washington D.C.: AECT.)

            Educational technology “consists of the designs and environments that engage learners…and reliable technique or method for engaging learning such as cognitive learning strategies and critical thinking skills.” (David H. Jonassen, et al 1999.)

            Educational technology is a theory about how problems in human learning are identified and solved. (David H. Jonassen, Kyle L. Peck, Brent G. Wilson, 1999). As a theory, educational technology has an “integrated set of principles that explain and predict observed events.”

            Educational technology is a field involved in applying a complex, integrated process to analyze and solved problems in human learning. (David H. Jonassen, et al 1999).

            Educational technology is a field study which is concerned with the practice of using educational methods and resources for the ultimate goal of facilitating the learning process. (Lucido and Borabo, 1997). As a field, it operates within the total field of education.

            Educational technology is a profession like teaching. It is made up of organized effort to implement the theory, intellectual technique, and practical application of educational technology. (David H. Jonassen,et al 1999).

            From the definitions of educational technology given above, we can say that educational technology is a very broad term. It is the application of scientific findings in our method, process or procedure of working in the field of education in order to effect learning. It embraces curriculum and instructional design, learning environment, theories of teaching-learning. It is also a field study and a profession. It is the use of all human interventions for teachers to realize their mission to teach in order that students learn.           

            There are other terms that are associated with educational technology. We come across terms like technology in education, instructional technology and technology integration in education books, educational media. Are they synonymous with educational technology?

           

           Technology in education is “the application of technology to any of those processes involved in operating the institutions which house the educational enterprise. It includes the application of technology to food, health, finance, scheduling, grade, reporting, and other processes which support education within institution.” (David H. Jonassen, et al, 1999).

           Instructional technology is a part of educational technology. Instructional technology refers to those aspects of educational technology that  “are concerned with instruction as contrasted to designs and operations of educational institutions. Instructional technology is a systematic way of designing, carrying out and, and evaluating the total process of learning and teaching in terms of specific objectives.” (Lucido and Borabo, 1997).

          Technology integration means using “learning technologies to introduce, reinforce, supplement and extend skills”. (Williams. ed. 2000). Like instructional technology, it is a part of educational technology. Technology integration is a part and parcel of instructional technology, which in turn is a part of educational technology.

    

      Educational media are channels or avenues or instruments of communication. Examples are books, magazines, newspapers, radio, television and Internet. These media also serve educational purposes.

           

        Which of the terms above are very much related to eduactvional technology? Which one is least related?

            

           

                 

            Educational technology is a broad term. Often times, however, it is given a narrow meaning, to mean just hardware. It refers to the use of all human inventions and discoveries to satisfy our educational need and desire, i.e., learning. These inventions and discoveries can be devices, tools, equipment, activities, procedures and processes. Included among these human inventions are the various educational media. Educational technology is more than instructional technology in the same way that education is more than instruction. Technology integration is part of instructional technology which, in turn, is part of educational technology. Educational technology is different in from technology in education. The latter refers to the application of technology in the operation of education institutions while the former refers to the application of technology in the educative process that takes place in such education institutions.

             

      

  MAKING THE CONNECTION

            

       Recall your course on Principles of Teaching. Was educational technology or instructional technology ever mentioned? If not, were there terms that you learned in that course that are related to educational technology?

                     

PS Postscript-Educational Technology is Hardware and More!

               We sometimes think that educational technology is limited to tools and equipment. We are made to understand that educational technology is more than material for it also includes processes, procedures and activities, instructional and curricular designs, learning environment and systems. Likewise, we think that educational technology includes only the recent human inventions like video, computer, CD-ROM and INTERNET as though the traditional tools like the chalkboard that teachers have been using for all the years are not part. The chalkboard, no matter how old, is also a human invention and so definitely forms part of educational technology. In fact, even today, every classroom has a chalkboard. The chalkboard remains to be apopular equipment in the classroom.