AleTechnologyIntegration
From LiteracyTentWiki
What does it mean to integrate technology into adult education?
To: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov
From: David J Rosen (DJRosen@world.std.com)
Date: Thu Feb 12 1998 - 19:16:00 EST (updated December 13, 2005)
Here are three ways I have heard the concept *integrating technology* used:
1. Integrating computer-assisted instruction
A teacher looks at her curriculum, looks at what software s/he has or could buy, then tries to fit the software (usually computer-assisted instruction) into the curriculum objectives or topics or skills. The reasons for using software are: appeal of computers to some students, variety of instructional methods, especially useful where skill practice is needed, and in a few cases because the software is very well designed and is actually an admirable means of instruction.
2. Using computers as tools in a learning process
A teacher looks at how computers can be used as tools for
accomplishing project-based learning. Students:
- a) word process their writings,
- b) publish online cookbooks or school or program newsletters,
- c) carry out research using CD-ROM encyclopedias or the Internet,
- d) learn science for example by dissecting frogs online, or by following actual scientific expeditions and posing questions to the scientists, or
- e) practice writing skills with key-pals, using email.
3) Distance education (broadcast T.V., interactive T.V.,videotapes, email courses, Web-based courses) joined with direct instruction, (with face-to-face, real-time instruction or as they say in chat rooms, IRL that is, in real life) Some times this is pure diustance learning, sometimes blended with face-to-face instruction, and sometime supplementary to classroom learning, as homework or enrichment.
Are these fair characterizations of how we are using the phrase integrating technology ? Are there other ways this phrase is being used? Do you have good examples to add to the second or third use?
David Rosen
<DJRosen@theworld.com>
David,
The goal of our family literacy/ESL program in the integration of computers focuses mainly on your #2 above: Using computers as tools in a learning process. I always remind myself and other teachers to be wary of using computers simply as a replacement of a task that could be done just as well on pen and paper -- for instance, wordprocessing writing. I like to ask the question "how does technology add value to this activity"? We determine both language and technology objectives for our students in each lesson. It seems to help.
Karisa Tashjian
Technology Coordinator
Rhode Island Family Literacy Initiative
<ktashjian@provlib.org>
