LB#4: Systematic Approach to Teaching

Everything has a system. And the cycles are closely alike. For instance in advertising. A concept is made. Advertisers deliberate on what message to deliver and in what medium. The production begins after deliberation. Then it is shown to the consumers. But it doesn't end there. Assessment of the advertisement will determine whether the consumers got the message and were "persuaded" to buy the product being advertised. Afterwhich, a re-production will be made according to the results of the assessment.

The same goes for teaching. The teacher formulates his/her lesson plan considering the students' background, interests, learning-capability, and more. Then he/she chooses what teaching method to use depending on the availability of resources, his/her own capability, and others. He/she would then deliver her lesson based on her lesson plan. Giving a test or quiz after the lesson will assess how much the students' learned from the lesson.

In my future career, being systematic and organized will be important. Resourcefulness will also be a benefit. Using whatever technology available can benefit the teacher and students in many ways. Every teacher desires for her students to learn from her lessons. Knowing that my students are learning will be very satisfying.

LB#3: The Roles of Educational Technology in Learning

The constructivist perspective has a much more elaborate enumerated roles of educational technology. And I believe is much more acceptable in the modern world. It has been said in the previous articles that technology is used as tools to help students in the learning process. It does not mean that technology itself teaches the student what he/she needs to learn. But I'm not totally saying that the traditional point of view is unacceptable.
It serves both ways.

Technology can be a medium for information and a partner for the teacher in delivering that information to the student. Either way, it helps the student understand their lessons better and increase their learning skills. Most especially, critical thinking is developed. With technology, students will yearn to learn even after student life. Information is readily available. With developed critical thinking skills, they would know what information to accept as truth.

LB#2: Technology - Boon or Bane?

Technology is so much more of a blessing. It eases the teacher's job in helping students understand their lessons better. The teacher's responsibility is to guide the students on how to use technology properly and be good examples themselves. As I said in my first article, nothing beats the old fashioned teacher-to-students and students-to-teacher relationship in the classroom

According to Wikipedia, some of the claimed benefits of educational technology are the following:
1. Easy-to-access course materials-Teachers could make a group or website wherein learning materials can be posted for the students to access anywhere, anytime.
2. Student Motivation-Computers are not time-bounded. It lets students learn at their own pace. Teachers can focus on their students individually through online feedback mechanism.
3. Wide participation-Attendance can be perfect online because students can log on anytime, anywhere. Distance won't matter.
4. Improved Student Writing-Students can write, read and re-write their articles on word processors. This way, students learn to critique their own works and learn from their mistakes. It's also a way to improve their writing skills.
5. Subjects made easier to learn-There are softwares out in the market that can help students learn certain subjects.

Teachers can steer students into using the internet the right way. They can help them understand that not everything posted on the internet is the truth. Critical thinking must be taught to the students for them to know which information to believe.

The teacher can also explain the short-term and long-term effects of misusing and abusing the internet. For a participative discussion, they can let the students identify the pros and cons on the abuse of internet use, for instance, opening and sharing of pornographic sites.

Technology eases the job of a teacher. But then again, it adds an extra load of responsibility for the teacher in guiding the students. Boon or bane? I'd say a boon.

LB#1: Meaning of Educational Technology

Basically defined by Wikipedia as an array of tools that might prove helpful in advancing student learning, Educational Technology, as I understand it, is the use of advanced tools such as computers, projectors, televisions and all other human inventions, in helping the student learn the fun way.

Theory of practice and design, development, utilization, management and evaluation of processes and resources learning. How could I use this in my future teaching career? Well it will definitely make my job be easier for there's the technology that can help me do it by making the test interactive, fun & convenient. Other than that, teaching itself will be made much easier with the use of Powerpoint presentations, film showings, and online group discussions. You will find it amusing that some students will just refuse to speak in class but are actually talkers in cyberspace.

Students' attention span have become shorter and shorter over the years, that is why the application of technology in teaching is important. The chalkboard (blackboard if you may), which happens to be a human invention too, can be transformed into an interactive learning board during students' individual or reporting. The ever convenient mobile phone could also be used in teaching. But nevertheless, nothing beats the teacher-to-students and students-to-teacher interaction in the classroom which also develops the personal relationship of the students.

There are countless and boundless ways in the application of educational technology. Your imagination is the limit.