The
links on this site were collected for three purposes. To help
teachers
- discover what a useful tool technology can be in the
classroom.
- develop the processes of integrating computers into the
learning environment.
- locate resources for professional development.
To
navigate through this site:
- Use
the navigation bar on the left.
- Or
use the "Site Map" buttons at the top left and
bottom right corner of any page
There
are many ways to enhance the learning process with technology. Most
of them employ one or more of these activities:
- communication
- research
- graphic organizers
- presentation
Computers were originally thought to be programming tools
only useful for the technically inclined. Later, it was
thought that computers would replace teachers and all that was
needed was really good software. But experience has taught us that
this just is not so. Computer Assisted instruction was explored over
many years, not always successfully. Many software developers
directed their production towards the home market producing what has
come to be called "edu-tainment" software. Highly graphic and
interactive in nature, it filled the role of supervised drill and
practice but it often developed spontaneous rather than reflective
thinking. It was difficult to justify the cost when weighed against
the shallow depth of learning taking place.
In
recent years we have developed a different vision. It is now
recognized that we have before us an amazing and powerful tool for
developing student thinking
and learning. Recent discoveries in brain
research and the emergence of cognitive learning theories have
overtaken the behaviorist approaches of yester-year. We now
recognize how computers can be used to manage very large collections
of data and assist in the understanding and construction of
meaningful information interpretation.
In the
last 18 months the term, "mind tools" is increasingly being
used to describe the ways that computers are used to develop the
facilities of the mind. These methods are well described in the
article "Computers
as Mind Tools for Engaging Learners in Critical Thinking" (700K
pfd file) by David Jonassen etc. al, March 1998 edition of the
Techtrends magazine. Christopher Moersch Levels
of Technology Implementation: A Framework for Measuring
Classroom Technology Use, published in Learning
& Leading with Technology May 1999
offers evidence that judicious use of technology results in higher
academic achievements.
Sites
are springing up all over the Internet in support of this
vision. But most importantly for us, the ICT, Information and
Communications Technology Outcomes Program of Studies (1.4meg
pdf file) has been released defining this new direction for computer
integration in Alberta.
Implementation of this program of studies is scheduled to
occur between by September 2000 and June 2003, for all Alberta
teachers . We have until then to become proficient in the use of
these new tools and skillful in guiding our students in their
productive use.
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