The Alberta Interim Program of Studies for Information
and Communication Technology released in June of this year has three major
sections.
1. Foundational Operations, Knowledge and Concepts;
2. Processes for Productivity;
3. Communicating, Inquiring, Decision Making and Problem Solving.
The first section requires that students understand how computers are used
in our society. The second section defines necessary computer skills. The
third section defines how students will be expected to use technology in
their learning process. Put more simply we are dealing with these three
dimensions: the basic understanding of technology, the development of computer
skills and integration of these fundamentals into effective instruction/learning.
It is in the third dimension that the image of the "Digital Classroom"
begins to emerge and this is where the real challenges and excitement lie.
Communicating, Inquiring, Decision Making and
Problem Solving.
At first glance, some may be daunted by the quantity of expectations
defined in the document. But upon further reflection it becomes clear that
we will be building on methodologies that have been around for many years.
This is not an entirely new curriculum. We will be refining and extending
some familiar processes using some very exciting new tools.
Many teachers habitually use Inquiry or Research Projects as teaching
methods. Others are already skillful computer, e-mail and Internet users.
The Model for Answering Questions or Solving Problems and the Model for
Making Decisions have been embedded into the curriculum since 1990. The
Model for the Inquiry Process has been in the social studies curriculum
since 1981. Language Arts teachers have focused on the communication skills:
reading, writing, listening, speaking and viewing since 1981. Education
Plus teachers have used Independent Study, Creative Problem Solving as
well as Critical and Creative Thinking Skills. These activities also employ
similar instructional practices. Teachers who have experience using these
methodologies need only add using computers and the Internet in the classroom
to begin reaching some of the new requirements.
There are many benefits which may be derived from using computers in
the classroom. However, computers can be used to enhance learning in four
basic ways:
The 4 Ways to Enhance The Inquiry,
Problem Solving, Or
Decision Making Processes With
Technology:
| Extend communication |
Go beyond the classroom into the
community using e-mail and the telephone |
| Use a variety of electronic research resources |
Internet, video, radio and television, CD
encyclopedia as well as local Libraries |
| Organize and diagram data to facilitate
information processing. |
Create diagrams using: Word Processors, Drawing
tools, Spreadsheets and Databases |
| Presentation. |
Word, Power Point, Diagrams, Graphs,
and Web Pages, multimedia clips, videotape & audio tape performances,
use clip art and drawing programs to respond to Literature |
E-mail makes it possible for almost instant global communication. CD
ROM technology can speed up the process of searching Encyclopedias.
The Internet can give us access to current data and facilitate collaboration
and communication on a world-wide scope. Databases, spreadsheets and drawing
applications allow us to organize data in meaningful ways to facilitate
data analysis. Presentation software provides the opportunity for students
to communicate what they have learned with any audience in a visually appealing
manner. However, even beyond these benefits are the issues of intrinsic
motivation, independent learning, enthusiasm for learning and developing
pride in ones work that often results from using these new tools.
It is not realistic to attempt to instantly integrate all of these processes
and tools at once. We have until September of the year 2000 to be able
to fully implement this curriculum. That gives us almost two years to develop
our skills. We need to find a realistic starting point and develop a comprehensive
plan of action (which will need to be frequently modified and updated).
It is important that we build on the things we already do well and get
started immediately.
Some Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Is technology going to make our lives easier?
A. Probably not but it will likely permit us to accomplish more and
do it more efficiently.
Q. Will it make the learning experience more frustrating or more exciting?
A. Yes to both questions. The one eventually leads into the other.
Q. Why should we change if we've been teaching successfully without
technology?
A. Technology has wormed its way into all aspects of our society and
our students are growing up in a different world. Not only is it here to
stay, but it will continue to permeate our society in ever increasing ways.
This could be considered a fourth literacy and it is now becoming a very
important tool in teaching each of the other three. Also, we cannot ignore
the fact that the use of technology has become a provincial mandate. The
School Act has recently been amended to specify that "in order to meet
the Teaching Quality Standard" teachers will "use computers" and "keep
abreast of advances in teaching/learning technologies and how they can
be incorporated into instruction and learning."
Q. Where should we start?
A. There are several possible and equally effective starting points.
The one that is most appropriate for you is the one that integrates computers
and/or telecommunication into an inquiry or research process that you already
use effectively. Take what you already do well and begin to take the process
a little further using technology.
Q. Is the first step becoming proficient using computers and email?
A. Yes, no and maybe! It is much more comfortable and efficient to have
developed some competence and skills before actually incorporating technology
into teaching. However, if you plan on waiting until you are an expert
in computers before beginning, you will never get started. Most
of what I've learned about computers I have learned while I was teaching.
This is true of many other teachers I know. Working with technology is
a continual learning process. You can never know it all because it is continually
developing and changing. Fortunately, becoming proficient in using technology
develops very good problem solving skills that are transferable. On the
job learning is one of the things that keeps teaching an exciting profession.
Q. Is this challenge going to be a burden or an adventure?
A. You choose! It is all in the way you define the problem.
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