Class Discussion on Generic Applications2/11/04-2/18/04 (Limited time)
Chapter 4 was on “Generic Computer Tools”
One of the problems the chapter presents is whether ICT skills should be presented as part of a non-ICT course led by a non ICT instructor or if those skills should be isolated to a lab and not integrated with the rest of the curriculum? -drmDo you agree or disagree? -drmWhich method is more practical? Which methods encourage skill transfer? – drm
The method of learning along the way makes sense as the case of Pat examines. Learning from an early age can make a lasting impression. I believe all teachers should have the skills to teach early learners how to do ICT skills. I would like to see all teachers trained in the area of ICT so that it wouldn’t be necessary to have two types of classes or labs but to intergrate it into an environment where all could learn progressively along the way. The results will allow the Pats of the world to be skillful beyond the limited amount of hours that would get it in a seperate classroom or lab. The lab would be for those who want to go beyong the basic skills presented. crp
I believe ICT skills should be taught in a lab by an ICT instructor, and these skills should be intergrated or transferred into the rest of the curriculum by reg ed teachers. The ICT and reg ed teacher should work together to achieve this goal. ~BAP
The answer is simple, these skills should be enforced by both ICT instructors and non-ICT instructors. If students learn something in the comupter lab they should then practice that application in any envoroment possible. For example, there is no reason why students couldn’t have some use for any MS Office application in thier classroom work. -CCW
I most definitely think that ICT skills should be incorporated into the non-ICT classroom. Due to multiple intelligences, and children’s wide range of learning capabilities, it is one of the best ways to integrate curriculum, and promote higher order thinking. -BY
The paper also mentions that many users of generic applications only use 5% of the tools capabilities. Is this good or bad? Should we know more of the obscure functions of Word for example? -drm
I believe that as long as you are familiar with all the tool capabilities, and you only choose to use certain ones, then that is fine. ~BAP
It is a good idea to know what these tools are even if you never use them if for no other reason than you may someday need that tool. The Boy Scout motto “Be Prepared” comes to mind.-CCW
I think this is a simple answer, of course you want to utilize all of the tools available, otherwise you could really be limiting yourself. If you do not know your capabilities with a program then are not taking full advantage of ICT. -BY
On page 49 the author says, “As a preservice or inservice teacher, you should set a personal goal of helping to facilitate your students to achieve fluent, second-order knowledge and skills over a wide range of generic ICT tools.” Do you agree with that goal? Does it take precedence over other goals.” -drm
I believe that your subject matter should come first. If you have the opportunity to have the students use ICT tools then you should. ~BAP
I agree of course, but I don’t think that, as a goal, it should be placed above or below other goals. I see no reason why it cannot be achieved at the same time.-CCW
My focus will be on my subject matter, but I think teachers should do their best to incorporate as much ICT as possible. I agree with CCW. It should occur concurrently. One should not take precedence over the other. -BY
This topic hits so close to home. I teach a technology class to 7th and 8th graders. Although there are no computers in the other classrooms, I try to incorporate that teacher’s lesson plans into my classroom. For example, if the science class is gathering data on snowfall amounts in the state of Ohio, I will cover (just before) spreadsheets so they can use illustrations for the numeric data (charts).
It would be better for the science class to have computers and science teachers to possess the skills to utilize the technology. And it would be practical, even for the small classroom to have a 2 -4 computer station. Training sessions would not be expensive and 1 or 2 teachers could instruct the rest. There is not a subject that can’t be enhanced with technology. The more it is used, the more that knowledge and skill will be transfered to other areas of the students lives.
I think it would be better that we combine the two commonly used approaches in schools. A computer teacher will give detailed and specific instructions about how to use those general tools.In the meanwhile, regular classroom teachers will also give instructions and use ICT as an efficient teaching method in the classrooms.-WYJChapter 6, ICT as an Aid to Teaching and Learning
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