Classroom Technology Herbert J. Bernstein ( )

Introduction to Classroom Technology

The use of technology for instruction has a very long history. The very idea of a gathering place for teaching is a use of technology. The uses of speech, writing, books, libraries of books, artificial illumination, desk, chairs, chalk boards, public address systems, slide projectors, overhead projectors, and computers have all had an impact both on how teaching is done and on what can be taught. We review some of the major topics of current interest in incorporating technology with instruction, but the reader must keep in mind that the only constant is change.

• What is technology?
  The systematic application of science to human activities; engineering. (see www.webster-dictionary.org/definition/technology
• What is education?
  The imparting of knowledge, or the acquisition of knowledge (self-education)
• The role of technology in education
  • Allows information to be shifted in space (books, video-conferencing, ...)
  • Allows information to be shifted in time (books, email, drill programs, the web, ...)
  • Allows multiple copies of information to be generated (books, copiers, web pages, ...)
  • Allows new information to be derived from existimg information (databases, web searches, concordance programs, ...)
  • Help records to be managed
  • Helps in assessment
  • Learning to work with technology is itself a useful skill
• Interaction with Pedagogical Models
  • Directed Approach
    • Essential in secondary and higher education
    • Teacher teaches student
    • Emphasis on individual student-teacher interaction
    • Content oriented (learn the subject matter)
    • Teacher assesses student subgoal by subgoal
    • Technology can assist with
      • Linear books (paper and on-line), study guides (paper on on-line)
      • Visual aides for lectures
      • Generation and evaluation of assessment materials
      • Automated drills, behavior modification
      • Virtual environments and simulations
      • Student-teacher communications and record keeping
  • Constructivist Approach
    • Common in elementary education
    • Teacher creates an evironment, guides the process
    • Students teach themselves
    • Process oriented (learn how to learn)
    • Emphasis on group activities
    • Teacher assesses overall performance
    • Technology can assist with
      • Programmed books (paper and on-line), study guides (paper on on-line)
      • Visual aides for subject exploration
      • Automated subject exploration
      • Virtual environments and simulations
      • Student-teacher communications and record keeping
      • Establishing group environments, student-student communications
• Common Technological Tools
• Books
• Chalk boards and white boards
• Models
• Sample systems (aquaria, ant farms, etc.)
• Experimental equipment (chem/bio/physics labs ...)
• Projectors
• Public Address systems
• Video conferencing
• Computer-Aided Instruction
  • Drill
  • Programmed learning
  • Expert systems
  • Reference materials
  • On-line books
  • Book readers
• The web
• Modelling and simulation software