L17 Educational Technology 2 Practicum

            EdTech 2 Practicum is a performance phase, which offers students the experiential process of adapting to technology. This is the practicum phase consist of hands-on computer tutorials and requirements such as:

Ø      Computer laboratory or special classroom with adequate computers for learning

Ø      Participation of computer lab assistant- to assist the learners in the use of computer

Ø      Assigned number of hours base on the requirements needed by the course

The practicum phase consists of:

1. Basic Microsoft Word

            - Tutorial familiarizes each individual learner to the basics of Microsoft Word by learning how to use the toolbars and software; they will be taught how to encode, edit and format text; creating, formatting, editing and saving documents and printing as well.

            At the end, the learner shall be able to create, open and save word documents; insert graphics, tables or charts; apply format on the text, hyperlink or creating standard documents.

2. Microsoft PowerPoint

            - Tutorial is focus on the familiarization on the basics of Microsoft PowerPoint presentations to enhance the teaching of subjects. Coverage of learning includes PowerPoint fundamentals, enhancement of powerpoint presentation with the use of graphics, audio or videos, using templates, presenting and printing a slide.

            At the end of the tutorial, the learner will be able to create and open PowerPoint presentations, insets objects to creative presentations and templates to enhance presentations.

3. Internet as tool of Inquiry

            - Tutorial will facilitate the finding of sources of information appropriate to a learning task. Its coverage includes accessing the internet, use of internet tools and search techniques.

            Thus, at the end the learner may able to search and retrieve information from the web, acquire skills in locating appropriate information, acquire ability to use internet tools, gain knowledge of techniques use and learn the ability to execute the research.

            Therefore, the practicum phase brings the learners and educators a challenge of a new age by integrating technology in the teaching-learning process. In each phase students were expected to know and understand such task and in the end they will be able to perform and apply it. Thus, practicum is a preparation to encourage the educators to instil learning with the aid of technology and shall be empowered to meet the technology challenges of the 21^st Century.

L16 The Internet and Education

         

         The Net, is the largest and far-firing network system-of-all-system. Internet works through a standardized protocol (or set of rules for exchanging data) called Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). In order to gain access to the internet, the computer must be equipped with a Server which has a special software (program) that uses the Internet protocol. The Internet connects not only commercial, industrial, scientific establishments but also all other sectors including education and its libraries, campuses and computer centres. Individuals using the net on their own personal used must pay monthly fees to their service provider to gain access with the internet. On the other hand, the great attraction of the internet is that once the sign up fees are paid, there are no extra charges or browse it anytime you can avail free access it can be inside the mall, school premises or in an area where the service is available.  

Using the Net

          The widely use of information in the Internet, is an overwhelming challenge. Since everyday, net user-population and the available information continue to grow and are continuously being developed. Browsing is the most attractive way to move around the Internet using a program called a browser. With this, the user can use a mouse to point and click on screen icons to surf the Internet, particularly the World Wide Web (the web), an Internet' s subset of text, images and sounds are linked together to allow users to access data or information need. The future of the Internet seems limitless. Many experts predict that the Internet is destined to become the centrepiece of all online communications.

Educational uses of the Internet

        Nowadays, in progressive countries like the United States or even in a country as ours children are corresponding via e-mail, they were able to communicate and interact with others through the net. Educational software materials have also developed both in sophisticated and appeal. There is now a wider choice from rote arithmetic or grammar lesson to discovery and innovation projects. Nevertheless, the real possibility today is connecting with the world outside homes, classrooms, and Internet cafes. And today schools are gearing up to take advantage of Internet access, where they can make virtual visits to a famous place, communicate online with famous personalities.

L15 Understanding Hypermedia

Hypermedia is nothing but mul  timedia, nowadays it is a packaged as educational computer software where information is presented and student activities are integrated in a virtual learning environment. A hypermedia educational IT application includes tutorial software packages, Knowledge web pages, Simulation instructional games and Learning project   management and others.

            The presentation of information learning in hypermedia is said to be sequenced in a non-linear manner, which means that the learner may follow his path of activities thus providing an environment of learner autonomy and thinking skills

There were 2 characteristics of hypermedia applications these are

1.) Learner control – means that the learner makes his own decisions on the path or events of     instruction. The learner has control on such aspects sequence, page content, media,   and feedback. That she may encounter in the hypermedia-learning program.

2.) Learner wide range of navigation routes - the learners controls the sequence and pace of his path             depending on his ability and motivation. He has the option to repeat and change speed, if     desired.  The learner also has a wide range of navigation routes such as by working on       concepts where he is already familiar.

The following instructional events will prove useful to the teacher using hypermedia are:

•  Get the learner's attention                                                      
• Recall prior learning   
• Inform learners of lesson objectives
• Introduce the software and its distinctive features
• Guide learning,eliciting performance
• Provide learning feedback
• Asses performance
• Enhance retention and learning transfer

            Hypermedia may be developed in a number of ways. Any programming tool can be used to write programs that link data from internal variables and nodes for external data files. Multimedia development software such as Adob Flash,  Adobe Director, Macromedia Authorware, and MatchWare, Mediator may be used to create stand-alone hypermedia applications, with emphasis on entertainment content.

            Therefore, hypermedia is particularly appropriate for the production of interactive and exploratory educational applications, where large numbers of links and cross-references are provided and the learner can explore her/his own interests according to previous experience, background and perspective. To be effective, hypermedia applications need to be tailored to suit the particular learning tasks planned.