Educational Technology

Educational TechnologyPresented byAndrene Miller, Audrey Clarke, Donnette Turner, Esmie Muschette, Precious Heron, and Norman Wright

Identifying Issues Affecting LearningMrs. Wilson is an enthusiastic teacher who uses a variety of technology tools in the delivery of her lessons. However, she found that even though she had prepared well for a particular class using a wall chart and a video presentation, only four (4) of the twenty four (24) students were actively participating in the lesson. The other students did not pay much attention. Some were clearly bored, while many of them were observed fanning with their exercise books.

Three Reasons for Students ResponseThe students were bored because the tools being used were not interesting to the students.Many of the students were observed fanning with their exercise books; this may be a result of poor ventilation in the classroom.The strategy used to teach this particular lesson may have been ineffective.

Proposed Solutions for the Issues IdentifiedIn order to maintain the students attention it is important to engage them throughout the lesson. Instead of using only a video and a wall chart, Mrs. Wilson could include them in a PowerPoint presentation which is more interactive. She can also engage students through questioning and have discussions as she carries out the lesson.To address the issue of ventilation, Mrs. Wilson may need a classroom with air conditioning or one which has better air circulation. An alternative could be to have the class outside but this can also be distracting and may affect how technology is used in delivering the lesson.

Proposed Solutions for the Issues IdentifiedA Constructivist approach to teaching/learning proposes that students learn by creating their own ideas/knowledge through exploration and experience. Mrs. Wilson can provide a better learning experience for her students by using the Cooperative learning strategy. This allows students to be actively involved in a group setting where they can also develop cognitive as well as social skills. In this environment students benefit by learning as they explore.

Using Technology to Aid InstructionTopic: Counting and Identifying Numerals 1 10Age Group: 4 year oldsTechnology Used: PowerPoint Presentation (Computer and Projector), Video and Internet Games

Using Technology to Aid InstructionLesson ObjectivesAt the end of the lesson student will be able to:Identify the numerals 1 10 by touching and callingCount and group objects in groups 1 10Share knowledge of numerals 1 10 through playing games and solving problems together

Using Technology to Aid InstructionProcedureStep 1: Students will recite counting jingles, e.g. One, Two Buckle My ShoeStep 2: Students will watch video entitled Pic Train Counting FingersStep 3: The video will be replayed and paused at intervals where the students will count the fingers and identify numbers.Step 4: Students will be introduced to a counting game Fishy Count which is available free online. Link to Game http://www.primarygames.com/math/fishycount/Step 5: Students will also play an interactive game Teddy Count available at http://www.topmarks.co.uk/learning-to-count/teddy-numbers

Pic Train Counting Fingers Demo

Aspects of The Lesson Developed by TechnologyThis will help to reinforce their numeracy concept.The use of the train and oranges also provide a context for the learning of the numbers which brings life to the teaching learning process.The use of the interactive games provides a fun activity for the students and at the same time give them opportunities to strengthen their skills in counting and number recognition.

The Benefits to StudentsThe students would benefit from the video as they will see objects and numerals and hear them being counted.They will have the opportunity to link the semi-concrete objects with the abstract symbol i.e. the numbers.In addition to the reinforcement of the topic being taught, the students can also enhance their motor skills, eye hand coordination and their social skills.Through manipulating the devices, they can develop their hand muscles and may experience increased vocabulary through the words and objects presented in the video and games.

The EndThank you for your participation!