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Show page 24 lessons, fail 2001 types of computer software target these learning styles in a variety of ways. These include: • Drill and Practice and Tutorial Software fall under the type of software used for computer-based instruction (CBI). In CBI, the student interacts directly with the computer as part of the instructional activity. Students are able to work at their own pace and receive immediate feedback no matter how many mistakes they make. • Simulation Software is often used by teachers when a "real-life" situation is impractical because it is too dangerous, time consuming or just not available. • Tool Software such as word processing provides students with more than a tool for typing papers. Outfitting a word processor with art tools gives students additional ways to express themselves. Multimedia/Hypermedia software combines text with other forms of media such as graphics and sound. A multimedia program helps students with the decoding process by presenting written and spoken words simultaneously and combining words with related pictures and/or sounds to support comprehension. It also helps the reader construct mental models of the information presented. It is possible for students to create their own multimedia presentations or tutorials that include pictures, sound, video images and even short movies. Students working in groups to create such projects often exhibit increased motivation and self-esteem. • Telecommunication. Through e-mail, students are able to communicate with professionals from laboratory scientists to astronauts to authors. Students throughout the country can communicate with each other to share data and experiences. Through the use of WebCT and other web-based chat rooms, students can reflect and discuss ideas with peers, which aids in the construction of knowledge. • The Internet provides unlimited sources of information on any topic imaginable. Students are no longer limited to the information available in their school or local libraries. The Internet can also be used to "publish" student work. According to Regan, faculty should take advantage of the technology that is already available to them. The TAC Center's exists to support the efforts of instructors to integrate technology into their curriculum for the enhancement of learning. The TAC Center's purpose and mission are to provide instructors - ranging from the computer novice to the expert-with the tools to create an environment for students that is conducive to collaboration, experimentation, exploration and innovation in education. The guiding principles of the TAC Center are: • To respect the differences in experience and teaching strategies of the faculty. • To use flexible teaching strategies and methods of delivery to help encourage the understanding and learning styles of diverse and unique individuals. • To use education to foster skeptical, lifelong, and interactive learning through continuous reflective inquiry. • To appreciate criticism, creativity, conflict, cooperation and collaboration. • To understand that the dynamic relationship between technological change and social transformation entails moral and political choices and responsibilities. • To assume that the gap between the information-rich and information-poor is a fundamental impediment to many democratic learning practices and institutions. Each year the TAC Center offers faculty fellowships, seminars on syllabus building, and instruction on associated software. Throughout the year multiple workshops are held which cover everything from WebCT to Photoshop. While there is some reason be concerned about the time required to develop supplementary materials and engage technology as a tool, faculty should seriously consider the TAC Center as a way to get assistance when students are experiencing learning difficulties. In some circumstances, even students themselves can develop such materials as a way to demonstrate mastery of the concepts being taught and the technology being used, which in itself generates alternative approaches to learning. \ Professor Lex Newman uses PowerPoint to teach philosophy courses. |
