For
several thousand years are tools have been limited in what they
can do. Now however, it is possible to group tools by how the
tool actually assists the learning process. What follows is
a non exhaustive list of instructional needs addressed by tools
and the istructional strategy(s) they to which they would be
most conducive.
1.
Skill Remediation Software (PLATO, Incredible Tutor) -Directed
Strategies
2.
Skill Mastery and Fluency Software (Reader Rabbit) -Directed
Strategies
3.
Systematic Self-Instruction Software(Most ILS like NovaNet,
Jostens) -Directed Strategies
4.
Creativity Fostering Software (Wide Range, All Productivity,
KidPix) -Constructivist Strategies
5.
Fostering Metacognition (Wide Range, All Organizational, Kidspiration)
-Constructivist Strategies
6.
Increasing Transfer of Knowledge to Problem Solving (Wide Range,
WWW, Email) -Both
7.
Group Cooperation/Problem Solving (Wide Range, Chat, Email,
Vtel, Netmeeting) -Constructivist
8.
Allowing for Multiple Intelligences (Wide Range, Virtual Reality,
Text to Speech) -Constructivist
9.
Motivation (HUGE Range, Most Multimedia, Powerpoint) -Both
10.
Optimizing learning resources, teacher time (Electronic Quizzes,
Gradebooks) -Both
11.
Simulating Reality (Simulations) -Constructivist
12.
Producing Products (All Productivity, Webauthoring, Materials
Generators, Desktop Publishing) -Both
13.
Fostering Judgement (All Hypermedia, All Programming, Evaluation
Products) -Both
14.
Fostering Real-Time Data Processing (Probeware, Einstruction
Feedback Units) -Constructivist
This
list is just a start and not all people would agree with it.
What is important is that the starting teacher develop a feel
for the revelavant tools in his/her area, and that they understand
how they fit into their style of teaching, how they meet particular
learning objectives, and how the might meed the unique needs
of their learners. If the strengths of these products outweigh
the costs of implementing the product including training time
for teacher and students then it is a good choice for the curriculum.
Adding
Skills to Your Toolbox
Unfortunately the burden is still on the teacher
to improve his/her knowledge not only of what products are in
the field, but to increase their skills in the products that
they know will be of use to them. This can be an overwhelming
task focing teachers to go through what I term the "Powerpoint
Phase", this occurs when the teacher masters a product
well enough to use it instructionally and then tries to use
it for everything. Generally, a good guideline is to learn how
to use the product before using it with the class, and once
you feel you have mastered it, move on to another product that
is of use. However, do not stop or overemphasize one product
simply because it is the one you know. Instead, keep your horizons
open for what may be more effective for a different use or context.
What follows are some of my favorite sites for free online skills
building in "foundational" areas:
My
Personal Favorite for Novice Users
Search
for a Tutorial
Microsoft
in the Classroom
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