Lesson 11 The Computer as the Teacher’s Tool

Lesson 11

The Computer as the Teacher’s Tool

          In this chapter the computer is used in the perspective of being the teacher’s handy-tool and it supports the constructivists and social constructivist paradigms of learning.

          Constructivism was introduced by Piaget (1981) and Brunner (1990). They give stress to knowledge discovery of new meaning, concepts/principles in the learning process. While knowledge is constructed by the individual learner in constructivism, knowledge can also be socially constructed. Social constructivism is an effort to show that the construction of knowledge is governed by social, historical and cultural context. Moreover, it is supported by Lev Vigotsky and John Dewey. Vygotsky stressed that learning is affected by social influences and Dewey sees language as a medium of social coordination and adaptation.

          As we all know, the computer has many capabilities. Based on the two learning theories, the teacher can employ the computer as a/an:

·       An information tool

·       A communication tool

·       A constructive tool

·       As co-constructive tool

·       A situating tool

          In the classroom setting – not just in IT, Educational Technology or any computer related subjects I observed that teachers are trying to employ technology in every possible way. In connection with, I also experienced few times to be a teacher like in our micro-teaching and also in class reporting. I usually use computer as a tool in teaching and/or reporting.

          Using the computer as a teacher’s tool is indeed a very effective way of facilitating the classroom. We should be thankful because aside from technology’s efficient use, it also has many features to offer that will really help the quality of teaching-and-learning process.

          Computers can be applied by teachers before (preparation), during (classroom instruction) and after (evaluation) the class.