Computers in classrooms

I have seen some interesting points on the pros and cons of computers in labs and classrooms on several posts..

In our college we only have laptops. All students and staff have laptops and one teacher pc in every room.

Computers are integral part of almost every subject we teach. Some materials we cover would require the use of large number of computers and some would require the use of only on computer by the teacher; and rarely not use them at all. Therefore, it depends on circumstances.

Labs would require being:

• Maintained in good working order
• Upgraded as technology changes
• Supported during and after class
• Controlled by the teachers
• Used; staff need to be trained on different ways to integrate them in curriculum

A final point on this topic is that everyone involved in education should understand that computers and the Internet are not a solution. The responsibility of effective teaching still remains within the hands of those designing the lessons. The value of the new IT infrastructure and computers in labs and classrooms will depend on an open mind from the older generation of teachers and the commitment and energy from the younger generation.

Thanks,

Ghassan

Are we there yet?

Enhancing Teaching and Learning with Technology ….The Paths are Just Beginning to Branch Out

Many institutions in the Middle East have access to some of the best available IT infrastructure. There are also excellent support teams and great training opportunities for staff to integrate technology in the curriculum to enhance their courses. Taking a look at faculty engagement in using technology in their teaching and delivery strategies, we find that there is yet a broad range of applications barely utilized. We are using the computer to send and receive emails, using word processing to write lessons, using excel sheet to enter attendance, and searching the internet. However, the number of faculty making use of the wide range of available technology to enhance their teaching and learning is still relatively low.

What needs to be done to see signs of improvements in teaching and learning through the use of technology? Must we continue to build the technical infrastructure and support system of the institution? Or should we attend to staff motivation and technological skills and knowledge? Or could we become more aware of the manner in which the complicated process of integrating technology with curriculum is a hindrance to those new to technology. Maybe a combination of all these factors is at play.

One fact I am sure of is that the new generation of learners is here to stay. Our students are increasingly demanding more use of online courses to be delivered via the internet. Addressing the new demand of the net generation, would require from us, the teachers, to review the pedagogical, psychological and technological issues confronting the seamless integration of technology into education. Addressing these issues would involve everyone-students, faculty, academic, administrators, and IT staff.

I would like to hear the point of view of teachers on

Why are some of the challenges to integrating technology in their teaching?

Using technology to keep students engaged...

Hi all,

Colleges and schools are trying their best to find ways to keep students engaged in classroom activities. traditional teaching activities are not being very effective in seizing students attentions anymore.

As numerous studies found That the learners of the 21th century are highly motivated to learn; they are self directed and independent; they want to participate in decision making whenever they can; they need to be convinced on what is being taught to them will benefit them; and time is extremely important to them.

The task of the trainer/teacher/coach, whatever name you use, to keep the learners engaged and motivated in class room is not easy. Using technology effectively in classroom is one way of making the teachers' job little bit easier sometime and difficult at other times.

At my current job, all students have laptops (tablet-pc). Full time access to wireless network and internet connection. I have used many different methods to keep my students engaged. I give them access to my online course. All assignments and projects have restricted submission dates. All mini and major projects are done in groups and requires the use of internet for researching info; and plenty of feedback on their progress. With all these methods of keeping students engaged, i am still searching to get the full benefits and make most of their laptops and internet availability to meet the course objective.

I would love to hear from people with similar settings

Students with laptops and full internet access.. How can we keep them engaged and concentrating on task at hand?

Thanks,
Ghassan

Technology vs Learning

Experience the use of blogs in the education field..i am really excited about this technology.: Weblogs and RSS..Web Tools for Learning..!

Weblogs and RSS..Web Tools for Learning..!

This week I have been reading couple of papers about Bloggings and RSS web tools. I am intersted in how teachers and educators can make good use of both technologies in classrooms.

Even though i am new to both web tools, I will explain in simple language what I know about each tool.

"Weblogs" or "blogs" are simple websites that can be created and edited by anyone who has access to the internet. You dont need to know html codes to create your blog; within couple of minutes your website will be up and running....

The easiest way to start is to create your blog using one the free online services:

http://www.blogger.com
http://www.motime.com
http://www.tblog.com

Some definitions and benefits of blogging ..

"Blogging is the process of reading what is important to you online, engaging a community, and reflecting on online....it is a process or bring life to learning."

" A blog is characterized by its reflection of a personal style, and this style maybe reflected in either the writing or the selection of links passed along to readers"


"through the use of our weblogs we have been able to build a relationship, engage in reflective practice, and have interactive opportunities that develop and broaden our knowledge base."

" through the use of blogs, we were able to archive and publish students work, learn with far flung collaborators, and manage the knowledge that members of the school community create"

RSS..stands for Rich Site Summary or Real Simple Syndication.. it depends who you talk to.

RSS allows you to collect information from many websites using "aggregator" " or news feeder collector" . The RSS checks the websites you subscribe to every hour and send the information to you instead of you visiting each website individually.

To use RSS, u need to subscribe to the website you are interested in receiving information from...

There are alot of aggregators available for free download..

http://www.sharpreader.net
http://www.bloglines.com


I hope you find the information I presented to you useful and easy to read and understand.


I would like to hear from anyone who had used either tool in their classrooms; and how successful were they in using the technology and at what level it is being used..

Ghassan

Reflection...on the skills learners need to survice in the 21th ..

Hi everyone,

I am currently doing my Master of Education at USQ University, Australia. One of the topic i am studying and discussing with other people around the world is "what skills the learners need to survive in the 21th century"?

Having lived in many different places and taught in Australia, US and United Arab Emirates, I have found that the basic skills that learners must have in the 21st century are almost the same for everyone.

Learners must develop good people skills. Working with people, being part of a team, and being able to interact with others are essentials for success in today’s workplace. Emotional intelligence is as important as IQ for survival.

Critical thinking is another important skill that our learners must acquire to survive in the 21st century. As technology becomes more prevalent in our everyday lives, cognitive skills like self-direction, curiosity, creativity, risk taking and others are becoming increasingly critical.

Being able to communicate effectively in oral and written format is very important skills that our learners must develop.

Global Awareness... the internet has brought everyone close to each other. A great example of that is this online course we are taking at USQ. We have people from at least 10 different countries and many different cultures. Learners in the 21st century need to recognize and understand countries, sociocultural groups, public and private economic entities, , and individuals across the globe.

Technology skills… Knowledge about what technology is, how it works, what purposes it can serve, and how it can be used efficiently and effectively to achieve specific goals.

I would love to hear from many of you on this topic and on any other topics that related to technology and education..

Best Regards...
Guss

My Work

Hi

I am currently working at the Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE as an IT faculty. My college is located @ Madinat Zayed (bedaa' Zayed as it is known locally) which is 160km away from Abu Dhabi the capital of UAE.. Previously I worked at Ras Al Khamiah, UAE as an Educational Technology and IT Services Supervisor for 6 years. I am completing my Masters in Educational Technology, USQ Australia and i am hoping to finish my study at the end of this year.

Ghassan