Chapter One

Introduction to Using Computers in Education

Objectives:

You will be able to:

  1. Distinguish between, and define, computer literacy, information literacy and integration literacy.
  2. Identify a variety of computer components.
  3. Identify the different types of software.
  4. List ways computers can enhance student learning.
  5. Discuss ways in which a specific Web site can be integrated in the classroom.

This is Important Because...

Before you can run, you have to learn to walk! Understanding the basics of a computer, i.e. the major pieces and parts, can serve you both professionally and personally. Teachers often make decisions about purchasing computers and software applications for the classroom. With a basic understanding of computer components, how computers work and what makes them such powerful tools, teachers can make more informed decisions about what type of computers and software they want in their classroom.

We heard so much about Y2K and we went to great lengths to prepare for it. But what about the Y2K classroom? Are we preparing our students to be productive citizens in the 21st century? Our students are the digital citizens of this century. Therefore, it is imperative that teachers learn about computers and their applications to help students function effectively in society. In the process, teachers become better facilitators of learning.

Integration Literacy  

'in-t&-"grAt n. Date: 1620: to form, coordinate, or blend into a functioning or unified whole; to unite with something else; to incorporate into a larger unit. Source: WWWebster Dictionary

The purpose of this course is to assist teachers with learning how to integrate technology into their classroom curriculum. Think about the definitions for integrate: to form; coordinate, or blend; to unite; to incorporate. Integrating technology does not mean throwing out everything you have always done in the classroom, on the contrary, it means finding ways to improve what you have been doing to enhance student learning. Keep this in mind as you read the textbook and begin to look for ways to integrate technology.

  • High School Hub - This portal provides online academic resources for high school students. In addition, a high school Web site is featured every month. This is a great place to get ideas of how to use a Web site for your school.
  • www4teachers - This site is sponsored by the South Central Regional Technology in Education Consortium. You will find links to professional development, ideas and lessons for integrating technology, tutorials, and articles chosen by educators for educators!
  • Schrock's Guide- Kathy Schrock is a classroom teacher that has developed an incredible Web site with outstanding resources for teachers. Her site is hosted by the Discovery Channel School.
  • eSchool News Online - eSchool news focuses on integration of technology into the classroom.

 

Time Saver!  

To prevent losing your work due to computer or software crashes, power failures, etc., type your reflection in any word processor instead of in the body of an e-mail message. Make sure you save your work often and use spell checker. When you have completed your reflection, simply highlight the text and then copy/paste the text into the body of an e-mail message. If you have never used keyboard quick keys, you might want to try using them. Highlight the text and then press Ctrl+C (on a Macintosh, press COMMAND+C). This action copies the highlighted text into a Windows memory location called the Clipboard. Create a new e-mail message, click inside the body of the e-mail message, and then press Ctrl+V (on a Macintosh, press COMMAND+V). Using these keyboard quick keys also works great for copy and pasting World Wide Web addresses.

Chapter One Assignments

  1. Read Chapter 1 in the textbook and the supplemental information provided with this chapter.
  2. Go online to the Shelly Cashman Web site, http://www.scsite.com/tdc2/ and complete the following textbook end-of-chapter sections.

"Education Issues"

Write a 150 - 300 word reflection on Educational Issue #3 (page 1.34),”Power of the Internet,” focusing on what you learned. Do not summarize the report; instead discuss ideas and significant insights and how the information can be used to support classroom integration of technology.  You must cite a minimum of 2 articles or reports dated January, 1997 -  current.  You may use printed or web based URLs.  Type your assignment single space with an extra line between paragraphs.

Send this document via the “Assignment Dropbox” DO NOT SEND VIA EMAIL.  The assignment must be submitted on or before 11:40 p.m. of the chapter's due date.

“In the Lab”

#1 -   Follow the directions given on page 1.37 to create and format a “School Club Flyer” shown in Figure 1-39 using Microsoft Word.  If exact image not found, find one resembling a palette.  You must use Microsoft Word.

Send this document via the “Assignment Dropbox” DO NOT SEND VIA EMAIL.  The assignment must be submitted on or before 11:40 p.m. of the chapter's due date.

Complete Chapter 1 Test

 

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