The Computers

Capabilities

Access to information
Foster creative social
knowledge-building
Enhance communication
of the achieved project
package

Still be assuming
the tedious tasks of
low-level information
gathering, building
and new knowledge
packaging

modern computer can

help teacher-andstudents to focus on
more high level
cognitive tasks

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

Informative Tool
Text
Graphics
Sound
Video
Multimedia encyclopedias
Enormous data base
Includes the latest news, weather forecasts,
airline schedule, sports development,
entertainment news and features
Educational information
kinds of educational resources

Constructivists point of view:

It is not enough for learners to download
relevant information using the computer as an
information tool. Students can use gathered
information for composition or presentation
projects as may be assigned by the teacher.
Given the fact that the Internet can serve as a
channel for global communication, the
computer can very well be the key tool for
video teleconferencing sessions.

Constructive tool
The computer itself can be used for
manipulating information, visualizing
ones understanding, and building
new knowledge. The Microsoft Word
computer program itself is a desktop
publishing software that allows users
to organize and present their ideas in
attractive formats.

Co-constructive tools
work cooperatively and construct a
shared understanding of new
knowledge
Electronic whiteboard
where students may post notices to a
shared document/whiteboard
students may also co-edit the same
document from their homes

The Computer-Supported Intentional

Learning Environments (CSILE)
An example of an integrated
environment
Ontario Institute for Studies in
Education
Students can enter their ideas in
notes and respond to each others
ideas

Situating tool
By means of virtual reality (RS)
extension systems, the computer
can create 3-D images on
display to give the user the
feeling that are situated in a
virtual environment

Flight Simulation Program

Situating systems:
Multi-User Domains or
Dungeons (MUDs)
MUD Object-Oriented
(MOOs)
Multi-User Shared
hallucination (MUSHs)

MUDs and MOOs are mainly

text-based virtual reality
environment on the Internet
When users log on to a MOO
environment, they may interact
with the virtual reality through
simple text-based commands

THANK YOU!