The Computer as Aid to Teaching

Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. Explain the important features of the computer as important aid in teaching
2. Discuss advantages and disadvantages using computers in teaching and
learning
3. Describe technical terms related to computer applications

COMPUTER
A computer is an electronic device that manipulates information, or data. It has the ability to
store, retrieve, and process data. You may already know that you can use a computer to type
documents, send email, play games, and browse the Web. You can also use it to edit or create
spreadsheets, presentations, and even videos.
Hardware
is the physical part of the machine like the central processing unit(CPU), monitor keyboard,
mouse, scanner, CD player, LCD panel, modem, printer, disc drive. It is the part of the
computer that one sees and touch. A computer is made up of hardware and software. It also
includes all of the computer's internal parts, which you can see in the image below.

Software
Software is any set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do and how to do it. Examples
of software include web browsers, games, and word processors. Below, you can see an image
of Microsoft PowerPoint, which is used to create presentations.

TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ELEMENTARY GRADES 1

Multi-media
Is media and content that uses a combination of different forms. Multimedia includes a
combination text, audio, still images, animation, video or interactivity content forms.

Internet

• is a wide network of computers; its scope is throughout the world

• it is an international electronic network to connect schools, universities, government
agencies and various establishments, offices and organizations
• is the main connector of all sub networks
• a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication
facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication
protocols.
Electronic mail (e-mail)

• refers to a method of exchanging digital messages from an author to one or more

recipients. Modern email operates across the internet or other computer networks.
• Short for electronic mail, e-mail or email is information stored on a computer that
is exchanged between two users over telecommunications. More plainly, e-mail is
a message that may contain text, files, images, or other attachments sent through
a network to a specified individual or group of individuals.
Modem

• Modem is short for "Modulator-Demodulator." It is a hardware component that allows

a computer or another device, such as a router or switch, to connect to the Internet. It
converts or "modulates" an analog signal from a telephone or cable wire to digital data
(1s and 0s) that a computer can recognize. Similarly, it converts digital data from a
computer or other device into an analog signal that can be sent over standard
telephone lines.
Scanner

• A scanner is an input device that scans documents such as photographs and pages of
text. When a document is scanned, it is converted into a digital format. This creates an
electronic version of the document that can be viewed and edited on a computer.
• Most scanners are flatbed devices, which means they have a flat scanning surface.
This is ideal for photographs, magazines, and various documents.
TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ELEMENTARY GRADES 2
Computer- Assisted Instruction

• A software that includes tests and activities for individualize instruction, the
performance of students are being monitored by a system.
Examples of Computer-assisted Instructions (CAI)
1. Simulation programs
2. Instructional games
3. Problem solving software
4. Multimedia
Understanding Multimedia and Hypermedia
Multimedia – an audiovisual package that includes more than one instructional media (means
of knowing), such as text, graphics, audio animation, and video clip (Lucido, 2007). According
to Moore (1994), it simply means “multiple media or combination of media” combined in a
product whose purpose is to communicate information.
Hypermedia – is multimedia packaged as an educational computer software, where
information is presented and student activities are integrated in a virtual learning environment
(Lucido, 2007).
Technology in the Classroom
There are various types of technologies that can be or currently used in traditional
classrooms. Among these are:

• Computer in the classroom

Having a computer in the classroom is an asset to any teacher. With a computer in the
classroom, teachers are able to demonstrate a new lesson, present new material,
illustrate how to use new programs, and show new websites.

• Class website

An easy way to display a student’s work is to create a web page designed for the class.
Once a web page is designed, teachers can post homework assignments, student
work, famous quotes, trivia, games and so much more. In today’s society. Children
should know how to use the computer to navigate their way through a website, so why
not give them one where they be a published author.

• Class blogs and wikis

There are a variety of Web 2.0 tools that are currently being implemented the
classroom. Blogs allow for students to maintain a running dialogue. They work as a
tool for maintaining a journal thoughts, ideas, and assignments as well as encourage
student comment and reflection. Wikis are more group focused to allow multiple
members of the group to edit a single document and create a truly collaborative and
carefully edited finished product.

• Wireless classroom microphones

Noisy classrooms are a daily occurrence. With the help of microphones, students are
able to hear their teachers more clearly. Children learn better when they hear the

TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ELEMENTARY GRADES 3

 teacher clearly. The benefit for teachers is that they no longer lose their voices at the
end of the day.

• Mobile devices

Mobile devices such as clickers or smartphones can be used to enhance the

experience in the classroom by providing the possibility for professors to get feedback.

• Interactive Whiteboards

An interactive whiteboard that provides touch control of computer applications

enhances the experience in the classroom by showing anything that can be computer
screen. This not only aids in visual learnings, but it is interactive so the student can
draw, write or manipulate images on the interactive whiteboard.

• Digital video-on-demand
Replacement of hard copy videos (DVD, VHS, etc.) with digital video accessed from a
central server (e.g SAFARI Montage). Digital video eliminates the need for in-
classroom hardware (player) and allows teachers and students to access video clips
immediately by not utilizing the public internet.

• Online media
Streamed video website can be used to enhance a classroom lesson. (e.g. United
streaming, teacher tube, etc.)

• Online study tools

These are tools that motivate studying by making studying more fun and individualized
for the student. (E.g. study cocoa)

• Digital games
The field of educational games and serious games has been growing significantly over
the last few years. The digital games are being provided as tools for the classroom and
have a lot of positive effects, including higher motivation for students.
There are many other tools being used. These may include: digital cameras, video
cameras, interactive whiteboard tools, documents cameras, or LCD projectors.

• Podcasts

Podcasting is a relatively new invention that allows anybody to publish files to the
internet where individuals can subscribe and receive new files from people by
subscription. The primary benefit of pod-casting for educators is quite simple. It enables
teachers to reach a student in a way that is both “cool” and a part of daily lives. For a
technology that only requires a computer, microphone and internet connection, pod
casting has the capacity of advancing a student’s education beyond the classroom. When
students listen to the pod casts of other student as well as their own, they can quickly
demonstrate their to identify and define “quality”. This can be a great tool for learning and
developing literacy inside and outside the classroom. Pod casting can help sharpen

TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ELEMENTARY GRADES 4

 students’ vocabulary, writing, editing, public speaking, and presentation skills. Student
will also learn skills that will be valuable in the working world, such as communication,
time management, and problem-solving.

ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER IN TEACHING AND LEARNING

• It allows students to learn at their own pace by having control over the rate and
sequence of learning.
• Learning is reinforced by way of high speed personalized response.
• Color, music and animated graphics add realism and appeal to drill exercises,
laboratory activities, stimulations and others.
• Progress in learning is easily monitored with the records keeping ability of computers.
• Massive information is put at the disposal of the teacher; information which he/she can
control as he keeps contact with the learner.
• Motivated work improves efficiency, broader memory capacity, time saving compared
with conventional modes of learning.

DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER IN TEACHING AND LEARNING

• Computers could become a barrier in communication between the teacher and the
learner. This is due to the intervention of the attention that is given by the student to
the computer machines.
• The risk of becoming anti-social is also a disadvantage since some experts believe
that using computers often makes an individual difficult to form personal connection to
others.
• Computer integration in the teaching and learning process could also give some
problems for those students to have poor eyesight or vision.
• Another consideration is that the fundamental skills are sometime neglected. An
example of this is the use of the spelling and grammar tools in word processing
software which make the students rely on computer machines rather than doing the
editing with their own as a way of enhancing their learning. A lot of teachers have not
been trained to use a computer, and many do not know how to operate them.

Internet as a Resource Material for Teaching

• Internet has become an instant source of information from: Internet is a valuable

medium for communication

10 Best Uses of Internet for Teaching and Learning

1. Social networking
Social networking is a great way to remain in touch with friends and family members.
It is also good for sharing pictures and advertising. Many people have gotten their big
breaks from using social networking sites
2. SHOPPING
Online shopping is the route when you’re in need of books for school, clothes, shoes,
etc., but no time to go out and purchase. With the help of the websites online shopping
is a breeze.
3. Current events

TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ELEMENTARY GRADES 5

 When on the go the internet is the best way to keep up with current events. The
television is not always available, but with the new technology that is being used the
internet is always available while using the computer, phones, etc. It is much easier to
subscribe to newsletters and list servers for the most current news.
4. EDUCATIONAL GAMES
Many schools as well as households are using educational websites to help reinforce
what is being learned in school. Educational games provide those reinforcements in a
fun and exciting way. Children as well as adults enjoy playing online games.
5. VIRTUAL TOURS
Today many schools do not allow field trips that are not within the school district. The
internet provides those schools with virtual field trips. Some virtual field trips provide
live footage and some provide animated. All in all these trips can be used as a learning
tool. Also many people use virtual field trips to view properties before renting or buying.
6. COMMUNICATION
E-mail (electronic mail) is an effective way to communicate with other individuals. It is
a convenient way for teachers to communicate with students. It also provides digital
access to communicating with more than one person.
7. PLANNING LESSONS
The internet is a first year teacher’s best friend! It provides teachers with ideas for
lesson plans, templates, and model lesson plans.
8. Online Education
Furthering your education has gotten so much easier with online education. Schools
are at your fingertips. Online education provides students with the same education as
traditional, but is more convenient.
9. Teacher resources
Teachers can always use resources other than teacher editions. Online they are able
to find lesson plans, games, activities, and also the worksheets from their teacher’s
edition books.
10. Research
Researching is only a click away. We are now able to use the internet as a more
convenient way of finding up to date research on any given topic. It is a lot easier than
going the conventional route of opening a book when there is not much time.

Some Technical Terms:

Chip A piece of silicon inside a computer on which

electronic circuits have been placed.
Debug Review a computer program and remove the errors
or bug.
E-mail Address Series of symbols or letters that act as an address
for a site on the internet.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) A way to transferring file (on the internet) from one
computer to another.
GPS (Global Positioning System) An instrument that uses a satellite to pinpoint exact
location

TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ELEMENTARY GRADES 6

GUI (Graphic User Interface) Software that displays option to user in graphic
format consisting of menus and icons
HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) The primary programming language used to develop
web pages.
Internet Explorer Popular browser software used to access the
internet.
IP (Internet Protocol) Agreed-upon way of coding and sending data across
the internet
ISP (Internet Service Provider) An institution , company that provides access to the
internet
JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts A file format for storing and sending graphic images
Group) on a network
LCD (Liquid Crystal Displays) Device consisting of light sensitive material encased
between two clear pieces of glass or plastic
desingned to be placed on an overhead projector.
MPEG (Motion Picture Experts A file format for storing and sending video sequences
Group) on a network
PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) Handheld computer that can function as cellphone,
fax machine and personal organizer.
PDF (Portable Document Format) A file format invented by Adobe systems to save
documents in smaller file size and retains the original
look layout, fonts, and other graphic elements
RAM (Random Access Memory0 Type of internal computer memory that is erased
when the power is turned off.
Videoconferencing An online meeting between two or more participants
at different sites.
Search Engine Internet software that helps people locate internet
site and information relate to a given topic.
Server software A server is a system that response to request across
a computer network to provide, or help to provide, a
network service;
Skype A face-to-face communication that is made possible
through a computer.
Snail email Regular postal service mail as opposed to email
Spam Unsolicited email or other messages

Assessment

1. Download a research article related to the use of computer in teaching and learning.
Read the article, and cite specific highlights on the impact of using computer, or
computer-assisted instruction in teaching to the learning process. Write a reflection
paper on this. Attach the copy of the article upon submission of your paper.

Chapter References
TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ELEMENTARY GRADES 7
 Candelaria D. Garo. Teaching Educational Technology
http://hcdceductech.blogspot.com/search/label/The%20History%20of%20Technology
%20in%20Education
Corpuz, B., & Lucido, P. (2008). Educational technology 1. Quezon City: Lorimar
Publishing, Inc.
https://www.slideshare.net/etuff/10-best-uses-of-internet-in-teaching-and

TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ELEMENTARY GRADES 8

 Technology Integration for Elementary Teaching
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
▪ Identify some technologies that can be used in an elementary
classroom

How to Integrate Technology

Successful technology integration is more than just getting the tools into the classroom;
here are some ideas on how to engage students and enliven your lessons with those tools.
We define "technology integration" depending on the kinds of technology available
and how much access one has to technology. This definition also depends on who is using
the technology.
For instance, in a classroom with only an interactive whiteboard and one computer,
learning will still remain teacher centered and integration will revolve around teacher needs,
which are not necessarily student needs. Still, there are ways to use an interactive whiteboard
to make it a tool for your students. Even with one computer in the room, there are ways to
integrate that one machine into your classroom and still make sure that you and your students
are indeed doing things that you couldn't do before, not just doing the same things you did
before in a quicker, more efficient way.
Below you will find a quick overview with suggestions of what kinds of tools and activities are
best matched with various levels of technology access. All of the resources linked to be either
free or offer free versions.
If your class has an interactive whiteboard and projector:

• Try interactive websites such as BrainPOP.

• Dig in to Scholastic's whiteboard activities page.
• Show online videos related to the lessons.
• Explore virtual math manipulatives.
• Check out the native software that came with the board.
• Use the videoconferencing tool Skype to connect beyond the classroom.
If there is only one computer in your room:
All of the above, plus…

• Assign one student to be the class scribe and take notes.

• Start a collaborative class blog.
• Check out the Skype an Author Network website.
• Try Voicethread, a collaborative multimedia conversation tool.
• Let students’ access review or intervention materials on a rotating schedule.
• Curate resources for students via a Livebinder.
• Build a Google Site to house class content.
• Encourage skills practice, research, or the creation of collaborative stories using
Google Docs.

TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ELEMENTARY GRADES 9

 • Record Screencasts for providing onscreen instruction.
If you have a pod of three to five computers in the classroom or access to a library with
a pod of computers:
All of the above, plus…

• Encourage individual student blogging using Kidblog.

• Have students create digital stories using Voicethread.
• Explore student-created multimedia presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint,
LibreOffice, Prezi, or Google Docs.
• Use Edmodo, Schoology, or Moodle to manage course content, assignments, and
assessments.
• Get the students to create cartoons using ToonDoo.
• Have students make videos using Windows Movie Maker or Animoto.
• Build websites with students using Weebly or Wikispaces.
If you have access to a laptop cart or a computer lab:
All of the above, plus…

• Enable students to work through course content at their own pace through the use of
screencasts, e-books, and other digital media.
• Use Poll Everywhere or Socrative to poll students.
• Start live class discussions with TodaysMeet.
• Explore enhanced digital note taking with Evernote.
If your students have 1:1 laptops or netbooks:
All of the above, whenever you want, for however long you like (especially if students take
their laptops or netbooks home).
If you have access to a handful of mobile devices:

• Have students create videos using the Animoto app

• Record group discussions using a voice recording app.
• Have students record themselves reading aloud for fluency checks.
• Assign student-created comics using the Puppet Pals app.
• Offer e-books for required readings.
• Upload and access course content using the Edmodo or Schoology apps.
• Conduct research.
• Foster skills practice using apps specific to subject area.
• Collaborate using apps like Whiteboard.
If your students have 1:1 mobile devices:
All of the above, plus…

• Use them as multifunction devices (e.g., e-book readers, calculators, platforms for
taking notes).
• Try out a tool like Nearpod to project information onto student devices.
• Check out mobile apps for student polling from Poll Everywhere or Socrative.
Getting to "Seamless" Integration

TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ELEMENTARY GRADES 10

To begin to move your tech integration to the point where it is "seamless," consider these
questions:
1. What skills are applied to nearly all tools (e.g., saving a file, naming a file, finding a
file, and logging in and out of accounts)? Have your students mastered these basic
skills?
2. How many different tools will you introduce this year? How many is too many?
3. How will technology help your students better understand content -- will it push them
to a deeper understanding that could not have been achieved without technology?
4. What level of integration do you want in your classroom by the end of the school
year? What specific steps must you take to achieve that goal? What is a realistic goal
based on time and resources?
Hardware and Equipment
While hardware and software vary across classrooms, schools, and districts, one thing can be
guaranteed across the board: technology, no matter what kind it is, will fail.
This inevitable part of tech integration is often the number-one fear of classroom teachers
everywhere. Whether you are taking the steps to integrate technology into your classroom on
your own or as part of a school wide or district initiative, this fear must be the first hurdle to
overcome.
Here are some basic tips for when technology goes awry:
1. Have a nontechnology backup plan.
2. Just as we always tell our students that failure is OK that we learn from failure and
that failure is part of the learning process, so must we, as adults, follow our own
advice.
3. Model troubleshooting with your students.
4. Report the problem (and know to whom this reporting should be done).
5. Ask for help. Have someone who knows how to fix the problem show you how for
next time.

Using Technology for Feedback and Assessment

One of the most exciting aspects of bringing technology into your classroom -- and into your
students' hands -- is the enhanced opportunity for timely and meaningful feedback.
Quick Checks: If you want to know if your students grasp enough of a particular
concept before you move on, you can use tools such as Poll Everywhere, Socrative, or
Mentimeter to get a quick snapshot of the class. By creating a short quiz or open-ended
response question using one of these tools and having your students use an internet-enabled
device to answer, you can get quick and easy feedback that will help inform your instruction.
Personalized Feedback: Through the use of course-management tools such as
Edmodo, Schoology, or Moodle, it is now possible for teachers to provide personalized
feedback quickly and efficiently to their students. All three tools provide the ability for teachers
to leave personalized comments and notes on student work, and they provide a messaging
service for students who may want to send emails with questions or concerns about the
course.
Screencasts can also provide personalized feedback on student work. A teacher can
record his or her computer screen while viewing student work, pointing out areas for
TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ELEMENTARY GRADES 11
improvement and areas where a student has excelled. Some great tools for this are
Screencast-O-Matic and Jing.
In addition, Evernote is a powerful note-taking tool that can be accessed through any
Internet-enabled device through a web browser or the mobile app. It allows users to record
audio notes, and it can be a great way to provide personalized feedback to students. Teachers
can share these recordings, which are embedded in notes created through the app or website,
with students through email. This can be a great way to keep students updated on their
progress or to provide feedback on a particular assignment asynchronously. Because the
feedback is recorded, students can also rewind and relisten for better comprehension or to
refer back to if they like.
Please note, all of these kinds of tools require that students have access to Internet-enabled
devices on a regular basis and that they hand in their work digitally.

Some Great Apps for Elementary Classrooms

Skype is a great way to virtually bring experts into the classroom and to help
students make real-world connections to what they’re learning.

Similarly, Google Hangouts is a great tool for connecting with other

educators, students and classes. It’s easy to integrate with other Google
products like Google Calendar and easy to send notifications inviting people
to the conversation.
Kahoot: This app allows teachers to create quizzes that are more fun
and interactive than what can be done simply in Google Forms. Kahoot
is an opportunity for teachers to create much more engaging materials
It also allows teachers to customize quizzes for students’ needs,
changing details down to a very granular level. It is Web-based and
free.
Plickers: One easy way many educators are using technology in the
classroom is to have students respond to short questions during a
lesson to test for understanding. That works fine when all kids have a
smartphone or device, but Plickers is a solution for more low-tech
classrooms.
Teachers issue cards with choices on them (A,B,C,D). The teacher
poses the question and students hold up the card corresponding to
the answer they want to give. The teacher then uses her phone or iPad
to scan across the room. Plickers registers the results and feeds it all into a database. It can
be used on iPhone and Android devices as well as on the Web and is free.

Seesaw: This is an easy portfolio tool that allows teachers, students

and parents to see and access video, audio, photo and text artifacts
of learning. It’s easy to set up and even kids at the lowest level can
use it.

TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ELEMENTARY GRADES 12

There can still be many educational apps that can be used in an elementary classroom
depending on the desire and expertise of the teacher, availability of facilities and connectivity.

Assessment

1. Find a partner, interview a teacher teaching any grade in the elementary, and ask
what technologies does he/she uses in class? What specific learning apps did they
experience using? During the pandemic, what online resources did they use to
facilitate their teaching?
Write a narrative of your interview. Your output will be presented in the classroom
with proper documentation of the interview.

Chapter References
https://www.edutopia.org/technology-integration-guide-implementation
https://www.kqed.org/mindshift/41165/teacher-recommended-50-favorite-teaching-
apps

TECHNOLOGY IN TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ELEMENTARY GRADES 13