TCC201 Teaching Common Competencies In

ICT
SY; 2022-2023

ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION

Learning Activities for a Computer Laboratory
Environment

Prepared By;
Roselyn An
3rd Year BTTE
The Computer as a Tutor
Computer is one of the wonders of human ingenuity, even in its original
design in the 1950s to carry out complicated mathematical and logical
operations. With the intervention of the minicrocomputer ( now also commonly
referred to PC or personal computers),the PC has become the tool for
programmed instruction.

Computer- assisted Instruction ( CAI )

The computer can be a tutor in effect relieving the teacher of many activities
in his personal role as classroom tutor. It should be made clear, However, that
the computer cannot totally replace the teacher since the teacher shall
continue to play the major roles of information deliverer and learning
environment controller.

During the computer activity proper in CAI the computer, too, plays its roles as
it ;
 acts as a sort of tutor ( the role traditional played by the teacher)
 provides a learning environment
 delivers learning instruction
 reinforces learning through drill and practice
 provides feedback

CAI Integrated with lessons

In effect, CAI works best in reinforcing learning through repetitive exercises
such that students can practice basic skills or knowledge in various subject
areas. Common types of drill and practice programs include vocabulary
building, math facts, basic science, and history or geography facts.
In these programs, the computer presents a question/problem first and the
student is asked to answer to the question/problem. Immediate feedback is
given to the students answer. After a number of practice problems and at the
end of exercise, the students get a summary of his overall performance.
The question arises; When and how can teachers integrate drill and practice
programs with their lessons? The ff. suggestions can be made
Use drill and practice programs for basic skills and knowledge that require
rapid or automatic response by students ( eg. multiplication table, letter and
word recognition, identification of geometric shapes, etc. )

 Ensure that drill and practice activities conform to the lesson

plan/curriculum.
 Limit drill and practice to 20-30 minutes to avoid boredom.
 Use drill and practice to assist students with particular weakness in basic
skills.

SIMULATION PROGRAMS
Simulation software materials are another kind of software that is
constructivist in nature. These simulation software;

 teaches strategies and rules applied to real-life problems/situations.

 asks students to make decision on models or scenarios.
 allows students to manipulate elements of a model and get experiences
of the effects of their decision.

An example of such software is SimCity in which students are allowed to

artificially manage a city given an imaginary city environment.
Decision-making involve such factors as budget, crime, education,
transportation, energy resources, waste disposal, business/industries
available.

INSTRUCTIONAL GAMES
While relating to low-level learning objectives ( e.g basic spelling or math
skills), instructional computer games add the elements of competition and
challenge.
 An example is GeoSafari which introduces adventure activities for
Geography History and Science. The program can be played by up to four

players to form teams. Learning outcomes can be achieved along simple

memorization of information, keyboarding skills, cooperation and social
interaction, etc.

PROBLEM SOLVING SOFTWARE

These are more sophisticated than the drill and practice exercises and allow
students to learn and improve on their problem solving ability.
Since problems cannot be solved simply by memorizing facts, the students
have to employ higher thinking skills such as logic, recognition, reflection and
strategy-making.
The Thinking Things 1 is an example of a problem solving software in which
the team learners must help each other by observing and comparing

Multimedia Encyclopedia and Electronic Books

Multimedia Encyclopedia
- can store a huge database with text, images, animation, audio and
video. Students can access any desired information, search its vast contents,
and even download, print relevant portions of data for their composition or
presentation.
An example is eyewitness children’s Encyclopedia

Electronic Books
- provide textual information for reading, supplemented by other types of
multimedia information ( sounds, spoken words, pictures, animation). These
are useful for learning reading, spelling and word skills.
Example are just Grandma and Me animated storybook which offer surprises
for the young learner’s curiosity
 USE OF COMPUTERS IN A LAB SETTING

Advantages Disadvantages
A computer lab provides a good In a lab, it is difficult to integrate ict
environment for developing e- into everyday learning, teaching and
confidence in the initial stage. thinking
It is the most economical solution for The layout of most computer labs
providing ICT access through a makes group work and collaboration
computer network. difficult
As equipment is concentrated in one The focus can end up being on
location, technical support and learning by rote and performing
management is easier than the practical tasks rather than developing
equipment is dispersed. higher order skills.
A computer lab provides a robust ICT resources are concentrated in a
network insfractructure. single location, when they would be
better used if widely deployed.
Learners can simultaneously access The need to book the lab can result in
their own workstations poor or unequal used.
Large groups can be trained and or
assessed simultaneously.

The four Best Computer Laboratory Layouts For School

Computer labs are more than just rooms with lots of computers. It also used
to instruct students used to instruct students on computer use, programming
and related subjects.

1. Classroom Computer Lab Design

 The classic classroom computer lab design serves as the default layout in
many high school and colleges.
Two major advantages;
 First, It serves as a great instruction room where students learn computer
topics from an instructor at the front of the room. With everyone facing the
same direction, it allows instructors to see the faces of the students with
which to read non-verbal cues as to whether students are learning the
material or need more help.
 Second, it is similar to the layout of other classroom environment
emphasizing that the students are there to learn.

One disadvantages of the classroom layout is the need to disturb other

students along the rows of computers as student enter and exit the lab

2. Four- leaf Clover Computer Lab Layouts

 It offers the most privacy for students and reduces to a minimum
possibility of cheating during test or exercises.
 It also eliminates the need for students to disturb others when entering
and existing the lab and allows instructors to go from student to student to
adress individual problems and concerns.

3.U- Shape Computer Lab Designs
 The U-shaped computer lab layout encourage engagement between
instructors and students. Instructors can enter the U and engage students
one-on one.
 This design also serve as the most conducive layout for computer
maintenance as technicians do not have to disturb others to gain access
to the computers. In addition, student will not interfere with other students
work while entering and existing the lab.
 Unfortunately, the U- shaped design offers little opportunity for instructors
to monitor what students are doing and looking at their monitors. This
design is not compatible with test taking and requires many assistants to
monitor students.

4. Inverted U- Shape Computer Lab Layout

 Like the U- shaped layout, the Inverted U- shape also offers engagement
between instructors and students. In adddition, the layout allows for the
most convenient method of monitoring students.
 For individual learning, this layout minimizes the distance instructors must
walk to move for workstation to workstation and student to student.

REFERENCES;
Lucido, P. PhD.(2007). Educational Technology 2.The Computer as a tutor.
Lesson 10, p. 61-67
https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/view/36356716/module-iv-organisation-
and-administration
https://www.ea.com/games/simcity
https://www.squakenet.com/game/thinkin-things-collection-1/
https://www.old-games.com/download/10247/geosafari-geography-history-
science
https://www.abebooks.com/9780789422330/Eyewitness-Childrens-
Encyclopedia-CD-ROM-win-0789422336/plp
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/just-grandma-and-me-mercer-mayer/
1022904940