ICT AND LEARNING

ICT AND LEARNING

1. KEYWORDS

   • GUI graphical user interface (for example a desktop)
   • DTE deskyop enviroment. A DTE can be customised by changing icon size, adjust sizes of window, mouse setting, speed of mouse. Using your settings window you can change the appearance of the desktop e.g. windows, position of objects, graphics etc
   • FIles and Folders: SAved data is usually referred to as a file. Afile may contain text, numbers, an image, a video or sound. It is possible to move a file from one folder to another or even move a representation of it around on the desktop. FIles and folders can be deleted copied or renamed.
   • Shortcuts: allow a complex series of actions to be carried out by doing a mouse click or pressing a key/ a selection of keys. Many shortcuts are available but they are different to they system they are using e.g. microsoft word, internet,
     • F1= search box/help online Control+Escape= display start up menu
   • Print settings a menu of options offered when something is printed. Options may include.
     • pages to print, all pages or current page
     • number of copies
     • which printer to use
   • password protection: if you are leaving your computer logged in it is important to make sure your work is secure and that only you can accsess it. A password will be need to lock it again

2. ONLINE AND DISTANT LEARNING

   • IWB interactive whiteboard is a large white screen which uses a special pen like a mouse pointer. Helps make learning more interactive
   • CAL computer assisted learning a way to learn a skill using a computer or interactive software on DVD/ CD by use of internet. Using CAL can be more enjoyable
   • VLE virtual learning enviroment a software system that uses the internet to support teaching and learning. It provides a set of tools that allows teachers to set up learning material. Feedback can be given to teach particular topics and pupils can work at their own pace
     • Advantages
       • Learning takes place anytime , teacher does not need to be present, multimedia- text, graphic, audio
     • Disadvantage
       • TIme for answers to arrive out of date material training needed to set up VLE Failure of equipment meaning pupil will have no lesson
   • The internet can help with research, discussion groups can be formed on the internet through forums. Email can provide contact with pupils in other schools.
   • Application software
     • DTP software can help pupils present work
     • Spreadsheets can be used to create charts and organise numerical data
     • Database can be used to store, search, sort data and produce reports
   • Distant learning means studying for a qualification from home suing online learning, web pages and then taking an exam online
     • Advantages:
       • You can learn any time, anywhere. Learning can be done at own pace. There are often online chat rooms and discussion forums where you can discuss ideas/problems. Wide range of learning courses available
     • Disadvantages
       • No tutor to discuss problems, students feel isolated, there may be a lack of motivation if students can choose thefrequency and times when learning takes place
   • online tutorials the internet provides many online tutorials e.g. BBC bitesize. They may be interactive and animated which allows pupils to see what happens in a different situation.
     • Advantages: Readily available, no teacher is required, questions answered quickly, on screen demonstrations
     • Disadvantages No teacher to ask question, cannot skip bits you already know, may proceed at a speedy speed which doesnt suit you
   • Online Assessment associated with online and distant learning. Exams can be taken online. Questions on screen, answer via mouse and keyboard. Marks may immediately be available
     • Advantages
       • Tests can be taken anytime, reduce wastage of paper etc Results can be instant or received very quickly, records of marks and then statistics based on assessment can be created
     • Disadvantages
       • Impersonal way of testing, expensive and difficult to set questions. Difficult to mark subjective answers. Time for organisation and computer space for large group.

3. Learning devices and software to support disabilities

   • ICT can help pupils with their learning. Software has been developed to help with:
     • Learning difficulties to help improve reading or writing skills
     • basic math skills
     • accessing a computer, if pupil has visual impairmentt
     • typing, using predicative text
   • desktop environments can be customised as shown in vodcast for those with visual impairments
   • Braille keyboards are input devices for those who cannot see the keyboard though most people can be rained to become touch typists. A braille keyboard has raised dots for the character on each key
   • voice recognition software people who have difficulty typing can use a microphone as an input device to issue commands to the computer or to use an applications available
     • specialist software- converts uses voice to words
     • Predictive software =- offers choice or words or phrases that can be selected to increase speed of input
   • concept keyboards touch sensitive keyboards that have special overlays that help a handicapped person to input data. Can also be used by young people with learning difficulties