ICT and Learning

ICT and Learning

1. Ways of learning with ICT

   • Interactive whiteboards
     • Large white screens connected to a computer and used like a computer screen, having a special pen like a mouse pointer to help make learning interactive.
   • Computer assisted learning
     • A way to learn a skill using a computer and interactive software on CD or DVD or by using the internet.
   • Internet
     • Helps with research. A discussion o the internet ( bulletin board or forum) can help in getting ideas. An e-mail can enable contact with pupils in other schools.
   • Application software
     • Desktop publishing (DTP) helps with presentation of work and coursework, and other tasks like leaflets and brochures. Spread sheets can be used to create charts and organise numerical data. Databases can be used to store, search, sort data and produce reports.
   • Distance learning
     • Means of studying for a qualification from home, using online learning, webpages and then taking an exam online. This is through VLE, online tutorials and online assessment.
       • Advantages: You can learn anytime, anywhere, learning can be done at own pace, often online chat rooms and discussions forums where you can discuss ideas/problems, wide range of learning courses available.
       • Disadvantages: No tutor to discuss problems, students may feel isolated, may be a lack of motivation if student can choose the frequency and times when learning takes place.

2. Distance learning (comes in a variety of ways

   • 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 teachers are required, questions are answered quickly, on-screen demonstrations.
     • Disadvantages: No teacher to ask questions, cannot skip parts you already know, the programme may proceed at a steady speed which doens't suit you.
   • Online assessment: Associated with online and distance learning.Online assessment is where exams can be taken online. There are questions on screen and the answers are 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 recieved 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 e.g essays, takes time for organisation and computer space for a large group.
   • Virtual learning environment (VLE): 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 at anytime, teacher does not need to be present, use multimedia e.g. text, graphics, audio and other visual stimuli.
     • Disadvantages: Takes time for answers to arrive, the material could go out of date, training is needed to set up VLE, failure of equipment means that the student won't have a lesson.

3. Graphical user interface (GUI): A desktop is an example of a GUI. Microsoft windows is an example of a GUI.

4. A control panel is part of an operating systems that is used to change the look and settings of windows. Features of a control panel: Alter colour and desktop of windows, set up harware and software, settings can be changed to cope with a variety of disabilities, change folder display, change connection to the internet, set up user accounts, install/remoive programs, set up security, parental controls.