Valuable Learning through Mobile and the Use of Computer in Teaching - Essay Example

Name Course Tutor Date As chemistry emerged as a modern science in the early to mid nineteen century, the teaching methods of traditional lecture and laboratory were established. There are different tools available that can support teaching and learning in chemistry. The tools include smart phones, computer, tablets, mobile phones and others. Smartphones and tablets help in the participation of members in class discussion boards, which enable exchange of ideas in chemistry wikis and journals. Modern technology tools has been used in learning in native mobile apps like Blackboard Mobile Learn, Mobile Moodle and Desire2Learn Mobile apps, while others like blackboard are even available for iPhone/iPod, iPad, Blackberry and Android smart phones and mobile tablets (Brockman, 1996).. In science learning, students can use different tool applications and also learn what needs are met by these application and when and how to use their different features. For example following tool applications can be used in science learning: word processing, publications and presentation software, spreadsheets, databases, multimedia, web browsers and e-mail. Word processing software can be used, for example, for organizing ideas, writing home works and project works. Spreadsheet can be used, for example, for analyzing data and modeling (Daniels, 2006). To select the right tool application it is important to understand what types of thinking, learning experiences and experiences of new technology tool supports. A teacher can use tool application is several way. In addition to previously mentioned, he or she can prepare assignments, tests, and other resources for science teaching and learning. Video or LCD projector can be used as a tool in several ways presentations and it can be connected to MBL-tool or a microscope. Chemistry curriculum These tools are used in many ways in the chemistry curriculum like online learning through mobile devices like iPads and net books makes the learning process in classroom to be flexible. Online service is now more available that can be used to do homework, do practice questions or even do exam and even submitting homework online (Brockman, 1996).. This saves time and enables learners to do their work in time and effectively. Access to Websites it enables access to different websites that are related to the teaching of chemistry which provide a rich source learning materials and other up to date materials. Visualization and Modeling Visualization technology enhances learning by bringing out the concept clearly. They are used to visualize and reason on complex issues and concepts in chemistry experiments. This has been realized through simulation and animation like in molecular structures, reaction simulations and simulation for experimental data and chemical compounds. In addition, molecules can be represented in 2d and 3d form by rotating and enlarging to facilitate learning and better visualization of the learner. A teacher can use a Power Point presentation or a whiteboard when he or she explains a science model (Daniels, 2006). An example of simulation is shown below. Experiments can be done virtually using the computer models. Such experiments are easy to understand because there may not interference from external environment which oven causes errors. The computer is used to analyze the data obtained from the experiment. One of the most significant technical uses of computer is calculation and analysis of the data through generation of graph and other models. Distance learning Chat rooms, video conferencing, emails and newsrooms are used intensively for on-line learning process. They give an opportunity for students to brainstorm and learn in science. Online training provides pre-lab instructions, instrument training, software training, online questions and even using electronic mails for the purposes of distance learning. Computer conferencing is used widely for learning purposes. Internet relay chat allows students and teachers to chat using audio or text. Skype is nowadays popular as sophisticated tool for chatting. Through video conferencing chemistry students and teachers can hold discussion ‘live’ where are able to see and hear one another as they share different types of data (Brockman, 1996). Communication and Collaboration – modern technology tool devices have enable data pooling and for cooperative learning process, has encouraged interscholastic student projects or courses. It has also enabled discussion forums for course and standardized peer review. Team learning encouraged using shared software tools like chat, email, net conferencing, and bulletin boards. These are powerful tools for learning in science and interaction that is not possible on laptops and desktops. Professional Development – the tools available enable faculty development through on-line conferences and other forums interscholastic collaboration. The advantages of computers in education include an efficient storage and rendition of information, quick information processing and very importantly the saving of paper Computer The use of computer in teaching plays a key role in the present science education systems. The learning process has now gone beyond the use of textbooks only. Students find it easy to use internet in the computer than to such for the information in large textbooks. At present, learners can satisfy their desire for information by use of the Internet. Furthermore, computer makes it easy to store data and information than using handwritten. Computers assist an efficient storage and effective presentation of information. Presentation software like PowerPoint and animation software like Flash and others can be of great help to the teachers while delivering information (Daniels, 2006). Computers can turn out being a brilliant aid in teaching. Computers facilitate an audio-visual representation of information, thus making the process of learning interactive and interesting. The use computer in teaching adds fun to science education system making it easy to understand. It can be used to retrieve chemistry information as well as facilitating storage of data information. Computers are widely used to access information, networking, storage of data and information processing. Some software in the computer like power point word processor are used in the presentation of concepts in chemistry like drawing graphs giving lectures in power point among others. The mobile classroom A lot of students possess web enabled mobile phones or devices like smartphones, tablets computers in classrooms, that provide constant access to the internet, videos, podcasts and materials that is used for instruction purposes. This will change the learning and teaching of chemistry. On the other hand, the mobile devices is a potentially a major source of distractions in chemistry learning process. The teachers are challenged to make use of the mobile devices positively to minimize opportunities for students from wandering to social networks like facebook and emails (Daniels, 2006). Increase in technology provides a strong teacher tools for modeling and demonstrating concepts in chemistry. For example a desktop computer is connected to a projector and a whiteboard. In addition, an Apple TV is attached to the projector to mirror the ipad on the screen for both the teacher and students (Brockman, 1996). A webcam is also connected to the board to enable guest speak in class using Skype as shown below. Devices like ipad are portable and have long life battery which becomes a powerful content creation device for very day audio production, video recording, presentation and documentation. This frees up space that could have been used for desktop. Valuable Learning through Mobile Mobile devices technologies used in lectures transform the way in which teaching and learning materials can be delivered or utilized. The enormous capability of mobile technology system makes it easier for students to have access of all the valuable materials in their tablets and smartphones. This makes learning process to be accessible, valuable and more engaging, as well as increasing productivity. With the available possibilities of mobile devices students have an opportunity to collaborate and engage in innovative ways that supersede the traditional ways of learning and learning environment (Daniels, 2006). . Easy access to education resources at any place, any time with the capability to connect with others creates a powerful learner environment, which enable exchange of ideas and information. This will improve the performance; ignite interest, motivation and innovation that are crucial in any learning process. Although, there are several examples of real development in chemistry, some teaching tools are more effective than others. Depending on the science teacher and the properties of the tool itself, tools like computer, ipad, smartphones and others are effective in teaching and learning process. The effectiveness of the tool depends on local characteristics like the belief of the user on the tool and education of the user. In addition external factors like curriculum material influence the usability of a teaching tool (Brockman, 1996). We are living in a digital age where digital technology ids part of the society. Science teachers’ attitude towards modern teaching tools and digital devices plays an important role in education. Modern teaching tools and its usage in learning process has improve significantly especially in the 21st century. There is a great potential of development of this modern tools in the learning process. References M. Daniels, 2006. Brave new world: digitization of content: the opportunities for booksellers and The Booksellers Association: report to the BA Council from the DOC Working Group, London: The Booksellers Association of the United Kingdom & Ireland, J. Brockman, 1996. The third culture: beyond the scientific revolution, New York: Simon & Schuster Read More

 

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