Education for an Information Age Teaching in the Computerized Classroom 7th Edition by Bernard John Poole, MSIS University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Johnstown, PA, USA and Elizabeth Sky-McIlvain, MLS Least Tern, Maine, USA with John Evans, MS Boise State University Published on-line and freely available at http://www.pitt.edu/~poole/infoage7frame.html Bernard John Poole, Elizabeth Sky McIlvain, John Evans, 1994-2007 All rights reserved
Dedicated to Lucy Poole Bernard s mother, 97 years young, February 15, 2006 Anne Giorgio Marilyn Giorgio-Poole s mother, 91 years young, December 23, 2006 Marilyn Giorgio-Poole, PhD Bernard s wife, whose dogged determination to complete a task once begun has inspired him in the completion of many a tough task, including this book Zsolt Poole Marilyn and Bernard s son, who is busy completing a significant task of his own just now as he nears completion of his Masters' degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh John McIlvain, Willa Sky Bacon and every teacher and administrator who looks to the 21st Century iii
Brief Contents Introduction Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Technology Use in Teaching and Learning: What's the Return on Investment (ROI) A presentation of the evidence supporting computer use in schools Computer Hardware for K-12 Education An overview of the nuts and bolts of computing Software Systems for Microcomputers A discussion of the different types of software used with today's computing systems Educational Computing Environments An examination of the issues and logistics involved in the establishment and integration of computers in schools Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Multimedia Authorware Creating Learning Tools A summary of the ways in which teachers can author their own learning systems Funding Technology Projects A presentation of the ins and outs of raising money to fund educational technology projects Computers, Education, and Society An overview of the ways in which computers are transforming the world in which our students live Reflections on Education for an Information Age An examination of the theoretical validation of computer-based teaching and learning, and of the problems translating theory into practice Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Computer-Managed Instruction (CMI) The computer as a useful tool to aid the teacher in and out of the classroom Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) An overview of the ways in which computer technology can help students learn Computers and Communications An examination of how computers and communications extend education's reach e-learning and Information Literacy An examination of the pros and cons of the internet as a medium for doing education Educational Multimedia A review of the power of technology to enrich the learning experience across the range of intelligences APPENDICES Appendix A History of Computers (PowerPoint) BIBLIOGRAPHY iv
Full Table of Contents Introduction... 1 The Challenge of Change... 1 The Need for Change... 1 Teachers Make a Difference... 2 Objectives of the Text... 3 New in the 6 th Edition... 5 Conclusion... 6 Chapter 1 Technology Use in Teaching and Learning: What's the Return on Investment (ROI)... 7 Learning Outcomes... 7 Introduction... 8 Sources for research and other findings... 9 What general conclusions can we draw from the research?... 10 In what ways does digital (computer-based) technology enhance teaching and learning?... 14 When used effectively, the computer is a valuable tool in support of learning... 14 When used effectively, the computer is a valuable tool in support of teaching... 15 When used effectively, the computer is a valuable tool in support of children s socialization... 15 Computers and related technologies enable children with disabilities to integrate successfully into the education system... 16 Software that is well designed to support learning enables a teacher to duplicate excellence... 16 Summary of research outcomes... 17 The Three R s... 17 Science... 24 Social Studies... 25 Computer-assisted collaborative learning... 26 One-to-one computing... 27 Why is it taking so long for schools to change?... 28 Computer-integrated teaching and learning: The Ten Pillars of Success... 30 Looking Back... 31 Looking Forward... 31 Chapter 2 Computer Hardware for K-12 Education... 33 Learning Outcomes... 33 Electronic Computers Were Invented to Meet Educational Needs... 34 The Components of a Personal Computer System... 36 iii
The monitor... 37 The system unit... 38 The keyboard and other input devices... 40 Disk Drive(s)... 41 Printers... 46 The Mouse... 46 The Components of a Multimedia Educational Computing System... 46 Mass Data Storage Systems... 47 Display Devices... 48 Speakers... 49 Scanners... 49 Digital Cameras and Digital Video Cameras... 49 Visual Presenters (also called Visualizers or Document Cameras)... 49 Maintaining Your Computer System... 50 General Do's and Dont s... 50 Taking Care of Disks... 51 Organizing your data on disk... 52 Printers for multimedia systems... 54 Looking Back... 55 Looking Forward... 55 Chapter 3 Software Systems For Personal Computers... 56 Learning Outcomes... 56 The Layers of Software... 57 Firmware: Software that is part of the computer's hardware... 59 The Operating System... 60 A definition of a traditional operating system... 60 The definition of a modern operating system... 61 Utilities... 62 Common Operating System functions... 63 Useful user-controlled operating system functions... 67 The Graphical User Interface (GUI)... 67 The Problem of Nonstandard User Interfaces... 67 Standardization through Integrated Software or Suites of Programs... 68 Standardization through Graphical User Interfaces... 69 Some background history of the GUI... 70 GUIs and Educational Psychology... 72 Applications Software... 74 Looking Back... 75 Looking Forward... 76 Chapter 4 Educational Computing Environments... 78 Learning Outcomes... 78 Introduction... 80 iv
First Things First: Training for the Teachers... 83 ISTE Educational Technology Foundations for Teachers... 83 Safety First: Computers and Health... 86 Extremely Low Frequency (ELF) Electronic Emissions... 86 Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)... 87 Ergonomics to the Rescue... 88 Other Ergonomics-Related Recommendations... 90 Summary of Safety and Ergonomics Recommendations... 93 Computer setup... 94 Computers in the Classroom... 94 The Planning, Design, and Management of the Computer Lab or Multi-Computer Classroom (One-to-One Computing)... 97 Recommendations for Lab or Multi-user Classroom Management... 99 Looking Back... 101 Looking Forward... 101 Chapter 5 Computer-Managed Instruction (CMI)... 102 Learning Outcomes... 102 Introduction... 103 People, Not Computers, Increase Productivity... 103 The Computer Is Here to Stay... 104 Success with Computers Does Not Come Easily... 104 Teachers and Productivity Applications... 105 The Word Processor... 106 The Database... 107 The Spreadsheet... 107 Drawing and Painting Applications... 108 Clip Art... 110 Learning Assets... 111 Charts and Graphs... 111 Integrated Applications... 112 Presentation (Authoring) Software... 113 Managing with PowerPoint (or Other Presentation Application)... 114 Web-based Presentations... 115 Multimedia Applications... 116 Graphical Organizers... 117 Communications Software... 118 Useful Utilities... 120 Other Utilities... 122 Other Elements of CMI... 122 Using Electronic Templates... 122 Preparing and Maintaining Curricula and Syllabi... 124 Curriculum Mapping... 126 Preparing Learning Materials... 127 About Boards... 128 v
Desktop Publishing... 128 Extending Your Productivity Toolkit with the Web... 128 Assessment... 129 Portfolios... 130 Rubrics... 130 Tests... 132 Using the Computer to Generate Tests... 133 Grading Tests... 134 Distance Learning... 134 The Smart Classroom... 135 Computer-Coordinated Classrooms... 135 Managing and Guiding Students... 136 Communicating Between Home and School... 138 Looking Back... 140 Looking Forward... 140 Chapter 6 Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI)... 142 Learning Outcomes... 142 Introduction... 144 Children Want to Learn... 144 Technology Tools: Students and Productivity Software... 144 Productivity Software is a Platform for CAI... 145 Word Processing... 146 Database Management... 148 Spreadsheets and Charting tools... 150 Drawing and Painting Graphics Tools... 152 Authoring or Presentation Software... 155 Graphical Organizers... 156 Communications... 158 Technology Tools and Testers: Classifications of CAI... 159 Caveat: The Teacher Should Come Bundled with the Software... 159 Software for Drill & Practice... 159 Software for Tutorials... 162 Software for Simulations and Gaming... 163 Software for Critical Thinking and Problem Solving... 167 Software for Supporting Learning... 169 Computer-Based Laboratories (CBLs)... 170 Programming and Problem-Solving... 172 Integrated Learning Systems (ILS s)... 173 Software Evaluation... 175 The Design of Effective Software Evaluation Instruments... 175 The Process of CAI System Evaluation and Purchase... 176 Looking Back... 177 Looking Forward... 177 vi
Chapter 7 Computers and Communications... 179 Learning Outcomes... 179 The Scope of Communications... 180 Computers & Communications (C&C)... 181 Technology Transfer and the Challenge Posed by User Demand... 182 Explosion in End-User Computing... 183 The Expansion of C&C in Schools... 183 A Vision for the Future... 184 Computer Networks... 185 Computers... 185 Communications Channels... 185 Modems and Fax/Modems... 186 Other Communications Hardware and Software... 188 Different Kinds of Computer Networks: LANs, WLANs, WANs and MANs... 189 Applications of Computer Networks... 192 Telecommunications... 193 Hardware Device and Software Sharing... 194 The Case for Computer Networks... 195 Implementing Computer Networks... 196 Recommendations for Successful Introduction of Computer Networks in Schools... 198 The Impact of Computer Networks in Education... 199 Home-School Communications... 200 Schools Need Parents... 200 Parents Need Help, too!... 200 The Schools Must Take Responsibility... 202 The Importance of the Student-Parent-Teacher Gestalt... 202 The TransParent School Model... 203 Outcomes of the TransParent School Model... 203 C&C Today Extensions of the TransParent School Model... 204 The Importance of Choice... 204 Looking Back... 205 Looking Forward... 206 Chapter 8 e-learning and Information Literacy... 207 Learning Outcomes... 207 Reflections on the Learning Process... 208 Data-Rich, Information-Poor... 209 The Transfer of Data to Information is a Unique Individual Experience... 210 What is e-learning?... 212 Why e-learning is Important... 212 The e-learning Environment... 213 A Distance Learning Example... 215 Tools for e-learning... 218 vii
Model e-learning Projects... 221 Design Considerations for Effective e-learning... 222 Information Literacy and Internet Concerns... 223 Searching the Internet: Search Engines... 224 Search Strategies... 224 Behaving (netiquette) on the Internet... 225 Filtering and Other Issues: Can We Control the Content of the Internet Without Censorship?... 227 PICS: The Platform for Internet Content Selection... 230 Plagiarism and copyright violations... 231 Other Problems with Internet Use... 232 Savvy Searching of the Web... 234 Looking Back... 234 Looking Forward... 234 Chapter 9 Educational Multimedia... 235 Learning Outcomes... 235 Introduction... 236 The Importance of the Senses in Learning... 236 AV/IT AVAsGo High-Tech... 238 The Concept of Computer-Based Multimedia... 240 Multimedia Has Added a New Dimension to the Process of Teaching and Learning... 241 Multimedia Authoring Tools... 241 Multimedia Hardware... 242 Data Capture Devices... 242 Data Storage Technology... 248 Data Display Devices... 250 Software for Media Object Production... 253 Hypermedia Systems: Bringing It All Together... 255 Hypertext... 255 Hypermedia... 256 Hypermedia and the Internet... 257 Media Literacy... 258 Using Copyrighted Materials... 258 Fair Use... 259 Some Suggestions... 260 Model Schools... 260 Looking Back... 263 Looking Forward... 263 viii
Chapter 10 Multimedia Authorware Creating Learning Tools... 265 Learning Outcomes... 265 Introduction: Programming Is Hard... 266 Why Should Teachers Learn About Software Development?... 267 Some Historical Background on Programming Languages... 267 Knowledge is Power... 269 Characteristics of Quality Authorware... 270 Quality Authorware puts the non-technical user's needs first... 270 Quality Authorware is crafted with care and is relatively bug-free.... 271 Quality Authorware makes the computer appear to be almost human in its responsiveness and anticipation of user needs... 271 Quality educational software will eventually have to move to far more powerful computer systems than even those that are state of the art in classrooms today... 272 Authoring Programs: How Teachers Can Get Involved... 273 KidPix Deluxe(KidPix 4)... 274 HyperStudio... 276 PowerPoint... 276 Night Kitchen's TK3... 277 Programming on the Web... 277 HTML, JavaScript, DHTML, and JAVA... 278 Web Page Editors... 280 Online Solutions... 281 Elements of an Effective Educational Website... 282 Authorware Essentials... 284 Looking Back... 285 Looking Forward... 286 Chapter 11 Funding Technology Projects... 287 Learning Outcomes... 287 Introduction: Everything Points to an Increase in the Cost of Education... 288 The Goals of Education in an Information Age... 290 The Five Competencies of Effective Workers... 291 The Foundation Skills Required of Effective Workers... 291 Sources of Funding and Support... 292 Preparing Grant Proposals... 295 Steps in the Preparation of a Grant Proposal... 295 Strategies for Successful Applications... 296 The Qualities of a Grantsperson... 298 Evaluating Your Technology Program... 299 The Purpose of Evaluation... 299 When Should a Program be Evaluated?... 299 The Components of the Evaluation Process... 300 Looking Back... 302 Looking Forward... 303 ix
Chapter 12 Computers, Education, and Society... 304 Learning Outcomes... 304 Computers, For Good or Ill, Are Transforming Our World... 305 Extending the Capabilities of the Mind... 306 Extending the Capabilities of the Body... 308 Robotics... 309 Help for the Disabled... 310 Population Explosion... 312 Species Extinctions and Cllimate Change... 313 Education and the Information Society... 314 Information Overload... 314 Information and Wealth... 315 The Place of Computer-Based Learning in Schools... 315 Ethical and Legal Issues and Computers... 317 Privacy Invasion... 317 Computing Inequities: The Digital Divide... 318 Security: Hacking and Cracking... 321 Computer Viruses and Other Malware... 322 Malware: Worms and Trojan Horses... 322 Spyware and Spam... 323 Trespass of Computer Systems... 323 Money Theft (Embezzlement)... 324 Steps Schools Should Take to Secure Networks and Computers... 324 A Final Note About Passwords... 326 Looking Back... 327 Looking Forward... 328 Chapter 13 Reflections on Education for an Information Age... 329 Learning Outcomes... 329 Computers, Learning Theory, and Cognitive Development... 330 Computers and Learning... 330 Learning Theory... 331 The Importance of Individualized Education... 334 When Should the Computer be Used in the Classroom?... 334 Computer-based Learning Enables the Teacher to Tailor the Learning Situation to Individual Student Needs... 335 Computer-Based Learning Suits Children s Desire to Control Their Own Learning... 335 The Computer is an Invaluable Tool for Classroom Management... 339 The Computer is the Best Writing Implement Invented Yet... 339 Caveats Regarding Computer Use in the Classroom... 340 Computers Should Not Be Used for Purely Passive Learning... 340 A Computer Does Not Take the Craft Out of Writing... 340 x
Spelling Checkers Do Not Have All the Answers... 340 Computers Cannot Replace the Teacher s Skill and Experience... 341 Computers Should Not Be Allowed to Take Away from the Teacher s Responsibility for Careful Class Preparation... 341 The Computer Can Be an Excellent Child Minder, But That is Not How It Should Be Used... 342 Computers Should Not Be Used Purely As Electronic Page Turners... 342 Computer-Integrated Teaching and Learning: The Pillars of Success... 342 Pillar 1: Leadership Must Provide Active and Committed Support... 343 Pillar 2: Selling is Better Than Telling... 344 Pillar 3: Invest In and Train a Core Team of Teacher-Computerists... 344 Pillar 4: Recognize That Technological Change is Fast and That Keeping Up-to-Date is Challenging and Essential... 345 Pillar 5: All Teachers Receive On-going Training... 345 Pillar 6: All Teachers Receive On-going Technical Support... 345 Pillar 7: Use It or Lose It... 346 Pillar 8: Parents and Students Are Actively Involved in the Evolutionary Process... 347 Pillar 9 There Must Be Planned and Systematic Financial Investment In Technology-Integrated Teaching and Learning... 347 Pillar 10 Technology is For All and Involves All in the Process of Lifelong Learning... 347 Taking Care of the Teachers... 349 Teachers Must Have Time... 349 Teachers Must Have Ongoing Training... 350 Teachers Must Have Logistical and Technical Support... 350 A Final Word (from John Dewey)... 351 Looking Back... 352 Looking Forward... 353 Appendix A History of Computers (PowerPoint) BIBLIOGRAPHY... 354 xi