Lesson 5 - Preferences of the Technology Generation

What the old generation likes may not be the same as what the new generation prefers in their life, work and leisure. Sad to say, much of the good things enjoyed by elders when they were students are no longer available to the new generation.

The state dictates educational priorities based on perceptions on the country’s need to strengthen its agricultural, business or industrial economy.

In the field of education, it is important that critical differences in perception between old and young which create a generation gap:

·         Texts versus Visual

·         Linear versus Hyper media

·         Independent versus Social learners

·         Learning to do versus learning to pass the test

·         Delayed rewards versus instant gratification

·         Rote memory versus fun learning

In sum, teachers need to connect with digital learners, and not think of them as entering their past-30 years old traditional world. While there are apparent setbacks or limitations to digital learning, there are opportunities to tap through:

·         visual learning

·         hyper linked multimedia

·         problem-solving activities

Reflection:

       Preferences of the Technology as an instructional media were indeed a very big help in the new generation learners but we must know as a teachers what the appropriate use of it. We must also know when and how to limit these technologies in order for us to prevent our learners to become abusive and addicted to it.

Lesson 4 - Bridging Generation Gap

The older generation often feels there is a generation gap between them and the younger generation. This is apparent in simple things like the manner of dressing, socializing, more intimate relationship like friendship and etc. Still, some old things are difficult to overcome, as there are still the caste system in India, pre-arranged marriage in China, female circumcision in Africa, and theocratic or religion-rule societies in the Middle East. Even in education, traditional schooling has hardly changed even with the clear evidence of a digital world. Reflect on how some teachers confine their teaching to the board talk-test method.

In the field of education, a huge generation gap also exists and it will continue to widen unless some changes are adopted at the proper time. In peasant third world countries where schools don't have technology facilities, it is understandable that the transition to digital education may take time. But given the rapid emergence of digital technology, at times referred to as information and communication technology (ICT), there is the need to prepare for bridging the digital gap in society.

First, we need to understand the potentials of ICT:

•        The new network of instantaneous communication is global, overcoming borders between countries and continents.
•         Much of what elders believe may not be applicable anymore to the new generation, especially along matters of traditional value system.

Given the speed and power of ICT for change, growth, innovation, it becomes critical that teachers understand the gap that may be perceived between them and the new generation of learners. Much of the old technology such as tube radio, platter records, cassette tapes, celluloid movies, antenna television, landline phones, have vanished or are quickly vanishing today. Even in communication, sending a written letter has become tedious with the advent of emailing and web-camera face-to-face communication. As sophisticated technology advances at a dizzying pace, the complacency of educators to stick to traditional education system and approaches become futile, if not retrogressive.  Since the new generations are expected to face a future professional challenge of a digital world ahead of them, technology-supported skills need to be taught in schools today, or else schools will become a white elephant. If schools fail to respond to emergent changes and needs, new learners may lose appreciation of the educational system, and drop out of schools, as surveys show an increasing drop-out rate every year. Learning at home and availing digital learning systems like the Open Universities may save the day, but the situation remains bleak for schools stolidly adhering to the old educational system.

Lesson 3 - Understanding Technology Learners

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•          Today’s learners appear smarter, yet they can’t read as their parents do and they are addicted to the Internet.
•          Even in classes, their concentration is questionable as they are uneasy to simply sit and listen.
•          They become alive again through video presentations, group activities and computer classes.

Teachers/Educators

•          Generally use the traditional education program which is applicable to the learners in the past.
•          They fail to realize that the new learners are information technology or digital learners.

·         New Learners

•          Spend much time talking to friends over the phone, sending text messages, interacting through the social Internet media e.g. Facebook, playing video games and surfing the World Wide Web.

Feared that the new learners concerns are not well understood, it serves to know that scientists say, as follows:

•          There are positive benefits derived from the use of information technology or digital resources.
•          Hence, counterbalance possible negative effects on children.
•          Daily exposure to information technology strengthens the brain.
•          Current technological revolution is creating an intellectual revolution, faster and better than ever before.
•          19^th century psychologist Jean Piaget presented a chart from inclusive of the skills/learning pattern
•          Given the digital age, the chart needs to be modified.
•          Early stages include computer-aided programs nowadays.
•          With the use of modern information technology, multitasking can be developed by the learners.
•          However, multitasking is needed in the Professional field, dominated by the use of information technology. 

Lesson 2 – An Overview of Educational Technology 2

                  

                  It is also discussed here the meaning of Educational Technology. For learners: to introduce, reinforce, supplement and extend knowledge and skills so that they can become exemplary users of educational technology. For student teachers and professional teachers: to update their knowledge of educational technology. It is also mentioned here the importance of Educational Technology 2. And there are also learning objectives of Educational Technology 2.

Lesson 1 – Review of Educational Technology 1

               

                This lesson is all about Educational Technology 1. It contains the meaning of Educational Technology which is of the application of technology in the educative process that takes place in education institutions. Four phases of application of educational technology in teaching and learning are setting of learning objectives, designing specific learning experiences, evaluating the effectiveness of the learning experiences, and revising teaching-learning process for improving future instructional activities. It is also discussed here the meaning of Technology in Education which is the application of technology in the operation of education institution, Instructional Technology is refers to aspects of educational technology that are concerned with instructions, Technology Integration is using learning technologies to introduce, supplement and extend skills. Roles of Technology in Teaching-Learning are also discussed in this lesson. Learning Objectives of Educational Technology 1 are to orient, to familiarize, to uplift, to impart, to acquaint and to introduce.