Computers in Education

Share with the class a current application of computer technology (e.g., software, assistive technology, Internet application) that can be used for teaching/learning that supports students with diverse learning needs. Include a description of the technology and how it is used, and a source for others to find information about this particular type of technology. Research for this assignment may be conducted through literature reviews, catalog investigations, teacher interviews, classroom observations, Internet investigation, or any other relevant methods.

I have already answered much of this module in previous posts. I guess I should have read ahead in my assignments so I wouldn’t be repeating myself.

First and most interesting to me is the new Ohio Computer School (http://tda.treca.org/index.shtml). Here, the state will provide everything needed to attend school online. This includes the computer, printer, scanner, ink – everything. This program may be good for a few diverse learners. Those students who suffer from agoraphobia come to mind. But for the majority, I feel that this program enables students to avoid a much needed socialization or provides parents a way to keep their students out of the public eye, possibly for religious reasons. But, for those who do have reason to need that separation from the social norms, I think this is a valid program. Sadly, I can see many families abusing the program for all the free hardware the family receives. They even pay for your internet connection, but you will have access to the entire web, 24/7. For the greedy, it would be very tempting.

As for other forms of computer aided education, there are several. One I would like to mention is one I used when I was teaching in the private school. There are several online sites which allow teachers create online quizzes and tests in many forms for their students to use. Students can take these quizzes at home and have their results emailed to the teacher. Also, if the school has computer/internet access, the teacher could incorporate these into his or her in class activities. Most of the sites which offer these services require the students to log in, and the teacher can be sent the results privately. It would be difficult for a student to cheat, and for students who like to learn on the computer, they can be a great service. The teacher can create different tests for differing students – accommodating their abilities and learning styles. Some of the many web sites which offer such services are below:

http://quiz.4teachers.org/index.php3
http://www.le.ac.uk/castle/
http://www.edufind.com/test/index.cfm
http://www.funbrain.com/

There are also online test makers, for those who want to make printable tests. Services like this save time for teachers who don’t like to format tests, enabling them to focus their skills to the needs of the students:

http://www.easytestmaker.com/

For teachers who want security and the guarantee that the test will be there in the future, all you need is a hosted website. There are good deals out there (I paid 180 one time and 25 a year for a lifetime of hosting – that includes the domain name as well). Then, just install your own program. There are several free cgi testing programs which are fairly simple to install. It’d make a good summer project ;-)

Filed under: EDC 541 Curriculum and Instruction for Diverse Learners
Copyright: July, 2003 - David Profitt