Why Promote Technology Centered Teaching?Why Promote Technology Centered Teaching?
• The computer matches contemporary students’ preferences for acquiring information
> it is primarily a visual medium; language is secondary
> it is a hands on, intuitive interface
> it renders 3D in flat, 2D format, alleviating problems of spatial perception
• The computer is viewed as a low pressure high comfort environment
> it lacks the negative associations of more traditional methods of instruction
> it enables students to show skills pointing to high potential not low performance
> it enables students to be creative first, and motivates them to learn details later
• Computer centered learning emphasizes cooperative, guided learning
> it eliminates “talking head” lecture format
> it is interactive; students and teacher(s) are partners
> students can be experts without threatening teacher’s authority
• It makes positive connections across curricula
> partnership between diverse areas to share info on student (strengths, needs)
> offers student the chance to show other teachers areas of skill (boosts self-esteem)
• It promotes real world skills
> student develops usable skills for environment beyond school
> with technology skills, student improves chance of future success
- developing islands of competence to overshadow deficits
An article by Janet Friedman about Integrating Art and Technology