Computer Information Systems in Education/Chapter 2/Section 3 -- Influential factors in developing IS for schools

CIS Chapter 2 Team 3 Sandbox

Chapter Question

How do we use IS in schools to accomplish learning, teaching,management, collaboration and communication functions? A focus on practical applications.

Notes This can be a case study of one or two locations OR it can be a look at a number of applications. However it ought to be a look at practical experiences and applications.

Readings Textbook Expand your readings to peer reviewed articles in the Webster Library. If you do not know how to do this or if you are having trouble let me know please.

Procedures All groups will write to the same question. The work that is most closely aligned with the rubric will be put into the wikibook online.

Dedrick Gantt Sheneika Pride Tene Lemar Crews Victoria

In today’s society, information system is rapidly changing day in and day out. There are numerous styles of technology that can be use to boost learning for students. The technology can range from PowerPoint presentation to mobile laptops with Internet for each child. With these technologies in the classroom the students get a better quality of learning. With the information system learning becomes a little less complex because the students can research and find solutions faster. Students can learn "from" computers—where technology used essentially as tutors and serves to increase students basic skills and knowledge; and can learn "with" computers—where technology is used a tool that can be applied to a variety of goals in the learning process and can serve as a resource to help develop higher order thinking, creativity and research skills (Reeves, 1998; Ringstaff & Kelley, 2002).

From the classroom to corporate organizations to the personal lives of individuals, computer applications play a major role. Application software consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks (Discovering Computers 2009, pp. 16). In an educational environment, computer applications have transformed the way students learn. Educational software exists for just about any subject, from learning how to type to learning how to cook (Discovering Computers 2009, pp. 160). Computer applications have afforded opportunities that did not exist 20 years ago. For example, students at Heights High School in Wichita, KS used Google Docs to send letters to President Obama before he was elected into office. The students in this example were collaborating and editing the letters with other students from across the country before they were sent to President Obama. Google Docs is a good example of the endless opportunities that technology gives students to enhance their learning experience. Before a computer application like Google Docs was developed students would be limited to in class collaboration with their peers, instead of instant of collaborating and editing everything would be delayed because there was no forum that existed that could provide this type of opportunity.

Information system helps improve teaching in the classroom because it gives the teacher the opportunity to teach the students several different ways. It also allows the students to think outside the box and get a better understanding of the information being presented to them. It allows students a chance to research ideas on hand and make their learning more meaningful and relevant. In the past, teaching was teacher directed only. However, due to technology changing the classroom atmosphere teaching is now teacher directed, but students can become further engaged with assisting the teachers lesson with the provided technology at their finger tips. Teachers have to also establish a reason for using information systems in the classroom to make the teaching successful for their students. In order for teaching to be effective teachers need to allow flexibility in the daily schedule.

Computer applications give teachers/instructors/professors another method to deliver and/or reinforce the information that is learned in the classroom. For instance, students at Coleman Middle School in Wichita, KS utilize a computer application to learn music. With this type of computer applications students are able to listen, mix and compose music and students are able to practice their singing. This music computer application engages the students to make learning of music exciting. A computer application can take a subject or a specific topic that in past was challenge or non-engaging for students and make it interesting for them to learn.

As students graduate and enter into the society. They must be equipped with the necessary skills to compete in a global market. For example, students a Hadley High School in Wichita, KS use videoconferencing to teach students about other countries. Videoconferencing removes the boundaries of a traditional classroom. The students are able to gain valuable knowledge that is outside of the textbook by talking to students in that country. From the educators’ standpoint, computer applications allow for them to take a traditional classroom and turn it into a virtual classroom.

Various technologies deliver different kinds of content and serve different purposes in the classroom. For example, word processing and e-mail promote communication skills; database and spreadsheet programs promote organizational skills; and modeling software promotes the understanding of science and math concepts. It is important to consider how these electronic technologies differ and what characteristics make them important as vehicles for education (Becker, 1994).

Educators as well as students are looking for better ways to deliver and learn information. Many educational programs use a computer-based training approach (Discovering Computers 2009, pp. 160). Schools are quickly adapting to computer – based training programs to aid in student learning. The benefits that computer applications give to the educational process are endless.

http://technology.usd259.org/news/index.htm

Focus on the Classroom - Google Docs: Heights High School

Classroom Focus - Coleman Music:

Classroom Focus: Interactive Distance Learning

Reeves, T. C. (1998). The impact of media and technology in schools: A research report prepared for The Bertelsmann Foundation.

Ringstaff, C., Kelley, L. (2002). The learning return on our educational technology investment. San Francisco: WestEd

Qiuz

True/False

1.     Application software consists of programs designed to make users more productive?

2.     Google Docs does not offer endless opportunities that technology gives students to enhance their learning.

Fill –in-Blank

3.     Word processing and e-mail promote _____________skills.

4.     Database and spreadsheet programs promote ____________________skills.

5.     _________________ Software promotes the understanding of science and math concepts.

6.     Educational programs use a ______________-based training approach.

7.     _______________ Applications have afforded opportunities that did not exist over 20 years ago.

Short Answer

8.      How has Information Systems help change the way education is delivered? 9.      Name at least 3 ways students can communicate with other students and describe how each communication tool works. 10.    How does a computer application(s) benefit teachers and students?