No one could deny the importance of Information Technology in present. In order to teach students in the most efficient and effective way, it is unavoidable that the old tradition of using chalk and talk is fading out while the new model of teaching with IT is fading in.
To train up a student into an all-rounded person, it is necessary to provide them with more chances and more information about the current issues in the world. IT employed in education could widen the horizon of the students right in the classroom. They could reach out to the outside through the Internet and no longer taking education for granted. The interactive mode of learning allow students to learn and think in more dimensions. ICQ, email, AOL and other different ways of communications also bring up some inter-languages and slangy words.
Therefore, integrating IT in Education is a must in this fast-changing world, since it has been part of our lives and it won't be mistaken to foresee it as the most influencial issue to the future world and the future generation.
Information Technology
employed in the lessons in the following ways:
1. PowerPoint Presentation
2. Tailor-made Homepage (e.g. about Extra-Cirriculum Activities)
3. Tailor-made CD Rom
4. Internet Resources
5. Discussion Group
6. Email
Reasons for using the above Information Technology:
The multimedia capability of PPT software enables the integration of motion pictures, as well as still pictures, with the teaching contents of the lesson. Videos shown in the PPT can help students obtain a clear picture about the things taught to them through visualised images. Highlighted text and colorful pictures in the presentation also help students memorize facts and theories in the subject.
Tailor-made homepage highlighting the importance of the subject matter is avilable in the Web. Hyperlinks to all the references related to the subject matter is included in the web site so that students can refer to them from time to time in leisure time. Continuous update to the web pages also ensures that students can obtain the latest information about the subject matter.
Tailor-made CD Rom highlighting the main points of the teaching subjects are available in the market place. The CD Rom is consisting of interlinked pages and can be used without the connection to the Internet. Students can use these materials after lessons to learn and revise. The peer group pressure in using the most up-to-date CD Rom may bring to a possible atmosphere in learning since there will be keen competition among students and they probably will become more self-motivated.
Internet is in fact a valuable resource of information and knowledge. People can search for all kinds of information with the help of the search engines such as "msn", "Yahoo!" and "Excite!" and locate the useful web pages provided by the search result. These allow people to expose to unlimited resources all around the world through one screen.
Participation in Discussion Group on the internet allow students to discuss several issues with unknown people who are also exploring the same subject matter in their studies or researches. Encouraging them to take part in the Discussion Group could satisfy the curiosity of the students whereas increase their initiative in learing.
Sending and Replying Email
is another method for mutual communication in the IT world. The "attach"
function in the message composer provides us with an effective and efficient
way for the exchange of information. The exchange of information could
be done within a few second which shortens the physical distance. Students
and teachers could also communicate with each others from time to time with
reference to the past mail in the well-organised Inbox and the Sent Folder.
These allow easy communication and save time for both parties.