Some people say drill and practice is really "drill and kill." What can teachers do to make sure this kind of use doesn't happen and drill and practice can serve a useful function?
Using the computer for repeated drill and practice can motivate children to practice skills that they are lacking. One positive feature of drill-and-practice software is that it provides children with immediate feedback on whether that answered the question correctly or not. This keeps students from practicing an incorrect response and making it permanent; it is harder to re-teach skills that have been learned incorrectly. Some computer-based drill-and-practice programs (FASTT MATH) recommend limiting the use to 10-15 minutes a day. Teachers can also find different ways for students to practice the same skills. For students who have learning disabilities affecting their long-term memory the number of times a skill has be repeated for facts to “stick” is much greater than a “normal” child. Students can learn the alphabet, numbers, math facts, foreign languages, etc. using drill-and-practice software. When choosing software it is important to have control over the rate of presentation and the level of skill. Software should also be age appropriate for the student. By using the computer to assist in this repetitive task the student is not singled out, because all students should have access to the computer on a routine basis. When students do learn “facts” it builds confidence that they can achieve.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Chapter 7 Discussion
Some educators feel that distance technologies will greatly improve education; some feel education will suffer if they are overused. What are factors you can cite in support of each of these positions?
Distance technologies can improve education by making research materials quicker to locate. Distance learning is often constructed, which puts the student as the person responsible for the product. The speed in which information is exchanged between students and teachers is greatly increased. The use of the virtual classrooms has broken down the confinements of walls that a traditional school setting has been constrained by. Technology has allowed some people to advance educationally where in the past it might have been impossible due to time restraints, transportation, etc. Distance learning creates the flexibility that some students require. Distance learning has changed how teachers teach and how students learn. Teachers guide the learning process, but the students construct knowledge, are motivated and take responsibility for their learning.
Some experts argue that too much interaction with technology has been detrimental to the social and interrelationship development of children. There is research to support this and the advice given is to limit the use of media to 1- 2 hours a day. In this ever changing technological society, I do not realistically see this becoming a reality. We must teach these “people” skills and use technology effectively to teach students.
Distance technologies can improve education by making research materials quicker to locate. Distance learning is often constructed, which puts the student as the person responsible for the product. The speed in which information is exchanged between students and teachers is greatly increased. The use of the virtual classrooms has broken down the confinements of walls that a traditional school setting has been constrained by. Technology has allowed some people to advance educationally where in the past it might have been impossible due to time restraints, transportation, etc. Distance learning creates the flexibility that some students require. Distance learning has changed how teachers teach and how students learn. Teachers guide the learning process, but the students construct knowledge, are motivated and take responsibility for their learning.
Some experts argue that too much interaction with technology has been detrimental to the social and interrelationship development of children. There is research to support this and the advice given is to limit the use of media to 1- 2 hours a day. In this ever changing technological society, I do not realistically see this becoming a reality. We must teach these “people” skills and use technology effectively to teach students.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
