Lesson 12: INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IN SUPPORT OF STUDENT - CENTERED LEARNING

SUMMARY:        

           In the traditional classroom, it may be observed that the classrooms are usually arranged with neat columns and rows of student chairs, while the teacher stands in front of the classroom or sits behind his/her desk. This situation is necessitated by the need to maintain classroom discipline and also allow teacher to control classroom activities through lecture presentation and teacher-led discussions.

        In the student - centered classroom ,the students have now become active not passive learners, who can interact with other learners, demonstrating independence and self-awareness in the learning process. Generally, the new school classroom environment is characterized by student individually or in groups who are performing computer word processing, preparing power-point presentations, searching for information in the Internet, and brainstorming on ideas, problems and project plans as needed. The teacher facilitating instruction also gives individualized instruction to serve individual needs.

REFLECTION:

          The usefulness of the computer is a main concern when it comes to student - centered learning. With the computer's vast capabilities, it allow teachers to let students be independent learners and not merely being spoon - fed with information by the teacher. They can search and gather information on their own, exploring answers to their questions independently developing their higher thinking skills. The students are the primary concern for teachers and they become the center of the teaching - learning process. Information Technology supports this kind of learning environment.