Lesson 12 - Information Technology in Support of 

Student-Centered Learning

         
  In this lesson, we shall see now the teacher can expand his option to make himself more effective and relevant in the 21st millennium information age. In particular, the lesson shall respond to questions on student-centered learning approach, particular helps on designing and adapting students-learning activities shall be examined.

in addition, suggestion shall be made on how a student-centered classroom (SCL) can be supported by information technology (IT)

The Traditional Classroom

        

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

The SCL Classroom

          In industrialize societies we find knowledge-based economies in which workers depend on information that can be accessed through information and communication technologies (ICT's). Desiring to gain effectiveness, efficiency and economy in administration and instruction, schools in these developed economies have also adopted the support of ICT's. Their 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:

Performing computer word processing for text or graph presentations

Preparing power-point presentation

Searching for information on the Internet

Brainstorming on ideas, problems and project plans

As needed, the teacher facilitating instruction, also giving individualized instruction to serve individual needs.