Lesson 12: Information Technology in Support of Student-Centered Learning

Ganancial, Estela L.  BSEd General Science 4

MW 3:00-5:00 PM

Educational Technology 2

Lesson 12: Information Technology in Support of Student-Centered Learning

Content

            

The idea of student-centered learning is not a recent idea. John Dewey argued for highly active and individualized pedagogical methods which place the student at the center of the teaching-learning process.

Traditional classrooms
In this kind of environment, teacher-centered approach is observable and the leaners are considered as the passive.

The SCL classroom
This suggests the new classroom environment wherein students are at the center of the teaching-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 PowerPoint presentation
· Searching for information on the internet
· Brainstorming on the ideas , problems, and project plans as needed, the teacher facilitating instruction, also gives individualized instruction to serve individual task

Given this new trend in teaching -and-learning, it must be pointed out, however, that traditional classroom activities—especially in less developed countries—will continue to have a strong place in the classroom. In spite of this setback experienced in some countries, the option has now been opened for the modern teacher to shift gears to student-centered learning.

Experience

            I haven’t experienced such SCL in the classroom way back my elementary and high school years. I was a product of traditional classroom. What I could just remember is the way my teachers in high school taught me those subjects that were mostly presented through discussion and few on hands-on activity. A normal scenario wherein my teacher was discussing everything and we were just there sitting in front while listening to the discussion. The only thing I could remember was the activity we had in Physics which was all about pressure. That activity was actually so fun. However if SCL was introduced that time, the school I had could not afford the IT facilities because computers were very limited that time. Aside from that most students can’t afford to buy such one because it was so expensive. 

Reflection

            We are now facing the digital age where most learners learn best with the help of such technological advancements. For me, SCL with the support of Information Technology is very suitable for this new generation. It will really cater the needs and interests of the learners while engaging in such real life activities. However, we should try to consider the factors as we adapt to this trend like for example the capability of the school to provide such IT facilities that will help the learners. Since K-12 is already implemented, the focus is on students that’s why the school must equip with these IT facilities in order for SCL to be effective. The teachers should also competent also in terms of IT knowledge to guide the students while integrating technology in the learning of the students.

Application

            Our government is now adapting this K-12 curriculum which is an OBE-based curriculum and given the trend on the advancement of the technology, students are of great focus in this curriculum. I will favor SCL if the school could provide the computers for the students. But SCL is perfect for this curriculum however it would function well with the help of computers which are very common tools for students as well as for teachers. It is expected that I’ll be teaching in rural areas where technology is not yet still introduced.  So for me to be able to employ such approach, I’ll try to communicate to some stake holders in the community for the availability of the computers so that students will really adapt to the technological trends while they are learning.