Introduction

ACTIVITY 2

REFLECTION:

1. Many college students are presently required to take computer courses including word processing (Microsoft Office), spreadsheet preparation (Excel), presentation techniques (Powerpoint), etc. How do you think this will help application of skills needed in Ed Tech 2?

          We have defined Educational Technology 2 as the integration of technology to the teaching and learning process. This subject is all about utilizing technology to aid us in order to have a more interactive and productive teaching and learning environment. In line with this thought, it is relevant that students taking up this course should have the basic knowledge and skills in using computer applications such as Microsoft Office Word for word processing, M.S. Excel for spreadsheet preparations and M.S. Powerpoint for report presentations. Students should at least be familiar with these apps because Ed Tech 2 requires us to do tasks which would use this three. Besides, we are in the advent of technology. We are expected to have these skills because they are not just useful in the classroom but on the job as well.

2. From those who have done internet surfing, searching/reading, what do the websites offer to users?

          The internet is a very useful tool in research, education and even just for fun. Whatever question you have in mind, be it for a school project or just personal curiosity, you can search the web for an answer. However, you cannot always be a hundred percent sure that the answers you get are true. Because of this, an internet user should be vigilant in using the web responsively.

          Every websites you can find in the internet is useful in one way or another. All of them would offer answers to your queries through the keywords that you enter in a search browser. But of course, it’s up to the user to sift through all the information offered and find the perfect answer to his/her dilemma. Most of the websites would offer text documents, pictures and videos depending on what you need. There are also sites that offer forums for subscribers to interact with each other. This is useful when a user needs an opinion from someone more knowledgeable on the subject he/she is researching. Thus, every website is useful indeed, just as long as it is used properly.

RESEARCH:

AUSTRALIA’S I.T. INITIATIVES

          In the Adelaide Declaration and National Goals for Schools, information technology is one of the eight national goals/learning areas students should achieve. Students should be confident, creative and productive users of new technologies, particularly ICTs, and understand the impact of these technologies on society.

          The plans for achieving the national goal for IT are left to the individual states and territories with the Educational Network Australia (EdNA) as the coordinating and advisory body. Across the states and territories, the common features to planning, funding and implementation strategies are:

Ø  Fast local and wide area networks linking schools across the state and    territory

Ø  Substantial number of computers in schools, ensuring adequate access

Ø  Continuing teacher training in the use of technology for instruction

Ø  Technical support to each school

Ø  Sufficient hardware and software

Ø  Digital library resources

Ø  Technology demonstrations as models for schools