Lesson 10

The Computer as a Tutor

                The computer can be a tutor in effect relieving teacher of many activities in his personal role as classroom tutor. It should be made clear, however, that the computer cannot totally replace the teacher since the teacher shall continue to play the major roles of information deliverer and learning environment controller. Even with the available computer and CAI software, the teacher must;

        * Insure that students have the needed knowledge and skills for any computer activity

        * Decide the appropriate learning objectives

        * Plan the sequential and structured activities to achieve objectives

        * Evaluate the students’ achievements by ways of tests the specific expected outcomes.

On the other hand, the student in CAI play their own roles as learners as they;

• Receive information
• Understand instruction for the computer activity
• Retain/keep in mind the information and rules for the computer activity
• Apply the knowledge and rules during the process of computer learning

During the computer activity proper in CAI the computer too plays its roles as it:

• Act as a sort of tutor (the role traditional played by the teacher)
• Provides a learning environment
• Delivers learning instruction
• Reinforces learning through drill and practice
• Provides feedback

Simulation Programs

           Simulation Software materials are another kind of software that is constructivist in nature. This simulation software: 

• Teacher strategies and rules applied to real-life problems/situation
• Ask students to make decision on models or scenarios
• Allow students to manipulate elements of a model and get the experience of the effect of their decisions

During the computer activity proper in CAI the computer, too, plays its roles as it:

• Provides a learning environment.
• Delivers learning instruction.
• Reinforces learning through drill-and-practice.
• Provides feedback.

DISCUSSION;

1. Many software materials available in develop countries are not yet available in developing countries. Do you think awareness of the existence of these materials can still help teachers in developing countries?

Yes.

2. Students play games at home and nearby school computer cafes. How do these games differ from instructional computer games?

Although these games can somehow enhance of other aspects in the life of a student, its windows for knowledge and academic competency is lower.

3. Discuss the difficulties of using software; number of school computers available, need to find ways to integrate them into lessons/curriculum. How futuristic are computers as tutors in our Philippine educational scenario?

As more and more software are being developed, the knowledge to operate them and use them is limited. School computers are not enough also for learners to execute programs/software for them to study and use in the line or learning. Moreover, there is a need to educate teachers regarding the usage of computers as they may be integrated effectively in lessons/curriculum.

Computers as tutors in the Philippine educational scenario is a struggling fact that it can’t provide the best learning for learners considering the state of its operation.