My initial reaction is that the modern classroom is changing and if instruction/learning can incorporate modern technology we must embrace it. Computers and web based applications offer teachers the capability of reaching students more quickly and easily. Traditional classroom instruction definitely has its place but we live in a more fast pace world and the concepts describe in this article are limitless.
As I was reading through the article, namely The Keller Plan I kept thinking about the changes being made to one of the courses that I teach. Next year Computer Application I will be replaced with the Microsoft IT Academy. This course will allow students to become certified in either PowerPoint/Word or Excel/Access by working in modules. Based on my limited understanding of this new course students will view tutorials, and work through modules which involve various assignments. They will also take standard tests. A benefit of this system is that students will be allowed to work at their own pace allowing me as the instructor to add modules for more advanced students who might feel held back by students who are struggling. A potential benefit of this system involves oral tutorials. Conceptually this type of web based instruction/learning could be very beneficial in the modern classroom such as mine although there could be obvious barriers. An unmotivated student, left to work at his own pace could choose to do nothing. An instructor must monitor students at all time to make sure they are staying on task. Another barrier is the expense of the technology and the equipment needed.
Kerry,
ReplyDeleteMicrosoft IT Academy is an excellent example of this system in use. Sounds like the students will learn something that will be beneficial to them in the future. The training is standardized so employers understand the importance of the certifications.
IT courses seem almost ideal for the PSI model. Any hands-on activities can naturally be done right there on the computer, and a lot of the skills to be learned are probably just procedural, creating slides, animations, using mark-up, things like that. Lack of motivation and cost are two big issues for this model, and I would also imagine that students are completing these task alone with little room for collaboration, an important IT skill in itself. Do you know what assessment might look like yet on this system, or can you imagine what it might be like? What is the teacher's role in this program?
ReplyDeleteKaren-You are right about the standardization of the certifications. NCDPI feels this will be a huge benefit to our students and make them marketable as they enter the job market.
ReplyDeleteShaun-I don't have any idea what the assessment will look like yet. We have been told it will be similar to VoCats. There are two teachers in our county who conducting the pilot program and we are supposed to be getting feedback from them soon. My roll would be that of a facilitator. I am not sure how I am going to like that. We will definately find out next year.
ReplyDeleteWell, a facilitator role would probably mean a lot less prep work for you, though I hope the give you access to the program far in advance so you can become familiar with it before attempting to help the students.
ReplyDeleteI heard about the Microsoft IT Academy on the news a couple of months ago. This academy will truly follow the PSI model. It is interesting to me because my mom taught Computer Applications and was the VoCats coordinator for her school. When they first made the announcement about the academy, I was interested in her point of view. I think that this is a wonderful opportunity for high school students to build their resumes and have skills that employers are demanding.
ReplyDeleteKerry, another good tie-in to subject matter, as the PSI model does seem suited for training on applications. I can imagine building a module with a screencasting tool like Camstudio that taught students how to work with different aspects of a software program, with pauses to stop and practice those aspects, ending with some assessment and instructor feedback. This would indeed be a good application of PSI.
ReplyDeleteKerry -
ReplyDeleteWe are in the process of moving our LMS from Bb to Moodle and we are using a very informal adaptation of this model for brining instructors up to speed. But I think providing different resources and methods of learning and engagement for students at various places of the spectrum (while stressful) is beneficial for their learning!