Reflections

Josephine Charisse S. Mamis

BSED 4

REFLECTIONS

1. Discuss the disparity in educational technology advancement in school of industrialized First World country (such as the U.S., England, Japan, Singapore, Australia) and a developing country namely the Philippines.

            First World countries such as the US, Japan, England, etc. are so called “First World” countries because of the major advancement in their industries which also includes their technology. Along this advancement in technology, their schools also has the big advancement in terms of the use of computers and other media for the benefit of the students compared to the schools in the Philippines being a Third World country.

            Schools in the US and other First World countries are more advanced; their schools use high-powered computers, interactive white boards and no longer uses blackboards and chalk. Students and teachers alike have the access to these hi-tech tools which is very convenient for their learning. Moreover, internet access is also very advanced and fast in these countries thus giving them speed in accessing websites and information from the internet.

            Third World countries such as the Philippines have less advanced technology compared to First World countries. Although we also now have computers and other tools using technology but ours are less improved and less updated. Few schools here are using high standard tools in the classroom. Moreover, internet speed is also questionable especially in rural areas of the country, even if we have computers to use.

            Because of this disparity in educational advancement in First and Third World countries, we can clearly see the difference in technological literacy of students. However, the difference in technological literacy of students of these countries and ours does not imply that the learning ability of students in First world countries is higher than the learning ability of students in Third World countries such as the Philippines. There may be higher advancement in first world countries than Third World countries in terms of technology but we can say that we are not that far behind in terms of learning ability.

2. Given the lack of resources in our rural areas in the Philippines, what media can still be used for effective learning in school? (Clue: traditional media)

            Traditional media such as boards, bond papers and manila papers are mostly used in our schools today. Teachers can make use also of posters, charts and diagrams to convey learning to students. Everyday materials that are abundant and easily accessible to both teachers and students can also be used for the materials in learning. Books and modules are also traditional media that are used in schools. Also videos and films of the particular topics are also used in class discussions. Lack of resources in rural areas can be a disadvantage but it doesn’t mean that teachers will not improve themselves to look for innovations with the use of traditional media in order for them to convey knowledge to their students. It is a way for them to become resourceful teachers and can be a model to their students.

3. Computer shops are pervasive around schools, but these are mainly used for playing games. Without judging on the possibly dehumanizing effects of excessive computer game habits, how can a learner best use computer resources as they may be available in schools or at home?

            A learner can use computer for searching various information in the internet. They can search for data that are not found in books. On the other hand, learners should be very careful in picking information in the internet because some of this information are not valid.

            Computers can also be used by learners for storage of information and data gathered from the internet. They can save their files in the computer hard drive of through the use of flash drives and USB.

            In interactive learning, computers can also be utilized using software available.  Educational games are also available for learners for them to learn while at the same time enjoying.

            Learners may also use computers as means of creating projects and outputs. Microsoft Office is very effective in this use. With the use of computers, drawings and diagrams can be easily produced.