Technology

Reading & Writing in Cyberspace
and other Technological Wonders

Is technology in the classroom only plugs, cables, wires, monitors, CPUs, and other techno jargon? It can be, but it can also be a challenging opportunity to explore new teaching techniques. Technology changes the dynamics of the classroom and engages the student in completely different ways. The creation of computer environments often extends the boundaries of the traditional classroom. It encourages a higher participation from students and it moves learning toward more learner-centered content. It creates an atmosphere in which knowledge is collaboratively created within a community that extends far beyond four walls. The amount of supervision a teacher uses in the classroom is dependent on what the students have learned prior to using the computers. If a teacher establishes a cooperative environment and explains executing, troubleshooting, and maintaining the programs, computer supervision should be minimal. Not all programs work for all circumstances; therefore, teacher planning is essential to establishing a system of learning in this environment.

Used incorrectly, technology can diminish essential human contact and can cause students to feel isolated. Therefore, teachers are sometimes reluctant to take the risks associated with exploring technology and cyberspace for teaching and learning purposes. However, technology can enhance problem-solving and project-based learning.

Computers offer the best opportunity for interdisciplinary learning, allowing the students to explore a wide range of topics. For instance, the Eastside Adult Education program in San Jose, California has a Web site http://aenet.esuhsd.org//lemayd/home.html in which a group of students is requesting e-pals (e-mail pen pals). One of the teachers at this site wants other beginning ESL students to critique the book "Sarah, Plain, and Tall" with her students using e-mail. What a wonderful way to enhance classroom discussions and knowledge. Another example is a teacher who asked her students to e-mail Congress and request a postcard from their home state. Once the student received a postcard, they researched on the World Wide Web and wrote up information about each state represented. The teacher then developed an information center with the postcards by creating a wall display. However, not all computer activities have to include using information found in cyberspace. Projects such as creating a poetry book, writing newsletters, compiling a recipe book, and writing letters can be done easily with a word processor and distributed throughout the school or the community.

The Web has thousands of reference sites useful to adult education teachers and their students. One site is English as a Second Language Home Page http://www.lang.uiuc.edu/r-li5/esl/ which offers a variety of materials such as radio programs, magazines, journals, and teaching tips. A new site is the ALMA project, TV411 http://www.tv.org which offers a combination of TV programming, exercises for the classroom, and teaching tips. Governmental sites include The Office of Vocational and Adult Education http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ovae/index.html?src=mr, and National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy. Both offer the latest information on teaching theory and adult education legislation.

Even if you have no direct access to computers, other forms of technology can be used in the classroom. The incorporation of basic technology such as TV/VCR, video/cassette recorders, calculators, etc. can greatly enliven a classroom.

If used correctly, technology is a tool that can enhance classroom activities. It can incorporate all learning styles and improve students' skills. By teachers and students gaining the skills necessary to use computers, we will find that technology can be an invaluable resource and vehicle for learning.

Gaye Horne has been teaching in the adult education field for ten years, specifically in the area of computer instruction. Her innovative approach to teaching has made her an effective and successful instructor. Her master's thesis, Meeting Needs In ABE: A Practical Implementation of Computer Aided Instruction, was written about effective practices in adult education. She has won and successfully administered several grants, as well as developing on-line curricula for her program. Prior to her current teaching position with the Ysleta Independent School District, she planned and coordinated two computer labs for El Paso Community College. She is currently serving as President of the El Paso Adult Educators Association.