Teachers target Internet to teach students

INTEGRATING the use of technology platforms in teaching practices is an important tool to apply with Internet-based communication being the preferred choice of medium among children.

"Kids would rather speak up through Facebook updates than in a classroom," said Michael Moroney, an Educational Technology Lecturer at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) during a session on Collaborative Learning under the National Workshop of New Information Technologies and Tools in Scientific Education yesterday.

"Podcasting is commonly used by teachers as some students prefer to listen to what was taught rather than to read something that was printed," he said.

Thirty teachers from various secondary schools and education institutes with science and mathematics background attended the session at UBD.

Facilitated by Moroney, the session introduced theorectical perspectives which show the different terms of science teaching with technology and its various applications.

One theoretical perspective the lecturer mentioned was social constructivism which is when "children learn new things but build on with what they already know."

Moroney also touched on Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge, a framework to understanding the different kinds of knowledge needed for a teacher to integrate technology into their teachings.

He further elaborated on the barriers that hinder the effectiveness of collaborative learning such as lack of technology platform, knowledge of software usability and proper access to equipment in schools. Commenting on technology as a teaching tool in Brunei, he said, "The technology platform such as networking is still in the process of getting there."

He added, "Once we get kids familiar with the technology, we will be able to use this as a medium to communicate, coordinate teamwork and develop a social network which will give them more confidence in providing feedback towards teachers."

He said teachers must also be well-equipped with the Information Technology (IT) facilities to balance out with what they have learnt in the workshop.

The Brunei Times