articles...

MA ADA 2007 > articles > Together we can make a difference

Together we can make a difference

May 8, 12:13 PM · Jo Choi

Education is a lifelong process by which youngsters are encouraged and enabled to fully develop their potential. It also serves the purpose of equipping them with what is necessary to be productive members of the future society. (Dewey LW 8:330; Fisher 2005) However, this future society is, in fact, full of dynamic and complex materials within the hybrids of our private and public life. For this, Sheller and Urry claim that instead of insistently maintaining the boundary between public and private domains in this complex and hybrid forms of communicational and informational flow, we should ‘navigate new material, mobile worlds, bringing into being ways of communication, mobilization and theory’ to develop democratic citizenship and a better society. To achieve it, the youth, parents, carers and teachers should live and navigate with this ever-changing global new media.

Since the introduction of the concept of computer assisted instruction (CAI) in 1960s, greater adaptability and flexibility of computer use in CAI mode has developed a powerful hold over people’s minds. People gradually discovered that computer can play different roles in teaching and learning. Attempts are then taken to get a wider picture of the roles of computer use in arenas like management of learning, as a learning resource and in research etc. (Hooper 1975)

Nowadays, computer literacy forms a natural part among many schoolchildren and families. Owing to the goal of ICT in enhancing citizens’ capabilities to innovation and creation of new knowledge and industries, personal participation in this technology-knowledge-economic development cycle is encouraged. Hence, conferences, courses and workshops on computer uses for teachers, parents, carers and family members who have the most important influences on children’s lives, emerged. (Wagner and Kozma 2005)

Many governmental and local organizations in society supply citizens with various opportunities and ways in computer uses and learning, aiming at providing technology-based education. Some living examples are as in the following:

Parentcentre
a governmental organisation providing technological support

Craigmillar Communiversity aims at creating a learning exchange network addressing the local needs.
One interesting project: The Golden cow of Craigmillar

BBC Webwise a guide using the Internet

Sonic Postcards Project enables pupils to be aware of living environment and communicate with others across the world via internet, fostering their creativity through the manipulation of technology. (e.g. Alehousewells School)

In co-operating actively with useful educational organizations in computer uses, we can help in well-equipping children to navigate and strive for success towards the computer world.

References:
Computers and 3D product design education (1985), London: Design Council.

Fisher, R. (2005). Teaching children to think, Cheltenham: Stanley Thornes.

Hooper R. and Toye I. (1975). Computer assisted learning in the United Kingdom, London: Council for Educational Technology for the United Kingdom.

Making the difference: new technology in learning (2006), Edinburgh: Scottish Executive.

Sheller M. and Urry J. (2003). Mobile Transformations of ‘Public’ and ‘Private’ Life. Source: Theroy, Culture & Society (SAGE, London, Thousand Oaks and New Delhi), Vol. 20(3), pp. 107-125.

Simpson, D.J. (2005). John Dewey and the art of teaching: toward reflective and imaginative practice, London: Sage Publications.

Temple N., Darach J. and Rosch V. (2004). the:global:ideas:Book, London: Institute for Social Inventions.

Wagner D. A. and Kozma R. B. (2005). New technologies for literacy and adult education: a global perspective, Paris: UNESCO Publishing.

 

Comment

Commenting is closed for this article.