This article contains information on Computer Application for Teaching and Learning.
Computers were invented not for entertainment or sending emails as we do these days, rather it was out of a necessity to solve a serious number-crunching problem.
Just a brief explanation for some who may not know, a computer is simply a device that performs tasks to produce a solution according to a set of instructions.
In the search for quicker options to get work completed, gigantic computers that occupied space in a room were birthed. Nowadays, Computers have evolved to smaller sizes, more powerful and reliable gadgets which we possess in desktops, laptops and even smartphones. It is difficult to deny that computers have occupied a noticeable part in modern society.
Considering the change on how we work, play and even learn, it clearly shows these devices are very much an essential tool in almost all professions like Banking, Engineering, Entertainment, Health, Religion and Education, so nearly every person can take advantage of it by understanding how they function and as well as know how to use it.
Below are few sectors where computers have been applied into;
1. BANKING
Imagine an organisation such as the bank functioning without the use of computers. It absolutely won’t be short of chaos and loss of information. Hence, the need of a computer cannot be overemphasized for effective utilization, stress reduction, simplicity in data processing and storage of data. The use of the computer in the bank can be an effective means in speedy processing and minimizing the price of creating, undertaking figure works.
There are abundant gains of computers in the banking sector like, maintenance of customer’s accounts, electronic transactions of huge amounts, renewal of credit and debit cards. Not to mention the emergence of the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) that assists customers to deposit, withdraw money, pay for utility bills and has saved us time to avoid long queues in the bank halls.
2. ENGINEERING
Previously, Engineers constructed drawings of their works by hand on paper, then proceed to structure erection. Now, technology has transformed a major portion of those ideas to be created on a computer using some applications which can design, test and alter modifications to inventions in the least possible time. Computers aid them complete the job much faster. Some of these computer applications include:
Computer- Aided Design (CAD)
This is used by engineers to bring their imaginations to life in a 3D format. These ideas can be shared among colleagues in different locations and can be reformed if need be in real time. Likewise, the use of drones have made it possible to conduct work sites inspection and identify potential hazards in each day of the project.
3. ENTERTAINMENT
Computers aren’t limited to banking and engineering. It is hugely embedded in the entertainment and arts domain. The music, movies, sports are now linked with information technology, anyone can have all these services just by sitting at home.
In today’s movies, illusions are brought to life with special effects from a computer. Back in the days, a musician was required to have necessary instruments to make music or even head to the studio for recording a verse. In recent times, it’s been easier, just have a computer connected to a stereo or synthesizer and create that wonderful sound. Sports is not an exception with the new ways of virtual training, analysing and comparison of the movements of athletes to improve game performance.
4. HEALTH
The use of information technological equipment is on the rise in the medical profession. There are several levels of intersection of medicine and computer technology. In areas of hospital, information systems, laboratory computing, carrying out surgeries, data analysis etc. Hospital information system arranges and stores patient’s data which the physician has easy access to, biomedical research.
Laboratory computing’s aim is to deliver precise results in minimal time, outcomes must tally patient identity. A popular robotic surgery is the da Vinci Surgical System designed to carry out operations using a minimal invasive approach which is controlled by a surgeon from a console. Computers are also used in the rehabilitation process of patients through the use of prosthesis.
5. RELIGION
A lot of religious institutions have embraced the use of computers to propagate the gospel. It appears the computer has come to stay so why not embrace it in the church or mosque. Computers have helped in record keeping in the sanctuary, draft plans for church meetings like weddings, baptism and dedication. Moreover, it is in use to monitor church membership, track records of financial documents listing donations, and support sermons in translation of different languages. Computers have been used with satellites to pass messages across states, countries, continents.
6. GOVERNMENT
Just like every other sector, the government has benefited with the use of computers. Either at the state or federal level, government employees must organise meetings according to scale of preference to meet required needs and share various reports. For this to be achieved successfully, a computer is required to use programs like word processing, spreadsheets and database management programs. Further applications of the computer in the government offices are email functions, payment distribution to the staff or contractors, record keeping.
7. EDUCATION
We cannot negate the necessity of computers in our world today. From the smartphones in our hands to highly tech devices guiding our appliances at home shows its use is enormous. It has its purposes for the scholar and the instructors. Computers are one of the most appreciated assets in and out of the classroom because they serve several convenient roles.
Having computers and the internet, students have loads of accessible information at their disposal which can help them to enhance their research and communication skills while getting ready for a future career in a workforce that is increasingly dependent on computer technology.
Some of these tools offer a wealth of valuable data that the educators can use to work with their learners during study and take full advantage of knowledge. Online assessments are more competent than the paper examination because it agrees with direct response.
A lot of educational institutions have adopted online classes and a few others propose degree programs that can be achieved entirely online. These programs make it possible for single parents or students with too much amount of work to continue schooling from their residence.
The advantage of using computers in teaching and learning is its efficient assessment and opportunities for online learning. They are unavoidable to the society but on the other hand, it doesn’t mean students certainly comprehend how to use these technologies properly. The use of computers give teachers a chance to teach digital skills that shows methods to use technology appropriately.
Computers tend to support student activities. These days, students are constantly faced with technology beyond the classroom. Computers have improved teaching in numerous ways, teachers use computers to record grades, averages, attendance and monitor student’s performance. Computers have made it easier for teachers to use instructional delivery as an alternative to tutoring in a classroom for hours. The use of computers to create presentation topics balances the lesson at hand.
The usage of computers has greatly skyrocketed in schools at all levels and subject areas, special education, grown-up literacy programs, university teachings, down to training in the industry and military. Therefore, in these devices called computers we have what is called a “Computer Applications”.
Basically, they are known as the set of instructions that run in the computers to achieve a desired result. There are various ways of applying these computer applications to use for teaching and learning.
SOME COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
1. Courseware
This is a term which joins the words ‘course’ and ‘software’. Initially, it was a learning material for teachers or as lessons for students generally packaged for use with a computer. In recent times, its significance and usage has extended to an entire course with some added material when used in reference online. The courseware can be in diverse formats in which some are only accessible online in web pages or can be downloaded as PDF files.
2. Classroom Aids
As the name implies, it certainly eases the instructor’s teaching. A typical illustration is the interactive whiteboard (SMART Notebook) at the front of the class that projects whatever that is being run on the teacher’s computer. Also, it permits the use of a digital pen to draw on the board.
3. Assessment Software
Looking at the effect of environmental change and the importance of institutions to become paperless, many academic institutions seek other methods of valuation and testing. This refers to software that lets students carry out tests and examinations, check scores, results and transcripts using the computer. Examples are; Google classroom, Moodle.
4. Reference Software
Gone are the days when researchers spent so much time going through hardcopies of papers to get needed records or documents. This software is used to source information in order to ascertain a fact easily. We have the most recent and popular of them all, Wikipedia. A collection of various reference works by experts.
5. Custom Platforms
These are those mini friendly laptop lookalike devices children use. In them are engaging music and educational games, ranging in different subjects like mathematics, English, history and science. They do have a limited range of purposes but yet are portable.
6. Specific Educational Purposes
The function of the software under this category is totally for one purpose. Example is a driving test software which apparently guides you how to drive, another is a language learning software that teaches you a desired language to speak with the right pronunciation.
7. Video Game and Gamification
Surprisingly, some might wonder how this is possible. Definitely, video games can be used to show a user technology mastery. Some of this can be found in our phones, a notable representation is Mavis Beacon which teaches and improves the user’s typing skills. Added to that is Tovertafel, a game designed for remedial education and counteracting the effects of dementia.
While there are positives of using computers, it definitely has the negatives. Some have the concern that computers are diverting student’s concentration to video games, movies and social media. It is true that some pupils might have been attracted off by these features, but there are settings existing that can help teachers and parents fix limitations to help reduce distractions.
Another drawback of computers is over dependence on technology. Opponents argue that spell check and other features that routinely correct mistakes in spelling and punctuation make students too lethargic to learn and put on the guidelines themselves. It also encourages plagiarism with ease as regards to connection of the computer to the internet. The computer can cause a syndrome known as carpal tunnel and strain in the eyes as a result of moving your hand from the keyboard to a mouse with repetitive typing.
In addition to that, one tends to feel back aches after sitting for so long. There is a potential loss of privacy with computers having access to a lot of private data, a user is at high risk of getting exposed to other people. If a mischievous identity gets your information, they have the right to use your online accounts to create a new account in your name.
CONCLUSION
To conclude, over the years, the computer has been a life saver in many industries as it serves many purposes. With its existence, IT personnels have made it even easier with the development of various apps. A common example being the Microsoft office with comprises of MS word, power point, Excel, etc. Today, Artificial Intelligence is in existence. This is also a product of numerous researches by IT personnels. With the existence of AI, teaching and learning has also been made easier than ever before.
With the current global pandemic which has posed a threat to the world, I can say that the application of computers in the world would increase in every sphere of our lives including teaching and learning. Of course, during the global lockdown, students were taught at the comfort of their homes through various means, zoom being the most common medium.
