Some of My Experiences in Using Technology in Teaching

I still remember my college days where I first had an experience in teaching and in using of instructional materials. The term technology was then rarely used in teaching. We were very much gratified in teaching when we use visual materials like charts, pictures, illustrations, drawings, real objects, and some activities written on the green board. (For these were the materials I learned from my professor in Art Education subject). When these materials were used together with some exciting activities then I see changes on the behaviors of pupils, I felt satisfaction deep in my heart because I knew I have done my roles.
I really had difficulties then in preparing visual materials every night. Every day I need to teach new lessons, so these entailed new visual materials. But I was thinking that if I will not prepare those things, I will consume too much time writing on the board. This means wasting the time which must be devoted to more important learning activities inside the classroom.
When I started teaching in the College of Education and handled the future elementary teachers, that was the time I learned to use the tape recorder and the cassette player aside from the traditional teaching aids which I was using. Since I was teaching my students how to prepare exciting learning activities for young children, using the taped materials was then very enthusing.
From using the taped materials, I learned too how to use the VHS Player and VHS taped materials, as well as the television. I let my students watch the demonstration teaching of some of our former students. I also tried using some television programs using the television where my students can see how those programs cab be of use when they teach different subjects in the elementary school.
Before, in using manila papers or cartolina as charts, I had experience difficulty in preparing them, for it is time consuming. I can keep those materials for two years (I will be very lucky if the rats will not eat those), but after two years, I need to prepare for new ones again. I was so thankful when the College of Education bought overhead projectors which we can use when teaching. With this, I was relieved of the burden of spending long hours in writing/drawing on charts. Preservation of materials became unproblematic then.
By that time too, the use of computers was introduced, but I was not knowledgeable how to use this when teaching. I used the computer to type and print some of my handouts and other instructional materials.
Only recently when I learned how to prepare and use the power point presentation together with a television as monitor or an LCD projector. I really enjoy preparing some of my teaching and learning materials here. For lesser time, we can cover now wider topics (of course with the help of hand outs).
However, I realized lately that my students are far more advanced than me in terms of the utilization of modern technology when teaching. I can instruct them or suggest including some video clips downloaded from the internet, but in reality, I myself do not have understanding on how to do it. It’s difficult to admit it, but I have to face the fact that I am travelling far from what is in now and need to go with the flow of time.
Upon enrolling Technology in Education, (though I really had a hard time learning), I learned a lot of things. The first time I use the movie maker, I have my daughters to teach me the basic moves. I even sought the help of some of my students. (I felt self pity then because I felt I was so left behind). But I am very glad to say that now, I know how to use it and prepare some instructional materials using it.
When I was learning how to use the power director, I’ve ask my students’ help again. But I’ve found out that they themselves still do not know how to use it. I was not unhappy that time but rather I felt happiness deep in my heart because at least now, I am more advanced than my students. (Hurayyy! He he he!). Though it was difficult at first, but now I know how convenient it is to use when teaching. Learning how to post my own blog and use the on-line quiz are significant added factors.
I have just learned how to use the modern technology, so in the near future, I know I can make my teaching and the learning of my students more exciting and challenging.
Thank you, very much, SIR REGIDOR GABOY for teaching us these things. Though we always have difficulty in budgeting and managing our time in preparing the materials, I am glad I have learned a lot from you. God bless you and your family, Sir.
The Most Effective Presentation/Entertainment Software Today which can be used in Teaching
When asking the question which is the most effective presentation/entertainment software today which can be used in teaching, this is the same when asking which instructional method is most effective when teaching. There is the saying that “There is no single best method of teaching, but there are many good methods” So I can say too that “There is no single best today which can be used in teaching, but rather there are many good software which the teacher can use when teaching”.
The effectiveness of the presentation/entertainment software lies in the hands of the teacher who will prepare and use it. Even the best materials will not become best when used improperly. When choosing for software or material when teaching, there are many things to consider.
First, the objectives of the lesson must be considered. The instructional objectives will serve as our guide when deciding on everything which we should use and do when we are teaching. Whatever material and activity we will use; these should help and contribute in the attainment of the objectives.
Another thing to consider is the nature of the subject matter. The software or material to be used must carry out what should be learned from the lesson. Preparation of materials is a crucial part because if not chosen and properly prepared, hazard on learning irrelevant things may occur.
The learner who is considered as the center of the learning process must be considered too. Their nature and characteristics as well as their individual differences must always be considered when preparing materials for teaching. These include their learning styles, multiple intelligences, age, likes, dislikes, interest, capabilities, and weaknesses, and the like.
The teacher who will use the software or the material must be considered too. No matter how modern is the technology which we are using if the teacher does not know how to prepare materials using those, then the purpose of using the technology becomes futile.
Through experience, we know that no best materials can replace the teacher. But it would be best if the best teachers will use properly and effectively presentation/entertainment software.