An Introduction to Educational Computing

Book excerpt: In both education and training, teachers are faced with many and varied problems relating to their teaching and their students’ learning. Educational technology, in its widest sense, provides teachers with methods and tools which, if properly used, can alleviate some of these problems. The computer is one such tool, offering, within certain limitations, some possible solutions. Originally published in 1979, this book describes the use of the computer as a resource and as a manager in education and training. It discusses the use, potential and limitations of this technology in helping the teacher and trainer. Beginning with a consideration of the role of the computer as a mediator in the flow of information between the student and his learning environment, the book goes on to look at Computer Assisted Learning from an educational viewpoint, the strength and weaknesses of a number of different media, and the problems of managing modular courses and course structures and handling information on students’ performance and progress. A chapter on informatics and education addresses the problem of what both teachers and students should know about computers, while the final chapter examines the practical problems of prompting and organising the appropriate use of this technology.