Generally, there are two distinct ways in which students can use a computer and their applications in the classroom. They can either learn from computers or learn with computers. Learning from computers is the idea of using special-purpose applications to enhance learning. The most commonly used applications are spreadsheets, databases, and word processing applications. In addition to the database, spreadsheet, and office automation applications, various other special-purpose applications can exist in a school district.
They include computer-based instruction programs, computer-assisted instruction, and an integrated learning system. These programs play a very important role in bringing understanding of topics and concepts that are otherwise hard for students to grasp (Anderson, 2003). They also can be used by the students to do personal studies and the introduction of new topics in class.
The integrated learning system is a software program that serves the purpose of delivering content material during instruction. It requires special hardware for its functioning and these hardware programs are usually very expensive but worth it in the end. It guarantees success but after a long period of exposure to the students. It also requires special training for its installation, operation, and maintenance. Therefore within a school, the teachers are required to familiarize themselves with the software especially mathematics, science, and language teachers. This is because the software focuses basically on teaching the basics of learning such as numeracy and literacy skills.
Despite this, the software could be used regardless of the absence of the subject instructor. This means that there can be a special expert in the school who is trained to operate the program. The software also contributes to effective management and administration of the academic work in the school. It has an integrated assessment and evaluation system which can make it easy for the administration to be able to note progress with individual students. To develop the application it requires a collective effort from parties that need to be involved. Teachers of course play the role of providing the content to be used in the application and then it becomes the duty of software developers to come up with the complete software that suits the need of the school administration and the students.
These applications are important in completing administrative duties within a school. They play a big role in the decision-making process since they make it easier for data to be analyzed. The use of spreadsheets in the administration of a school for instance helps in the organization of records such as financial records, and fee statements of the students. From such a data presentation, a decision can easily be made by the administration on a means to make the school get all its debts from parents and other stakeholders who might owe the school.
It is also easier to print out performance records to evaluate whether the goals of the curriculum are generally being met. This can be made easier by the use of database software applications. In the database, records of teaching staff, students’ populations, and other subordinate staff members can easily be organized so that the retrieval process is made easy. The organization of records is primary to the management of any institution. In addition to this, the applications are essential for facilitating the learning process, assessment, and evaluation of students.
Reference List
Anderson, D. R. (2003). . E-Learning in the 21st Century: A Framework for Research and Practice. New York: Routledge.