About Computers in Education and Training
E-learning is a term first used at a Los Angeles seminar in October 1999. With e-learning, a student can learn in any place at his own pace. He pops in a CD-ROM into the computer and learns anything from his classroom work, with test results that show him where he needs to improve most, to how to use the computer. Microsoft software helps him with that.
The First Personal Computers and Education
In 1975, the first personal computer was introduced. The Altair 880 was followed by the Apple II and the IBM PC that were used for instructional purposes. Students used computers for mathematics and science projects. Teachers programmed their own educational programs.
Toddlers, Preschoolers and Computers
Because children under 3 years of age are learning through their eyes, mouth, ears, hands and legs, they can't sit still nor focus for long. Computers are not good for children that young.
Children 3 and 4 years old are ready for computers. Their school computer area is a popular educational center for them. The children experiment by clicking keys to see what will happen. Teachers help them a tiny bit, but the children learn that operating and learning on a computer is easy and fun. The 3 and 4-year-old children who work with computers have a greater developmental gain than those who don't.
Elementary School and Computers
Some classrooms have computers. Other schools have computers in computer labs. Computer-assisted instruction is used. The computer teaches the subject in small sections. The student interacts and learns. If the student misses an answer, the computer repeats the information. Usually the computer teaches in procedures and does not use definitions. Repetition is frequent.
Instructional games include competitive activities that motivate and teach strategies. Computers are also tools that include graphs, calculations, database programs and spreadsheets.
Middle School and High School and Computers
Middle school courses have more flexible courses that include the computer. Students have a better chance of using the computer than high schoolers do. High school courses prepare high school students for the SAT and AP exams instead of using computers. Students still want to use their laptops to take notes and research.
A high school teacher who wants her student to use computers uses online databases, online quizzes, blogging, online classes and Microsoft OneNote software.