Integrating Technology Into Adult Learning

Ginsburg, L. (1998). Integrating technology into adult learning. Retrieved August 6, 2007, from http://www.cete.org/acve/docs/hopey/hopey_04.pdf

Summary: This article explains ways to utilize technology in Adult Basic Education classes, including four areas: technology as curriculum, delivery mechanism, complement to instruction, and instructional tool. Each area includes benefits and limitations.

• Technology as curriculum includes learning how to use a computer, ie: keyboarding, searching skills, how to use a database etc.

• Benefits of teaching a class with technology as curriculum are that the objectives and goals are very clear and easy to identify.
• Limitations: In the case of Adult Basic Education, there may be students who do not have strong math or writing skills, which may make it difficult to teach word processing or spreadsheet formulas.
• Technology as delivery mechanism refers to Individualized Learning Systems, or using software programs to help students learn. Each student can pretest in order to determine where they start; therefore, students will all be working at different levels. The programs track and save their progress and the students must master a specific skill before moving on to the next level.
• Benefits: Students are able to work at their own pace and on their own time and can move ahead without waiting for others who may be struggling. Also, grading is objective.
• Limitations: Oftentimes, the skills taught through this type of program are isolated skills. This can make it difficult for the learner to apply the skills in various contexts. It may also be less motivating to learn because it may not appeal to them. Also, learning in such a way does not promote team-work which is important in most jobs. Finally, it can be costly because each student needs his or her own computer.
• Technology as a complement to instruction involves the teacher as the primary source of information with computer programs as supplemental information or practice. The teacher may use a program allow students to drill and practice math etc.
• Benefits: If the teacher can find appropriate software, it can save them the time of creating materials. Using software can also add variety to the learning environment. The programs also provide immediate feedback.
• Limitations: It can be difficult and costly to find software that is appropriate for the class’ needs. If the software is used often, the teacher may need to adjust his or her lesson plans / teaching style to accommodate the style of the software.
• Technology as an instructional tool involves using generic forms of computer software (word processing, spreadsheets etc) hand-in-hand with content. The students will not be taught how to use them, but will use them to complete their coursework. For example, the students may use word processing to peer-edit each other’s essays etc.
• Benefits: This allows students to use technology much as they would outside of the classroom: as a means to complete necessary tasks. Also, the teacher can use the internet to bring a wide variety of information and pictures into the classroom.
• Limitations: This requires more creativity on the teacher’s part when developing the lesson plans and can take more work. Also, access to technology is necessary.

Each area will require specific technology skills and the learners may have to try to learn them quickly. Using technology in these ways can create a more student-centered environment and require the students to be more independent and responsible for their learning.

Response: When I first found this article, I was pleased because it reminds me of the way this IT 544 class is split up into the different categories of teaching with computers, learning from computers, learning about computers, and learning with computers. I feel that these categories are very similar to the four listed in the article. Before taking this class I never really realized the range of ways to use technology in the classroom both as a student and a teacher. I would have to say that I think the most influential is using technology as an instructional tool because there seems to be so much variety and flexibility involved. As an ESL teacher, I can even use the computer to help with pronunciation and listening activities as well as visual aids. The categories that require the students to complete tasks on the computers can be beneficial, but one must be careful when planning to use these. If the students have never interacted with computers before, a short lesson on the computer can turn into a long lesson on how to use the computer in the first place. I think it is very important for a teacher to keep that in mind. Overall, I think all teachers should take advantage of the vast opportunities that technology holds.