4.5 Education

Question 1

Describe 3 ways in which technology can enhance and assist with teaching and learning.

Answer 1

• Pupils can use tools to create high quality and well-presented homework, projects and coursework
• Interactive subject-specific learning materials are available using multimedia software to include on-screen moving pictures and sounds (Eg Boardworks)
• A data projector can project the computer screen onto a large whiteboard

Question 2

State 3 advantages of using interactive whiteboards in class.

Answer 2

• Allows pupils to absorb information more easily
• Allows pupils to participate in group discussions by freeing them from note-taking
• Allows pupils to work collaboratively around a shared task

Question 3

State and describe 5 tools assisting students with special education needs or learning difficulties.

Answer 3

• Magnifier - magnifies text so that sight-impaired students can read it
• On-screen keyboard - gives students with low mobility a keyboard on screen, which can be used by placing the cursor over each letter
• Voice recognition software - can be trained to understand the spoken word
• Braille keyboards and printers - assists blind students in the use of technology
• Talking word processors - helps students with learning difficulties to produce error-free documents

Question 4

Describe how the internet can enhance the way pupils learn.

Answer 4

Pupils can access the WWW, providing them with a massive research library, allowing faster access to information.

Question 5

What is filtering?

Answer 5

A means of controlling what a pupil can access on the web. It works by:
• using voice recognition techniques
• by pixel analysis on graphics
• disallowing a known web address

Question 6

What are E-portfolios?

Answer 6

A new technology that allows students to create and maintain an electronic collection of projects or personal data. This frees them from gathering paper-based evidence of coursework and personal achievements. An E-portfolio can be web-based. A student can access it from both school and home, and a teacher can access it to assess students’ work. Parents can become more informed about their child’s progress.

Question 7

Define E-learning.

Answer 7

The use of technologies to enhance the learning experience of every student.

Question 8

State 3 advantages of using E-learning and VLEs in school.

Answer 8

• Incorporation of multimedia into lessons provides different learning styles
• Allows for learning beyond the classroom with 24/7 individual access to the VLE, both in and outside of school
• Absent or ill students can access missed lessons