Computers & Software
By: Daniel P. Olinger

Nearly everyone is talking about computers these days, and schools are facing a lot of pressure to ``teach computer'' to their students. Many teachers and administrators are feeling this pressure and, realizing that they are ``computer illiterate,'' are confused about how to proceed. How should you ``teach computer''?

To begin with, you should not let computer technology make you forget what you already know about education. You know what works and what doesn't, what is educationally sound and what isn't. Don't let the jargon convince you to try something you know won't work. ``Techies'' may be good at technical things, but very few of them really understand education.

A number of approaches to integrating the computer into the curriculum have been tried, with varying degrees of success. As always, it is up to you, the expert, to determine which of the following approaches is best for your situation.

Programming
In the early days of microcomputers (the late 1970s and early 1980s), you pretty much had to be a programmer to get any use out of your computer, because there was little commercial software available. Today, however, thousands of packages are available, many of them highly effective and reasonably priced. You simply don't have to be a programmer any more to use a computer effectively.

So should you teach your students programming? Maybe, and maybe not. Perhaps an analogy will make the choice clear. When the automobile was first invented, it would have seemed that to function in the ``new automotive age,'' everyone would have to be a mechanic. And for a few years that might have been true. But is it still true? Of course not. Auto manufacturers, who want to sell as many autos as possible, have worked at making them easy to operate and maintain. Simultaneously, a group of people with technical bent have specialized in auto repairs, freeing the rest of us from the drudgery of gapping our plugs and sealing our gaskets.

Similarly, it is not likely that to function in the electronic/information age, our students will need to be programmers. Computers will become progressively easier to use (can you handle the automatic teller machine at your bank?), and only those with technical bent will profit in dedicating themselves to the maintenance and repair of computer hardware and software.

So again, should you teach your students programming? If you have students with technical bent, they might well profit from exposure to this area, just as some schools might offer an auto mechanics course for students with those abilities. But there is just no sense in requiring everyone to take programming.

Computer Literacy
Many educators, having recognized the limited need for programming skills, have turned to ``computer literacy'' as the current buzzword. Computer literacy course normally expose the student to computer history, vocabulary, and ethics, as well as standard business applications (word progressing, for example) and some programming. Is this a legitimate approach? Perhaps in the short term, during this technological transition period.

The premise behind computer literacy is that the student needs direct academic exposure to an educational tool. I'm just not convinced that ``computer literacy'' deserves the status of an academic discipline; I think there's a better way to teach it.

Computer-Assisted Instruction
What is that better way? The jargoniacs call it computer-assisted instruction, or CAI. In short, CAI views the computer as one of an assortment of educational tools at the teacher's disposal, and it uses the computer like any other educational tool: not as an academic discipline in its own right, but as an aid in teaching ``real'' subjects such as math, science, reading, writing, and history. In the process of using this tool, students learn the elements of ``computer literacy''-- care of floppy disks, functions of applications, and so forth--inductively and naturally.

CAI software comes in four basic forms.

1. Drill and Practice
Drill and practice software does what its name implies: it asks the student a question, evaluates his response, and goes on to the next question. It may make the questions harder or easier depending on the student's response, keep score for the teacher's later analysis, or do a number of other things.

2. Tutorial
Tutorial software is designed to teach a subject, as well as drill over it. It may have a drill-and- practice module, in which it analyzes the student's comprehension, but much more, the software is devoted to teaching the subject. In short, this type of software claims to replace the teacher. To be blunt, I don't think that's possible, and I do not encourage the use of tutorial software except under unusual circumstances: for example, a missionary child in Ghana who wants to take calculus and can't find a teacher. Undoubtedly some students can learn effectively without human intervention, but the numbers are few, and no one can learn better from a machine than from a teacher. The software is just not ``smart'' enough or flexible enough to carry on the kind of educational interaction that a teacher can.

3. Simulation
Simulation software places the student into a situation and lets him make decisions that will affect the outcome. Depending on the power (and the price) of the software, simulations may be more or less realistic. One of the most useful simulations is that of the chemistry lab; with the software a student may conduct experiments that are to costly, too dangerous, or too difficult to perform physically. (Such software will not teach a student good laboratory technique, however, and it should not be the only lab experience a student receives.) Other good simulations include, for example, ``The Oregon Trail,'' a covered-wagon trip. (This program is available from Bob Jones University Press and other software distributors.) In general, simulations vary in their effectiveness at presenting academic content; most, however, are fairly good at developing decision-making skills.

4. Business Applications
A fourth approach to CAI, but one not usually included as an official ``type'' of CAI, is to use standard business applications to teach ``real'' subjects. For example, students in a writing class might do their papers on word processors, in the process learning about the software, but also finding revision--a fundamental part of the writing process--simpler and easier. Students in a math or business class might use a spreadsheet to set up formulas or other mathematical processes. Students in a heritage studies class might use a geographical database to analyze cultural and social trends. (For example, comparing the per capita GNPs of the world's nations to their population densities should stimulate some discussion on the tenet that population growth is inherently negative.)

Should you use computers in your classroom? Certainly, if you can afford the machines. They are effective educational tools if used wisely by teachers who know what education is all about. (It's more important, incidentally, for the teacher to know what education is all about than what computers are all about.) But your students will not be culturally deprived if they don't have as much exposure to computers as everyone else, and certainly not if they don't learn to program. Be a good steward, and use what the Lord places in your hand; but don't feel guilty about not being at the forefront of the latest technological fad.

Dan Olinger holds a Ph.D in theology.

Sidebar
Product Roundup

Gradebook2 from Excelsior Software
For nearly 20 years, Excelsior has been a leader in the educational industry - creating innovative applications to help educators do their jobs more effectively. Gradebook2 is a true relational database application, supporting unlimited grading methods-including simultaneous traditional and standards-based grading, formula calculations, and weighting schemes. It combines the ease-of-use of spreadsheet-style gradebooks with extensive customizability and behind-the-scenes computational power. Gradebook2 is easy for teachers to use, even beginners - featuring a Grade Creation wizard, predefined templates, and Easy Mode. Daily attendance tracking and reporting and student discipline record keeping are real-time and automatic. Gradebook2 includes a wide variety of standard, customized, and Crystal T reports to help teachers analyze student performance and communicate progress to administrators, students and parents. The Gradebook2 product line includes: Gradebook2-SE, Gradebook2 for PDAs, and Web Gradebook-all 100% Windows & Mac compatible. www.excelsiorsoftware.com

I Support Learning
I Support Learning makes it easier to deliver relevant education by creating multidisciplinary curricula for elementary, middle and high school students designed to meet national standards for math, language, science and technology. Their unique interactive story-style and first-person role play captures the students' attention from the beginning and keeps them engaged until the end. Project-based curriculum simulates real occupational situations with bosses, co-workers and customers. Students build self-esteem as they learn to create solutions that positively impact the lives of others. Digital videos and tutorials enhance learning by allowing students to learn at their own pace.
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Digitarium Alpha from Digitalis Education Solutions
A planetarium can help students grasp abstract astronomical concepts and spark enjoyment and interest in science. The Digitarium Alpha portable digital planetarium projector from Digitalis Education Solutions, Inc. is a breakthrough in price and performance, putting a full-featured planetarium within your reach. Set up the projector and a Digitalis inflatable dome in a gym for an instant planetarium. Portability and ease of set up and use allow you to share one system and its cost with other area institutions. The Digitarium Alpha offers advanced features to excite and engage your students. Zoom in on and label any object; demonstrate annual motion; display constellations; and more. The projector's vast capabilities make it relevant for audiences of all ages. Project your own content on any subject using the built-in DVD drive. Portable, affordable, and flexible, the Digitarium Alpha will revolutionize your astronomy teaching.
www.digitaliseducation.com

iScienceProject
iScienceProject offers K-12 students and teachers in the U.S. free loans of HOBO data loggers. Aimed at putting professional research science equipment in the hands of teachers and students for free, the program provides a fun, hands-on learning experience with data loggers, which students use to record and time-stamp conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light intensity and then display them on a computer graph. The program also features an exciting, interactive Web site where students and teachers can download more than 200 free classroom labs, and participate in contests.
www.iScienceProject.com

Texthelp Systems
Texthelp Systems Inc. specializes in a wide range of literacy support software for people with various types of reading and writing difficulties. The software gives greater access to all software applications, including Internet Explorer, Adobe PDF and MS Office. Texthelp products have received critical acclaim and have won numerous awards, including the U.S.-based, National Business & Disability Council "Product of the Year" award in October 2004. They have offices located in Antrim , Northern Ireland , and Boston , Massachusetts . Their newest software, Read & Write Gold 7.1E, includes speech feedback, speech to text, homophone support, phonetic spell checker, English to Spanish translator, dictionary, word prediction, scanning and many more features.
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Logo from Terrapin
Terrapin offers the latest version of Logo, the time-tested computer language that provides a rich learning environment for creative thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on learning of math concepts.  Logo embodies the "no floor, no ceiling" philosophy.  Younger students quickly get started and move ahead at their own speed.  More advanced students can use Logo to explore the most sophisticated computer and logic concepts.  Terrapin offers Logo in an economical multiple computer license format for schools along with a wide selection of Logo curriculum and accessories.  Logo can be used across a range of disciplines, from math to art to robotics, and is a valuable resource no school should be without.
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Kurzweil Educational Systems
Kurzweil Educational Systems, Inc. is the industry leader and innovator of reading, writing and learning solutions for people with learning disabilities (Kurzweil 3000), and people who are blind or visually impaired (Kurzweil 1000). With a pioneering history in developing assistive technology, the company has received worldwide recognition for enabling people with disabilities to lead more independent lives through improved reading and writing abilities. Kurzweil 3000 is widely recognized as the most comprehensive and integrated solution for addressing language and literacy difficulties. The software uses a multi-sensory approach - presenting printed or electronic text on the computer screen with added visual and audible accessibility. Kurzweil 1000 helps people with visual impairments access virtually any printed or electronic publication by making text audible. The product provides tools for searching, indexing, outlining, annotating, embossing, and creating documents or audio files and enables online access to materials.
www.kurzweiledu.com

Rediker Software
Rediker Software's ADMINISTRATOR'S PLUS is an easy-to-use, integrated school administrative software system. With over 25 years of experience, the program has become the trusted choice of schools in every U.S. state and 80 countries. The SCHOOL OFFICE SUITE is a collection of software programs integrated with Administrator's Plus to manage records school-wide, including classrooms ( teacher's grade book), library, cafeteria, nurse, admissions, development, and business offices. Their Web portal allows schools to post their data available online for staff, students and parents.
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