Episode 1 - THE SCHOOL'S LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER

EPISODE 1
THE SCHOOL'S LEARNING RESOURCE CENTER

TARGET
At the end of this activity, I will be competent in identifying and classifying resources that facilitate teaching and learning process.

MAP
It will be an interesting journey to the world of educational technology as chance to visit and observe a learning resource center of the school.

TOOLS
As you visit and observe the learning resource center, use activity forms provided for you to document your observations. Ask the assistance of the one manning the center courteously.

Name of Center Observed: Xavier University - Center for Integrated Technologies Date of Observation: November 28, 2013 Name of Observer: Michael Lester Catacutan Course/Year/School: BTTE4 - MUST List of Available Learning Resources
Available Learning Resources (Enumerate in bullet form)	Characteristics and  Unique Capabilities	Teaching Approaches when the  Resource is Most Useful
1. Print resources Books Encyclopedias Magazines	Improve the students reading skills and vocabulary development. A good source of additional information for teachers.	Lecture approach - source of information for the teacher's lessons Linguistic Approach - help to develop ones vocabulary and reading skills.
2. Audio Resources Speaker Microphone	Develop the students listening skills as well as make learning more effective.	Metacognitive approach - students think deeply with these learning materials.
3. Non-electronic Visual Resources Whiteboard	Used to present the teachers lessons visually.	Lecture approach - use in representing the lessons.
4. ICT Resources Computers Television LCD projectors	Keep abreast in any current trends and information.	Integrated learning approach - different senses of the students will be involved through the use of ICT resources.
Impression: The Learning Resource Center is sufficient enough to the needs of the students and it is a conducive resource center. Resources will help a lot in the learning of the students and also motivates them.

Analysis

Were the learning resources/materials arranged properly according to their functions and characteristics?

I believe that the resources/materials are properly arranged according to their functions and characteristics because they are properly placed, organized and implemented and there is someone who is in-charge in managing and seeing to it that all resources are all safe and are always ready to use. Computers are well-ventilated and boors are free from dust. There are also policies implemented to avoid abuse of the resources and materials.

Do the guidelines and procedures facilitate easy access to the materials by the teachers? Why? Why not?

Yes. Guidelines and procedures facilitate easy access to the materials in a way where everyone has equal opportunities to use the materials or resources. The resource center has provided some limitations on the use of computer so that everyone will be accommodated. The students are only required to fill-up a borrower slip if they intend to take the book with them.

What are the strengths of this Learning Resource Center?

For me, the strengths of the learning resource center is that it is very conducive because the place is well lighted, well-ventilated and very clean. The resources and materials are up to date with the latest trends in technology.

What are its weaknesses?

Probably, one of its weaknesses is that the books in the library are a bit few since it operated just a few months ago unlike the XU main library where there are a variety of books to choose with. Aside from books, probably the furniture should be upgraded hence tables are good for groups some students might want to be on their own when reading or studying.

What suggestions can you make?

The learning resource center should be maintained like the cleanliness as well as its learning atmosphere. Always make sure that from time to time the resources and materials are checked and updated.


Reflections

1. Which of the materials in the learning resources caught your interest the most? Why?

For me, the learning resources that caught my interest most is the availability of computer for research. Computers with internet connection provide vast resources of information and data which will help a lot in the learning of the students. Unlike in the old days where students just rely on books and other printed materials.

2. Which gadgets/materials are you already confident to use/operate?

For me, the computer is the equipment which I am confident to use with because I have been using it for many years and I know how to manipulate it and it is very simple and convenient to use.

3. Which ones do you feel you need to learn about?

I think the use of the sound system in the audio visual room because it has lots of controls and connections that I should know first.

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The Important Roles of Technology in Education

What is Educational Technology?

Educational Technology is a way for teachers to deliver content to students, different direct and face to face. In doing so, teachers will use mechanism of informational technology to deliver educational materials.

Benefits of Educational Technology 

• Improves overall skills in Math, Reading, and Writing
• Breaks the mundane learning cycle, learning becomes more interesting
• Prepares students for the future

Impact of technology in education

• Develops a positive attitude towards learning
• Increases skills of students
• Increases work skills for the workforce

A few ways to use technology in the classrooms

• Create a web page to display student assignments, writings, and art work
• Videoconferencing with classrooms around the world
• Spreadsheets to keep classroom data organized
• Spreadsheets to make math more interesting
• Publish a class newspaper

With the use of technology in education, instructors can post their course material which students can study at a time and location they prefer and can obtain the study material very quickly. Technology allows students to access course material at home and engage with the numerous online resources available to them. Students can use their home computers and internet to conduct research, participate in social media, email, play educational games and stream videos. Students are more motivated to learn when they are interested in the subject matter, which can be enhanced by using technologies in the classroom and targeting the need for screens and digital material. 

Another importance of technology is that it defies boundaries and limitations meaning learning material can be used for long distance learning and are accessible to a wider audience.  It also improves the critiquing and editing of written works using word processors and exchanging ideas with others via the Internet. 

Technology is an aid to the teachers and does not replace them. It aims to improve learning of the students and also ease the workload of the teachers. As long as technology is not abused, it will really help a lot in the field of education. I believe that technology is a must and should be implemented in teaching institutions.