What are the advantages and limitations of computer assisted learning in the classroom in 500 words?
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Computer Assisted Learning: Advantages and Limitations
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Computers have become ubiquitous owing to their versatility. What is it not that you can't do with a computer? They are the gods of the modern era! Naturally the field of education has also been influenced positively by use of computers. Computers Assisted Learning has become quite popular in the current times. It has made the learning in classrooms much more convenient, easier, simpler, colouful, fun-filled, and efficient. Expert teachers teach students using smart boards and interactive whiteboards. Computers have enabled both students and teachers’ process learning data many times faster than was possible in a traditional classroom.
The computers store the teaching and learning data systematically stored which can be so easily accessed by anyone wanting it. Internet has further facilitated sharing of knowledge available abundantly on all the subjects. School websites now provide all the educational information required by parents and students. Aspiring students can look up the internet for any information and knowledge they require while studying or doing assignments. Let’s weigh up advantages and limitations of Computer Assisted Learning.
Advantages
1.Through Computer Assisted Learning (CAL) individualized learning needs of the learners can be taken care of. Learner is free of the limitations of time, space, and other factors. Each learner can learn freely without being affected by the performances of other learners.
2.Computer Assisted Learning facilitates presentation of information in a structured and ordered manner which makes learning easy and interesting.
3. Computer Assisted Learning influences learner’s participation in the learning process. On the other hand books fail to influence this participation.
4. Computer Assisted Learning makes feedback and reporting of learner’s progress readily and timely available. Thus, the learner can work on his/her weaknesses well in time.
5. Computer Assisted Learning uses a wide range of multimedia using audio and visual inputs that help the learner in achieving the knowledge objectives. However, books are limited only to provide textual and graphic information to learners.
6. Computer Assisted Learning also makes drilling quite easy which can be quite useful in improving the learning output of students with low-aptitude.
Limitations
1. Computer Assisted Learning is always liable to be underused. If not implemented and applied properly it may fail to help the learner achieve learning objectives.
2.Though Computer Assisted Learning creates virtual atmosphere while teaching science subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, Biology, etc., students may miss hands on experience which they get in an actual laboratory.
3. Computer Assisted Learning is quite expensive as compared to ordinary learning.
4.Learning Content used in Computer Assisted Learning needs timely and regular upgradation, which again is quite expensive. Delay in upgradation and development of new content might make the old content useless with the passage of time.
5. Computer Assisted Learning requires highly efficient teachers; efficient teachers are exceedingly rare in our country. Inefficient handling of Computer Assisted Learning apparatus and content may further cause many problems.
In conclusion it can be said Computer Assisted Learning is a great power which must be used very wisely and efficiently.
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Answer:
Improves engagement
When technology is integrated into lessons, students are expected to be more interested in the subjects they are studying. Technology provides different opportunities to make learning more fun and enjoyable in terms of teaching same things in new ways. For instance, delivering teaching through gamification, taking students on virtual field trips and using other online learning resources. What is more, technology can encourage a more active participation in the learning process which can be hard to achieve through a traditional lecture environment.
Improves knowledge retention
Students who are engaged and interested in things they are studying, are expected to have a better knowledge retention. As mentioned before, technology can help to encourage active participation in the classroom which also is a very important factor for increased knowledge retention. Different forms of technology can be used to experiment with and decide what works best for students in terms of retaining their knowledge.
Encourages individual learning
No one learns in the same way because of different learning styles and different abilities. Technology provides great opportunities for making learning more effective for everyone with different needs. For example, students can learn at their own speed, review difficult concepts or skip ahead if they need to. What is more, technology can provide more opportunities for struggling or disabled students. Access to the Internet gives students access to a broad range of resources to conduct research in different ways, which in turn can increase the engagement.
Encourages collaboration
Students can practice collaboration skills by getting involved in different online activities. For instance, working on different projects by collaborating with others on forums or by sharing documents on their virtual learning environments. Technology can encourage collaboration with students in the same classroom, same school and even with other classrooms around the world.
Students can learn useful life skills through technology
By using technology in the classroom, both teachers and students can develop skills essential for the 21st century. Students can gain the skills they will need to be successful in the future. Modern learning is about collaborating with others, solving complex problems, critical thinking, developing different forms of communication and leadership skills, and improving motivation and productivity. What is more, technology can help develop many practical skills, including creating presentations, learning to differentiate reliable from unreliable sources on the Internet, maintaining proper online etiquette, and writing emails. These are very important skills that can be developed in the classroom.
Benefits for teachers
With countless online resources, technology can help improve teaching. Teachers can use different apps or trusted online resources to enhance the traditional ways of teaching and to keep students more engaged. Virtual lesson plans, grading software and online assessments can help teachers save a lot time. This valuable time can be used for working with students who are struggling. What is more, having virtual learning environments in schools enhances collaboration and knowledge sharing between teachers.
