WARNING:
DO NOT BE IMPRESSED WITH
JUST A COMPUTER
(It’s the software that makes the difference)
Computer Education
Education using computers has been around for over 30 years with mixed success. Although having a computer at school or home may be a high-tech status symbol for some, in fact it is totally useless without effective software. The software program on the computer is the means by which the computer comes to life and thus turns a pile of plastic and silicon into a useful device. Much of the “educational” software for use at home and school has in reality been cartoon shows with a meager educational component. The approach seems to assume that children will not use the program unless it is disguised as entertainment, and the educational part is “sneaked” in. These programs understandably are not very effective.
The Teaching-Engine Program
The Teaching-Engine computer program is a serious, results oriented education system, specifically designed to be a remedial teacher, or a teacher of any subject at any level in (nearly) any language. It is a very effective universal teacher with emphasis on helping students who have not had complete success in the classroom learning environment.
A Practical Individual Approach
The disruptive classroom environment, the huge differences in student capabilities and the individual learning difficulties that some students have can be addressed to a degree with individual tutoring using a computer with the appropriate software program. This can be done at home and/or at school.For those students, interactive and multimedia computer teaching may be a very good answer. With the Teaching-Engine, coordinated sound is continually heard, usually with headphones. This tends to keep out distracting room noise, and the sounds heard from the computer continally reinforce the current
The Appropriate Level
In order to assist a student improve his or her literacy, it is absolutely essential that the study material given to the student be at the appropriate level. Material that is too easy, will not advance the student’s competence, and material that is too difficult will only frustrate and demoralize the student. This is the real academic level of the student, not the grade that the student currently happens to be in. The Teaching-Engine can help determine the correct level for study material, and then tutor at that level. Also, because the student’s work is continually assessed, parents can review progress and make decisions regarding appropriate study material.
Focus on the Exact Problem
Also, from student to student there may be considerable differences in strengths and weakness. In reading for instance, one student may read the words quite well but not understand or remember the content. Others may have difficulty with phonics and still others may mix up letters such as “a” and “o” or an “m” and “n”. These students typically do not learn new material as quickly as the others and need an opportunity to practice over and over. Because learning to read and spell is hard work for these children, the time spent learning should not be wasted on material they already know, but be spent doing the most good- on their exact difficulties. This cannot be done in the classroom environment with so many children but it is quite practical by using individual computer lessons with the appropriate software.
Motivation
Considerable experience with children has contributed greatly to the design of the program. Initially there was some concern that the program did not contain all the cartoon characters and other video game characteristics that many other “educational” programs have. However it turns out that other features provide a far more effective and durable way of keeping the attention of, and motivating students.