Pedagogy of Computer: Instructional Methods

Preparation Of A Lesson Plan

This lecture discusses the year plan, unit plan, lesson plan, writing instructional objectives, planning for specific behavioral changes, methods and approaches to teaching computer science, and computer-assisted instruction (CAI).

Year Plan

An annual plan also called a "Year plan," is meant to give teachers and school administrators a quick look at the curriculum guidelines. It can help educators stay on track each month, for example by making sure they meet the curriculum goals set for the school year. At the beginning of the year, a teacher makes plans for the whole course.

Section I:

Start by giving your plan a name and filling out the first section with general information about the subject you are making the plan for, the school's name, the school year, and the group(s) you will be teaching.

1. General Information: 2. Subject: Computer Science               Topic: C-Programming 3. Class: 10th                                          4. School Name: XYZ

Section II:

Take a look at your Curriculum Guidelines to see the goals that have been set for each school year for each part of the Programming Competence in C.

2: Objectives

On successful completion of this course, the learners will be able to:

1. Understand the basics of C language 

2. Use conditional statements and loops

3. Write programs using arrays

4. Use functions of writing programs

5. Use pointers for writing programs

6. Use the skills of file processing

Section III:

3. Model Annual Plan

Month/Weeks	I	II	III	IV
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
January
February
March
April
May

Section IV:

4. Methodological Strategies

Read the Curriculum specifications you were given and write a summary of the information about the methods, strategies, and text types that have been suggested as tools for developing each programming skill with your groups of learners. You can, of course, suggest and write down any other methodological strategy (i.e., a way of doing things) that you think is important. Just keep in mind that they should reflect the basic principles of computer programming.

1. make the real procedure of programming

2. provide opportunities for learners to experiment and try out what they know

3. be tolerant of learners' errors as they indicate that the learner is building up his or her Programming Competence

4. provide opportunities for learners to develop both accuracy and fluency

5. Link the different skills such as analyzing problems, preparing flow charts, writing algorithms, writing Programmes, debugging the programs and executing the programs together, since they usually occur so in the real situation

6. let students induce or discover Programming rules

Section V:

Resources and Equipment

List briefly the educational resources (official textbooks, extra materials, and equipment) that are available at your institution or that you have made or provided and that you think will help the students learn.

Section VI:

Evaluation

Take a close look at the assessment indicators for each skill for the group you are teaching in the Curriculum Guidelines document. Then, briefly describe the type of evaluation you will do with your students (i.e. diagnostic, formative, and/or summative) and when it will be done (at the beginning, middle, or end of the first/second term, school year, etc.), as well as the type of assessment you will do (i.e. formal/informal) and the type of assessment activities and/or instruments you will use (e.g. quizzes, presentations, writing Programmes etc.)

Characteristics of a Year Plan

1. The number of units to be covered as per the syllabus during the academic year

2. The number of periods needed to cover each unit, the number of periods allotted for Computer Science per week

3. The number of working days per term and for the year

4. The number of days allotted for project work, revision tests & examinations

5. The number of holidays during the academic year

Advantages of a Year Plan

1. Year planning helps the teacher in planning for the entire course for the whole of the academic year

2. It keeps the teacher on the right track

3. It enables the teacher to cover the syllabus within the allotted time planning saves the waste of time and energy

4. It helps the teacher in orderly and systematic teaching

5. It gives a lot of self-confidence to the teacher as she is sure of what is expected of her during each period/week/month/term etc

6. It will help to carry out all the curricular and Co-curricular activities in time without haste and anxiety

7. It helps in allotting time for lab, projects, revision, tests, and examinations etc. 

Unit Planning

Unit planning is a process in which educators develop a comprehensive plan for a specific instructional unit. A unit plan outlines the learning objectives, instructional strategies, assessment methods, and resources needed for a particular unit of study.

For example, a unit plan for a computer class might focus on teaching students how to create a website. The unit plan might include the following elements:

1. Learning Objectives: The learning objectives for the unit could include:

• Students will be able to describe the basic elements of a website.
• Students will be able to use HTML and CSS to create a simple website.
• Students will be able to incorporate multimedia elements, such as images and videos, into their websites.

2. Instructional Strategies: The instructional strategies for the unit might include:

• Lectures and presentations to introduce key concepts and skills.
• Hands-on activities and exercises to give students practice with the software and programming languages used to create a website.
• Group discussions and collaborative projects to encourage peer learning and collaboration.

3. Assessment Methods: The assessment methods for the unit might include:

• Written quizzes and tests to assess student understanding of key concepts and terminology.
• In-class presentations and demonstrations to assess students' ability to apply what they have learned.
• A final project in which students create and publish their own website.

4. Resources Needed: The resources needed for the unit might include:

• Computer lab or access to individual computers.
• Software and tools for website development, such as HTML editors and graphic design programs.
• Internet access for research and publishing the final website.

Here is an example of a unit plan for a computer class focusing on creating a website:

Unit Title: Creating a Website

Grade Level: 9th-12th

Duration: 4 weeks

Learning Objectives:

• Students will be able to describe the basic elements of a website.
• Students will be able to use HTML and CSS to create a simple website.
• Students will be able to incorporate multimedia elements, such as images and videos, into their website.

Instructional Strategies:

• Lectures and presentations to introduce key concepts and skills.
• Hands-on activities and exercises to give students practice with the software and programming languages used to create a website.
• Group discussions and collaborative projects to encourage peer learning and collaboration.

Assessment Methods:

• Written quizzes and tests to assess student understanding of key concepts and terminology.
• In-class presentations and demonstrations to assess students' ability to apply what they have learned.
• A final project in which students create and publish their own website.

Resources Needed:

• Computer lab or access to individual computers.
• Software and tools for website development, such as HTML editors and graphic design programs.
• Internet access for research and publishing the final website.

Overall, a unit plan helps to ensure that the learning objectives are met, the instruction is effective, and the assessment is accurate. It also provides a roadmap for teachers and students to follow throughout the unit, making the learning process more efficient and effective.

Lesson Planning

Lesson planning is the process of creating a detailed plan for a single class period or lesson. A lesson plan typically includes the learning objectives, instructional strategies, assessment methods, and materials needed for the lesson.

For example, a lesson plan for a computer class might focus on teaching students how to use Microsoft Word to create a resume. The lesson plan might include the following elements:

1. Learning Objectives: The learning objectives for the lesson could include:

• Students will be able to identify the key components of a resume.
• Students will be able to use Microsoft Word to create a professional-looking resume.
• Students will be able to format and edit the content of their resumes effectively.

2. Instructional Strategies: The instructional strategies for the lesson might include:

• Lecture and presentation to introduce key concepts and skills related to resume creation.
• Hands-on activities and exercises to give students practice with using Microsoft Word to create and format a resume.
• Group discussions to encourage peer learning and collaboration.

3. Assessment Methods: The assessment methods for the lesson might include:

• An in-class activity where students create a draft of their resume using Microsoft Word.
• A peer review activity where students provide feedback on each other's resumes.
• A final assignment where students submit a completed, professional-looking resume created in Microsoft Word.

4. Materials Needed: The materials needed for the lesson might include:

• Access to individual computers or a computer lab.
• Microsoft Word software.
• Sample resumes for students to review and analyze.

Here is an example of a lesson plan for a computer class focusing on using Microsoft Word to create a resume:

Lesson Title: Creating a Resume in Microsoft Word

Grade Level: 9th-12th

Duration: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Students will be able to identify the key components of a resume.
• Students will be able to use Microsoft Word to create a professional-looking resume.
• Students will be able to format and edit the content of their resumes effectively.

Instructional Strategies:

• Lecture and presentation to introduce key concepts and skills related to resume creation.
• Hands-on activities and exercises to give students practice with using Microsoft Word to create and format a resume.
• Group discussions to encourage peer learning and collaboration.

Assessment Methods:

• An in-class activity where students create a draft of their resume using Microsoft Word.
• A peer review activity where students provide feedback on each other's resumes.
• A final assignment where students submit a completed, professional-looking resume created in Microsoft Word.

Materials Needed:

• Access to individual computers or a computer lab.
• Microsoft Word software.
• Sample resumes for students to review and analyze.

Overall, a lesson plan helps to ensure that the learning objectives are met, the instruction is effective, and the assessment is accurate. It also provides a roadmap for teachers and students to follow throughout the lesson, making the learning process more efficient and effective.

Computer Assisted Instruction

Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) is an educational technique that uses computer software to deliver instructional content and facilitate learning. It is a form of e-learning that combines the benefits of technology with traditional methods of instruction.

Benefits of Computer-Assisted Instruction

Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) offers a number of benefits for both educators and students, including:

1. Individualized Learning: CAI can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each student. The software can adjust the pace and difficulty of the content based on the student's performance, allowing students to progress at their own pace.

2. Increased Engagement: The interactive and multimedia nature of CAI can increase student engagement and motivation. Students are more likely to be interested and invested in the learning process when they are using technology.

3. Flexibility: CAI provides flexibility in terms of scheduling and location. Students can access the instructional content from anywhere and at any time, making it easier to fit learning into busy schedules.

4. Immediate Feedback: CAI provides immediate feedback to students, allowing them to correct mistakes and reinforce learning. This feedback can also be used by educators to track student progress and adjust instruction as needed.

5. Cost-Effective: CAI can be a cost-effective way to provide instruction and learning resources. Instead of purchasing textbooks and other materials, schools can invest in software and technology that can be used by multiple students.

6. Customization: With CAI, educators can create customized content that meets the specific needs of their students. This can include adaptive learning programs that adjust the difficulty of the content based on student performance.

7. Data Collection: CAI provides a wealth of data that can be used to track student progress and identify areas of strength and weakness. This data can be used to make informed decisions about instruction and intervention.

Overall, the use of CAI can enhance the learning experience for students and provide educators with a powerful tool for delivering instruction and assessing student progress. By leveraging technology to support instruction, educators can better meet the diverse needs of their students and prepare them for success in the digital age.

CAI is typically used to supplement classroom instruction or to provide self-paced learning opportunities for students. Here are some examples of CAI:

1. Educational Software: There are many types of educational software available that provide interactive learning experiences for students. For example, language learning software like Rosetta Stone uses a combination of visual and auditory cues to teach students a new language.

2. Online Learning Management Systems: Online Learning Management Systems (LMS) provide a platform for teachers to deliver course content, assignments, and assessments online. Moodle, Blackboard, and Canvas are examples of popular LMS platforms used in education.

3. Interactive Whiteboards: Interactive whiteboards like SMART Board allow teachers to create interactive lessons that can be displayed on a large screen. This technology can be used to deliver multimedia content, collaborate on projects, and conduct assessments.

4. Multimedia Content: Multimedia content such as videos, animations, and interactive simulations can be used to deliver instruction and reinforce learning. For example, the website Khan Academy provides video lessons and practice exercises for students on a variety of subjects.

5. Adaptive Learning Programs: Adaptive learning programs use artificial intelligence to customize the learning experience for each individual student. These programs track student progress and adjust the difficulty of the content based on the student's performance. DreamBox and Knewton are examples of adaptive learning programs used in education.

Overall, computer-assisted instruction offers many benefits for both students and teachers, including increased engagement, flexibility, and customization. By leveraging technology to enhance the learning experience, educators can better meet the diverse needs of their students and prepare them for success in the digital era.

Role of a Teacher in Computer-Assisted Instruction

The role of the teacher in Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) is crucial to the success of the learning experience. While the use of technology can provide a wealth of benefits for both students and educators, it is important that the teacher takes an active role in guiding and facilitating the learning process. Here are some key roles of the teacher in CAI:

1. Planning: The teacher must plan the instructional content and determine how technology will be used to support learning. This includes selecting appropriate software, setting learning objectives, and determining how the content will be delivered.

2. Facilitating Learning: The teacher should guide and facilitate the learning process by monitoring student progress, providing feedback and support, and adjusting instruction as needed. This includes helping students navigate the technology and troubleshooting technical issues that may arise.

3. Individualizing Instruction: The teacher should use the data and feedback provided by the technology to individualize instruction and provide targeted support to students who are struggling. This may involve providing additional resources or modifying the content to better meet the needs of individual learners.

4. Motivating Students: The teacher should motivate and engage students by creating a positive learning environment and using technology in creative and innovative ways. This may include incorporating multimedia and interactive elements into the instruction to enhance student engagement and motivation.

5. Assessing Learning: The teacher should use a variety of assessment methods to measure student progress and determine the effectiveness of the instructional content. This may include administering quizzes, tests, or performance-based assessments that measure student proficiency in specific areas.

Overall, the role of the teacher in CAI is to facilitate learning, provide guidance and support, and leverage technology to enhance the learning experience for students. By taking an active role in the learning process, the teacher can ensure that students are able to achieve their learning goals and develop the skills they need to succeed in the digital era.

A lesson plan on Computer using Computer Assisted Instruction:

Lesson Title: Introduction to Keyboarding Skills using Typing.com

Grade Level: 4th-6th

Duration: 1 hour

Learning Objectives:

• Students will be able to locate and identify the keys on a standard QWERTY keyboard.
• Students will be able to type with proper hand placement and technique.
• Students will be able to increase their typing speed and accuracy.

Instructional Strategies:

• Demonstration of proper keyboarding technique and hand placement.
• Hands-on practice with keyboarding using Typing.com software.
• Assessment of student progress through timed typing tests.

Assessment Methods:

• Initial assessment of student typing speed and accuracy using Typing.com's diagnostic test.
• Timed typing tests throughout the lesson to track student progress and provide feedback.
• Final assessment of student typing speed and accuracy using Typing.com's final test.

Materials Needed:

• Access to individual computers or a computer lab.
• Typing.com software (free online typing program).
• Keyboard covers or stickers to label keys for younger students.

Procedure:

1. Introduction (5 minutes):

• Introduce the objectives of the lesson and explain the importance of learning keyboarding skills.
• Demonstrate proper keyboarding technique and hand placement.

2. Practice (45 minutes):

• Allow students to access Typing.com and complete the diagnostic test to determine their initial typing speed and accuracy.
• Provide hands-on practice with keyboarding using Typing.com's lessons and exercises.
• Monitor student progress and provide feedback and assistance as needed.
• Encourage students to challenge themselves to increase their typing speed and accuracy.

3. Assessment (10 minutes):

• Administer timed typing tests to track student progress and provide feedback.
• Allow time for students to take the final typing test to measure their overall improvement.

4. Conclusion (5 minutes):

• Review the objectives of the lesson and highlight student achievements.
• Encourage students to continue practicing their keyboarding skills using Typing.com.

This lesson plan utilizes Computer Assisted Instruction by incorporating Typing.com software to facilitate the learning of keyboarding skills. The instructional strategies and assessment methods are designed to help students progress in their typing speed and accuracy over the course of the lesson while providing a fun and engaging learning experience.