REVIEW FROM THE FORUM OF USING ICT IN SCIENCE TEACHING AND LEARNING

‘The illiterate of the 21^st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn.’ 

- Alvin Toffler.

Globalization and technological change processes have accelerated enormously in the teaching and learning science in this 21^st century, therefore, it becomes a common requirement to use ICT in education. There are plenty of ideas for using ICT and the commonly tools used are such as computer and printer, use sensors and data logging, interactive whiteboard used just as a projector screen, interactive whiteboard which used interactively, multimedia, for example videos, excel spreadsheet, internet access and word processing.

ICT can be used for teaching science in various ways. One of them is that by using computer simulations which can be found on CD-ROMs or multimedia such as video or even on the web to imitate or demonstrate particular experiments which are not possible to do in the lab because of the unavailability of particular apparatus.

In teaching, we can also make the use of excellent websites for its valuable information, as well as ideas and resources for the classroom since majority schools in Brunei have internet connections. Instead of writing notes on the whiteboard or blackboard, we can present our lessons using Microsoft Office PowerPoint which is deliverable with the use of projector or interactive whiteboard. This can make our lessons more interesting and sometimes can give students good ideas and also it is less time consuming.

Besides using computer, there are other portable ICT devices such as laptop, palmtops, and tablets such as iPad. Other ICT devices such as TV programmes, digital camera or even video recorder can also be utilised for teaching.

 

All these advanced technological devices/gadgets have its pros and cons in our teaching and also in students’ learning. Science teachers are aware of its benefit in the teaching and learning of Science. These advanced devices/gadgets act as a cognitive teaching tool, not just as information resources, where they aid in science teaching and also learning. As a science teacher, we use ICT to make our lesson looks more interesting, authentic and relevant. I believe students will be preoccupied with our teaching and they will eventually enjoy studying science. The students will learn better using colorful and animated diagrams and pictures.

When demonstrating a particular practical or experiment via video, these allow time for more observation, discussion and analysis as the teacher can show the video again repeatedly and so everybody can have the opportunity to take note of what is being observed. ICT also give students greater autonomy in their scientific investigation.

Students’ presenting a science project using ICT has the chance to explore and be creative when using PowerPoint for their presentation. Thus increases their opportunities for communication and teamwork. ICT also give the students greater autonomy in their scientific research and make them closer to their peers and thus they can trust each other when doing work.

Student Presentation using PowerPoints

 Students doing research via internet

Some of the challenges faced by Science teachers when trying to incorporate ICT in their lessons will include the lack of IT skill, i.e. being IT illiterate, not knowing how to operate some of the device / advanced gadgets and the lack of ICT materials found in that school. Some teachers may find it difficult to adjust or adapt the use ICT in their teaching. As a solution, they need to practice frequently and the school should conduct in-house training to upgrade Science teachers with ICT skills.

Majority schools in Brunei have an ICT room, where it has a smart board or interactive whiteboard which can be used for teaching however to use such facility, teachers need to book in advance. If they are lucky enough they have the chance to use it by that term if not they have to wait for their turn.

Preparing slides presentation using PowerPoint may be time consuming but even so, the slides can always be saved and reused for future teaching.

However one of the problems with attempting to conduct lessons with ICT would be when classrooms lack of power outlets and no power (blackout) at that time. This will spoil the full usage of them for teaching especially when the teacher has prepared a lot of things for that lesson and have to have another plan B – traditional method, chalk and talk.

Power Outlets