Basic 7 · Computing · Technology in the Community
Technology Tools for Learning
In this topic you will describe technology tools that support learning in different subjects and demonstrate the use of at least three of them responsibly.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Explain what technology tools for learning are
- Give examples of technology tools for each subject
- Demonstrate the use of at least three technology tools
What you already know
- Input, output and storage devices
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Introduction to computing
- Sub-strand
- Technology in the Community
- Indicator
- B7.1.2.1.1 – Describe and give examples of at least five technology tools for learning in each subject, Demonstrate the use of at least three technology tools identified in
Introduction
Today's learners can explore the solar system with an app, practise mathematics with a game and listen to stories in their own language on a phone. These are technology tools for learning.
1. Meaning of Technology Tools
Technology tools for learning: Devices, software and online resources that help learners to find information, practise skills, create work and communicate.
Technology tools include hardware, such as computers, tablets, smartphones, calculators and projectors, and software, such as educational apps, programming tools, e-books, simulations and spreadsheets.
2. Tools for Different Subjects
| Subject | Technology tools |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | calculator, GeoGebra, spreadsheets, Khan Academy, maths games |
| Science | PhET simulations, digital microscope, science videos, data loggers |
| English Language | e-books, online dictionaries, typing tutors, audiobooks, word processors |
| Social Studies | Google Earth, digital maps, documentaries, online encyclopedias |
| Computing | Scratch, Lightbot, Code.org, word processors, presentation software |
| Creative Arts and Design | drawing apps, music recording apps, photo editors |
| Ghanaian Language | recorded folk stories, language apps, local radio and video |
3. Programming Tools for Beginners
Scratch is a free block-based programming language created at MIT. Learners drag and snap coloured blocks together to make animations, stories and games, learning ideas such as sequence, loops and conditions without typing code. Lightbot is a puzzle game in which learners give a robot instructions to light up tiles, which teaches step-by-step thinking (algorithms) and the use of procedures.
4. Online and Offline Tools
Some tools need the internet, such as online encyclopedias and video lessons. Others work offline, such as a calculator, installed software and downloaded e-books. In areas with poor internet, offline tools and resources saved on a flash drive are very useful. Many educational apps also allow you to download lessons for offline use.
5. Using Tools Responsibly
Technology tools must be used responsibly. Use them for learning, not distraction; check that online information comes from reliable sources; do not copy other people's work without acknowledging it; protect your personal information; and follow the school's rules on phones and computers.
6. Choosing a Good Learning Tool
Before using a learning tool, ask a few questions. Does it match what I am learning? Is it easy to use? Is the information accurate and from a trusted source? Does it work on the device and internet connection I have? Is it free or affordable? A good learning tool answers "yes" to most of these questions.
New words
- educational app
- A program designed to help people learn.
- simulation
- A computer model of a real process or experiment.
- Scratch
- A block-based programming tool for beginners.
- algorithm
- A step-by-step set of instructions to solve a problem.
Summary
- Technology tools for learning include hardware, software and online resources.
- Every subject has suitable tools, such as GeoGebra for maths and Google Earth for Social Studies.
- Scratch and Lightbot teach programming and step-by-step thinking.
Class activity: Tool Hunt
- List five technology tools that could help in each of three subjects.
- Share your list with the class and agree on the most useful tools.
- Explain how one tool could be used offline.
You need: Desktop computer, Mobile phone, Calculator
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which tool is best for checking a mathematics calculation?
- A. Calculator
- B. Microphone
- C. Printer
- D. Speaker
Show answer
Answer: CalculatorArithmetic tool.2. Scratch is used mainly for…
- A. block-based programming
- B. printing
- C. scanning
- D. storing files
Show answer
Answer: block-based programmingDrag-and-drop code.3. Some technology tools work without the internet.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueOffline tools.4. A step-by-step set of instructions to solve a problem is an ______.
Show answer
Answer: algorithmInstructions.5. Name five technology tools for learning and the subject each supports.
Show answer
Answer: Calculator: maths; Google Earth: Social Studies; PhET: Science; e-book: English; Scratch: Computing.Any five.6. Explain how a simulation can help in learning science.
Show answer
Answer: It lets learners see and change a process or experiment safely and cheaply on a computer when real equipment is unavailable.Safe, cheap experiments.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Introduction to computing
- Sub-strand
- Technology in the Community
- Indicator
- B7.1.2.1.2 – Demonstrate the use of at least three technology tools identified for learning
Introduction
Knowing the names of tools is not enough. In this lesson you will practise using a computer, a mobile phone and a calculator to support your learning, and compare how well each one works.
1. Using a Computer for Learning
- Switch on the computer and log in with your account.
- Open an offline learning document or a spreadsheet saved by the teacher.
- Read the document or enter data into the spreadsheet as instructed.
- Save your work in your own folder with a clear name.
- Close the program and shut down properly.
2. Using a Mobile Phone for Learning
A mobile phone can open e-books, play educational videos, record your voice for language practice and photograph notes on the board. Use only resources the teacher has provided or approved. Keep the phone on silent and close other apps so you are not distracted. Many phones also have a built-in calculator, dictionary and voice recorder.
3. Using a Calculator
Check a mathematics problem with a calculator
A learner worked out 348 × 27 = 9,396 by hand. Check the answer.
- Switch on the calculator and clear it (press AC or C).
- Type 348, press ×, type 27 and press =.
- The screen shows 9396.
- Compare it with the hand answer.
Answer: The answer 9,396 is correct.
4. Comparing the Tools
| Tool | Speed | Access | Accuracy | Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| desktop computer | fast for typing and large tasks | needs electricity and a laboratory | very accurate | not portable |
| mobile phone | quick for reading and recording | portable; many learners have one at home | depends on the app | small screen; distraction |
| calculator | very fast for arithmetic | cheap and portable | accurate if keys are pressed correctly | only does calculations |
5. Responsible Use in Class
Each tool should be used responsibly: handle hardware gently, keep food and water away, use phones only for the learning task, and do not rely on the calculator for every simple sum, because mental arithmetic is still an important skill. Technology should support your thinking, not replace it.
6. Recording What You Learn
After using each tool, record your experience in a simple log: the date, the tool, the subject, what you did and what you learned. Over time this log shows which tools help you most. It also helps the teacher plan future lessons and decide which tools the school should invest in.
New words
- log in
- To enter a username and password to use a computer.
- offline resource
- A learning material that does not need the internet.
- accuracy
- How correct a result is.
- limitation
- A weakness or restriction.
Summary
- A computer, a phone and a calculator can each support learning in different ways.
- Compare tools by speed, access, accuracy and limitations.
- Use every tool responsibly so that it supports, not replaces, your thinking.
Class activity: Tool Rotation
- Rotate through a computer, a phone and a calculator station.
- At each station, complete the learning task and record which subject it helped.
- Compare the tools and demonstrate one responsible use of each.
You need: Desktop computer, Mobile phone, Calculator
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which key clears a calculator?
- A. AC
- B. =
- C. +
- D. ×
Show answer
Answer: ACAll clear.2. A disadvantage of using a phone for learning is that it…
- A. can distract learners
- B. is never portable
- C. cannot display text
- D. has no screen
Show answer
Answer: can distract learnersOther apps and messages.3. A calculator can check the answer to a multiplication problem.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueIt performs calculations.4. A learning material that does not need the internet is an ______ resource.
Show answer
Answer: offlineWorks without internet.5. Describe how to use a computer to open and save a learning document.
Show answer
Answer: Switch on, log in, open the document, work on it, save it with a clear name in your folder, close and shut down.Steps.6. Why should learners not use a calculator for every simple sum?
Show answer
Answer: Mental arithmetic builds number sense and is needed when no calculator is available.Skills matter.
Homework
- Use a phone or computer at home to find one learning resource for any subject and describe it.