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Improvement on Teaching and Learning
By building vocabulary and reference skills, the module improves students'
ability to understand and assimilate virtually any written or verbal material
(i. e., material expressed in words). At the higher levels of technology, the
students will gain familiarity and comfort with useful tools (dictionaries and
thesauruses built into their word processors or available online) that are otherwise
not emphasized in most courses.
Nontechnology Comparison
The vocabulary skills and general concepts of using dictionaries and thesauruses can
be learned using books. The complementary ability to use computer-based or online
versions, which generally offer greater flexibility and range of options, requires
the use of appropriate technology as described above.
Pertinent Issues
At the lowest technological level (books), nothing. At the second level (word processor),
the faculty and student must have basic skills in using the software.
Many students entering college already have these skills, and for those who don't,
the level of skill required can be mastered in perhaps two to four class sessions.
These skills include turning on the computer, starting the word processor program,
the basics of entering text, and saving files. At the highest level (Internet), faculty
and students should have basic skills at using an Internet connection, browser, and search
engines. Students should also understand how to copy/paste text between programs (i.e.,
the browser and word processor) while editing. This might require an additional two class
sessions.
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