ROLE OF MASS MEDIA IN ENHANCING COMPUTER EDUCATION
ROLE OF MASS MEDIA IN
ENHANCING COMPUTER EDUCATION
Introduction
The
development of computer dates as far back as 3000BC, when the Chinese abacus
was invented to perform the function of counting in a systematic manner. In the
1940s, the first electronic computers were developed. Today, modern computer are so sophisticated
that they have been developed to think like human brain. The computer today is
increasingly becoming part of everyday life and many Nigerians are yearning to
be computer literate.
According to Abimola (1986) sees
computer as an electronic device, which is manufactured to accept an ordered
sequence of instructions given to it in an appropriate language and to carry
out these instructions with great speed and accuracy. Osaisai (1996:2) defined
computer as “electronic device that has the ability to accept data, internally
store and automatically execute a program of instructions, perform mathematic,
logical and manipulative operations on data and report the result.” Obianwu et
al (1994) in Olinya (2009) defines computer is a device for storing large amount
of information called data , and for processing these data in specified ways in
very short period of time. It is a machine specifically designed for the manipulation of coded information, an
automatic electronic machine for performing simple and complex operations for
before the capacities of man.Ugwu (1997) in Olinya (2009) defined computer as a
general purpose electronic machine for solving problems. It is a general
purpose machines , is that unlike typewriter,
which type document only or calculator which calculates, or filing
cabinet, which is used to store document, a computer can do all these and more.
Eze (2001) in Anih (2009) noted that
computer education is the inculcation of computer literacy through both formal
and informal means to the learner. From the above definition it can be stated
that it is the inculcation of computer literacy.Encyclopedia (2000) defines
computer education as the process of acquiring the basic computer knowledge,
ideas, skills, and other competencies so as to understand the basic
terminologies, weaknesses of computers, potentialities of computers. According
to Eze (2001), computer Education, which is the inculcation of computer
literacy, has created enormous improvement to all the sector of our economy,
human dignity, education, security justice and equity.
Computer education improves students’
research skill by encouraging them to look for information on the internet. It
enables them to research various topics by seeking relevant books that could be
digitally available online. The internet also entails search options, which
expose students to diverse ways of obtaining information. Thanks to the speedy
nature of the internet, students can research their desired topics within
minutes (Los Angeles , 2008)Incorporating computer education in schools can
inspire students to undertake careers in technology and enhance their
understanding of how computer technology impacts people’s daily lives. The
knowledge acquired in elementary and high school may increase their interest in
computer related fields during their college education (Edward, 1912).
Education
has benefited from the inclusion of technology and computers by making it
easier for students to learn while helping teachers by improving the way
lessons can be planned and taught. Students who use computers learn to use word
processor for work and subsequently they learn computer jargon and strengthen
grammatical skills. Students can also look up lessons on websites or through
email rather than lugging heavy textbooks with them everyday,(Nwoji
2000).Computers play a vital role in the modern business world, and many of the
most basic jobs involve computer technology teaching students how to use
computers helps them prepare for any number of possible careers and classes based on computer education can
get even more specific. Many classes teach students to use office suite
programs, create presentation and data sheets, and learn any number of
programming languages such as Java (los Angeles , 2008).Computers make the
learning process a lot more simple and efficient, giving students’ access to
tools and metho9d of communication and available offline. For example, students
can check their grades online, and also communicate directly with their
teachers via email or educational platforms,(ezema 2004).
According
to Wikipedia(1999), mass media is the primary means of communication used to
reach the vast majority of the general public. The most common platforms for
mass media are newspapers, magazines, radio, television and the internet. The
general public typically relies on the mass media to provide information
regarding political issues, social issues, entertainment and means in pop
culture. Mass media is media that is intended for large audience. Media refers
to the intermediary instrument between human and the real world, (han2010).
Media literacy is a place in teacher education because it encourages critical
thinking in a media-dominated age (Schwarz,2001).
This
also engages students more and makes connections between life and school. It is
not enough for students just to become media literate. Teachers must model
media literacy for their students also. Media literacy in computer science
allows future teachers to uncover hidden
assumptions, to distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information, to
recognize bases, to separate fact from opinion, and ultimately, to determine
the strength of the mass medium’s message(Schwarz 2001).
Types of Mass Media
According
to Njuku 2008 ,he grouped or classified mass media into the following;
1. Visual
2. Audio and
3. Audio-visual
media.
1. Visual
media are sources of data or information in the form of visual representations.
Visual media is a colloquial expression used to designate things such as
television, film, and photography and painting e.t.c. Visual media is a media through a visual aid
and is described as the conveyance of ideas and information informs that can be
read or looked upon. Visual media in part or whole relies on vision and is
primarily presented or expressed with two dimensional images, it includes;
signs, typography, drawing, graphic design illustration, industrial design,
advertising, animation colour and electronic resources. It also explores the
idea that a visual message accompanying text has a greater power to inform,
educate, or persuade a person or audience. Under visual media, we have the
following;
a. Text
board, magazines, newspaper
b. Brochures
c. Diagrams,
posters
d. Pictures
e. Models
f. Pie
charts
g. Display
exhibitions
h .Graphs and chalk board
2.
Audio media refers to analog tape, cassette and digital CDs as well as to
computer tithes containing audio in any number of digital formats. Audio media
are usually compressed for storage and faster transmission. Audio media is
sound within the acoustic range available to humans. Under Audio, we have the
followings:
a. Cassette
tapes/ audio tape recorder
b. Reel
–to –reel tapes
c. Audio
cards
d. Phonograph
record
e. telephone
f. Radio
and CD- audio, record player
3.
Audio-Visual media means processing both a sound and a visual component such as
slide tape, presentation, films, television programs, church services and live
theater productions. Computer based audiovisual equipment is often used in
education, with many schools and colleges installing projection equipment and
using interactive white board technology. Audio-visual is the conveying
information through media, such as audio and visual recordings that are
perceivable by both hearing and sight, audio visual materials especially ones
used in presentation and demonstrations. Under audio-visuals we have the
followings;
a. 16mm
sound films
b. Cinema
c. Television
d. Video-
CD, digital video disc
e. Computer
f. Slide
sound presentation
Functions of Mass Media
Almost
everyone gets his or her information about word,, national and local affairs
from the mass media. This fat gives both print and broadcast journalism
important functions that include: influencing public opinion, determining the
political agenda, providing a link between the government and the people,
acting as a government watchdog, and affecting socialization, (Mifflin 2014).
1. Public Opinion
The
mass media not only report the results of public opinion surveys conducted by
outside organizations but also increasingly incorporate their own polls into
their news coverage. Many important newspapers and television help shape public
opinion as well. Research has shown that the positions Americans take on
critical issues are influences by the media, especially when the media air
divergent views and provide depth analysis (Han , 2010).
2. Link between the
Government and the People
Mass
media is a wide coverage of information which brings the entire world to the
students in the classroom. Students spend hours together sitting in front of
the audio- visual media and can visualize, hear and acquire knowledge about the
world. The mass-media is the vehicle through which the government informs
explains and tries to win support to programs and policies.
4.
Socialization:
Mass
media, most significantly through news reporting and analysis, affects what and
how we learn about politics and our own political views. Along with family,
schools, and religious organizations, television also become part of the
process by which people learn societies
values and come to understand what society expects from them. In this regards the impact comes primarily
from entertainment programming (Mifflin, 2014).
Role of Mass Media in Enhancing
Computer Education
The
present day is facing two general problems “information explosion” and
“population explosion” .Information explosion means an explosion of knowledge .
Today, throughout the world, social and technological changes are taking place
rapidly due to expanding world of information. So there is explosion of
knowledge. New frontiers of knowledge are opening day by day and the horizon of
human knowledge and understanding is expanding very fast (Han , 2010).
On the other hand, with the explosion
of knowledge there is also population explosion. The student population is
immensely increasing year by year due to the growth of population and democratization
of education with varying levels of motivation and aspiration. The problems of
“ population explosion” is more serious in the developing countries than the
developed one (ziklan 2015).
Both qualitative expansion of
education can be facilitated and accelerated with the help of this mass media
under education technology. So the mass-media has come to our rescue to tackle
this problem (Han, 2010)
Education of tomorrow will be able to
play its role more effectively by making the individual creative, active and
efficient. Success of education cannot be achieved merely by substituting mechanical methods for human beings, but
human beings and technological advancements in order to teach more people
better and more rapidly, ( Ezema 2004).
There are a good number of media for
mass communication such as radio, television, news paper and films etc.
previously, the mass media in the form of illustrative were only put to
marginal and individualized use, there was neither any coherent thinking nor a
scientific organization of these materials in the educational process. But
their increased use has been mainly due to interest and initiative of certain
teachers.
The media of communication is the medium by
which a piece of information or knowledge is communicated to learners. The
medium is the message which is of greater importance because, the same piece of
information when conveyed on a printed page or over the telephone by radio, or
television will appear different effect on consumers hence the effectiveness of
a piece of information depends upon the medium through which it is imparted
Thus, the mass media are not only the messages, but also the messages, (Zklan
2015).
Because it messages the sensory organs
and stimulates them to respond actively. Hence the mass media is very important
for classroom thing as a part of the process of instruction. The sole
objectives is to improve the teaching learning process with the use of various
media. mass media makes reading process as a dynamic one instead of the written
presentation of the texts printed in the
book presenting different types of mass media supports the clarification of
ideas and communication of information in computer education. Using different
mass media presentations like video clips along with maps or other kinds of
presentations help to get the information close to reality. Adding music makes
the idea clearer and it attracts the attention of the learners, ( Ezema 2014).
Mass
media rise the attention and interaction between students and teacher thereby
enhancing computer education. Mass media comprise the elements of amusement and
suspense. Mass media are graded according to the learner’s ability from easy to
difficult ones. Mass media provides teachers with a new educational style and
encourage curiosity. Mass media help teachers and learners look into from a
broader perspective as each topic comprise enormous information. Mass media
guide learners to peer learning. Mass media are concerned with providing
simultaneous feedback. And also helps learners remember and transfer their
knowledge, (Han 2010).
Mass
media and its application enhance computer education by supporting the user’s
work and innovation, which makes the possession of a computer a necessity for
both the student and the teacher.
Computer
education is enhanced through the application of mass media by using
computer-based instruction, is often thought to be highly interactive because
computers permit high levels of exchange between students and
computer-delivered instructional programs. Yet most media permit interaction,
although some media do so more quickly and economically.
Any
medium (different types of media) seems to be able to increase learning
provided that information and instructional methods. mass media convey are
adequate to support student learning.
Recommendations
1. Teachers
should endeavour to use mass media in teaching computer education
2. Electricity
should be supplied always to enhance effective operation of computer using
mass-media during teaching
3. Mass-
media should be used as a teaching aid or instructional materials and should be
available in classroom when teaching
computer education
4. School
administration should be provided different types of mass- media that will be
used during teaching of computer education
5. Teachers
should give intensive training to students who do not know how to operate /use
mass-media in learning of computer/education
Conclusion
Mass-media has been an
intermediary instrument between human and the real world. It also engages
students more and makes connections between life and school. Mass- media has
many functions in computer education. An effective computer mediated
educational environment has been outlined in order to clearly point the way
ahead for the third millennium generatio
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