Education Development

Our Goal

The goal of the Educational Development (ED) group is to assist academic staff to exploit IT for teaching. Through the use of applications of information and communication technologies, we aim to enhance the management, delivery and impact of instructional processes. The scope of work includes the following areas:

• Assist and support staff in the usage of teaching tools such as Integrated Virtual Learning Environment (IVLE) and NUSCast
  
• Design multimedia courseware and learning systems to provide a conducive learning environment to students
  
• Assist staff to identify and prepare IT-based teaching materials
  
• Conduct regular workshops to provide skill and techniques for integrating technology to enhance teaching and learning

Our Projects

The ED group will establish facilities and tools that will support the teaching and learning activities of the School. In addition, it aims to provide assistance and training in the use of multimedia and IT facilities for teaching and learning purposes. Currently, we are looking into projects that fall into one of the following categories.

• Conceptualize and design multimedia courseware and Computer-based Instructional Materials.
  
• Design, program and test interactive multimedia courseware or simulation software that help understanding concepts or mechanics
  
• Develop, test and implement and support IT learning applications and tools.
  
• Provide consulting and training on on-going support to academic staff in the use of educational technology.

Educational Computing

Computer technology should be used only when it "adds value" to the training. "If there are things [the learner] can't do with [any other medium] then consider the computer," Gloria Gery (1987) says. "My philosophy is one of minimalist training: do as little as possible in as simple a medium as possible to achieve the objectives." If the following factors are part of your training situation, computer/electronic technology is indicated as an option:

• repetitive actions must be taught in realistic situations
  
• the subject matter involves making alternative choices based on varying conditions
  
• safety is a concern
  
• concepts are difficult to teach without student input, practice, and visualization
  
• concepts must be taught on demand to a varying number of people
  

In addition, in view of a tight budget and limited resources, technology training would prove more cost effective if:

• the course is taught on a long-term basis
  
• the learning audience is large or classes are taught repeatedly and frequently
  

1. Gloria Gery. Making CBT Happen. (1987)