Topic 7c

tegration of Informatio
and Communication
Technology (ICT) in
Teaching and Learning

Database

Database
A database is a collection of information that is
organized so that it can be accessed, managed, and
updated easily
(http://searchsqlserver.techtarget.com/definition/databa
se).
A database is a data structure that saves organized
information. Most databases contain multiple tables,
which may each include several different fields. Each of
these tables would have different fields that are
relevant to the information saved in the table.
Database applications are software programs designed
to collect, manage and disseminate information
efficiently (techterms.com 20012b).

atabase Application Features

i.

Formed from a table or several tables that can be

linked to each other. Each table has fields for data
entry

ii. Saves data in a field in the table. One field can save
a data and
an entire data about an object or thing is known as
a record
iii.

Allow users to save, edit and retrieve data

Uses of Database in Teaching and Learning

i.

Students data and information can be saved and

managed in order to make the managing process
more efficient and accurate

ii.
Information can be accessed using keywords and
pupils records
can be displayed automatically. Students
information can be
filtered and formulated automatically. Teacher can
save a lot of
time compared to the old method of saving
student information
using fails and papers
iii. Can be used to save the test questions and if the
collection
becomes too large, teachers have opportunity to

Examples of database applications :

Microsoft Access
MySQL
Oracle

Electronic
Presentation

lectronic Presentation
Electronic presentation is a computer application that
delivers textual and visual information that can be
integrated with other multimedia elements such as
audio, video, animation. According to Gregory (2012),
electronic presentation is "A computer-generated
program capable of communication, text, drawings,
photos, video, and audio." It usually displays the
information in a presentation display. It is also able to
provide a link (hyperlink) to external sources of
information such as images, documents, spreadsheets,
video, audio and websites. Electronic presentation can
enrich viewers' reference sources to obtain appropriate
information about the topic or concept described by the
presenter.

Electronic presentations are used in business, medicine,

education and various other fields for demonstration
purposes, make explanations, digest the facts,
presenting the report, the message, sharing ideas and
others. Examples of commonly used electronic
presentation applications include Microsoft PowerPoint,
Harvard Graphics, Open Office Impress, and Kingsoft
Presentation.
bout the topic or concept described by the presenter.

ectronic Presentation Features

Most electronic presentations applications have basic
features that allow presenters to include elements of
text, graphics, audio, video and a variety of special
effects to attract the attention of the audience to the
main idea. Answer.com (2012) has listed some of the
basic features of electronic presentation as follows:
i.

Word processing feature that allows its users to

enter and modify text format.

ii. Features for editing graphic images, and creating

animation
effects.

iii. Slide-based display presentation (slide show engine)

that can
display on the screen the order of the slides.
Electronic
presentation applications also provides an option to
preview
animation effects before you make the final
selection.

iv. Layout management system which allows you to

select
predefined templates and customize it according
to current
needs.

ria for making a good electronic presentation

Good electronic presentations have the following
features:

i. The graphic design help make the electronic

presentation easy to
read and have aesthetic value. Among the principles
of graphic
design include:
a. Simplicity
Use a simple background, so the audiences interest is
not in the of colorful or more complex background
compared to the content (Smaldino et al., 2012; Jones,
2005). Figure 11.3.5 shows three displays A, B and C
with different backgrounds. Display A is most effective
in highlighting the message and best facilitates viewers

b. Contrast
The contrast of colors used in the display should result
in the main message appear more prominent (Jones,
2005; Smaldino, 2012). Using a dark background and
bright colored text also would produce good contrast
(Clark, 2004). In Figure 11.3.6, the first line shows a
combination of background and text colors that create
contrast while the second line shows color
combinations that should be avoided.

c. Emphasis
The use of a larger font size or larger objects, and
contrasting colors may highlight the main subject or
idea. In Figure 11.3.7, the use of a large font size and
color contrast in the display A is more effective in
attracting the attention of the viewer to the main idea
compared to display B.

d. Space
Use a lot of empty space around the subject or the
main idea so that it can attract the attention of the
audience. In Figure 11.3.8, Display A is compact
display with a lot text while display B has more space
between the texts. The design of Display B facilitates
viewers to read and understand the text.

e. Focus
Each display should focus on the main concept only. In
Figure 11.3.9, Display A focuses on several concepts
while Display B focuses on one concept only. Display B
facilitates viewers to read and understand the text.

ii. Make your message accurate and as simple as

possible (Smaldino,
2012; Microsoft, 2012; Markowitz, 2011; Mayer
1998).

Short messages in the form of keywords makes a

presentation easier to read and understand compared
to lengthy sentences. The Six by Six Rule (Rule of
Sixes), a guide for the preparation of the display
suggests the use a simple bulleted text to facilitate
optimal information acquisition. This rule recommends
the use of bulleted text in each display does not exceed
six lines while in each row contains no more than six
words per line (Clark, 2004).

iii. Submit an idea or information according to a logical

sequence.
Practice the display principle of simple to complex,
from the
known to the unknown, and from the concrete to
the abstract.
Use visual graphics to represent abstract concepts
or when text
and figures may seem complex and confusing. In
Figure 3.11.11,
visual diagrams and images in display B are able to
explain a
concept or process better than using a text-only
display such as
display A.

iv. Integrate multimedia elements in your delivery to

stimulate
multiple sensory organs. Mayer (1998) in his
multimedia learning
theory, has suggested the following principles as
preparation
guidelines for the development of multimedia
learning materials:
a). Multimedia Representation Principle:
Better make explanations with text and image
combination of
text only.
b). Spatial Contiguity Principle:
The effect of learning involves a combination of
text and
image nearby is better than made separately.
c). Visual Split-Attention Principle:

e). Coherent Principle :

Avoid using words or terms that are irrelevant.
f). Auditory Split-Attention Principle:
When making a verbal explanation along with
animation on
the display, avoid using excessive background
music and sound
effects so that students can relate to the
animation to the
description presented.
v.
Make explanations, introduce concepts
progressively.

vi. Avoid excessive use of animation effects (Smaldino,

2012; Clark,
2004).

Principles of electronic presentations production

Electronic presentation is a popular medium of
instruction amongst teachers. It can be produced
quickly with the availability of electronic information
resources such as ebooks, articles surfed through web
pages, and multimedia elements in digital form that are
produced through a variety of electrical and electronic
equipment. However, the production of quality
electronic presentation are necessarily produced
through careful planning and preparation.
The application of the ADDIE Model in the development
of instructional media and the use of the ASSURE Model
when implementing the teaching and learning
processes in the classroom are crucial to the successful
dissemination of information and behavioral change
among students. However each material produced

Thus if the same instructional material is to be applied

to other target groups, the material needs to be
modified according to abilities, interests and
preferences of the new target group.
Step-by-step planning, creation and use of electronic
presentation can be described briefly as follows:
i.

Make a needs analysis of the requirements in terms

of the scope of the syllabus content, learning
outcomes, learning objectives, needs and abilities of
students.

ii. Design electronic presentation. Set the approach to

be used, the learning activities, the storyboard and
features that can attract attention and increase
concept attainment etc.

iv. Select materials, media, approaches and methods

that suits your
target group and the topic being studied.

v. Produce electronic presentations in compliance with

the design
principles for graphic and message delivery so
that it is able to
attracted the attention of students and help them
keep it in longterm memory and retrieve the information
efficiently.
vi. Preview your product. You need to ensure the
accuracy of
relevant facts and the language use is in line with
existing
knowledge and ability of your students. Rehearse