ICT in the Primary School

The aim of the study was to explore various issues related to the introduction and use of ICT in primary schools in eastern and central Croatia from the viewpoint of informatics teachers. A total of 232 respondents participated in the survey. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied in data analysis. The results indicate that the equipment in computer classrooms is only partially satisfactory. LCD projectors and multimedia computers are mostly used in teaching informatics. The research also revealed that teachers are aware of the importance of ICT implementation in classrooms. However, they are less satisfied with the professional development opportunities. Their responses also suggest that they are ready to participate in the curriculum development process, undertake continuing education, and focus on pupils and their learning. In addition, the analysis showed that teachers, regardless of their background characteristics, share similar views. So far, the issues discussed in this paper have only been superficially examined. The present study expands previous research by providing insight into the practice and attitudes of informatics teachers in Croatian primary schools.

THE USE OF MULTIMEDIA LINGUISTIC LABORATORIES IN FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING (THE CASE STUDY OF «TRANSLATION» SPECIALTY)

The research is devoted to the experimental verification of the effectiveness of multimedia language laboratories in foreign language learning (on the example of the specialty «Translation»). The study represents the capabilities of multimedia language laboratories in the foreign language learning and the advantages and disadvantages of their use. The article discusses the concepts of “multimedia technologies” as digital delivery of content using more than one medium which influences several perception channels of information, and “multimedia linguistic laboratories” as computer classrooms equipped with E-Presenter, multimedia projector, interactive whiteboard and peripheral equipment. Multimedia presentations, electronic studies manuals and Internet access are used to provide the future interpreters with necessary knowledge for doing translation. Modern multifunctional computer software gives the future interpreters the opportunity to form the competence in listening. The use of Skype and Viber helps to develop communicative skills providing communication and cultural interaction with native speakers. MLL’s software and hardware complex provides teachers with a powerful toolkit that helps to create, edit and save tests, conduct tests and collect results, quickly assess and comment on the answers. The statistical calculations confirmed that the implementation of multimedia technology in the educational process, the correct and systematic use of MLL in the foreign language learning, can not only diversify learning process, but also help the future interpreters to achieve a high level of the foreign language competence. The use of MLL revealed a number of methodological advantages over traditional ways of teaching. The authors see the prospects for further research in the creation of appropriate pedagogical conditions for implementing information and communication technologies in the process of training future interpreters.

Controlling Multiple Virtual Machines in Computer Classrooms

A management of computer classroom is undoubtedly a difficult task for the administrator which has to prepare virtual operating systems for education. It is quite common that lectors need to edit the particular machine during the semester, and that is the case where the main problems can appear. The process of changes deployment is not just very time-consuming but during it a virtual machine inconsistency can appear. The main part of this paper focuses on system process diagrams and its pseudocode. At first, the machine is created on the remote server by lector or administrator. After a proper approval, the machine is able to be deployed. The lector then specifies the details about date, time and destinations of the virtual machine deployment. Once these details are approved, the virtual machine will be automatically deployed at the specified time. The automatic deployment includes also an initial configuration of the virtual machine at remote desktop and its post-install configuration (hostname, MAC address, etc.). Once all steps are completed, the process will be marked as succeed. We present an automatized solution which provides a possibility how to easily manage computer classroom with virtual operating systems. The proposed solution should deliver a greater flexibility, more reliability and faster deployment in comparison with the current solution used in our computer classroom. The proposal is also able to manipulate with already deployed machines for easy changes (e.g. software updates). The main advantage is the improvement of classroom management process automation.

Beyond Class Hours

Much has been written regarding the effectiveness of different teaching styles; however, considerably less has been written about the physical design of computer classrooms and their implications on education. To date, nothing has been written regarding building an informal learning community within a computer classroom, particularly outside of formal class hours. In this paper, the author examines designing an environment in which geography students feel at home, that is, a center of geographic education. Such a center could be defined as a place where students and faculty congregate to create and transmit geographic knowledge. A GIS lab can be such a place if deliberate care and effort are taken to ensure that the lab is multidisciplinary, dynamic, encourages creativity and discourse, and is a think tank for solving geospatial problems. This paper illustrates some proven methods for building such an environment.

Implementation of a Network Print Management System

To manage the rapidly growing demands and costs of providing campus print services, a regional university of about 9,000 students turned to a well-known outsourcing vendor. The new Network Print Management System (NPMS) replaced 35 networked printers in the library, open-access computer labs, and computer classrooms in more than 10 different buildings. The initiative had several key objectives: to increase student access to printers, to improve the quality of print services, to decrease printing costs and environmental impact, and to avoid increasing student fees. The project also sought to reduce departmental printing costs, fund technology upgrades, and reduce the burden of printer maintenance on university technology staff. This case study tells the story of the planning, analysis, design, implementation, and realization of the new system, which proved more complex than anticipated. It offers an interesting mix of perspectives, sometimes conflicting, on outsourcing implementation of new technology in a complex end-user environment.

Analysis of school furniture used in computer classrooms

With the respect to the fast development of new computer technologies, it is unconditionally necessary that school furniture reflected this trend and adapted to it. Our use of computer technologies and utilities in teaching is increasing. Therefore, it is necessary to improve school desks so that they would be fit for new computer technology. Creation of a compact set of information relative to the issue concerned, which would comprise of needs and requirements for individual pieces of furniture, represented an important step undertaken. The goal was to assess current conditions of school furniture used in computer classrooms. The analysis aims to stipulate requirements related to the actual type of furniture, in which many influencing factors are taken into consideration. History of school furniture is interesting as well. A survey on the state of school furniture intended for computer classrooms is the main output. The analysis presents foundations for development of closely specialized furniture.