Introduction
Elementary education focuses on learning employing exploration and playing, with a view of improving the emotional, physical, reflexive, social, communication and cognitive development of a child. Traditional classroom methods cannot always guarantee the achievement of the educational goals at the elementary school level. For this reason, educators are engaging learners with fun learning methods by using technology. Presently, technology is changing and restructuring education by enhancing the teaching and learning process. The roles are changing, new skills are being learned, and for that reason, new expertise is required. It is therefore mandatory for teachers to develop meaningful strategies for incorporating technology in their lessons, given that IT is a great enabler. A computer is not only a significant tool for enrichment but also the first technology available to most teachers. The use of computers and other technologies in elementary classes enhances learning in numerous ways. Research has indicated that there are many benefits to incorporating technology in elementary classrooms. This paper shows how computer-assisted technology can be integrated into primary classes as well as the importance and limitations of incorporating it in elementary courses.
Incorporation of IT
The use of IT in elementary classrooms is achieved by using various technologies. To begin with, teacher websites have message boards where teachers and students converse and solve challenging topics (Yeşilyurt et al., 2016). When using this technique, teachers may post materials relating to the lesson or more in-depth information that will enable the interested learners to acquire detailed information about the topic. This technique is practical and convenient to the learners and teachers were given that learning can take place outside the classroom.
Delegate your assignment to our experts and they will do the rest.
Learners can also interact with educational material through digital textbooks. Interactive reading supplemented by quizzes and games enables the learners to participate actively in the lesson. Various devices have voice programs that read the materials hence helping the elementary school children to get the correct pronunciation of difficult and new terminologies (Baleni, 2015).
Videos are an integral part of learning given that they benefit visual learners by seeing and hearing information simultaneously. Videos have detailed and organized explanations of topics which enhance the learning process (Baturay et al., 2017). Given that learners will grasp the content easily; this method helps teachers from stressing a point over and over for learners to understand. Videos create interesting lessons as learners can visualize and hear the information being displayed. It is an effective method for elementary school, given that it improves the concentration of leaners.
Benefits of IT in an Elementary Classroom
Technology fosters active learning; educators can enhance engagement by asking quiz or contacting online polling during lessons. By using technology in an elementary classroom, a teacher can experiment more in pedagogy and is assured of instant feedback (Baleni, 2015). Being well-versed with technology enables educators to build their credibility not only to their learners but also with their colleagues.
Secondly, technology in the elementary classroom ensures full participation of learners. Online polling together with other tools engages all learners, including the shy ones who would not have raised their hand during the regular lessons. An example of an active learning method that technology guarantees include; offering quick and anonymous quizzes to students, to gauge the level of understanding by the students on the subject matter. Online engagement systems allow educators to monitor the students' feedback or assignments and course materials regularly (Yeşilyurt et al., 2016).
It is also important to note that technology can automate tedious tasks. Automation speeds up time-consuming, tedious tasks like monitoring learner performance and attendance. On the other hand, engagement techniques assist in streamlining discussions, participation, and grading for written assignments and answering random questions from leaners, which could otherwise be daunting due to their objective nature (Baleni, 2015).
Lastly, when using technology, students enjoy constant access to fresh information that supplements their learning experiences. There is a need for having course materials and textbooks that are up to date, which can even feature additional information that is suggested by students. Technology also fosters a more collaborative learning framework; learners network with their peers online, they can share information, they work in unison on group projects as they interact with their instructor (Baturay et al., 2017).
Limitations of IT in an Elementary Classroom
Despite technology being important in education, it also has some limitations. Firstly, it disconnects leaners from social interactions. A significant amount of people are skeptical about technology as it makes learners to become social misfits. Given that several learning tools are addictive to learners, they spend a considerable amount of time playing games or chatting and eventually alienating themselves from society (Yeşilyurt et al., 2016).
Also important to note, a significant number of students cannot afford computers, tablets or even textbooks and iPads required for learning (Yeşilyurt et al., 2016). These students rely on community libraries and group assignments. Making a technology a mainstream instructional model creates a barrier for such students as it is beyond their means.
Conclusion
In summary, nowadays, almost every household is equipped with technological devices such as computers, tablets or smartphones. Learners love these gadgets, also the elementary school going children. These gadgets are essential in education as they enhance creativity, learning and problem-solving skills. The use of technology is useful compared to traditional methods given that it encompasses inquiry-based learning, auditory as well as auditory learning.
References
Baleni, Z. G. (2015). Online formative assessment in higher education: Its pros and cons. Electronic Journal of e-Learning, 13(4), 228-236.
Baturay, M. H., Gökçearslan, Ş., & Ke, F. (2017). The relationship among pre-service teachers' computer competence, attitude towards computer-assisted education, and intention of technology acceptance. International Journal of Technology Enhanced Learning, 9(1), 1-13.
Yeşilyurt, E., Ulaş, A. H., & Akan, D. (2016). Teacher self-efficacy, academic self-efficacy, and computer self-efficacy as predictors of attitude toward applying computer- supported education. Computers in Human Behavior, 64, 591-601.
