This week’s lecture focuses on several key issues, which involves the integration of technology in the primary science classroom and examples of technology used in classroom.
The first issue gives us a point to think about on why we need to integrate technology in the teaching and learning in science primary classroom. From my point of view, applying technology in science lesson is crucial as we are living in an age of modern science, which uses modern technology in the process of discovering and learning about new knowledge. Thus, the integration of technology during an early age will prepare them for this. Technology also brings many benefits towards students’ learning process. As Ediger’s (1994) studies on Technology in the Elementary Classroom have revealed applying technology in the classroom does several things to students learning:
1. It increases interest even in rote tasks.
2. It provides purpose for learning.
3. It can attach meaning to an ongoing lesson.
4. It provides opportunities to perceive knowledge as being related, not isolated bits.
5. It can affect students’ attitudes toward learning.
6. Encourages cooperative learning
The benefits listed above are just few mentioned. In short, technology will provide an enriching academic experience to students. Another issue discussed was technology versus hands-on activity. I think, both aspects should be integrated in teaching and learning process. Too much of technology can result into a boring classroom. Therefore, both aspects should be practiced equally. Reflecting from this week’s lecture, I can see that the integration of technology in the science classroom brings big challenges to educators. Teacher in today’s classrooms are experiencing students who are ‘digital natives’. These students have grown up with technology and often are more proficient in its use that their teacher is. These students also have no understanding of why technology would not be used in the classroom. Therefore, educators must prepare for a technology-rich future and keep up with change by adopting strategies that infuse lessons with appropriate technologies.
As the world becomes more complex, teachers must continue to shift from teaching and learning isolated skills and information within each content area, to teaching skills that enable students to solve complex problems across many areas. As a teacher, I need to assist students to learn how to prioritize and manage a dizzying array of information coming at them through web-sites and e-mails, videos, interactive games etc, how to think critically about they find, and how to apply these skills in their daily life.
Besides key issues, we have also discussed the application of several technologies, which are:
1) OHP
2) Visualizer
3) Television
4) Videos player
Some of this technology is new to me, such as the visualizer. Thus, learning about this technology has widened my knowledge of new technology, which can be used in the classroom. These technologies will definitely assist teacher teaching and learning process. Video player and television for example, can enhance students’ visual learning and provide clearer demonstration on experiments or phenomenon such as the water cycle or about animal habitats. These will provide students with meaningful learning experience. Besides that, teacher would be able to project better and clearer notes using OHP or objects using the Visualizer. This will enhance the transmission of knowledge to students.
As a conclusion, this week’s lecture has definitely given me new insights on the development on technologies and how teacher can use these technologies to enhance teaching and learning process. Besides that, issues on technology have brought up important points on the implementation of technology in science classroom.
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