Ntuli, E., & Kyei-Blankson, L. (2010). Teachers’ Understanding and Use of
Developmentally Appropriate Computer Technology in Early Childhood Education. Journal of Technology Integration in the Classroom (v. 2, #3), 23-35.
Clark, L., & Sivakumaran, T. (2010). Enhancing Learning Using Apple Nano Video
Features and iTunes U. Journal of Technology Integration in the Classroom (v. 2, #3), 55-60.
Kervin, L., & Mantei, J. (2010). Supporting educators with the inclusionof technology within literacy classrooms:A framework for “action.”Journal of Technology Integration in the Classroom (v. 2, #3),43-54.
Electronic Presentation Usage in the Classroom
The use of electronic presentations in the classroom such as Powerpoint and other multimedia can be a very constructive tool for student learning. As society changes, so does its technology. Children are more into electronics now than they have ever been. Children hardly ever play or interact with things that do not possess some type of electronic attribute. Children learn to use computers, cellular phones, smart phones, DVD players, etc. early on. Because of this, by the time they reach school-age, they are trained to learn through this type of method. Although children can still learn through older methods, staying up to date on new, helpful methods can only increase their learning intake. Three reasons to integrate electronic presentations in the classroom would include: keeping up with technology, increasing student learning, and growing as a professional educator.
“A responsibility of an educator is to prepare students forthe future, that future will include technology (Clark and Sivakumuran, 2010).” Because our world is becoming more fast-paced every day, teachers must “go with it” and do the same with their lesson plans. Technology progresses as fast as children can take it in. Electronics are interesting to children, and that is helpful in this progression. According to one article, research showed that using technology such as this in the classroom “encourages positive affect and encourages social interaction among children (Ntuli and Kyei-Blankson, 2010).” Keeping up with technology is extremely important for student learning and must be done in order for children to survive in the “real world.”
Secondly, increasing student learning is definitely what teaching is all about. One way to accomplish this is through electronics and technology. As one article put it, “Technology – when used effectively – can enable ways ofteaching that are much better matched to how children
learn (Clark and Sivakumaran, 2010).” Students especially in the lower levels need something that is going to catch and keep their attention. Interaction is one of the best methods to use for this, and no better way to go about that than technology. Using this type of method allows learning to become student-centered instead of teacher-centered.
Lastly, integrating new teaching strategies into the classroom helps not only the students but also the teacher. Article 3 says that teachers’ learning must be continuous throughout their professional career if they are to develop and grow professionally (Kervin and Mantei, 2010). If teachersmake it a point to keep up with technology and increase student learning, then he/she will grow at the same time. Teachers must believe that their learning has a major impact on student learning. The two go hand in hand.
In conclusion, the use of electronic presentations is a must in the classroom in order to keep up with technology, increase student learning, and grow as a professional educator. Children are becoming more familiar with electronics every day, and we as educators can use this as a positive in the classroom. Allow students to use and interact with technology in the classroom, and knowledge will be gained in all areas including the teacher.