Media and Technology in the Classroom
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Over the past two decades there has been a huge emergence of technology worldwide. Children are now exposed to various types of media wherever they go. Further, children are learning at younger and younger ages how to use technological devices. For instance, at home most North American children have either an Ipod, Ipad, video consoles, televisions and computers. When I was in elementary school, the library just received new computers that we would use every so often. Teachers were using blackboards and overheads projectors in the classroom. When we would see a television in our classroom, every student would be excited with the hopes that we would be watching a movie. Fast forward about 10 years, and teachers are now sending students their homework via email. While I was doing my first stage, the kindergarten students were learning how to use the computers while in the computer lab. Over time, advancements in technology have changed the way we teach and learn. Here are some of the reasons why I believe media should be integrated into the classroom setting:
- Multi media increases students’ literacy. Reading and writing skills have also evolved as well as cultural diversity with the emergence of technology. We need to teach students about the different ways to communicate.
- Incorporating media in the classroom allows learning to be more hands on, creative, expressive and fun, making school relevant for children.
- Popular culture and mass media are experiences that students bring with them into the classroom and therefore this needs to be included in the curriculum in order for students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills
- We need to use technology for Learning in order to enhance the learning experience.
- Promotes collaborative learning by allowing students to work together.